INTRODUCTION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUEDE JACKETS
Suede jackets are a staple in the winter wardrobe. They give you that extra layer of protection against the cold and they look great with all outfits.
Suede leather jackets come in a variety of colors and styles. You can choose from a long, short, or cropped length. Some have zippers or buttons while others have a collar with a belt to cinch the waistline.
There are many different types of suede jackets to choose from. You can find those with an all-over print, some with zippers on the sleeves, others that are cropped with pockets on the front and back.
The price of suede jackets varies as well depending on what you’re looking for in terms of style and function. If you’re looking for something more affordable but want to stay warm this fall or winter season suede jackets are great.
HOW TO CLEAN SUEDE JACKETS
The first step towards the care of suede jacket is cleaning. A is a quick guide to clean your suede jacket
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Brush Off Dirt:
Use a suede brush to gently eliminate dust. Ensure to always brush in one direction. -
Remove Light Stains:
Rub gently with a suede or pencil eraser in circular motions. -
Oil or Wet Spots:
Blot with a dry cloth, apply cornstarch, allow it to remain overnight, then brush it off. -
Tough Stains:
Dab gently with a cloth lightly dampened in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, allow it to dry, then brush it off. -
Protect & Store:
Use a suede protector spray and hang on a padded hanger in a cool, dry place.
HOW TO ELIMINATE STAINS AND ODOURS FROM YOUR JACKETS
If you have a suede jacket that has stains or smells, there are a few steps that you can take to clean it. First, it is important to remember that the cleaner will not work if the stains or smells are set in.
A clean white or pink pencil eraser can help remove small stains or scuffs from suede. Gently rub the eraser in circular motions over the mark using light pressure. Suede erasers are also available. These are special rubber-like blocks designed to clean your suede and nubuck materials without damaging their soft, velvety texture. If erasers do not help remove stains, take a damp cloth and pour some water on it. Next, rub the stain away with the damp cloth. If this doesn't work, put some liquid detergent on the stain and scrub it with a toothbrush. Finally, put some baking soda on the area and scrub away with a dry toothbrush. For tough stains and strong odors consider professional cleaning.
THE BEST WAYS TO STORE YOUR SUEDE JACKET
Keeping your suede jacket clean and free from wrinkles is not an easy task. There are many ways to store a suede jacket.
The first way to store a suede jacket is by using a garment bag. Garment bags are made of nylon, polyester or cotton and they have a zipper in the front that can be closed completely to keep the suede jacket clean and free from dust.
The second way to store a suede jacket is by using shoe boxes. Shoe boxes are made of cardboard, and they have elastic bands on the bottom which can be used for keeping shoes inside them. Shoe boxes can also be used for storing jackets, sweaters, or other garments that need extra protection from dust or dirt.
The third way to store your suede jacket is to hang it up. This will keep it from getting creases and wrinkles on the fabric. If you have a closet with a rod, this is the perfect place for your jacket.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY SUEDE JACKET?
The frequency of cleaning your suede jacket can vary depending on usage and exposure to elements. Here are some general guidelines:
Regular Maintenance: Lightly brush your suede jacket with a suede brush after each wear. This helps remove surface dirt and prevents the buildup of stains and aids gentle stain removal.
Seasonal Cleaning: Perform a deeper cleaning every 6 months to a year, or sooner if you notice stains or odours. Follow the cleaning steps mentioned earlier in the article using suede cleaners or specialized products.
Stain Removal: Address stains promptly. The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it can be to remove. Refer to the stain removal section in this article for specific guidance.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your suede jacket looking its best and prolong its lifespan.
HOW TO POLISH YOUR SUEDE JACKET TO KEEP IT LOOKING NEW
A suede jacket needs to be polished regularly to maintain its appearance. The most common type of polish is a suede leather product. These products can be found in shoe stores or online.
The most important thing to remember when buying suede jacket polish is the color of the jacket. If it’s brown, go for a brown polish and if it’s black, go for black polish. However always test on a small inconspicuous area first.
WILL SNOW RUIN A SUEDE JACKET?
