Should You Condition A Leather Jacket? With Dave Himel

[@nodieusa]

I was born and raised in a tropical country where it never really got cold. My first winter in America I was not prepared for the cold. My old boss' brother asked me if I wanted a jacket he no longer wore. This nice gentleman was in his 50's and he got this jacket when he was in high school. Even though this was almost 20 years ago I'm lucky enough to still have the jacket and believe it or not it still fits. The patina and worn out look on this old school bomber jacket turns heads! First time I conditioned it was a couple of years ago. At one point (I didn't know any better) I even threw the jacket in the washer and dryer. Like Carl said, these things are incredibly resilient!

[@WendY-hd3fd]

Post pics

[@1dazaraza1]

There's no excuse for that

[@MelonMafia1]

Hahahaha I can relate, I live in a tropical country too and the first time I experienced winter I couldn't handle it lol, I was wearing like 3 layers of clothing too, idk how people can handle those temps with just a t-shirt lol

[@montag4516]

Did the washer and dryer treatment shrink it down in size at all?

[@nodieusa]

@@montag4516 it's been a while but I can tell you today it fits just as well. If any shrinkage took place it was temporary.

[@bngr_bngr]

Looking forward to the full interview. Never put anything on my leather jackets. But do condition my dress shoes.

[@CarlMurawski]

Absolutely. Same here!

[@louiscyfer6944]

@@CarlMurawski loved the video. the phone case you posted is junk. nomad. only for iShit. you have to be technologically illiterate to have an iPhone.

[@AEthelingg]

Why not though? If it's stiff and your need it to get more supple?

[@DalesLeatherworks]

this is so awesome, i resonate so much with everything said here!! how do you care for a leather garment? WEAR IT!!!! that said, i understand the fussiness a lot of guys have because this stuff is expensive, but ultimately you need to use this stuff to really learn what it's capable of.

[@Citykid1982]

@Stangmaster 2 pakistan "genuine" buffalo hide suck ass though cheap leather feels better conditioned

[@jimmyeng663]

Summary: don't need to condition leather jacket unless it's 60-70 years old.

[@dylanhall6355]

I’ve owned several 1940’s and 50’s leather jackets. I’m every case, they were dry as hell, almost to the point of cracking. So I condition them like crazy once, and then I just wear them. I think usually you can tell if leather really needs a bit of conditioning, and it’s really hard to wear out a decent leather jacket from new. I have yet to condition any of my newer leather jackets, and I doubt I will any time soon.

[@RatInCage-E102]

Just conditioned my Schott, this particular leather looks very nice after a nice rubdown

[@CarlMurawski]

Very cool, which model?

[@kennethboehnen271]

Karl, what's your thought on the Schott P213 Raven jacket?

[@RatInCage-E102]

@@CarlMurawski its the style 673, still looks great but its too heavy for summer so its been sitting for a bit

[@FLAMINGBABYHEAD]

I think it depends on what you use the jacket for. I have a Vanson model B, which is a serious motorcycle riding jacket (it weighs 8.5 lbs). I don't wear it for looks. I wear it so that if I lay my bike down I won't get MY flesh sandpapered off by the asphalt. I wear it out in the elements when I ride. As such I condition it with Vanson's own conditioner every other year. That's all I do. Vanson suggests 3 times a year but that's excessive.

[@divindave6117]

I have 3 leather jackets. Good Ones. None of the department store crap. I wear the heavy one for motorcycle riding in cold weather. One for riding in warm weather, and the 3rd as a casual jacket. Ive had them all for more than 15 years and Im extremely attached to them. They have shaped themselves to my body and they fit me. My riding jackets have been exposed to all of the elements, and I mean all of them. Rain, snow, mud, smog, Sunshine, UV, bugs, coolaid, blood and beer. They have a bit of road rash too, that's where the blood came from. You name it, they have experienced it The patina of them is off the charts. With all the rain, UV, and road grime and bug guts, they have been subjected to, they were looking ratty and felt stiff. Before hanging them up and calling them retired, I decided to clean them with saddle soap and apply leather conditioner. Man, what a transformation!!! My jackets are again supple and pliable and still fit me like a glove and they still have the scratches and rock chip marks, road rash and dye worn off from around all of the edges. They look absolutely AMAZING. So Im in the corner for cleaning and conditioning if they need it. When a leather jacket or any leather item for that matter needs conditioning, it will let you know. How often is just a matter of the world the jacket lives in..... Take care of it when it needs it, and it will last a lifetime or 2.

