How to Store Leather Goods During Off-Seasons

Leather is a living material, as it continues to respond to its environment. That’s what gives leather its warmth and depth, but it also means it needs care, especially when stored for long periods.

Proper storage preserves a leather piece’s texture, color, and structure, protecting it from the natural shifts that occur when the seasons change. During off-seasons, when your leather items may not be in regular use, the way they’re stored determines how well they’ll age.

Because leather is a natural material, it’s sensitive to its surroundings. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, while direct sunlight and extreme temperatures can dry the surface and cause cracking. The balance lies in keeping it in a cool, dry place with gentle air circulation, never sealed in a plastic bag or container that can trap moisture.

To put it simply: the goal is to let leather breathe. Thoughtful, seasonal storage doesn’t just keep your pieces looking their best; it allows them to continue aging gracefully, developing the patina and character that make them worth keeping for a lifetime.

Understanding the Nature of Leather

Leather is unlike any other material, it breathes, shifts, and adapts to its surroundings. As a natural material, it carries an organic memory of the life it once held, meaning it continues to respond to its environment long after it becomes a finished piece. This responsiveness gives leather its beauty, but it also makes it sensitive to how it’s stored.

How Environment Affects Leather

Environmental conditions play a quiet but powerful role in a leather item’s longevity. Each factor, humidity, sunlight, and air circulation, shapes how leather behaves over time:

• Too much humidity can cause the fibers to swell and soften, leading to mold growth and occasional warping.

• Too little moisture results in stiffness and cracking as the leather’s natural oils evaporate.

• Extreme heat or direct sunlight can fade the surface, leaving it dry and brittle.

Even small shifts in environment can affect texture and tone. Leather thrives where conditions are balanced, cool, dry, and steady.

How Climate Affects Leather

Imagine a leather jacket stored in a humid climate. Over time, it might soften unevenly, absorb moisture, and develop a musty odor. The same jacket stored in a dry, cold area may become rigid, with faint surface cracks that dull its natural sheen. A leather bag left in direct sunlight will fade gradually, its color losing depth as the heat draws out essential oils.

Each of these examples shows how leather mirrors its environment. Caring for it means finding balance, protection from moisture, light, and heat, while still allowing air to circulate naturally.

Honoring Leather’s Integrity

At Lotuff, we believe that caring for leather begins with understanding it. To honor this material is to respect its need for balance, not to seal it away, but to let it breathe. Our philosophy mirrors our process: patient, deliberate, and human. Just as we give every hide the time it needs to become a finished piece, we encourage owners to provide the same consideration in how it’s kept. When leather is stored thoughtfully, it not only endures but deepens in character, growing more beautiful with every season.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Store Leather Goods

Proper storage isn’t complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Whether it’s a well-loved leather bag, a tailored jacket, or a pair of shoes, a few thoughtful steps can preserve their structure and character for years to come.

1. Clean and Condition Before Storage

Leather should always be clean and nourished before being put away. Start by gently wiping each leather item with a soft cloth to remove any surface dust or dirt. This simple step prevents buildup that can dull the material over time.

Next, apply a small amount of leather conditioner evenly across the surface. Conditioning keeps the hide supple during long-term storage, preventing it from drying out or cracking. After conditioning, allow the piece to air dry completely before placing it in storage, this ensures no excess moisture remains that could lead to mold growth.

2. Choose the Right Storage Materials

The materials used for storage matter as much as the environment. Always store leather in breathable bags or dust bags made of soft fabric like cotton. These allow air circulation, which helps the leather maintain its natural balance of moisture.

Avoid plastic bags or plastic containers entirely. They may seem protective but can trap moisture, leading to mildew or odor. For leather handbags or delicate garments, lightly fill the interior with acid-free tissue paper or acid-free paper to help maintain their shape. For leather shoes, use shoe trees to preserve form and prevent creasing without stretching.

3. Select the Best Storage Location

The right storage area makes all the difference. Leather prefers a dry place with steady humidity levels and moderate temperatures. Fluctuating climates, especially extreme heat or direct sunlight, can damage the surface, while damp basements can encourage mold growth.

For extended or seasonal storage, consider a climate-controlled storage unit. It’s especially valuable for larger collections or vintage pieces. Whatever the space, make sure items are stored with room for air circulation; avoid overcrowded shelves or tightly packed bins. Leather needs to breathe to maintain its texture and strength.

4. Product-Specific Tips

Leather Bags and Handbags

Keep them upright and lightly filled to hold their shape. Never stack or hang them by their straps, as this can stretch the handles over time.

Leather Jackets and Garments

Hang these on wide, padded hangers to support the shoulders and prevent creases. Cover them with cotton or another breathable fabric, never plastic.

Leather Shoes

Before storing, clean the soles to remove dirt, then insert shoe trees. Store them in dust bags or boxes with ventilation holes to protect from dust while allowing airflow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Leather

Even the most well-intentioned storage methods can harm leather if handled incorrectly. Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps. A few small adjustments can mean the difference between preserving your leather’s natural beauty and unintentionally damaging it.

1. Avoid Plastic and Non-Breathable Containers

Never store leather in plastic bags or sealed plastic containers. Even for a short time, they can trap humidity, leading to mold growth or a musty odor that’s difficult to remove. Leather needs gentle air circulation to stay balanced, without it, the material can soften unevenly or discolor. Opt instead for breathable bags or soft fabric covers that allow it to breathe naturally.

2. Don’t Fold Leather Garments

Folding leather jackets or garments may seem harmless, but it creates permanent creases that are difficult to smooth out later. Over time, those folds can weaken the fibers and cause cracking. Always hang leather clothing on wide, padded hangers that support its natural shape.

3. Never Store Leather When It’s Dirty or Damp

Even a small amount of excess moisture can be damaging. Storing an item before it’s completely dry or clean can lead to mold growth, staining, or unpleasant odors. Before putting any piece away, wipe it down with a soft cloth, let it air dry, and, if necessary, use a light layer of leather conditioner to restore moisture evenly.

4. Keep Away from Heat and Sunlight

Leather and direct heat don’t mix. Avoid storing pieces near radiators, heating vents, or windows that receive strong direct sunlight. Heat can dry the leather’s natural oils, causing brittleness and fading. A cool, dry place remains the best environment for long-term storage.

5. Don’t Forget to Check In

Even the finest leather goods benefit from attention. Once or twice a season, open your storage area and inspect your items. Air them out briefly, check for any dryness or discoloration, and recondition as needed. Regular care keeps the leather supple and prevents issues before they begin.

A Lasting Relationship with Leather

Storing leather properly is more than a matter of preservation, it’s an act of respect. Every piece represents hours of artistry, patience, and endurance. The way you care for it between seasons reflects an understanding of what leather truly is: a living material that evolves with time.

When stored with care, each item is allowed to rest and breathe, preparing it to return stronger, more supple, and rich with character. It’s in these quiet periods that leather develops its story, the soft sheen of a well-worn handle, the deepened tone of a favorite bag, the familiar shape of a jacket that fits perfectly after years of wear. Proper storage doesn’t interrupt this evolution; it supports it.

At Lotuff Leather, every piece is made under one roof in our Providence studio, designed to age beautifully and built to last for generations. This same philosophy extends to care. Thoughtful storage allows each piece to mature naturally, forming its patina without damage, and carrying forward the craftsmanship that went into its making.

Explore our collection of heirloom-quality leather goods, crafted to accompany you through every season.