As temperatures rise and you put away your leather wardrobe for the summer, how you store your leather clothing matters enormously. Heat, humidity, and poor storage conditions are among the biggest causes of leather damage — leading to drying, cracking, mould, and misshaping. Follow this guide to keep your genuine leather jackets, skirts, pants, and bags in perfect condition all summer long.
Why Summer is Risky for Leather
Leather is a natural material that is sensitive to its environment. Summer presents two main threats:
- Heat — high temperatures dry out the natural oils in leather, causing it to stiffen, crack, and fade. Direct sunlight accelerates this process significantly.
- Humidity — excess moisture in the air can cause leather to develop mould or mildew, particularly if stored in an enclosed space without ventilation.
The good news is that both risks are easy to manage with the right storage approach.
Step 1: Clean Before Storing
Never store leather clothing dirty. Dust, sweat, and surface oils left on leather over summer can cause staining and deterioration. Before putting any piece away:
- Wipe down with a soft, dry cloth to remove surface dust
- For any marks or stains, clean gently with a specialist leather cleaner
- Allow the piece to air out fully before storing — never store leather that is even slightly damp
Step 2: Condition Before Storing
Apply a quality leather conditioner before putting your leather away for the season. This replenishes the natural oils in the leather and creates a protective barrier against the drying effects of summer heat. Apply with a soft cloth, allow to absorb for 10–15 minutes, then buff off any excess.
This single step makes a significant difference to how your leather looks when you take it out again in autumn.
Step 3: Use the Right Hanger
For leather jackets and leather waistcoats, always use a wide, padded hanger. Wire or narrow hangers concentrate weight on a small area of the shoulder, causing permanent distortion over time. A wide hanger distributes the weight evenly and maintains the jacket's shape throughout storage.
Never fold a leather jacket for storage — folding creates permanent creases that are very difficult to remove.
Step 4: Choose the Right Storage Location
Where you store your leather is just as important as how. Follow these guidelines:
- Cool and dry — choose a storage location with a stable, moderate temperature. Avoid attics (too hot in summer), garages (too humid), or anywhere near radiators or boilers.
- Away from direct sunlight — UV light fades and dries leather rapidly. Even indirect sunlight through a window can cause damage over several months.
- Good air circulation — leather needs to breathe. A wardrobe with some airflow is ideal. Avoid cramming leather pieces tightly between other garments.
- Away from damp walls — storing leather against an exterior wall in a humid climate can cause mould. Leave a small gap between stored items and walls.
Step 5: Use a Breathable Garment Bag
If you want extra protection, store leather jackets and coats in a breathable fabric garment bag — the kind used for suits and formal wear. This protects against dust while allowing air to circulate.
Never use plastic garment bags or sealed plastic covers. Plastic traps moisture against the leather, creating the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to develop. This is one of the most common causes of leather damage during storage.
Storing Leather Skirts, Pants and Dresses
For leather skirts, leather pants, and leather dresses:
- Hang on appropriate hangers rather than folding where possible
- For skirts, use a clip hanger that grips the waistband evenly
- If you must fold leather pants, fold along the natural crease line and place tissue paper between the folds to prevent crease marks
- Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Storing Leather Bags
For leather bags and men's leather bags:
- Stuff the bag with acid-free tissue paper or a soft cloth to help it maintain its shape during storage
- Store upright, not on its side or squashed under other items
- Keep in a dust bag (most quality bags come with one) or a breathable pillowcase
- Never hang bags by their straps for extended periods — this stretches and weakens the straps over time
- Store away from direct sunlight and heat
What to Check When You Take Leather Out in Autumn
When you retrieve your leather pieces at the end of summer, do a quick inspection before wearing:
- Check for any signs of mould (white or grey spots) — if found, wipe gently with a dry cloth and consult a leather specialist
- Check for any dryness or stiffness — apply conditioner immediately if the leather feels dry
- Check for any shape distortion — a well-stored piece should look exactly as you left it
- Apply a fresh coat of conditioner before wearing to restore suppleness after months of storage
Summer Storage Checklist
- ✅ Clean with a soft cloth and leather cleaner before storing
- ✅ Condition thoroughly before putting away
- ✅ Hang jackets on wide, padded hangers
- ✅ Store in a cool, dry, ventilated location
- ✅ Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- ✅ Use breathable garment bags — never plastic
- ✅ Stuff bags with tissue paper to maintain shape
- ✅ Condition again when taking out in autumn
Shop Genuine Leather at Hilda Leather
Every piece in the Hilda Leather collection is handcrafted from 100% genuine leather in our Turkish workshop — built to last for decades with the right care. Explore our full range:
