How to care for a leather jacket before repairs

Pause before you fix it yourself

When a leather jacket splits or tears, the instinct is to reach for glue, tape or a conditioner. Unfortunately, some home remedies make a professional repair harder. Glue can stiffen and discolour leather, and tape adhesive can leave residue that stops new stitching from sitting cleanly.

What to do straight away

A few simple steps help protect the jacket:

• Stop wearing it if a seam is splitting, so the split does not lengthen.
• Empty the pockets to relieve strain.
• Hang it on a broad, shaped hanger away from radiators and direct sun.
• If it got wet, let it dry slowly at room temperature, never by a heater.
• Keep any loose pieces or buttons safely in a bag.

What to avoid

Avoid applying conditioner or oil to the damaged area, as it can darken the edges and make stitching difficult. Do not cut away loose threads near a split seam; they help show how it was originally sewn. Avoid iron-on patches, which can melt or mark leather.

Understanding what repair can achieve

Leather is unlike woven fabric. Stitch holes are permanent, and aged leather is rarely a perfect colour match for new hide. A good repair aims to be strong, neat and sympathetic to the jacket's character. Golden Button will explain what to expect before work begins and does not promise invisible results.

Everyday care afterwards

Once repaired, keep the jacket clean with a soft dry cloth, condition it occasionally with a product intended for garment leather, and store it in a breathable cover rather than plastic. Coastal air in Christchurch and along the Dorset coast can be damp, so let it breathe.