How to Store a Leather Jacket Properly
How to Store a Leather Jacket Properly
How you store a leather jacket matters more than most people realise. Get it wrong — folded in a drawer, sealed in plastic, squashed in a damp wardrobe — and you'll end up with creases, cracks or even mould. Get it right and your jacket keeps its shape and condition for years. Here's how.
The three storage essentials
Almost all good leather storage comes down to three things: the right hanger, the right cover, and the right environment.
1. Use the right hanger
Always hang a leather jacket on a wide, padded or wooden hanger that supports the shoulders properly. Thin wire hangers dig in and distort the shoulder shape over time — and shoulders are the one area you can't easily fix. The hanger should match the jacket's width so it holds its natural shape.
2. Use a breathable cover
If you're covering it, use a breathable cloth garment bag — never plastic. Plastic traps moisture against the leather, which can lead to mould and stops the leather breathing. A cloth cover keeps dust off while letting air circulate. For short-term storage in a wardrobe, no cover at all is better than a plastic one.
3. Get the environment right
Store your jacket somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Heat dries leather out and causes cracking; damp encourages mould; and prolonged sunlight fades the colour. A normal wardrobe, away from radiators and windows, is ideal.
What to avoid
- Don't fold it — folding creates creases that can become permanent cracks. Always hang.
- Don't use plastic — it traps moisture.
- Don't store it near heat — radiators and lofts that get hot will dry it out.
- Don't store it damp — make sure it's fully dry before putting it away.
Storing leather over the off-season
Putting your jacket away for summer (or winter, for shearling)? A little prep pays off:
- Clean it before storing, so dirt doesn't set in. See How to Clean a Leather Jacket.
- Condition smooth leather so it doesn't dry out while stored. See How to Condition a Leather Jacket.
- Hang it on a padded hanger in a breathable bag, somewhere cool and dry.
- Check on it occasionally — a quick look every month or two catches any issue early.
For shearling and suede, the same rules apply, with a brush instead of conditioner to keep the nap and fleece fresh.
Why it's worth it
Good storage is the least glamorous part of leather care, but it's one of the most effective — it prevents the creasing, cracking and mould that ruin jackets, all for the cost of a decent hanger. For the complete routine, see our pillar guide, How to Care for Leather.
Looking after a jacket worth keeping? Explore our leather jackets.
FAQs
How should I store a leather jacket? On a wide, padded or wooden hanger, in a breathable cloth cover (never plastic), somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Never fold it.
Can I store a leather jacket in a plastic bag? No — plastic traps moisture against the leather, which can cause mould and stops it breathing. Use a breathable cloth garment bag instead.
How do I store a leather jacket over summer? Clean and condition it first, then hang it on a padded hanger in a breathable bag somewhere cool and dry. Check on it occasionally.
Why is my leather jacket cracking in storage? Usually from being folded, stored near heat, or left to dry out without conditioning. Hang it, keep it cool, and condition before long-term storage.