There is no denying that leather jackets are valuable pieces of clothing that can help you make a statement. They ooze confidence and attitude and can say a lot about your personality. But did you know that high humidity levels can affect your leather jackets? If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite leather bags feel different during the rainy season or why mold growth seems to show up out of nowhere, you’re not alone. Leather, while timeless and stylish, is incredibly sensitive to environmental changes—especially in humid weather. When leather goods are exposed to humid conditions for long periods, the material can absorb excess moisture, becoming vulnerable to cracking, warping, or worse—mold.
Increased relative humidity in the air—whether due to warm air or cold air fluctuations—creates an environment that can destroy your beloved leather items if you're not careful. That’s why following the right leather storage tips is crucial to prevent damage and maintain the quality of your pieces. Whether you’re storing leather jackets, leather bags, or other leather garments, it’s important to let leather breathe. Avoid sealing them in plastic bags, as plastic can trap moisture and accelerate mold growth. Instead, choose a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
Using silica gel packets in your storage area can help absorb excess moisture and prevent mold from forming during long periods of non-use. Also, avoid placing leather in direct sunlight, which can dry it out too quickly and damage the surface. If your leather becomes wet, allow it to air dry naturally and wipe it gently with a soft cloth to remove dust or residue. Regular use of a leather conditioner helps to keep the leather soft and supple, reducing the chances of cracking or stiffness.
In short, if you want to extend the life of your leather goods, be mindful of your storage environment, especially in humid weather. By following a few smart practices, you can keep your pieces looking and feeling luxurious—no matter the season.
What is humidity and why does it affect different materials
Although not visible to the naked eye, there is the water content in form of water vapor in the air. The measurement of this moisture vapor is what is known as humidity, with the normal humidity level ranging from 30 to 40%.
Humidity can affect different types of materials, although this can vary. This is especially true in the case of high humidity, damaging some materials.
Leather is known for its durability, making it a great choice for making jackets, shoes, pants, and other wearable things. Unfortunately, in the face of heat and humidity, it is not particularly tough.
Leather and humidity: how humidity affects leather, main problems
Humidity and leather products are not always enemies. Leather products are in fact designed to absorb moisture, keeping them soft and comfortable to wear. As a result, interaction with moderate humidity levels should not cause any issues.
Problems occur when the humidity level is too high. Humidity levels that exceed 60% can affect the quality of the leather and potentially cause decay. For this reason, you should avoid storing your leather jacket in excessive and inconsistent humidity at all costs.
How to Protect Your Leather Jacket from Humidity
Humidity can attract several potentially harmful organisms, including fungus, mold, and mildew, when present in a room. It can be frustrating to open your wardrobe and see your favorite leather jacket coated in fungus and mold.
To prevent this, here are some tips for protecting your leather jacket.
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Install a dehumidifier
This is by far the most effective way to control humidity in your wardrobe or bedroom. Simply adjust the dehumidifier to remove excess humidity and keep your wardrobe at the ideal humidity level.
Pro Tip:
If a high-end dehumidifier is out of your price range, you can use disposable cigar dehumidifiers. They'll do for a small closet, but you won't be able to adjust the humidity. Simply check their condition once a month and replace them as soon as they get very dry.
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Use Leather Protector Solution
Leather protector solutions are now much more affordable, and you can easily buy them online. They may appear to be an unnecessary item, yet they are really essential to use on all leather products.
One advantage of these products is that they work on all leather surfaces. This means that you'll only need one product to keep moisture out of your leather coats, bags, and even shoes!
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Store in Their Original Boxes
One of the simplest ways to store your leather items in humid conditions is to repackage them in their original box. Indeed, many leather bag makers will provide a dust bag with the purchase, and this is not just for show.
So, the next time you buy leather items, keep the bag for safe storage of your leather products when not in use. For extra protection, throw in some silica gels to help reduce humidity.
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Only Purchase Quality Leather Products
It may surprise you, but low-quality leather items are more susceptible to humidity than original leather products. This is because these items are subjected to incorrect processes at the tannery, factory, or storage area, resulting in increased humidity when they reach your hands.
Buying from a reputable retailer or manufacturer is one sure way to ensure that you only purchase quality leather jackets. Independence Brothers is a great place to order a custom leather item. Here, you will find a wide range of high-quality leather jackets to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Keeping the ideal humidity level for your leather products should not be hard. All of the tips can help you keep your leather jacket in great condition so you can wear it for years to come.
How else do your preserve your leather jacket? Please let us know in the comment section below. You can also drop us your questions or concerns and we will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible.
by April Quibido
A wife, a mom, and a definite homebody who loves writing about all sorts of interesting things online. She loves fashion, interior design, and other creative pursuits—writing included. She also has entrepreneurial endeavors and, like everyone else, wants to thrive and grow in all aspects of life.