Leather Care

Leather ages gracefully and can last a lifetime with proper care right from the start. * NUMBER ONE! Rub Mink oil (available everywhere in shoe care department) into garment ONCE if not TWICE a year. This keeps the leather from drying out and cracking (just like your skin, if it is dry, it cracks and splits)the cow is no longer there to produce the oils. * Always hang leather garments on wide or padded hangers to maintain their shape. * Use shoetrees in footwear and stuff empty handbags with tissue to help retain their shape. * Never store leather goods in plastic or other non-breathable covers. This will cause leather to become dry. * Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any heat source. * Leather can be treated with a conditioner (mink oil) to restore flexibility while suede can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look. * In winter, promptly remove salt deposits from garments and footwear by sponging with clear water, then follow with the above treatment for wet or damp leather. * Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight. * Do not use waxes, silicone products or other leather preparations that impair a garment's ability to breathe. * Wrinkles should hang out. If ironing is desired, set iron on rayon setting, use heavy brown wrapping paper as a pressing cloth on right side of the garment and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine. * Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment and do not apply pins, adhesive badges or tape. * Hems may be fixed with a tiny amount of rubber cement. For best results see a leather care professional. * All products designed to be used at home should be tested on an inconspicuous part of the garment.