How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Leather Jacket Safely

You open a parcel or pull a jacket out of a suitcase, and there they are: creases across the back, folds down the sleeves and a dent where it was packed. It is one of the most common worries with a new or well-travelled leather jacket. The good news is that most wrinkles in leather are temporary. With a little patience and the right method, you can smooth them out at home without damaging the hide.

This guide covers the gentle methods first, then the ones that need more care, and finally what you should never do.

Why Leather Jackets Wrinkle

Leather is a natural material with fibres that move and settle. When a jacket is folded tightly, stored under weight or packed for shipping, those fibres hold the shape they were pressed into. Softer leathers such as lambskin and sheepskin crease more easily than thicker cowhide, but they also relax faster.

It also helps to know the difference between wrinkles and character creases. Wrinkles from folding are sharp, random and usually fade. Creases at the elbows and inner arms come from wearing the jacket and are part of how leather moulds to you. You do not need to remove those, and trying too hard can do more harm than good.

Method 1: Hang It and Give It Time

The simplest method is also the safest.

1. Use a wide, padded or wooden hanger that supports the shoulders. Thin wire hangers create new dents.
2. Fasten the zip or top buttons so the front hangs straight.
3. Leave it somewhere cool and airy, away from radiators and direct sunlight, with space around it.
4. Wait a few days. Gravity and the natural movement of the leather will relax light folds on their own.

For a jacket that has just arrived, this is usually all you need. Wearing it for a few hours also helps, because body warmth softens the leather and movement smooths the creases.

Method 2: Gentle Bathroom Steam

If the folds are still visible after a few days, a little indirect moisture can help.

1. Hang the jacket in the bathroom, well away from the shower itself.
2. Run a hot shower for 10 to 15 minutes with the door closed so the room fills with steam.
3. Leave the jacket in the warm, humid air, but never let water drip or spray onto it.
4. Take it out, smooth the creased areas lightly with your hands and let it dry naturally on its hanger.

The aim is soft, indirect steam, not wet leather. If you see water droplets forming on the surface, move it further away next time.

Using a Garment Steamer

A handheld steamer can work on stubborn folds, but keep it moving and hold it well away from the surface. Test it first on a hidden area such as the inside of the hem. Never press the steamer head against the leather and never steam suede in this way.

Method 3: Condition the Leather

Dry leather holds creases more stubbornly. A good leather conditioner restores some suppleness so the hide can relax.

• Test the conditioner on a hidden spot first and let it dry to check the colour.
• Apply a small amount with a soft, clean cloth, working in gentle circles over the creased areas.
• Let it absorb fully, then buff off any excess.
• Hang the jacket afterwards so it can settle as the conditioner sinks in.

Do not overdo it. A light coat every few months is plenty for most jackets. Conditioner is not suitable for suede or nubuck, which need specialist products.

Method 4: Low Heat With a Cloth Barrier (Use With Care)

Some people use an iron for deep folds. This is the riskiest method, so only try it if the gentler options have not worked, and only on smooth leather.

• Set the iron to its lowest heat with the steam turned off.
• Lay a dry cotton cloth or brown paper over the crease. Never let the iron touch the leather directly.
• Press lightly for a few seconds at a time, then lift and check. Keep the iron moving.
• Let the area cool completely before handling it.

Test on a hidden area first. Too much heat can darken, stiffen or permanently mark leather, and it can damage linings, prints and finishes. If you are unsure, skip this step.

What Not to Do

• Don't soak the jacket or put it in a washing machine or tumble dryer.
• Don't use a hairdryer on high heat or dry it on a radiator.
• Don't iron leather directly or with steam.
• Don't stretch or pull creases hard, as this can distort the panels.
• Don't fold it back into a bag once it has relaxed.

When to Call a Professional

If the jacket has deep, set-in creases, very delicate leather or a special finish, a professional leather cleaner is the safest choice. They have the right equipment to reshape leather without damaging it.

How to Stop Wrinkles Coming Back

Most creases come from how a jacket is stored. Keep it on a wide hanger in a breathable cloth bag, give it some space in the wardrobe and avoid folding it into drawers or boxes. Our guide on how to store a leather jacket has more tips, and how to clean a leather jacket at home covers everyday care.

Shop Leather Jackets Built to Last

Looking for a jacket that will soften and settle with wear? Browse a few favourites, available in sizes XS to 4XL with free shipping:

• Men's Heritage Black Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket
• Men's Black Lambskin Leather Harrington Jacket
• Women's Aria Black Leather Bomber Jacket
• Women's Black Leather Trench Coat

Or explore the full range in our men's and women's jackets collection.