Shearling leather coats are an elegant and classic complement to any outfit. These clothing items, which are manufactured from sheepskin with the wool still attached, are well-known for their warmth, toughness, and unique look. Usually, the inner displays the soft, insulating wool, and the exterior displays the suede or leather side of the skin. But enormous luxury also entails considerable responsibility. To guarantee that your shearling jacket stays in perfect shape for many years to come, proper maintenance is essential. This thorough guide will take you step-by-step through the entire process of maintaining your beloved shearling jacket, from routine cleaning to storage and all points in between.
Knowing Your Shearling Jacket
It's important to comprehend the special characteristics of shearling before diving into maintenance methods:
- Natural Material: Shearling is a material that comes from nature, therefore it breathes and changes temperature with your body. It also means that, in contrast to synthetic textiles, it needs extra care.
- Sensitivity: The wool interior may become matted if not properly kept, and the suede or leather exterior is susceptible to water, strong chemicals, and extreme heat.
- Variability: Because sheepskins naturally vary, every shearling jacket is distinct. This implies that depending on your particular jacket, cleaning methods may need to be somewhat modified.
Continual Upkeep
Daily Maintenance:
- Use a soft-bristled suede or leather brush to frequently brush your jacket. In addition to eliminating dust, this keeps dirt from getting inside the fibres.
- To keep your jacket in form after wearing it, hang it on a broad, padded hanger. Steer clear of wire hangers since they may cause shoulder distortion.
- Before storing your jacket, let it air out for a few hours after wearing it to avoid odour accumulation.
- Weekly Maintenance
- Wipe off the leather exterior with a slightly moist cloth, paying special attention to areas like collars and cuffs where dirt tends to collect.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to gently brush the inside of the wool to avoid matting and to remove any dirt.
How to Clean a Shearling Jacket
Spot Cleaning:
- If the stain is minor, move swiftly. Using a clean, dry towel, blot the stain rather than rubbing it to absorb as much as possible.
- If the stain is oil-based, apply talc or cornflour to the affected area, allow it to sit for a few hours, and then scrub it off.
- Use a moist cloth soaked in a small quantity of mild soap made especially for leather or suede to remove water-based stains.
Comprehensive Cleaning:
- Generally speaking, you should get your shearling jacket professionally cleaned once a year or more frequently if it gets really dirty.
- Seek out cleaners with expertise in leather and suede cleaning; standard dry cleaners might not be able to handle shearling.
- Use a specific shearling cleaner and carefully follow the instructions if you choose to clean at home. Before using any product, test it on a discrete area.
Handling Exposure to Water
Even though shearling is water-resistant, continuous exposure to water might harm it:
- If your jacket gets wet, use a towel to gently blot the excess moisture away—don't rub.
- Let it naturally air dry at room temperature. Avoid using direct heat sources, such as hair dryers or radiators, as this can shrink the wool and cause the leather to fracture.
- After it dries, brush the outside and the inside to bring back the nap.
Preserving and Sealing
Preparation:
Condition your jacket once or twice a year, or more frequently if you live in a dry region, to keep the leather supple and avoid cracking.
Apply a leather conditioner made especially for nubuck or suede. Apply sparingly and work into the leather in circular motions with a soft cloth.
Put on the jacket only when the conditioner has had time to completely absorb.
Sealing with water:
Although shearling is naturally water-resistant, you can make it even more so by using a waterproofing spray made specifically for suede and leather.
Holding the can approximately 6 inches from the surface, evenly apply the spray. Inspect places that are likely to be exposed to water and seams more closely.
Before wearing, let the jacket air dry completely.
How to Store a Shearling Jacket
Maintaining the form and condition of your shearling jacket requires proper storage:
Temporary Storage:
- Wear your jacket out of direct sunlight and place it on a wide, padded hanger in a well-ventilated area.
- Plastic covers should be avoided as they can retain moisture. If necessary, use a clothing bag made of breathable fabric instead.
Extended Storage:
To save your jacket for a long time, give it a thorough cleaning.
- To keep the jacket in shape, stuff it with tissue paper that isn't acidic.
- Keep out of direct light and store in a cool, dry location. Extra protection may come from a cotton sheet or breathable garment bag.
- Avoid keeping in airtight containers or plastic bags as this can promote the formation of mildew.
Taking Care of Particular Problems
Elimination of Odors:
Hang your jacket outside on a breezy day (avoid direct sunshine) for mild odors.
If the smell is still there, put the jacket in a big plastic bag that you can close and put inside an open box of baking soda. After 24 to 48 hours, vigorously brush.
Eliminating Creases
To ease creases, hang your jacket in a hot bathroom.
To get rid of persistent wrinkles, use a portable steamer regularly to prevent water spots and maintain at least 6 inches of distance from the surface.
Restoring Damage or Tears:
Sometimes a little rip can be fixed at home with a suede leather repair kit.
Seek out expert repair firms that specialise in leather and suede if there is considerable damage.
Seasonal Handling
Winter Maintenance:
Clear snow as soon as possible to avoid water damage.
If your jacket gets wet, let it air dry naturally, away from sources of direct heat.
When the season first begins, think about giving your waterproofing spray a fresh layer.
Summer Storage Units:
Before storing your jacket for the summer, give it a thorough cleaning.
- Utilising the previously discussed long-term preservation methods, store in a cool, dry location.
- While storing your jacket, make sure nothing has become wrong by checking on it from time to time.
Expert Upkeep
Although routine housekeeping is necessary, expert upkeep can greatly increase the lifespan of your shearling jacket:
Annual Vacuum:
Get a professional cleaning for your jacket at least once a year, ideally towards the conclusion of the winter.
Expert Conditioning:
Consider getting your jacket professionally conditioned every few years to keep the leather supple and restore moisture.
Fixes:
Always seek professional assistance for any large repairs. This includes fixing problems with the wool lining, patching big tears, and replacing zippers.
Environmental Aspects to Take into Account
Maintaining your shearling jacket can be aided by being aware of your surroundings:
- Steer clear of direct sunlight for extended periods of time since it might fade and dry out the leather.
- When near rough surfaces that can catch or wear down the jacket, exercise caution.
- Pet claws can easily harm the supple leather and wool of your jacket, so keep them away from it.
Taking Your Shearling Jacket on Vacation
Take additional care when you're travelling with your womens shearling jacket:
- To prevent creases, try to wear your jacket instead of packing it.
- If packing is necessary, fold it neatly, turn it inside out, and put it in a breathable garment bag.
- As soon as you arrive, take the jacket out of your suitcase and hang it up to let any creases fall out naturally.
In summary
A shearling jacket is an investment in quality and style rather than merely a piece of apparel. Your shearling jacket can become a treasured piece of clothing for many years with the right upkeep and care. The keys to maintaining its aesthetic appeal and practicality are routine brushing, timely stain treatment, appropriate cleaning, and cautious storing.
Keep in mind that although home care is important, when necessary, professional maintenance cannot be replaced. You can make sure that your shearling jacket continues to be an opulent, cosy, and fashionable accessory for many years to come by according to the recommendations in our thorough guide. Your shearling jacket will reward you with unmatched warmth and classic elegance season after season if you embrace its distinct character and give it the attention it deserves.