[@KatWoodland]

@divin dave excellent testimony! I purchased my very first leather jacket and hadn’t a clue what to do. Now I know. Wear it

[@richardburgie]

I've read all the comments in this post. Divin Dave's words resonate the most with me.

[@divindave6117]

@@richardburgie Truth.

[@divindave6117]

@@KatWoodland "wear it" Yes Indeed.

[@im093]

Years ago as a teenager I thrifted my first leather jacket and put it in the washing machine 😅. It got very dry and stiff after... so I thought.. well, it's dry skin.. so I "moisturized" it with a jojoba face oil. I still have that jacket, along with many leather bags and shoes and coats I got over the years.. but now I'm much more careful with spot cleaning them and condition regularly depending on how often i use an item. Shoes get conditioned more often to protect from moisture and get rid of scuffs and marks.

[@treygreenleaf7878]

My new Satchel and Page bomber jacket just arrived and I couldn't be happier with the recommendation. I thought to myself, I wonder if my good buddy Carl has any care videos on leather jackets. Opens youtube and what do I find???? Thanks again for your awesome channel Carl. Love the updated Thumbnail btw. Very professional looking.

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahaha yeah man, I got you!!!

[@treygreenleaf7878]

@@CarlMurawski do you have any horse hide jackets? I'm waiting on my Shangri-La jacket. You familiar with them? Small company out of Italy. I believe the leather comes from CF Stead.

[@CarlMurawski]

I do have a couple horsehide jackets in fact. My Himel is Shinki horsehide and I just got one from Field Leathers which is Shinki Teacore Horsehide. Awesome stuff!

[@treygreenleaf7878]

@@CarlMurawski is there another jacket review in our future?? Haha. Leather jackets has become my new interest for sure.

[@Articulatedcopy]

I love this guy's sentiment. Great to hear it after everyone else I hear hounding me to care for mine.

[@Kerry_kit_slayer]

With so many marketers just trying to make a quick buck off a wax or oil product, it's nice to hear about the natural durability and toughness of leather for a change.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

I have a vintage fur lined leather trench coat I inherited from my Grandpa. Its not something I can really wear around town but I had a winter business trip to Chicago a few years ago and I wore my office dress shirt, a blazer and the jacket every day. People were literally moving out of the way as I walked down the street lol. It was pretty badass to feel like a Chicago fat cat for 4 days out there. Good times. It stays in the closet now but I keep it conditioned and in good shape for the occasion I can take it out again. My Grandpa had a bunch of sweet vintage gear I inherited like a real Safari Pith helmet from the 1940s and a Willis and Geiger jacket that was designed by Ernest Hemmingway.

[@varun009]

In your position, I would automatically assume they're moving because I look dirty or smell bad. Man, I'm really insecure. I even walk around with deodorant and wet wipes and an extra pair of socks in case I have to take my shoes off. Then there's the moral fear of paint throwers who hang around high streets across America.

[@jensrb50]

Well I bought a few vintage jackets that were neve conditioned and they were very weak and oxidised so that the structural integrity was lost .Treat it once a year .

[@WilliamBrothers]

Ok, I'm finally doing something right with my leather jackets. I'm just wearing the heck out of them and conditioning them only if I remember which is once a year if I'm lucky! =)

[@jessefoulk]

I've worn a leather jacket of mine, which I bought new back in 2006, everywhere I went or did. For example: Even wearing it in colder weather while working under my car on our stone driveway. The left pocket lining tore open allowing $2 worth of change to roll around inside and I just now got it mended. I brought it with me while I was in the navy. The zipper has started not working all the time from all the wear and tear. Its durable. I like wearing it just cuz I look good in it and it deflects the cold wind and rain. It's not any high-end brand. Just a bomber style leather jacket I bought while strolling thru a mall at a Wilson's Leather store. I certainly didn't think I'd still be using it to now.

[@z12309]

Awesome video, can’t wait for the entire interview!

[@CarlMurawski]

Coming soon!

[@davidhunternyc1]

I know that museums and auction houses recommend using coconut oil on leather. Hermés set record prices for antique saddles treated with coconut oil. My friend uses coconut oil for the leather of his vintage 1960s Eames Lounge Chair. The leather is supple and buttery.

[@scottowl75]

3 coats with neatsfoot oil and one of mink oil on my vintage Irvin raf bomber has refreshed it quit a bit as it was getting stiff , will leave it now for a good few years . Warmest coat ever

[@CarlMurawski]

Very cool!

