Are you worried about the protection of your favorite outerwear? Leather jackets are classic, fashionable, and long-lasting. Sun damage is one of the greatest threats to your leather jacket. Whether you carry it or leave it in your car, long exposure to the sun can devastate the material. 

We will look at problems caused by sun exposure in this blog and then guide you on how you can protect your leather jacket.

Major reasons for sunlight damage on leather jackets:

1. Color Fading and Discoloration

Direct sunshine can fade the color of your jacket after some time. That dark black or rich brown shade can fade to a pale, lifeless, and uneven one. Some areas may be brighter while others will remain dark. Discoloration might appear as a low-slump cosmetic problem, but it ruins the jacket’s original charm and finish.

2. Dryness and Cracking

Leather is porous; it breathes and contains oils that keep it flexible. It is when sunlight cooks it for too long; the heat draws moisture and essential oils out. Therefore, the leather dries out, hardens and splits.

3. Stiffness and Brittleness

As leather becomes dry, it loses its natural softness. It may begin forming rough, rigid, and unpleasant to wear. This also applies to stiff leather, which becomes more brittle with age, particularly at joints and folded portions: sleeves, collars, and the like.

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Recovery process from Sun Damage.

Here’s how you can repair your jacket if it’s already been exposed to the sun and how to avoid further damage:

Step 1: Remove Surface Dirt

When applying any product, first, clean the leather. You can use

• a soft, lint-free cloth

• a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment

Step 2: Do a Spot Test

Each piece of leather has a different reaction. Try a small hidden area with a tested leather cleaner with UV protection. Then, if it is safe to use, apply it to all surfaces.

Step 3: Apply UV-Protective Cleaner

Coat the jacket with a thin coating of UV and protectant leather cleaner using a clean cloth. Please don’t use it so much up like it can soak the leather; a light, even coat would do fine. This layer will help to stop harmful sun rays in the future.

Step 4: Let It Dry Naturally

Leave the jacket to dry after cleaning. If it tries to dry immediately, it will get cloudy. So give it time to dry on its own. Please do not put it in the sunlight to dry.

Step 5: Conditioning:

Use a high-quality conditioner. Conditioning brings back the lost oils and moisture. It makes the leather flexible and soft. It also provides an additional layer of protection that increases the chance of stopping any further harm.

Preventive Care Tips

• Store in a Cool Place: Never hang your jacket near the windows or any sources of heat.

• Use a Garment Bag: A breathable cloth garment bag is useful in dust and UV ray prevention.

• Avoid Car Storage: Cars heat up fast, and your jacket can cook in there; always take it along.

• Reapply Conditioner Regularly: Conditioning the leather about every three months ensures that your leather is healthy and strong.

Check out our blog to learn about proper and detailed tips to take care of your leather jacket: X Essential Care Tips to Maintain Your Shearling Jacket