Smoothing creases and folds in leather clothing

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Leather jackets that have lain folded in a suitcase or wardrobe for months sometimes emerge creased. What helps and what does not.

Storage creases vs permanent creases

Not every crease can be smoothed out. The difference:

Storage creases are caused by incorrect storage: folded leather, a tight suitcase or a wardrobe that is too narrow. These creases can generally be remedied well.

Permanent creases are the crease lines that develop through years of use, such as stretched-out sleeves or trouser legs, elbow areas or waist sections in tight cuts. The fibre structure has changed permanently in these areas. Such creases can hardly be removed completely. Much like a crumpled piece of paper that cannot be fully smoothed even by ironing.

Creases and folds in leather clothing

Method 1: Hair dryer

For fresh or moderate storage creases, a hair dryer is often sufficient: warm the crease evenly from a distance of around 20 cm, while using your free hand to pull the leather smooth and hold it in shape. Immediately after warming, cool the leather briefly with a cool, dry cloth. This fixes the fibres in their new position. Then leave the garment hanging to air well.

Method 2: Ironing

Stubborn creases can be ironed, but with care:

  • Iron only dry leather. Never damp leather
  • Do not use steam
  • Temperature: maximum 45°C
  • Place coated baking paper between the iron and the leather, with the coated side facing the leather. The baking paper prevents shiny marks and, through its resistance, shows how smooth the leather is underneath; you can “feel” the crease better than, for example, through a cloth

After ironing, lay the garment flat or hang it up immediately and allow it to cool.

Method 3: Washing the entire garment

For pronounced storage creases, or when a hair dryer and ironing are not enough, washing the entire garment helps best: as it dries, the leather is drawn back into the correct shape and fixed there. Find details in our washing instructions.

Product recommendations

There is no purchase recommendation for this article; the methods described do not require special products. For permanent creases that are visually very disturbing and cannot be remedied, please contact us.