Leather jackets have been popular for the past few seasons as outerwear that projects a cool, masculine image, but are you aware of the necessary care they require?
Just like with skincare, regular maintenance is key to wearing your shoes for 5 or 10 years, and it also affects how the leather softens and how wrinkles form.

This time, we asked Keiichi Matsudo, a master craftsman at COLUMBUS , a company that primarily handles leather care products, including leather shoes, and is also a specialist in the care of all kinds of leather items, to explain how to care for leather jackets.


At the Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , leather care items are available in the men's shoe section on the first basement floor, which primarily handles leather products. Dryness is the enemy of leather products, and it is important to "replenish nutrients" even after the product is made. By providing appropriate care according to the material and occasion, you can make your favorite leather jacket last longer.

When using care products on a leather jacket, test them on an inconspicuous area, such as the inside of the jacket, to ensure they don't stain or cause other damage before using them on the jacket. Also, if you're concerned about odors caused by sweat, it's important to let the jacket rest by airing it out in a well-ventilated, shady place.

■Basic care for smooth leather (glossy leather)

---

• [Summary of basic leather jacket care procedures]

• ① Remove dirt and dust with a brush (a soft horsehair brush is recommended).
• ↓
• ② Carefully remove dirt with a cleaner.
• ↓
• ③ Condition the leather with cream.
• ↓
• ④ Dry with a brush (boar bristles) or cloth.
• ↓
• ⑤ Apply waterproof spray.
• *When performing the cleaning steps ②, ③, and ⑤, always test them on an inconspicuous area such as the back of the item to ensure there are no problems before proceeding.

[Step 1] Remove dirt and dust with a brush

Thoroughly brush areas prone to dirt buildup, such as the collar, cuffs, pockets, and stitching, to remove dust and other debris. For delicate smooth leather , a soft horsehair brush is recommended.

[Step 2] Carefully remove dirt with a cleaner.

For smooth leather, an eraser-type cleaner is recommended over a liquid type, as it is less likely to cause stains.

[Step 3] Condition the leather with cream.

Choose a colorless cream for leather jacket care!
Smooth leather (glossy leather), commonly used in leather jackets, is very delicate and easily stained, so extreme caution is needed when using cleaners and creams. Colored creams and sprays can cause uneven coloring, color transfer, or stains, so choose colorless products instead.
If your garment has partially faded, do not use color-restoring creams. Instead, consult a reliable dry cleaner with the necessary equipment and skills.

[Steps 4 & 5] Wipe with a dry brush (boar bristles) and cloth, then apply waterproof spray.