Leather is one of the most durable materials there is, which is just one of the reasons why it is so popular. When manufacturing this material, the animal hide is tanned and processed to prevent deterioration and decay. Though this increases the longevity of the material, it creates a shiny, soft texture that can emit squeaky noises when it rubs on itself.

This noisy quality won’t damage your leather jacket in any way but it can be disruptive when it's all you hear every time you move. To save your ears, there are several ways to deal with your leather jacket squeaking and how to stop it from happening in the future.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of slipping on a leather jacket—the timeless style, the bold look, and that signature scent of good quality leather. But if you're greeted with an annoying squeaking sound every time you move, that excitement can quickly fade. Whether it’s a new leather jacket just out of the box or a well-loved piece that’s suddenly making noise, a squeaky leather jacket is a common and frustrating issue that many leather enthusiasts face.

The reason leather squeaks can vary, but it often comes down to moisture, stiff seams, or friction between the surface layers of the garment. In some cases, the problem lies in the affected areas like the seams, where trapped oils or a lack of regular conditioning leads to squeaking. Even jackets made from faux leather can develop similar issues, though the materials respond a bit differently to treatment. Regardless of the cause, the goal is to stop squeaking without doing anything that could damage leather.

To silence that squeaking sound, it’s important to understand how to properly care for your jacket. Using a leather conditioner regularly not only prevents squeaking but also keeps the material soft, supple, and in top shape for daily wear. This is especially important if you're storing your jacket on a clothes hanger, as it can cause stress on certain parts of the jacket and contribute to friction. Dusting baby powder or talcum powder onto the affected areas can also help absorb excess moisture and reduce noise. Just be careful not to overdo it—improper application can damage leather or diminish its look over time.

At the end of the day, a well-maintained jacket should offer a comfortable fit without any distracting sound. With the right care and attention, your squeaky jacket can return to its former silent, stylish glory.

Genuine leather has a variety of advantages, including durability, longevity, and warmth. Another benefit of real leather is that it doesn’t produce the same amount of noise as faux leather. The latter material is essentially a traditional textile coated in plastic, and that plastic layer is what creates the squeaking these pieces are known for. To avoid such a loud jacket, stick with a real leather jacket over the fake ones.

Although genuine leather has fewer squeaks than faux leather, you’ll still be dealing with some noise as you move, especially with a new leather jacket. That’s why it is so important to break in your new leather outerwear. The best way to do this is to wear the jacket as much as possible around the house. You can wear it while watching television, eating dinner, sweeping your floor, or going for walks. The more you wear it, the softer and more bendable the material will become and the quieter it will be.

Another way to reduce the squeaks on your leather jacket is to massage the material, running it through your hands while you gently squeeze the leather. The more you massage the leather, the softer it will become, preventing it from squeaking. As with any type of massage, don’t be too rough on the leather since squeezing too hard or tugging the material can cause damage.

Misting your leather jacket with water incorporates moisture into the material to combat the dryness caused by the tanning process. Don’t use too much or you could end up with saturated material. Instead, use a spray bottle with a light misting function, coating the entire jacket. Then leave it to dry naturally.

Sprinkling a light layer of talcum powder over your leather jacket is a good way to eliminate any squeaking. When applying it, focus mainly on the seams along the arms and shoulders, though you can use talc on the entire surface of the jacket. Don’t use too much talc for this method since this could dry out the leather, causing damage.

Leather conditioner is designed to hydrate, soften, and protect leather, restoring its supple feel as the leather dries out over time. It can also be used right after purchasing a leather jacket to get rid of those annoying squeaks. Dab the leather conditioner onto those noisy areas, like the arms and shoulders, then lightly coat the rest of the leather jacket. Condition your leather gear every few months to maintain the jacket’s look and feel and keep it nice and quiet.

Nothing softens and quiets a leather jacket like use, so wear yours as much as possible after breaking it in. This is because leather stiffens when it’s hanging in a closet not being worn. The more you wear it, the less squeaking you’ll have to deal with.

With so many different ways to get rid of the squeaks in a leather jacket, you’ll have a quieter piece to wear in no time. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below, and don’t forget to share this article with those you know who may have squeaking leather jackets to deal with.