|
| |
How to care for
leather clothing…
Tips to keep leather and suede
apparel in the best shape |
Related
Content:
Leather fashion
from designer
catwalks |
 I recently purchased a
classic trench coat in rich dark brown leather on sale at a major department
store. The coat sold for thousands, but I was lucky enough to get this top
designer leather coat on sale. It may be awhile before I can afford another
designer coat like this. What can I do to help my leather coat last for a
few good years? (Wilmington, NC)
 Good
for you, finding a bargain leather coat that is truly stylish and flattering is
a fashion find that will last for seasons to come, if you treat your leather
garment properly. Scrunching a leather or suede coat in a closet on a flimsy
hanger will do nothing to maintain the garment’s shape, but investing in the
knowledge of a few leather storage tips will certainly help preserve the
style integrity of your new coat.
Heed the following sage advice as suggested by from The Leather Apparel
Association to allow your new leather coat to age gracefully with proper
care:
Clean matching garments at the same time
since cleaner must use a different method to restore the garment than the
original tanning process and this may cause the color and texture of the garment
to vary slightly from its original appearance.
Maintain the leather garment’s shape by
always hanging leather clothing on wide or padded hangers.
Retain the shape of shoes and boots by using
cedar shoe trees.
Use tissue to stuff empty handbags when
storing to keep shape.
Leather becomes dry when stored in plastic or
other non-breathable covers.
Avoid very humid
and dry environments as well
as direct sunlight.
Air-dry wet or damp leather away from any
direct heat source. Use leather conditioner to restore flexibility, while suede
can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its original luster.
Immediately remove all winter salt deposits
from clothing and footwear by sponging with clear water. Air dry naturally and
use a leather conditioner.
Allow wrinkles to naturally hang out. If the
garment must be ironed, use the iron’s rayon setting. Create a pressing clothing
with heavy brown wrapping paper on the right side of the garment- a quick hand
to prevents overheating and shine.
Pass up spraying perfumes or hair sprays while
wearing leather clothing and stay away from wearing pins, or using adhesive
badges or tape on the garment.
Keep hair and body oil away from soiling the
leather garment’s collar by wearing a scarf at the neckline.
In a pinch, hems can be fixed with a tiny
amount of rubber cement, but best results, see a leather care professional.
Always professionally dry clean metallic
leather garments to maintain their finish.
Pre-test at-home cleaning products on an
inconspicuous part of the garment before making a visible mistake.
Professional leather cleaning is always
preferred. You can find listings of accredited cleaners at the LAA web site,
www.leatherassociation.com.
--January 11, 2006
...
last quick fix:
Holiday attire for men... A guy’s guide to
dressing festive
...
more Quick Fixes
|
Hankering for some
image-boosting advice?
Ask Sharon:
Advice Page
|
|
|
join
our free,
periodic, opt-in
newsletter
for site updates
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright (c) 2006 Sharon Haver, distributed by FocusOnStyle.com. All
rights reserved.
No part of this site may be copied, published, broadcast, or otherwise
distributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of Sharon Haver.
| |
|
