The Handbook - How To Guides
 
 
 
31 Days: Style Tips and Tricks
 
Volume 5
 

All the tips and tricks needed to shape up for 2013. Each day brings new, expert advice on how to look your best and live life to the fullest, while having a little fun doing it.

Clothes
Day
20

Protect Your Leather

 

Whether it's your boots, a bag, a jacket or even a vintage club chair, proper care will prolong the life of your leather. The natural fibers will eventually break down with time, so some maintenance is necessary. Think of leather like your skin—for your face to look its best, you've got to clean it up now and again and keep it hydrated. Your leather jacket isn't really that different.

Cleaning

If any of your leather gets dirty, spilled on or starts to take on too much indigo from your raw denim, clean it off with a damp sponge and a dab of mild detergent, saddle soap or (for indigo stains especially) mink oil, working in small circles. Just remember to then let it dry at room temperature overnight. Leather should always be dry before you condition it.

Conditioning

Dampen a soft cloth with water and apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to the cloth. Microfiber cloths are ideal for this job. Begin by rubbing in small circles, eventually working your way over the entire item. Never apply conditioner directly to the leather itself, apply it to cloth first. And remember, several lighter passes are better than one heavy-handed application. Especially on the rough, dry or cracked patches. Just give yourself 30 minutes in between coats. Stay clear of creams and conditioners that contain harsh chemical waxes or silicones because they'll prevent the leather from breathing and in some cases even dry out the leather more.

Liquids vs. Pastes

Liquid oils will likely darken leather a little, while pastes often contain waxes and water repellants to dilute the pure oil, thus softening its effect. Remember, leather is tough, and there's no need to go easy with cotton balls or Q-tips. Use a rag for oils, and your hands for pastes.

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A Month of Tips