Remember Leather is a living breathing fabric, and as such it's care is different form other fabrics. Leather has stood the test of time as one of the most durable and functionable materials available.

This means you should not leave your leather garments in a plastic garment bag! It can't breathe, and will cause the leather to dry out. Opt for a cloth cover instead.

If you absolutely must iron the item, set the iron on the lowest possible setting. Never use steam! Place a heavy brown grocery bag, or some felt paper on between the garment and the iron. Iron quicky, and avoid overheating!

Professional leather cleaning is recommended for all leathers, and fabric garments trimmed with leather. Normal dry cleaning methods will not yield proper results. Clean matching garments at the same time, since a slight variation is color or texture may occur as a natural result of the cleaning process. Natural marks and wrinkles could become more apparent after cleaning. Garment may shrink slightly, but will stretch again with wear. Professionally applied water and stain repellent products are often available.

Leather is designed to last a lifetime, and with proper care right from the start, it will.

• Always hang leather clothing on wide or padded hangers to keep their shape.
• Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any heat source. Leather can be treated with a conditioner to restore flexibility.
• In bad weather, promptly remove salt deposits from leather clothing by sponging with clear water.
• Use caution when using products to clean your leather, leather clothing must breathe, so avoid waxes, or silicone products. Test all cleaning and restoration agents in a small inconspicuous portion of the garment.
• Hems and small rips or tears, may be fixed with a tiny amount of rubber cement or sewn with a leather needle. For best results see a seamstress that specializes in leather.

James Newton

Jim is a successful e-commerce web site owner and developer. Most Recently Jim has been appointed to serve on the Business Advisory Council (BAC) as a representative of the State of Georgia, and has been granted the 2006 National Leadership Award. If you have input about tax reform and/or debt reduction that you would like me to carry to Washington, I would love to hear it.