How to Store a Lambskin Leather Jacket in Summer – Avoid Cracking & Mold

Your lambskin jacket is probably one of the best things that you have bought for your wardrobe collection. It will keep you warm in winter and stylish in spring or autumn. But how will you take care of it in the summer season? You need to be careful enough, because if you are not, then there is a possibility that your beautiful jacket might become hard, cracked, or moldy. This article gives you important tips for storing your lambskin jacket.

Why Summer Storage Matters for Lambskin

Lambskin is even more susceptible to the environment than heavy leather. The very pores of lambskin can soak up moisture and lose its natural oils through heat exposure. There are three dangers for your jacket during summer months:

·         Heat: Heat results in the loss of the oil content in leather, causing the leather material to become hard and eventually crack.

·         Humidity: High levels of moisture in the atmosphere tend to find their way into the fibers, providing an ideal environment for mold and mildew to develop.

·         Light: UV light fades the leather’s color, causing discoloration.

However, storing your jacket properly throughout the summertime will make sure that it stays soft, well-colored, and intact for many years to come.

Step-by-Step Summer Storage Guide

Here are some tips on how you should store your lambskin jacket in summer.

Step 1 – Clean Before You Store

Never put away your jacket when it is stained with dust, sweat, or oils trapped in the fabric. This can lead to oxidation and discoloration or odors from the stains. To ensure your jacket is cleaned properly prior to storage, refer to our How to Clean Your Lambskin Jacket Guide. Key factors to consider include:

·         Collars and cuffs (the area where the sweat will accumulate)

·         Pockets (remove everything inside them)

·         Any visible stains (clean them or take them to a professional cleaner)

·         Let the jacket dry fully under cool, shaded conditions.

Step 2 – Condition to Restore Moisture

The summer storage implies no wearing of the item during those months. To keep leather hydrated, use the conditioner designed for lambskin. It will nourish and protect the material by forming a barrier. Make sure the product does not contain silicone and wax as they block pores. After application, wipe off excess with a soft cloth and allow it to settle for several hours.

Step 3 – Choose the Right Storage Location

Location really does matter. Things you should not use are:

·         Attic or loft areas – because the temperature will swing drastically, and heat causes things to dry out.

·         Basement areas – because these can be very damp and susceptible to the development of mold.

·         Garages – since they lack climate control and are subject to car exhaust and dust.

·         Near windows – because sunlight fades the color of and deteriorates fibers.

What you want is somewhere dark, cool, and dry, with temperatures between 15°C and 21°C (60°F to 70°F) and humidity at 40%-50%.

Step 4 – Use a Padded Hanger

Key principles to follow while storing your leather jacket: always hang the jacket up, and never fold or stack it. The leather is soft, and it can easily develop creases. Folding creates permanent creases in leather which gradually cause it to weaken. Make sure you use either padded or wooden hangers, whose shoulders are broad and rounded.

Step 5 – Use a Breathable Garment Bag

No plastics or vinyls should be used for storing the leather jacket. These items create a seal which traps in moisture and will cause mold and mildew to grow on the leather. An ideal garment bag is one made from breathable material such as cotton or canvas.

Step 6 – Add Moisture Control

Should your storage location have slightly higher humidity levels, put a silica gel pack or even a little box of baking soda near the jacket to help soak up the extra moisture. However, make sure that you don’t place it on the leather surface.

Step 7 – Check Periodically

Problems can arise even when the jacket is in storage. Inspect your jacket once every 4 to 6 weeks during the summer months:

·         Feel the leather for any hardness or dryness.

·         Check for any musty or moldy odor.

·         Check for any signs of discoloration or spots.

What Not to Do – The “Never” List for Summer Storage

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful
Folding or stacking	Forming permanent wrinkles that make the leather weak
Plastic bags	Moisture trapped inside makes way for molds and fungi growth
Direct sunlight	Causes discoloration and drying of leather fibers
Attics, basements, or garages	The variations in temperature and humidity levels cause damage
Skipping cleaning	Dirt and oil oxidize, thus creating stains and unpleasant smells
Heavy weight on top	Compresses the leather and alters the shape

What to Do If You Find Mold or Stiffness

If you spot mold: Avoid brushing when the leather is wet as it will only serve to spread the spores further. Instead, create an even mixture of water and white vinegar and use the solution to wipe down the area. Let the leather dry completely in an area that has plenty of ventilation but no direct sunlight exposure.

If the leather feels stiff: This means that it has lost its oil content. Generously apply conditioner for lambskin to it, and wait until it absorbs completely. Do this again after 24 hours if there is no improvement.

When to Get Your Jacket Professionally Stored

There are even some leather stores that provide storage facilities with climate control conditions. If you happen to live in a place where there is very hot weather and humidity during summers (like desert or tropical regions), then perhaps this could be an idea worth considering.

Closing Thought – Where to Go Next

Proper storing of your lambskin jacket throughout the summer will guarantee that it remains soft and elegant until the next winter season comes around. This, however, is only one facet of the lambskin management process, which includes a lot more than cleaning. To learn everything regarding your lambskin jacket, you can refer to the following guide on lambskin care: “Men’s Leather Jacket in Lambskin: The Complete Guide — What Nobody Tells You About Quality, Feel & Value“. It touches upon everything you might want to know about it.