Leather Care Guide
Leather Care Guide
Real leather is a natural material that improves with age — but only if you treat it right. This guide covers everything you need to keep your NSM jacket in perfect condition for decades to come.
Your Jacket Gets Better
With The Right Care.
Unlike synthetic materials, real leather responds to how you treat it. With proper care, your NSM jacket will develop a rich personal patina — a depth of character that only comes with time and wear. Neglect it, and it may dry out, crack, or lose its shape. The choice is yours.
It Breathes
Real leather is a natural material with pores — it breathes, regulates temperature, and responds to moisture in the air. This is what makes it comfortable. Preserving this quality is the goal of care.
It Needs Moisture
Leather dries out over time, especially in dry climates or when exposed to heat. Conditioning replenishes the natural oils that keep leather supple, strong, and resistant to cracking.
It Develops Character
Properly cared-for leather develops a beautiful patina — a natural sheen and depth of colour that forms uniquely over time. This is not wear; it is the leather maturing into something better.
Simple Daily Habits.
Lasting Results.
Most leather damage comes from neglect rather than use. These five habits take minutes but protect your jacket for years.
Hang It On A Padded Hanger
Always store your jacket on a wide, padded hanger that supports the shoulders. A narrow wire hanger will distort the shoulder shape over time. Never fold your leather jacket for extended storage — folding causes permanent creases.
Let It Breathe After Wearing
After each wear, hang your jacket in a well-ventilated space for at least 30 minutes before storing it. This allows any moisture from perspiration or humidity to evaporate naturally — preventing mould, odour, and premature deterioration.
Wipe Surface Dirt Immediately
If your jacket picks up dust, light mud, or surface marks — wipe immediately with a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth. Always use a patting or gentle wiping motion. Do not scrub. Let the area air-dry naturally afterwards. Test on a hidden area first.
Keep It Away From Direct Heat & Light
Never store your jacket near radiators, fireplaces, or in direct sunlight. Heat dries out the leather’s natural oils rapidly — causing fading, cracking, and irreversible stiffening. Even a car dashboard in summer heat can cause significant damage in hours.
Never Machine Wash Or Tumble Dry
Leather and water machines do not mix. Machine washing will destroy the leather’s structure, shrink it, and strip all natural oils in a single cycle. If deep cleaning is ever needed, take your jacket to a professional leather cleaner only.
The Most Important Step
Most People Skip.
Conditioning is to leather what moisturiser is to skin. It replenishes the natural oils that daily wear and time strip away — keeping your jacket soft, flexible, and crack-resistant for years longer than an unconditioned jacket.
How Often To Condition
- Every 3–6 months for regular wear
- After any heavy rain or soaking
- When leather starts to feel stiff or dry
- Before and after long-term storage
- More often in dry or hot climates
How To Apply Conditioner
- Clean the jacket lightly before conditioning
- Apply a small amount to a soft cloth
- Work in gentle circular motions
- Cover all areas including seams and folds
- Let absorb for 10–15 minutes then buff gently
Important: Always test your conditioner on a hidden area (inner hem or inside pocket flap) before applying to the full jacket. Some conditioners can darken certain leathers temporarily or permanently.
Product Tip: Use a product specifically formulated for your leather type. Lambskin conditioners are typically lighter than those for cowhide or suede. Never use household oils, olive oil, or general furniture polish on leather.
“The best thing you can do for a leather jacket is simply wear it. Real leather thrives with use — it softens, moulds to your body, and becomes something completely and uniquely yours.”
— NSM Jackets, KarachiDifferent Leathers.
Different Needs.
Each leather type in the NSM collection has its own unique care requirements. Find your leather type below for specific guidance.
About Lambskin
Lambskin is the softest and most delicate leather in our collection. Its buttery texture is its greatest quality — and requires the gentlest care. Avoid rough handling, sharp surfaces, and heavy moisture.
Cleaning
Use a very soft, barely-damp cloth for surface dirt. For deeper cleaning, use a leather cleaner specifically formulated for delicate/fine leather. Never use alcohol-based products.
Conditioning
Use a lightweight conditioner designed for fine or delicate leather every 3–4 months. Apply sparingly — lambskin absorbs products quickly and a little goes a long way.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Use a breathable dust bag — never a plastic cover. Lambskin is particularly sensitive to humidity — avoid damp wardrobes.
About Cowhide
Cowhide is the most durable leather in our range. It is thicker, more structured, and highly resistant to everyday wear and weather. It requires conditioning less frequently but benefits greatly from regular care.
