Labels and care symbols on leather clothing
Download PDFMost leather jackets have no sewn-in care label. And if they do, the information is often unclear. This article explains what the symbols mean and how to read the different labels.
How is leather clothing labelled?
About one third of commercially available leather clothing has a sewn-in care label. Fewer than 5 per cent state the type of leather. Care instructions are often unclear, and many customers are unfamiliar with the symbols.
The reason: fashion companies are generally not the manufacturers of their leather clothing. The tannery, garment maker and retailer are three different companies, often based in different countries. No one takes responsibility for a specific, individual care recommendation. Therefore, if anything is stated at all, it is usually only a non-binding reference to “specialist leather cleaning”.
| Language | Description |
|---|---|
| German | 100% Leder, echtes Leder |
| English | genuine leather, real leather, pure leather |
| French | Cuir, véritable Cuir, pur Cuir |
| Italian | Pelle, vera Pelle, Cuoio Vero |
| Spanish | Piel, verdadero Cuero |
| Dutch | Leer, Echt Leer |
Other labels: Porc / Porc Split (pigskin/split leather), Lamb Leather / Cuir Agneau (lamb leather), PCP and A20 Regulation (indication of compliance with statutory limits for harmful substances).
Care symbols and what they mean
The garment must not be washed with normal laundry or textile detergents. The leather would harden and shrink at excessively high temperatures. The only alternative to specialist cleaning is washing by hand or in the washing machine with Colourlock Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate, following the instructions.
Wet leather clothing must not be dried in a tumble dryer. Allow light items to dry hanging up and heavy items lying on a dry towel – never with a hair dryer, heater or direct sunlight. The ends of clothes hangers cause pressure bulges due to the weight. Exception: a tumble dryer on a cold-air programme can be used to make stiff leather clothing softer again through movement. Secure buttons, buckles and appliqués beforehand or turn them inwards.
This symbol prohibits bleaching. Leather must never be treated with bleaching agents.
Do not iron. We recommend ironing only in exceptional cases of heavily creased leather that cannot otherwise be smoothed. Never use steam, never iron damp leather; place baking paper with its coated side facing the leather in between, at a maximum of 45°C.