Leather pants may look good, but they sure can be a pain to take care of. Treat them improperly, and they end up working against you. If you don’t want to ruin your awesome pants, then follow these care tips to extend their lifespan.
Tip #1: Don’t Stretch Them Out Too Much
Leather naturally stretches out over time, so you don’t want to try and speed up this process. If you push this too far, your pants will end up getting worn down and less structurally sound. On top of that, you run the risk of leaving marks and creating creases.
So, while you can try to stretch them out to an extent, going overboard will likely just distort the entire shape.
Tip #2: Avoid Water Exposure As Much As Possible
This doesn’t mean you have to run from any little drop of water like the plague. That said, you shouldn’t let leather pants get soaked or exposed to water for too long. If it stays wet, then the material will get stretched and warped to varying degrees.
On top of that, the extremely porous nature of this material makes it an attractive breeding ground for mould.
Tip #3: Let Them Breathe When You Store Them
Never let your leather pants dry in a tight space. Let them free to aerate so that the material doesn’t get damaged. This is important if you’re keeping them safe after use or a quick clean.
This will prevent any sudden distortions that leave you with misshapen pant legs and mouldy sections.
Tip #4: Don’t Expose Them to the Sun and Excessive Heat
Leather pants can take the heat, but not too much of it. Avoid excessive heat, sunlight, and humidity to prevent the leather from becoming brittle and cracking. Aside from drying out and getting unwanted cracks, they can also fade. So, you may not want to use them for your outdoor activities and fun in the sun.
If you really must, then try to use a leather-friendly waterproof spray. Don’t use chemicals that can stain or warp the material.
Tip #5: Be Meticulous with Your Washing
This part may seem tricky considering what we’ve discussed about water and what it does to leather. In general, you should just wipe down any stains and debris. Do not steam them or put them in the dryer at all.
A gentle cycle with cold water may work, but if you want to go on the safe side, then you can hand wash your leather pants. Be gentle, and just use a soft and soapy cloth to clean the surface. This method depends on whether your leather is finished or not.
You can take your leather garment to the dry cleaner, and a reliable one will be able to use the right treatment for the material. This can keep it safe from warping and shrinking without having the pitfalls that would come up with regular dry cleaning methods.
Conclusion
Leather is a fantastic material that can stand the test of time and trends. You just have to use it properly so that you can make the most of your garments and have a great time wearing them.
For Barrhaven dry cleaning that won’t ruin your precious leather garments, check out Goodfellow Cleaners. We have over 25 years of professional experience caring for valued clothing.