Cleaning
Wipe with a damp cloth for everyday dirt. For stubborn marks, use a dedicated leather cleaning product. Cowhide handles cleaning products better than delicate leathers but still avoid harsh chemicals.
Conditioning
Use a standard leather conditioner every 4–6 months. Cowhide is less porous than lambskin and absorbs conditioner more slowly — give it time to absorb fully before buffing.
Weathering
Cowhide handles light rain reasonably well. If heavily soaked, allow to dry naturally — never near heat. Apply conditioner once dry to restore suppleness. Water stains may appear initially but often blend in over time.
About Suede
Suede is crafted from the inner split of the hide, giving it a velvety, matte texture. It is more delicate than full-grain leather and particularly sensitive to water, oil, and heavy soiling. Prevention is far easier than cure.
Protection First
Before first wear, apply a suede protector spray. This creates an invisible barrier against water and stains. Reapply every 2–3 months or after heavy exposure. This single step prevents most suede care problems.
Cleaning
Use a dedicated suede brush to lift surface dirt and restore the nap. Brush in one direction only — not back and forth. For marks, use a suede eraser. Never use water directly on suede — it causes permanent staining.
Water Damage
If suede gets wet, blot excess moisture immediately with a clean cloth — do not rub. Allow to dry naturally away from heat. Once fully dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap. Act quickly — dried water stains on suede are very difficult to remove.
About Shearling
Shearling combines real leather on the outside with genuine wool on the inside. Both materials require care. The leather exterior follows standard leather care guidelines, while the wool interior needs its own attention.
Daily Care
Shake out your shearling jacket regularly to fluff and restore the wool fibres. Brush lightly with a soft-bristle brush to remove surface dust. Avoid compressing shearling for long periods — this flattens the wool permanently.
Wet Shearling
If your shearling gets wet, reshape it immediately and allow to dry naturally at room temperature. Never wring, tumble dry, or use direct heat. Shearling is very heavy when wet — hang it carefully to avoid distorting the shoulders.
Professional Cleaning
For a deep clean, always take shearling to a specialist leather and fur cleaner. Annual professional cleaning is recommended for heavily worn shearling jackets. Avoid general dry cleaners who may not be equipped for shearling.
Common Mistakes That
Damage Leather.
Most leather damage is preventable. Here are the most common mistakes — and what to do instead.
✓ Do This
- Hang on a wide padded hanger
- Air out after every wear
- Condition every 3–6 months
- Wipe spills immediately with a dry cloth
- Store in a breathable dust bag
- Dry naturally at room temperature
- Use leather-specific products only
- Professional clean when needed
✗ Never Do This
- Machine wash or tumble dry
- Dry near a radiator or with a hair dryer
- Store in direct sunlight or heat
- Use alcohol, bleach, or household cleaners
- Store in a plastic cover or bag
- Fold for long-term storage
- Apply olive oil, coconut oil, or petroleum
- Iron leather directly
Caring For Your Jacket
When Not In Season.
How you store your jacket between seasons is just as important as how you care for it during wear. Follow these seasonal guidelines to keep your jacket in perfect condition year-round.
Spring
Clean and condition before storing for warmer months. Check for any winter damage. Allow to fully air out before putting away.
Summer
Store away from heat and air conditioning vents. Keep in a breathable dust bag in a cool, dark wardrobe. Check monthly for mould in humid climates.
Autumn
Bring your jacket out early and condition before wearing season begins. Check for any summer storage issues. Allow to breathe for 24 hours before first wear.
Winter
Protect from heavy rain and salt (road salt). Wipe down after wet days. Condition more frequently in cold, dry weather which strips leather oils faster.
Long-Term Storage: If storing for more than 3 months, clean and condition thoroughly first. Stuff sleeves lightly with acid-free tissue paper to help maintain shape. Store on a padded hanger inside a breathable cotton or linen dust bag. Never use plastic — it traps moisture and causes mould.
What To Use On
Your NSM Jacket.
