Conditioning a leather jacket

[Rune]

I was getting ready to look up how best to condition my late stepfather's old leather jacket, and I wanted to check if some of the forum's leatherworkers have any suggestions on products, techniques, etc. to use. (So I'm looking at y'all, @chiefjason, @HandyDave, etc - or maybe any of those who regularly post on the Motorcycle forum).

Not knowing much about leatherwork, my naive thought was "Care for it the way you would an OWB leather holster", but what the hell do I know?

I know I can ask Uncle Google, but I also value the experiences of this community.

 

[chiefjason]

I make my own but another maker recommended this recently.

https://www.amazon.com/Boot-Guard-Leather-Dressing-Conditions/dp/B01DJOVASE/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2AK4SVK45U8SV&keywords=boot+guard+leather+dressing&qid=1707332565&sprefix=boot+guard%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-5

This has also come highly recommended before.

https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Honey-Conditioner-Furniture-Accessories/dp/B003IS3HV0/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2661TE1GHGUQ1&keywords=leather+conditioner+jacket&qid=1707332627&sprefix=leather+conditioner+jacket%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[Diablos]

i use obenaufs on my boots (sometimes on jackets as well), but started using montana pitch blend, particularly on my 80+ year old schott motorcycle jacket.

with any lighter jacket id test in an inconspicuous spot (behind the collar would be good), to make sure its not going to darken any more than you like.

professional cleaning/conditioning is also an option at a place like this https://www.arrowcare.com/

 

[Rune]

professional cleaning/conditioning is also an option at a place like this https://www.arrowcare.com/

That's a thought - never would've even thought to go that route. I've got to look up an estimate on shipping. It looks like they'll pay for it to them, and I have to pay for it back.

If I can't go the DIY route or if doesn't look substantially better after I try it myself, I'll look into this more.

 

[ronn47]

I used the leather honey conditioner that @chiefjason mentioned on a lambskin jacket with great results.

 

[Diablos]

That's a thought - never would've even thought to go that route. I've got to look up an estimate on shipping. It looks like they'll pay for it to them, and I have to pay for it back.

If I can't go the DIY route or if doesn't look substantially better after I try it myself, I'll look into this more.

one of the big reasons to send it off (and why i need to for my vintage jacket), is to clean sweat, salts, and dirt out of the liner and collar area. keeps that stuff from ruining the leather (over the long haul of course, im sure it doesnt need to be done every year)

 

[DRFury]

I’ve used this on jackets and chaps.
Can’t recall where I got it, some bike leather shop several years ago.

 

[HandyDave]

I cant add much over whats been said. I've used the leather honey with good results as well as the Montana pitch blend. And also like has been said regardless of what conditioner you go with I would definitely try it under the collar or somewhere first to see how its gonna react with your jacket. Some leathers and conditioners can do some funny stuff when used together.

 

[mellocollins]

Ballistol or pure food grade mineral oil has worked for a long time.

Neatsfoot oil if you want something more “natural”. It has to be reapplied more often.

I am wearing a similar jacket right now.