Leather Care
We believe this is the
best product to keep your leather jacket clean and long lasting so
we include one free with each jacket ordered!
Learn More
About Leather
Leather is one of
nature's most versatile and sensual materials. It offers comfort and
durability in a variety of beautiful finishes, textures and colors.
3B West's Leather apparel and accessories are designed with the
quality and pride that have made us the world-wide leader in leather
fashion. We know leather. Its characteristics. Its value. The way it
makes you look good and feel good like any luxurious item should.
Our remarkable leather fashions provide years of pleasure and
long-lasting use. Through our experience we've learned the best
methods for maintaining leather. The following information explains
how leather is made and the best ways to keep your leather looking
its best for years to come.
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The History
Of Leather And How It Is Made
Leather has been
made in various locations around the world for more than 5000 years,
and the first tanners guilds have been traced as far back as twelfth
century England. Although tanning methods have changed with new
technologies, the end result is a product that has been valued for
centuries.
The first step in
the modern tanning method is to apply a protective treatment to the
hides (whole pelts from cattle) or skins (the pelts of younger or
smaller animals). Next they are put through a chemical process to
keep them soft and flexible. Now the tanners can work with the
leather to adjust the thickness, color and apply a variety of
finishes. The end product is sent to manufacturers, who cut and sew
the leather into apparel and accessories.
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The Look
and Feel of Leather
When most people
see leather, their first reaction is to touch it. The way leather
feels is called its hand. In general, the softer the hand, the
higher the cost.
The raw material,
which is a determined by genetics, greatly influences the quality of
leather. Every hide and skin has sections that are naturally
wrinkled, softer or thinner in certain areas. Environmental factors,
including climate and food supply, also affect the final product.
Since leather is a natural material, it is never uniform. Its small
surface imperfections create a unique beauty that can never be
duplicated.
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Shopping
Tips
- Consider the cut, style and
lining that work best for your lifestyle.
- The price of leather is mostly
determined by the quality of the raw materials and style of the
apparel or accessory.
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Leather
Facts
- Leather is tear and
puncture-resistant.
- Leather protects from heat,
cold and wind; and it repels moisture.
- Leather items are available in
a variety of weights and made with different linings for comfort
in warm and cold weather.
- Leather apparel stretches and
molds to your body, yet at the same time retains its shape.
- Leather breathes -- that's
what keeps it soft and supple.
- Leather is an agricultural
by-product of the food industry. We purchase the hides and
transform them into beautiful leather apparel and accessories.
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Leather Protection and Care
- Use a high-quality water and
stain repellent product, like our Bickmore Gard-More spray, to
help prevent water stains and soiling on sueded
leather BEFORE you wear your garment. Their special
formula is free of silicone and wax, ingredients that break down
the natural oils in leather. We recommend Bickmore Gard-More for
all types of leather and suede. Apply immediately after
purchasing your new leather item, and every two or three months
with regular use or as needed.
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- Use a high quality leather
lotion on a soft cloth to moisturize your finished
smooth leather.
Bickmore Bick-4 is specially formulated with lanolin oils to
replenish natural oils and protect all fine, smooth and grained
leather. Avoid using Bick-4 Lotion on suede or buffed leather
(leather that has a nap).
- Avoid using cleaning fluid,
shoe cream, saddle soap and mink oil. These products contain
ingredients that may damage leather.
- We recommend that you test any
protection and cleaning products on a hidden area of the
leather.
- Don't keep heavy objects, such
as key chains, in your pockets. Doing so will stretch or damage
the leather.
- Avoid applying hair sprays and
perfumes while wearing leather.
- Don't attach pins, adhesive
badges or tape to leather.
- Repair loose hems or unglued
lacing with a small amount of rubber cement or super glue.
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Cleaning
- See leather care and
protection instructions above. Leather care starts before
stain, not after.
- Gently blot liquid stains with
a clean cloth and let dry. Once dry, use a stiff brush on
suede to raise the nap. A pencil eraser will often remove
ink marks followed by a stiff brush to raise the nap.
Careful use of a knife edge can sometimes scrape away surface
dried marks. For smooth leathers, simply wipe with damp
cloth and use leather conditioner as needed.
- Winter salt can stain your
leather. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth and dry naturally.
- Visit a professional leather
cleaner for more serious stains. Normal dry cleaning methods
will remove essential oils, causing the leather to crack, fade
and shrink. A cleaner who specializes in leather care will use a
different method to clean and condition the leather. Even this
special process may cause slight variations in color, texture,
and shape; so it is important to clean matching garments
together.
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Care when wet
- If your leather becomes wet,
allow it to dry at room temperature. (Never put leather in the
dryer.) Then apply a leather or suede protector sold at
shoe/boot stores. Buff suede with a soft towel to restore the
nap.
- If your garment has real or
faux fur trim and the fur gets wet, dry it with a hair dryer set
on the lowest temperature. Shake fur during the drying process,
and periodically during wear to maintain loft and maximize
appearance.
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Storage
- Store your leather coat or
jacket on a wide wooden, plastic or padded hanger to help
maintain its shape.
- Store leather in a
well-ventilated, cool, dry place. Avoid hot areas, such as
attics; or damp areas, such as cellars.
- Cover your leather with
breathable cloth, like cotton sheets, when storing. Fully
enclosed or sealed plastic bags or coverings may cause excessive
drying.
- Wrinkles and creases in
leather should hang out. If ironing is necessary, place heavy
brown paper over the leather and use a cool to medium iron. Take
care not to overheat the leather, which will cause it to shine.
Use a steamer to remove wrinkles on suede and smooth leathers.
- Avoid exposing leather to
direct sunlight or heat for prolonged periods of time.
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