How to Store a Leather Jacket: Summer, Winter & Long-Term

How to Store a Leather Jacket: Summer, Winter & Long-Term 

Correct storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of leather jacket care — and one of the most damaging when neglected. A jacket stored incorrectly for one summer can emerge cracked, misshapen, mouldy, or discoloured. The standards for storing leather are not complicated, but they are specific. This guide covers short-term seasonal storage (summer and winter) and long-term storage for jackets being put away for extended periods. 

The Fundamental Rules of Leather Jacket Storage 

These four rules apply regardless of the storage duration or the jacket type: 

• Always hang, never fold. Creases in leather set permanently with pressure and time. A jacket folded in a drawer or box for six months will have permanent fold lines that no amount of conditioning or heat can remove. 

• Never use plastic covers. Dry-cleaning bags and standard plastic garment bags trap moisture and prevent the leather from breathing. Trapped moisture creates the ideal conditions for mould growth. Use a breathable cotton garment bag or an old pillowcase instead. 

• Keep away from direct light. UV from sunlight and strong artificial lighting fades leather colour and degrades the hide over time. Store in a dark or low-light location. 

• Avoid heat and damp. Radiators, boilers, and damp basements are the enemies of stored leather. Store at stable, cool room temperature in a dry environment. 

What You Need for Proper Leather Jacket Storage 

• A wide, padded hanger — shoulder width of at least 5cm (2 inches). Wire hangers distort the shoulder seam permanently. 

• A breathable cotton garment bag (cotton canvas or cotton muslin — not polyester, not plastic) 

• Silica gel sachets (for long-term storage in any environment, or for storage in humid climates) 

• Leather conditioner (to apply before putting the jacket into storage) 

• A cedar wood block or sachet (optional but effective for discouraging insects and freshening the storage environment) 

Pre-Storage Preparation (All Durations) 

Before putting any leather jacket into storage, regardless of the duration: 

• Clean the jacket using a leather cleaner — storing a dirty jacket allows any surface soil to set into the grain 

• Condition the leather thoroughly and allow to absorb fully — this is particularly important before summer storage when the jacket will sit unused for months 

• Allow to air dry completely after cleaning and conditioning before placing in the garment bag 

• Empty all pockets — objects left in pockets create pressure points and distort the leather over time 

• Close all zips and fasten any snaps — this maintains the jacket’s shape and prevents the metal from pressing into the leather interior 

Summer Storage (2–4 Months) 

Summer storage is the most common scenario — the jacket comes off active use in April or May and goes back into service in September or October. The main risks are: drying out from warm ambient temperatures, mould if the storage environment has any humidity, and shape distortion from improper hanging. 

• Clean and condition thoroughly before storing — summer temperatures accelerate oil evaporation 

• Hang on a wide padded hanger inside a breathable cotton garment bag 

• Place in a wardrobe or cupboard away from exterior walls (which can be subject to temperature fluctuation) and away from the top shelf (which gets warmest) 

• Include one or two silica gel sachets inside the garment bag to absorb any ambient humidity 

• Check the jacket once mid-storage (around 6 weeks in) — open the bag, inspect for any early mould (white bloom), and allow to air for an hour before re-bagging 

Winter Storage (Shorter Periods) 

Leather jackets stored during winter face fewer risks than summer storage — ambient temperatures are cooler and the risk of drying out is lower. However, central heating systems significantly reduce indoor humidity, which can dry leather stored near radiators. 

• Store away from any radiators, convection heaters, or heat vents 

• Use the breathable cotton garment bag regardless of duration 

• Condition before storing if the jacket has had heavy use in cold weather — cold air dries leather surface oils 

Long-Term Storage (Over 6 Months) 

Long-term storage — for jackets that will not be worn for an extended period — requires more thorough preparation. This might apply to a jacket held for a family member, a very valuable piece being preserved, or a seasonal collection item. 

• Clean and condition thoroughly — more carefully than for seasonal storage 

• Stuff the arms loosely with acid-free tissue paper to help them maintain their shape — avoid newspaper (the ink can transfer to the lining over very long periods) 

• Hang on a wide padded hanger inside a breathable cotton garment bag 

• Include 2–3 silica gel sachets and replace them at the 6-month mark if storing for over a year 

• Store in a climate-stable environment — ideally between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F) with moderate humidity 

• Inspect every 2–3 months: open the bag, examine for mould or dryness, allow to air for 1–2 hours, and re-bag 

• Apply a light conditioning treatment annually if storing for more than 12 months, even without active use 

Mould in Storage: What to Do 

If you discover white mould bloom on a stored leather jacket: 

• Remove from the bag immediately and take to a well-ventilated area 

• Wipe the affected areas with a cloth dampened with white vinegar (undiluted) — vinegar kills mould spores without damaging leather 

• Allow to air dry completely in a ventilated space 

• Clean with a leather cleaner and condition once fully dry 

• For significant or widespread mould, professional leather cleaning is recommended — surface treatment alone may not eliminate the spore problem 

Browse our full range of men’s leather jackets and women’s leather jackets — each listing includes care and storage notes specific to that leather type. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I store a leather jacket in a suitcase? 

Not recommended for anything beyond a very short period (under 2 weeks). A suitcase compresses the jacket against other items, which can create permanent creases. If you must transport a jacket in luggage, roll it loosely (do not fold), place in a breathable bag, and put on top of other items with nothing pressing on it. 

What size hanger do I need for a leather jacket? 

A wide, padded hanger with a shoulder span of at least 40–45cm and a shoulder pad width of at least 5cm. The hanger should match the jacket’s shoulder width as closely as possible — a too-narrow hanger allows the shoulders to droop inward, which distorts the armhole seam and shoulder pad structure over time. 

Can I store a leather jacket in a vacuum storage bag? 

No — never. Vacuum storage bags compress the jacket, which creates permanent creases in leather. They also eliminate all air circulation, creating the perfect environment for mould if any moisture is present. Leather must hang freely in a breathable environment. 

How do I store a leather jacket when travelling? 

If carrying the jacket on a plane, wear it on the flight or carry it over your arm — do not put it in overhead luggage where it will be folded and compressed under other bags. If checking luggage, consider shipping the jacket separately in a rigid box with acid-free tissue padding rather than packing it in a suitcase. 

My stored leather jacket has developed a musty smell — what do I do? 

Hang the jacket in fresh air outdoors (in shade — not direct sunlight) for 24–48 hours. If the smell persists, wipe the interior lining with a cloth dampened with a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution. Allow to dry, then air again outdoors. Apply leather conditioner to the exterior once fully dry. Include a cedar block in storage going forward to prevent recurrence.