Category: Leather Gloves

It’s that time of year and in response to the frequent questions I receive about the care of leather gloves, I thought it would be helpful to mention my recommendations here. These apply more to fashion leather gloves than general work gloves. Fashion leather gloves are generally made from premium grade sheep or lambskins which are thinner and softer than cowhide which is commonly used in work gloves. No offense to you leathernecks, but I know how you care for your gloves.

Proper care of leather gloves and leather fur lined gloves will allow them to last for years. Besides using conventional leather conditioners, proper storage is one of the most important and overlooked issue.

• When storing, keep your leather gloves in a well-ventilated dark, dry area. This will allow the leather to stay supple and avoid mold and mildew. Sunlight will dry out and age the leather.
• Do not store leather or fur lined leather gloves in a sealed bag. It is best to wrap them (keeping them flat) in cloth if you need to contain them. Leather is a natural material and likes to breath. Laying them flat reduces creases which can become permanent.
• Never heat your gloves by any means or method to dry them. Let them air dry. Drying leather gloves by heat will remove the natural oils and lanolin and age the leather making it hard and brittle.
  
  

You may want to consider using the new Glove Dogs which naturally dry and deodorize your gloves. I mentioned these in my December 7th post. I know it’s a product plug but they work.