[@scottowl75]

@@CarlMurawski cheers pal , I’ll be doing a review of it tomorrow, check it out. 🦉

[@OutlawRemy86]

Dave Himel is the kind of guy who would own a numbers matching, low milage muscle car, and drive the stinkin' thing! Cuz that's what its for! A man after my own heart.

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahaha you’re damn right!

[@satchrocks34]

In other words, "Embrace the damn wabi-sabi!" Just know that your leather goods are gonna get scratched, fade, get some patina. As your pal from Kreosote boots said on his insta about 6 months ago: "You don’t have to wear the same boot for months at a time like a builder/shoemaker, but be prepared if you choose so the story of your life may be embedded in them like the crows feet of time on your face for all to see." The creases, the scars, the wear, the patina, tells a story! Shoes, jackets, jeans, that look pristine two years later def didn't see much action. However, I can't help but feel that some modern fashion trends have influenced this. I for one, have only really gotten into heritage wear recently. And when you're used to wearing sneakers that you wash, clean, try to prevent any and all creases from forming and you come to wearing leather boots, it's hard to move on. Hell there was recently a guy that ruined his Natural Hender Scheme shoes by trying to iron the creases out of the vamp. Shoes, jackets, jeans, are all meant to be worn. And you aren't wearing these clothes to a board meeting, so who cares if they have some character! At least people know you wear your clothes then!

[@victoriawilliams2786]

Its been 8 months since this video was posted. But Thank-you very much for this video. My bff bought me a used Wilson's leather jacket about three years ago and I have no idea its age. I wear it in Maine cold, rainy/snowy/icy weather and I wanted to know what I should do to keep it from cracking or something. And you answered my questions. I now know I don't have to do anything except wear it. 🤣 I hope your doing well! ✌😎🤘

[@StarWarriorMusic]

i conditioned my vintage Mach 1 bomber when i bought it. it came from a secondhand store so who knows what kind of life it had. Just gave it a wipedown and a light mink oil condition. only time i have ever done it.

[@winterburden]

So he's an expert at both creating and destroying leather jackets. Very cool.

[@elmarwaldvogel3383]

Yes please, the entire conversation! Would be great. :-)

[@Avocado818]

Does conditioning a leather jacket restore the "leather" smell?

[@highdesertforester]

I bought a high quality horsehide flight jacket 27 years ago. I don't recall the brand but it cost $400 back then. The satin linings wear out. I've had mine replaced once and it needs replacing again. Last year I used a leather dressing made for car upholstery because it looked dry.

[@sherwin4ever]

@highdesertforester is that Meguiars? Because I love using that, I just bought a sheepskin leather and am researching for ways to take care of it. They say it's very high quality but thin and easy to scratch.

[@highdesertforester]

@@sherwin4ever No, I use Lexol leather conditioner and preservative

[@charlesbronson240]

Waiting till im 30 to get a himel jacket.

[@hernandezz4912]

Dude you replied to a comment of mine on Stridewise’s channel, now I see you on Carl’s channel😂

[@charlesbronson240]

@@hernandezz4912 you know it, im all over these heritage channels!

[@TheArcSet]

Thanks for this.

[@jacknjill3000]

How do you clean and condition sheep skin leather? The Lexol brand cleaner and conditioner says to not use on soft leather and I don’t wanna damage it.

[@danii7255]

I have a distressed leather coat, does the same rules apply for the maintenance, a little advice would be great

[@kenamaro3942]

Informitave, looking forward to the complete interview..

[@dannys6163]

I’ve had a leather jacket for 4 years now, and sits in my closet most of the time. Should I still condition it although it’s still fairly new?

[@valariegailliot7084]

I love 1960 vintage leather coats. But a lot of them are dry and stiff. I want to get them to be soft . This video spoke about beef oils. I wish I knew which one to get. I like black shiny soft leather coats. Does anyone out there know which one works best for what I need to get my black leather coats to be soft again. My coat is stiff and hard

[@GiladSteinberger]

Legend, looking forward to the full interview

[@CRHK88]

I have a rugged Oil Driller goat skin jacket as well as a couple goatskin G1's. I have contemplated treating them to soften them up, especially the Oil Driller, but I would rather not darken it. Right now, The OD is about 12 years old and has a nice patina, but could be softer. Some say to not treat goatskin, it doesn't need it. Any truth in that?

