Increase the lifespan of leather or suede items with these foolproof tips

“Leather and suede items need special care and maintenance as they are different from other textile fabrics. Leather and suede are similar to our skin and have natural oils which keep them soft and supple," said Dr Divya Singhal Gupta, a textile researcher, and content manager, RTC Project, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | June 5, 2023 09:40 PM IST

3 min read

Keep your leather outfits looking new with these tips. (Pic source: Pexels)

The shiny sight of leather or the soft texture of suede clothing and bags is a delightful visual and tactile experience. Leather is also a very durable, comfortable, water-resistant, and luxurious textile material. However, it needs proper care and maintenance to stay in top quality. By being mindful and following a few simple methods you can keep intact your favourite leather jacket or shoes for years.

Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Divya Singhal Gupta, a textile researcher, and content manager, RTC Project, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi shared, “Leather and suede items need special care and maintenance as they are different from other textile fabrics. They are, in fact, similar to our skin and have natural oils which keep them soft and supple. This natural oil tends to dry out with time, hence, it is imperative to take precautionary steps beforehand and flaunt your valuable items for a longer time”.

Tips to keep your leather outfits and accessories looking new

Below are points by Dr Singhal that can be kept in mind to increase the lifespan of your leather or suede items. They are:

1. Leather/suede should be kept dry. Avoid wearing them in rainy weather. If they gets wet, wipe gently with a soft cloth and hang out to dry in the shade.

ALSO READ | ‘Textile remains the most visible aspect of our living heritage’: Exhibition spotlights neglected history of heirloom clothing

2. Avoid folding your leather jackets as they will crease and crack. Use padded hangers to hang your jackets in your closet. Do not use wire or plastic hangers; they will distort the shape of your jacket, especially at the shoulders. Also, it is important to give some room/breathing space to your leather jacket, do not clutter your closet with too many garments.

3. Keep your leather/suede items away from direct sunlight and heat as it will cause the leather to become brittle and crack.

4. Leather should never be washed/cleaned at home, nor should it be dry cleaned at local dry cleaners. It is important to look for professional services for cleaning leather items.

ALSO READ | Keep your brocade silk saris looking new forever with these foolproof tips

5. Leather loses its natural moisture over time. This can be prevented by using a good quality leather conditioner occasionally. It is easily available in many shoe/bag stores.

6.It is better to avoid ironing a leather jacket, but if it is necessary, use a low-temperature.

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!

From the homepage