Leather Care

Genuine leather is valued for its durability and breathability, and for the rich patina and character it develops with age. With proper care, a DM Legend jacket is designed to provide decades of wear. Here's how to look after yours.

If Your Jacket Gets Caught in the Rain

Genuine leather naturally resists light moisture, but it is not intended for prolonged exposure to heavy rain or wet conditions. If your jacket gets wet:

  • Hang it on a hanger sized to fit the shoulders properly — the shoulders shouldn't hang off the edges
  • Keep it away from radiators, heaters, or other direct heat sources while it dries
  • Don't put it back in the closet until it's completely dry

Restoring Leather After It Dries

For smooth, glossy leather: Wipe away any dirt with a damp cloth. Apply a small amount of liquid, colorless lanolin to a soft sponge, then gently massage it into the leather. Repeating this once or twice a year keeps the leather looking refreshed.

For suede and nubuck: Use a soft-bristled clothes brush to remove dirt, then a soft rubber brush to lift the nap. A garment steamer can help — hold it hot but not spitting, and steam the garment slowly without letting the steamer touch the leather directly.

For buffalo or vintage-finish leather: These finishes are designed to show natural wear as part of their character. Simply hang to dry — no special treatment needed.

Removing Creases and Folds

For smooth, glossy, or buffalo leather: Lay the wrinkled area skin-side up on an ironing board. Place a dry, 100% cotton cloth over it. Using a dry iron on a low setting (no steam), press gently in short, even strokes, checking frequently. Excessive heat can permanently damage leather, so always test on a small, inconspicuous area first, and never leave the iron in one place for long. If you're at all unsure, we recommend consulting a professional leather care specialist rather than ironing at home.

For suede and nubuck: Use a garment steamer, holding it away from direct contact with the leather, and steam slowly and evenly across the garment. As above, test a small area first and stop if you notice any change in texture or color.

White Spots or Marks

Leather hides go through an extensive cleaning and tanning process before becoming a finished jacket. Occasionally, contact with water (rain or snow) and air can cause faint white marks to appear on the surface. Gentle ironing as described above, with the same precautions, typically resolves this. If the marks return repeatedly after treatment, please contact us — this may indicate a leather preparation issue covered under our Craftsmanship Guarantee.

Scuffs and Scratches

Carrying a bag over one shoulder or across the body concentrates wear on that area, so we recommend avoiding this where possible if you want to keep the leather looking pristine.

For smooth, glossy leather: Use a color-matched leather touch-up cream. Apply a thin layer, wait 20 minutes, then apply a second thin layer and let it absorb for about an hour. Gently buff with a piece of soft sheepskin. For deeper scuffs, repeat with slightly more cream. Finish with a small amount of liquid, colorless lanolin, massaged in gently — this helps protect the leather going forward.

For nubuck and suede: Use a suede/nubuck touch-up spray, following the product's instructions for distance and application. We recommend avoiding shoulder or crossbody bags with these finishes, as they're more prone to wear marks.

Low-Maintenance Leather

If you'd rather not think about leather care day-to-day, buffalo leather and cowhide with a natural, unsealed finish are excellent choices — these leathers are designed to age and develop character with wear, and require no special maintenance.

Care recommendations may vary depending on the leather type, finish, and construction of your jacket. If you are unsure about the appropriate care method, please contact our customer support team before applying any cleaning or conditioning products.

Questions?

If you're ever unsure how to care for your specific jacket, contact us at support@dm-legend.com and we'll guide you through it.