Suede jackets can indeed be sensitive to moisture, including snow. To protect your suede leather jacket in snowy conditions, consider the following tips:
Prevention: Apply a suede protector spray before wearing your jacket in snowy weather. This protective spray will help create a barrier that keeps away moisture and stains. Be sure to reapply the suede protector spray periodically, as it can wear off over time.
Avoid Prolonged Exposure: While it's okay to wear your suede jacket in light snow or drizzle, try to avoid prolonged exposure to heavy snowfall or rain. If you get caught in a snowstorm, shake off any excess snow immediately and allow the jacket to air dry naturally, away from direct heat sources.
Cleaning: If your jacket does become wet, don't panic. Gently blot the excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth, and then hang the jacket in a well-ventilated area to dry. Avoid using direct heat sources like hairdryers, radiators, or heaters, as they can cause the suede item to crack or stiffen. Once it's dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap and texture.
Remember that prevention is key to maintaining your suede jacket's appearance in snowy conditions.
WHAT IF SUEDE JACKET FADES?
Suede jackets are stylish and timeless and a great item to have in your wardrobe. But they can fade over time particularly if exposed to sunlight, rain, or frequent cleaning. The degree of fading is based on how you take care of your jacket. If you want to maintain the color for as long as possible, prevention is the key.
To prevent fading:
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Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture.
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Use a suede protector spray.
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Use a suede brush.
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Store it in a cool, dry place.
If it’s already faded:
You can use a suede color restorer or dye. For best results, consider taking it to a professional cleaner.
A little care goes a long way. With proper care, your suede jacket can stay sharp and stylish for years!
SUEDE JACKET HARDENING
While it’s not common, suede jackets can at times feel stiff or hardened, usually after getting wet or being exposed to extreme temperature changes. If that happens, don’t worry, here’s how you can soften it:
Allow Natural Drying: If your suede jacket gets wet, let it air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid using a hairdryer, radiator, or any direct heat. These can worsen the stiffening and even damage the texture.
Brush and Restore: Once it’s completely dry, take a suede brush and gently go over the surface. Brushing in the direction of the nap (that’s the natural grain of the suede) helps restore its soft, velvety feel and freshens up its look.
Professional Restoration: If your jacket still feels stiff or the texture doesn’t bounce back, it’s best to let a professional suede cleaner or leather specialist take a look. They have the right tools and know how to safely restore your jacket without risking damage.
A little care now saves a lot of hassle later!
HOW TO PATCH AND REPAIR?
Don’t panic if your suede jacket gets a small tear, there are easy ways to fix it at home.
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Wax Paper + Iron: Place wax paper over the tear and press gently with a low-heat iron. It helps seal the area and prevents further damage.
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Fabric or Tacky Glue: Dab a bit of glue on the rip, press both sides together, and hold for a few seconds. Let it dry fully before wearing.
For larger tears, it’s best to visit a professional suede repair expert.
HOW DO YOU FIX A WET SUEDE JACKET?
If your suede jacket gets wet, drying it gently is key to keeping it in good shape.
Start by blotting away as much moisture as possible with a clean, dry towel. Don’t rub, just dab gently. The more water you soak up early, the better your chances of avoiding shrinkage or stiff spots.
Next, let it air dry naturally. If you want to speed things up, place it in front of a fan or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting, keeping it at a distance. Avoid using high heat as it might dry it faster, but it can damage the suede or make it stiff.
With a little patience and the right care, your suede jacket will dry out without losing its soft texture or shape.
Conclusion
Taking care of your suede jacket doesn’t have to be complicated but a little regular maintenance does it all.
A quick brush every now and then with a suede brush, plus the occasional spot clean, is usually all it takes to keep it looking sharp. For a deeper clean, try giving it some extra attention every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you wear it and the kind of weather it's exposed to.
That said, prevention is your best friend. Use a suede protector spray before wearing it out, avoid exposing it to heavy rain or extreme conditions, and treat any stains right away. These simple steps can help maintain that soft texture and rich color and ensure that your jacket will last for years to come.
And remember, it’s totally okay to ask for help. If your jacket has a tough stain, feels stiff, or has a small tear, a professional suede cleaner or leather specialist can bring it back to life.
With just a bit of care, your suede jacket will stay stylish, soft, and ready to wear for many seasons to come.