Good leather riding gear can last for decades. Bugs, road grime, sun and rain will wear it out early if you don't look after it. The good news is that leather care is simple and cheap. Here's how to keep your vest, jacket and chaps riding for years.
Quick routine
- After every ride: wipe off bugs and road dirt with a soft, damp cloth.
- When it's dirty: clean it with a mild leather cleaner.
- A few times a year: condition it, and more often if you ride a lot in sun and rain.
- Off-season: clean it, condition it, then hang it in a breathable bag somewhere cool and dry.
How to clean leather motorcycle gear
- Brush off loose dirt with a soft cloth or soft brush.
- Wipe with a damp cloth. Use water only, and wring the cloth out well. The leather should never get soaked.
- For heavier dirt, use a cleaner made for leather, or a few drops of mild soap in water. Work in small sections, then wipe off any residue with a clean, damp cloth.
- Let it air-dry on a wide hanger before you condition it.
Always test first. Try any cleaner or conditioner on a hidden spot, such as inside a pocket flap or under the collar, to make sure it won't darken or stain your leather.
Never put leather in a washing machine or dryer, or soak it in water. Avoid household cleaners, alcohol and solvents, which strip the natural oils that keep leather supple.
What to do when your leather gets soaked
Getting caught in the rain happens to every rider. Here's how to keep it from ruining your gear:
- Blot off the extra water with a towel. Don't rub.
- Empty the pockets and hang the gear on a wide, padded hanger so it keeps its shape.
- Let it dry slowly at room temperature. Never use a heater, hair dryer or direct sun, because fast drying makes leather stiff and can crack it.
- Once it's dry but still slightly cool to the touch, apply a light coat of conditioner to bring back its softness.
How to condition leather
Conditioner puts back the oils that sun, wind and washing take out. Without them, leather dries out and cracks, especially at the elbows and shoulders, where the leather flexes.
- Use a conditioner made for garment leather, and apply a thin, even coat with a soft cloth.
- Let it soak in, then buff off any excess. Too much conditioner leaves leather greasy and attracts dirt, so several light coats are better than one heavy one.
- A few times a year is enough for most riders. Condition more often if you ride a lot in hot sun or wet weather.
Should I use a waterproofing spray?
A leather water-repellent spray helps rain bead up and roll off, which makes cleanup easier. It doesn't make leather waterproof. If you ride in heavy rain, wear rain gear over your leather. Test any spray on a hidden spot first.
How to get wrinkles out of leather
Hang the garment on a wide hanger and let gravity do the work. Most creases relax within a few days. For stubborn wrinkles, hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, keeping it well away from the water, and let the steam soften the leather. Avoid putting an iron on leather, because direct heat can scorch or shrink it.
How to store leather gear in the off-season
- Clean and condition it before you put it away, because dirt left on leather for months can stain.
- Hang jackets and vests on wide, padded hangers, and hang chaps by the waist or fold them loosely.
- Use a breathable cloth garment bag. Never store leather in plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mildew.
- Keep it somewhere cool and dry, away from sunlight and heaters. Check it once or twice during the off-season.
When to go to a professional
For deep stains, mildew, ink or a full restoration, take your gear to a cleaner who specializes in leather. Regular dry cleaning can damage leather.
Related guides
- Leather Motorcycle Vest Size Guide: How to Measure & How It Should Fit
- How Should Leather Chaps Fit? Sizing, Length & How to Cut Them
- Buffalo vs. Cowhide: Which Leather Is Better for Riding Gear?
Gear built to last with good care
These Buffalo Leather Gear favorites will ride for years if you look after them:
- Covington Buffalo Leather Vest (HL11018NKD)
- Classic Black Leather Chaps (HL12800SPT)
- Men's Old-School Police-Style Leather Jacket (HL10205BLACK)
- Women's Classic Black Leather Vest (HL14850SPT)
Common questions
Can I use mink oil or saddle soap on my leather jacket?
Mink oil and saddle soap are popular for boots and heavy leather, but they can darken and soften garment leather. If you use them on a jacket, vest or chaps, test on a hidden spot first and use very little.
Does leather stretch?
A little. Real leather relaxes and shapes to your body as you wear it, but it won't go up a full size. See our vest size guide and FAQ for fit tips.
Have a question about caring for your gear? Call us at (770) 483-1060 or stop by our Conyers, GA or Ormond Beach, FL store. Shop men's vests, women's vests, jackets and chaps.