Leather care
Leather asks for very little: keep it dry, keep it fed, and keep it off a wire hanger. Here is the whole routine.
Everyday
Wipe dust off with a dry, soft cloth after wear. Hang the jacket on a wide wooden or padded hanger so the shoulders keep their shape; a wire hanger dents the leather in a week. Give it air between wears instead of zipping it into a garment bag.
After rain
Blot, do not rub, with a clean towel. Hang it to dry at room temperature, away from radiators, hair dryers, and direct sun. Heat shrinks and cracks leather. When it is fully dry, which can take a day, apply a light coat of conditioner because water pulls oils out of the hide.
Conditioning
Once or twice a year, or after a soaking, work a small amount of a leather conditioner into the surface with a soft cloth in circles, let it sit for twenty minutes, then buff. Test on the inside of the hem first, because conditioner can darken some finishes slightly.
Stains
- Water spots: dampen the whole panel evenly with a cloth and let it dry so the mark blends.
- Oil or makeup: dust with cornstarch, leave overnight, brush off. Repeat once if needed.
- Ink: do not rub. Take it to a leather specialist; home remedies spread it.
- Salt lines: wipe with a cloth barely damp with water and a drop of white vinegar, then condition.
Sheep leather
The L-Khat is sheep leather, which the supplier describes as soft and supple. Treat it gently: lighter conditioner, less often, and never any product with silicone or wax.
Storage
Between seasons, hang the jacket in a cool, dry closet inside a breathable cotton cover, not plastic. Do not fold it. If you must pack it, stuff the sleeves with tissue and lay it flat on top of everything else.
Never
- Machine wash, tumble dry, or iron.
- Use baby wipes, alcohol, or household cleaners on the surface.
- Leave it in a hot car or on a sunny windowsill.
- Store it with mothballs; the smell never leaves.
If something has already gone wrong, call us before you try anything. We can usually tell you whether it is a home fix or a specialist job.