The right products make all the difference. Here is a guide to the types of products to look for — available at most leather goods stores or online.
| Product Type | Best For | What To Look For | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather Conditioner | Lambskin, Cowhide | Water-based, lanolin-free options for lambskin. Beeswax-based for cowhide. pH-neutral formula. | Products containing petroleum, silicone, or mink oil on lambskin. |
| Leather Cleaner | All smooth leathers | pH-neutral, soap-free leather cleaners. Saddle soap for tougher dirt on cowhide. | Household detergents, alcohol-based cleaners, or general fabric cleaners. |
| Suede Brush | Suede only | Brass wire or rubber-tipped bristle brush specifically for suede. Always brush in one direction. | Standard fabric brushes which can damage suede nap. |
| Suede Protector Spray | Suede only | Fluoropolymer-based spray specifically for suede and nubuck. Apply before first wear. | General waterproof sprays not designed for suede. |
| Suede Eraser | Suede marks | Dedicated suede/nubuck rubber eraser for dry marks and light stains. | Standard pencil erasers which can spread stains. |
| Leather Polish | Cowhide, finished leather | Wax-based leather polish to add shine and a protective layer to smooth finished leather. | Do not use on lambskin or suede — too heavy. |
Common Leather
Care Questions.
My jacket got soaked in rain. What should I do?
Do not panic — real leather can survive getting wet. First, blot excess moisture with a clean dry cloth (do not rub). Then reshape the jacket and hang it on a padded hanger to dry naturally at room temperature. Keep it away from all heat sources. Once fully dry (which may take 24–48 hours), apply a leather conditioner to restore the oils that water strips away. For suede, use a suede brush to restore the nap once dry.
How do I remove a stain from my leather jacket?
Act immediately — the sooner you treat a stain, the better the result. For liquid spills, blot (don’t rub) with a clean dry cloth immediately. For oil-based stains, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the affected area, leave for a few hours to absorb the oil, then brush off gently. For tougher stains, use a dedicated leather cleaner. Always test on a hidden area first. For severe or set-in stains, professional leather cleaning is recommended.
My leather jacket has developed creases — how do I remove them?
Light creases from wear are normal and often resolve themselves with wearing. For more pronounced creases from storage, hang the jacket in a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes — the steam relaxes the leather fibres gently. Alternatively, place a damp cloth between the leather and a warm (not hot) iron on its lowest setting, pressing gently for a few seconds. Never apply heat directly to leather. Condition afterwards to maintain suppleness.
How do I restore colour to a faded leather jacket?
Mild fading from UV exposure can sometimes be improved with a quality leather conditioner in a matching colour, or a leather re-colouring balm available from specialist leather care brands. For significant fading or colour loss, professional leather restoration is the safest approach. Prevention is easier: store away from direct sunlight and apply UV-protective leather products when available for your leather type.
Can I repair a scratch on my leather jacket myself?
Minor surface scratches on smooth leather can often be buffed out with a clean finger — the natural oils from your skin can help blend them in. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner and work it gently into the scratch. For deeper cuts or gouges, leather repair kits are available that include filler compounds and colour-matched dyes. Deep damage is best repaired by a professional leather repair specialist.
My jacket has developed mould spots. What do I do?
Mould on leather occurs when stored in damp or humid conditions. First, take the jacket outside (to avoid spreading spores indoors) and brush off any surface mould with a soft dry brush. Then wipe the affected areas with a cloth lightly dampened with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar — this kills mould spores. Allow to dry completely in fresh air. Condition once dry. Prevent recurrence by ensuring your storage environment is dry and ventilated.
The Complete Leather Care Guide
Genuine leather, suede, and shearling each need slightly different care to stay looking their best for years. Here's a detailed, material-by-material breakdown.
Smooth leather: Wipe down with a soft, dry cloth after wear, and apply a leather conditioner every 2-3 months to prevent drying and cracking. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and heavy rain, and let a wet jacket air dry naturally away from direct heat.
Suede: Use a suede brush to lift dirt and restore the nap regularly. Avoid water entirely where possible; if suede gets wet, let it air dry and brush gently once dry. A suede protector spray can help with light moisture resistance.
Shearling: Spot clean only, and use professional leather and fur cleaning services for anything beyond light surface dirt. Never machine wash or use a hair dryer to speed up drying.
For a quicker overview, see our Care & Maintenance page, or browse Leather Jackets, Suede Jackets, and Shearling Jackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly every 2-3 months for regular wear, or sooner if the leather starts to look dry or dull.
We recommend avoiding water where possible. If it does get wet, let it air dry naturally and brush gently once dry rather than using heat.
Spot cleaning is fine for light marks, but we recommend professional leather and fur cleaning for anything deeper, since machine washing can damage the lining.
Any reputable leather-specific conditioner works well; avoid generic oils or household products not designed for leather.
With normal care and occasional conditioning, colors hold up well; the main thing to avoid is prolonged direct sunlight, which can dull any leather color over years of exposure.