Made to last, made to age well
How To Care For Your Leather Jacket
Every Melvin & Hamilton leather jacket is crafted from genuine leather, chosen and finished by hand in our atelier. Leather is a natural material. It breathes, it softens, and over time it develops a patina that's entirely its own. With a little care, your jacket will only get better with age.
Here's everything you need to know to keep it looking its best, season after season.
Know Your Leather
Your jacket is made from one of two leather types, each with its own character and its own care needs.
Smooth Leather
A supple, refined leather with a natural sheen. Easy to wipe clean and naturally water resistant.
Suede
A soft, brushed leather with a matte, textured finish. More delicate and sensitive than smooth leather.
Caring For Smooth Leather
Everyday cleaning
Wipe down with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. For light marks, use a slightly damp cloth and let the leather air dry naturally.
Conditioning
Every three to four months, apply our Nourishing Cream to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out or cracking. Always test on a small, hidden area first.
If it gets wet
Wipe off excess water with a dry cloth and let the jacket air dry away from heat sources. Don't rush it — smooth leather that dries too quickly can stiffen or crack.
Storage
Hang on a padded hanger in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Leave enough space around it for air to circulate.
Caring For Suede
Everyday cleaning
Brush gently with our Suede Brush, always in the same direction, to remove dust and restore the nap. For scuffs, a suede eraser works well.
Stains and spots
Blot, but never rub any spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the nap. For stubborn marks, we recommend a suede-specific cleaner or a professional leather cleaner.
If it gets wet
Let it air dry naturally, away from heat. Once fully dry, brush gently to restore the texture.
Storage
Store in a breathable cotton garment bag, never plastic. Keep away from humidity, which can cause mildew on suede.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions.
Can I wear my leather jacket in the rain?
Light rain is fine, especially with smooth leather. For suede, we recommend a protector spray and avoiding heavy rain when possible.
How often should I condition my jacket?
For smooth leather, every three to four months, or whenever it starts to feel dry. Suede doesn't need conditioning, but benefits from a protector spray.
Can I dry clean my jacket?
We recommend against standard dry cleaning. If you need professional cleaning, look for a specialist in leather and suede garments.
Why is my jacket changing color slightly?
This is a natural patina forming over time. It's a normal part of how genuine leather ages and is not a sign of damage.
How should I store my jacket during the off-season?
Clean and condition it first (smooth leather) or brush it (suede), then store it on a padded hanger in a breathable garment bag, away from direct light and humidity.
