Wear — and take care of — your leather
Synthetic fibers aren’t the only way to battle the elements. Long before man-made nylons, faux furs and poly-plastic fire hazards were rugged fabrics, there was leather. And high-quality skins along with their specially treated friends, namely suede and patent leather, were (almost) made winter-ready. Despite serious hesitation to expose garments constructed of these pricey materials to rain and snow, they were actually given the ability to take a beating. It just takes proper maintenance, of course.
Here’s how to keep you looking sharp in leather during the winter — and how to keep your leathers from looking like hell. Water-repellent sprays for leather goods help provide preventative action against potentially damaging moisture. Once indoors, dry shoes off and use a damp cloth to stop the formation of pesky salt lines. If it’s already too late, a simple mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar will do the trick. As for suede, kneadable erasers and toothbrushes can help wipe away scuffs and stains, as well as restore the fabric’s lofty texture.
Avoid: Cheap leather, drying radiator heat, salt-wielding neighbors
