How to Remove Creases from Leather Clothing

Genuine leather is a beautiful, durable material — but it can develop creases and wrinkles, particularly after storage or if it has been folded. The instinct might be to reach for an iron, but ironing leather directly is one of the most common ways to permanently damage it. This guide explains the safest and most effective methods to remove creases from leather clothing.

Can You Iron Leather?

Yes — but never directly. Applying a hot iron directly to leather will scorch, melt, or permanently mark the surface, causing irreversible damage. However, with the right technique and protection, a warm iron can be used safely to remove stubborn creases from leather garments.

That said, ironing should always be a last resort. Start with the gentler methods below before reaching for an iron.

Method 1: Hang and Allow to Relax Naturally (Always Try First)

Many creases in leather will relax and disappear on their own if the garment is hung correctly. This is always the first method to try:

1. Hang the leather garment on a wide, padded hanger
2. Place it in a warm room with good air circulation — not in direct sunlight or near a heat source
3. Leave for 24–48 hours and allow gravity and the warmth of the room to relax the creases naturally

For minor creases from storage, this method alone is often sufficient. It works particularly well for soft lambskin garments like leather jackets and leather skirts.

Method 2: Steam (Without Direct Contact)

Steam is one of the most effective and safest ways to remove creases from leather. The moisture and heat relax the leather fibres without the risk of scorching.

1. Hang the leather garment on a hanger
2. Hold a clothes steamer or the steam function of an iron at least 10–15cm away from the leather surface — never let the steamer touch the leather directly
3. Move the steamer slowly over the creased area, allowing the steam to penetrate the leather
4. While the leather is still warm and slightly pliable, gently smooth the creased area with your hand
5. Allow to dry naturally — never use heat to speed up drying
6. Once fully dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture

Important: Do not over-steam. Too much moisture can watermark or damage leather, particularly fine lambskin. Work in short bursts and check the leather between passes.

Method 3: Ironing with a Protective Barrier

For stubborn creases that haven't responded to hanging or steaming, a warm iron can be used — but only with a protective barrier between the iron and the leather.

1. Set your iron to the lowest heat setting — no steam
2. Place a thick cotton cloth, brown paper bag, or pressing cloth over the creased area of the leather. This barrier is essential — never skip it.
3. Press the iron gently and briefly over the cloth — do not press hard or hold in one place for more than 2–3 seconds
4. Lift the cloth and check the leather after each pass
5. Repeat as needed, working gradually rather than applying prolonged heat
6. Allow the leather to cool completely, then apply a leather conditioner

Always test on a hidden area first — such as the inside hem or an inner seam — before working on a visible area.

Method 4: Leather Conditioner and Hand Smoothing

For light creases, applying a leather conditioner and working it into the creased area with your hands can help. The conditioner softens the leather fibres, making them more pliable, while the warmth of your hands helps smooth the crease. This works best on fine lambskin leather.

1. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the creased area
2. Work it in gently with your fingertips using circular motions
3. Smooth the crease firmly with the flat of your hand
4. Hang the garment and allow to dry naturally

What to Avoid

• ❌ Never iron leather directly — always use a protective barrier
• ❌ Never use high heat — always use the lowest iron setting
• ❌ Never use a tumble dryer to remove creases from leather
• ❌ Never use a hairdryer directly on leather — the concentrated heat will dry and crack it
• ❌ Never wet leather to remove creases — soaking leather causes it to stretch and distort
• ❌ Never fold leather for storage — always hang to prevent creases forming in the first place

How to Prevent Creases in Leather Clothing

Prevention is always better than cure. Follow these simple habits to keep your leather crease-free:

• Always hang leather garments on wide, padded hangers — never fold
• Store in a cool, ventilated wardrobe with enough space so garments aren't compressed against each other
• Use a breathable garment bag for long-term storage — never plastic
• Condition regularly to keep the leather supple and less prone to creasing

For more storage advice, read our guide on how to store leather clothing in summer. For general leather care, see our complete guide on how to care for a genuine leather jacket.

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