Leatherotics Leather Care Guide

Good leather will last for years if it's looked after properly.
At Leatherotics, we've spent over 20 years working with leather garments, from corsets and trousers to jackets and specialist pieces. The materials we use are selected for comfort, durability, and long-term wear, but like any natural material, leather needs a little care to keep it looking its best.
This guide covers the basics of cleaning, storing, and maintaining your leather clothing so it continues to look good over time.

Understanding Leather

Leather is a natural material, so it will soften, stretch slightly, and develop character with wear. Small variations in texture or grain are completely normal and part of what makes each piece unique. We never use Fake leather such as Pu, Faux, Vegan or Bonded leather.

The Types of Leather We Use

Full-grain cow leather
Stronger and more structured, this leather is known for durability and its ability to age well over time.

Sheep and goat leather
Softer and lighter, these leathers are often used for fitted garments and are comfortable for regular wear, but they do need slightly more care.

How to Clean Leather Clothing

Leather doesn't need constant cleaning, but regular light care helps keep it in good condition.

Everyday Cleaning

Wipe with a soft dry cloth
Use a slightly damp cloth for light marks
Leather wipes can be used for gentle cleaning

Deeper Cleaning

For more noticeable marks:

Use a soft cloth with a small amount of mild soap and water
Wipe gently - don't scrub
Avoid soaking the leather
Always test on a hidden area first

Avoid strong chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface.

Sweat and Regular Wear

Leather can absorb moisture over time, especially in warmer conditions.
After wearing:

Let the garment air naturally
Wipe lightly if needed
Avoid storing while damp

This helps prevent odours and keeps the leather in better condition.

If Leather Gets Wet

Leather isn't waterproof, so it's best to avoid soaking it.
If your item does get wet:

Pat it dry with a soft towel
Let it air dry naturally
Keep it away from direct heat such as radiators or heaters

Drying too quickly can make leather stiff.

Preventing Creases

Some creasing is normal, especially with wear.
To reduce unwanted creases:

Hang garments properly
Iron the leather please check the video below
Avoid folding for long periods
Use wide or padded hangers
Store items with enough space

Light creases often relax naturally over time.

Storing Leather Properly

Good storage helps extend the life of your leather clothing.

Best Conditions

Cool, dry environment
Away from direct sunlight
Avoid damp or humid areas

Hanging & Storage

Use strong, supportive hangers
Avoid thin wire hangers
Store smaller items in breathable bags

Avoid plastic covers for long-term storage, as leather needs to breathe.

Conditioning Leather

Leather can occasionally need conditioning to stay soft and flexible.

Use a suitable leather conditioner
Apply lightly with a soft cloth
Do not over-apply

When to Condition

Usually every few months, or when the leather starts to feel dry.

Caring for Leather Corsets & Structured Garments

Corsets and structured garments need a little extra care:

Loosen laces after wearing
Store flat or hanging where possible
Avoid crushing under heavier items
Keep steel-boned garments dry

Genuine Leather vs PU, Faux & Bonded Leather

Many leather-look products on the market are made from PU leather, faux leather, bonded leather, or other synthetic alternatives. While these materials can sometimes look similar when new, they often wear differently over time and it gets cracks.

Genuine leather is a natural material that tends to be stronger, more breathable, and longer lasting when properly cared for. It also develops character with use, softening naturally and ageing in a way that synthetic materials usually do not.

PU and faux leather are man-made alternatives that can be lower maintenance, but they may crack, peel, or lose their finish sooner depending on quality and wear. Bonded leather is made using leather fibres combined with synthetic materials and adhesives, which can make it less durable than full leather hides.

At Leatherotics, we focus on real leather garments chosen for comfort, durability, and long-term wear, helping customers invest in clothing designed to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean leather clothing at home?
For light cleaning, use a soft dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a small amount of mild soap and wipe gently. Avoid soaking the leather.

Can leather clothing be machine washed?
No. Real leather should not be machine washed, tumble dried, or fully soaked in water.

How often should I condition leather?
Usually every few months, depending on how often the garment is worn. If the leather feels dry, it may be time to condition it.

How should I store leather clothing?
Store leather garments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use quality hangers and avoid plastic covers for long-term storage.

What happens if leather gets wet?
Pat it dry gently with a towel and allow it to air dry naturally away from heat.

Can creases be removed from leather using Iron.
Minor creases often relax naturally once the garment is worn or hung properly. But you can Iron the leather please check this video.

How do I care for a leather corset?
Store it flat or hanging, loosen the laces after use, and keep it dry.

Does real leather last a long time?
Yes. A well-made leather garment can last for many years when properly cared for.

Genuine Leather vs PU, Faux & Bonded Leather

Many leather-look garments on the market are made from PU leather, faux leather, bonded leather, or other synthetic materials. While these can sometimes look similar when new, they are very different from genuine leather in how they feel, wear, and age over time.
Real leather is a natural material known for durability, breathability, flexibility, and character that improves with use. It often softens naturally and develops a unique finish over the years.
PU leather and faux leather are synthetic alternatives that may be lower maintenance at first, but they can crack, peel, or lose their finish over time depending on quality and use.
Bonded leather is made using leather fibres combined with synthetic materials and coatings. It can be more affordable, but it does not usually offer the same strength or lifespan as full leather.
Leatherotics focuses on genuine leather garments selected for comfort, durability, and long-term wear.

FAQs About Genuine Leather vs Faux Leather

What is the difference between genuine leather and PU leather?
Genuine leather is made from real animal hide, while PU leather is a synthetic material designed to imitate leather. Real leather is usually more durable and ages naturally over time.

Does faux leather last as long as real leather?
In most cases, real leather lasts longer when properly cared for. Faux leather can wear well initially, but may crack or peel with age depending on quality.

What is bonded leather?
Bonded leather is made from leftover leather fibres mixed with synthetic materials and finished with a coating. It is different from full leather hides.

Is genuine leather better for clothing?
Many people prefer genuine leather clothing for its feel, flexibility, breathability, and the way it softens with wear.

Can PU leather crack or peel?
Some lower-grade PU or faux leather products can crack, peel, or flake over time, especially with heavy wear or poor storage conditions.

Does real leather need more care?
Real leather benefits from occasional care and conditioning, but many customers feel the longer lifespan and natural feel make it worthwhile.

Why does genuine leather cost more?
Genuine leather usually costs more because it starts as a natural raw material that must go through a skilled and time-consuming tanning process before it becomes usable leather. Hides need to be cleaned, treated, softened, dyed, and finished properly to create a material that is durable, flexible, and comfortable to wear. Quality leather also tends to last much longer than many synthetic alternatives, which are often made from plastic-based materials designed to imitate the look of leather. While the upfront price can be higher, many people choose genuine leather for its longevity, feel, and lasting value over time.

Does Leatherotics use real leather?
Leatherotics uses carefully selected genuine leather with butter-soft texture depending on the garment style, chosen for comfort, finish, and durability.

Final Thoughts

A well-made leather garment should last for years, not months.
With the right care, your Leatherotics pieces will soften naturally, wear beautifully, and continue to look better over time.

Need Advice?

If you're unsure how to care for a specific item, feel free to contact us. We're always happy to help.