[@atlanticking2315]

Carl, is suede jacket harder to maintain and last not as long as leather jackets?

[@CarlMurawski]

It’s definitely harder to maintain. Cleaning and conditioning is more difficult, and all suede is a “split” leather which means it’s typically thinner than full grain leather. That might be what you want though, and honestly most leathers are split to some degree.

[@atlanticking2315]

@@CarlMurawski shit man I was thinking to buy the suede Victorian by himel bros but if It doesn't last a life time it's not worth it, I better buy the leather version or cheaper alternatives like valstar a1 suede

[@MrDurandal25]

Going to use this stuff on my vintage military stuff

[@SkyofDread]

I work as a stormwater inspector and would love a second opinion on the White's Okanagan wax flesh boot. I inspect stormwater ponds as well as stormwater systems at commercial properties. It rains a ton here in Washington, always wet. I usually just wear romeos... should I bite the bullet?

[@daybends26]

Stormwater inspector? Wow, I never expected to meet another stormwater inspector in the wild. City? State?

[@javierdiazsantana]

I guess it would depend on the condition of the leather. If you got a pretty oily, supple lambskin, wouldn't need it. On the other side, a stiff calf, steer or horsehide would get way better with a couple rounds of castor or mink oil...

[@kenmcdougal97]

Hay Carl great topic I have a naked cow hide jacket very thick and heavy. It weighs about 25 to 30 pounds dry dam near 50 pounds wet after a ride in the rain The way I conditioned it . I wash it In the washer with dawn dish soap . It doesn't take much then dry it on high heat. It makes it shrink just enough to make it feel new again. I've had it 20+ years

[@CarlMurawski]

Damn! Right on man!

[@BOEHHO89]

How about mink oil ?

[@richardburgie]

It will soften, darken, and waterproof your leather.

[@sherwin4ever]

When to condition or how often to condition your leather jacket? I believe that depends on several factors: 1. If you live in a hot/tropical country, your leather goods will dry faster. 2. Sheepskin is thinner so it will dry faster. 3. If you own a lot of leather products, you should be familiar on how a dried leather product feels. 4. If it squeeks often, try conditioning it.

[@alexsnow27]

so i shouldn't wash it with saddle soap i'm gonna be getting my first jacket pretty soon and i wanna know how to get it to last i'm not to concerned about it looking prestige or anything i would even think the ware would make it look cool and give it character i would just like it to last

[@johnfitzgeraldkennedy7947]

just got a leather cafe racer jacket from a thrift shop, it is a caramel brown and is made by mission, i do not own any conditioners or cleaners but i do have a spray , ultraprotect spray by doc martens, should i use it

[@Richard_Lush]

Yep wear the shit out of them. They end up looking great especially really good quality jackets. They’re made to wear not to just look at. As a plus they form to your exact body. Kind of like guitars. They are actually meant to be played not just looked at. Buy well and use them for their intended purpose 😄

[@MrTiotiokan]

What type of jacket on a main screen ?

[@CarlMurawski]

Thats the Himel Bros Heron jacket.

[@devinhurt7698]

I think that older guy on KZbin called terry might be up there in the leather jacket collection territory idk though

[@MariaStickler]

what do I do if it's really really squeaky?

[@CoffeeMadeMeSay]

Lexol 2

[@dteun]

Hej Carl how to take care of a wool Duffel jacket?

[@michaelshearer3559]

My leather jacket is at least 20 years old, and very heavy thick jacket. I love it and has ton of wear. Just gets a bit dry and cracked in certain spots. Trying to figure out what best to use on it. It's black so I don't care about darkening much, but it's a more flat black not shiny at all.

[@crazycressy7986]

Hi ,I have just bought a copy of B3 aviator jacket with ginger real wool lining, is there a way to stop the wool itching my forearms? I think its a 10mm shag pile ,thanks

[@archstanton1628]

Wrong guy to ask obviously, he's more interested in talking about himself.

[@ateeshJ]

Which jacket is he wearing in the thumbnail?

[@fijiunlimited4503]

What kind of watch is that?

[@CarlMurawski]

Thats an Oris Aruis in green.

[@fijiunlimited4503]

@@CarlMurawski Thank you! That's a nice watch. I may plagiarize it .

[@Dan-lq6dg]

Great watch!

[@dylanhall6355]

I’m digging the new beard look!

[@hilldwler420]

For me , know you’re leather type ie how it’s tanned,[chrome or veg tanning] know what type of finish aniline, semi aniline painted etc. all that will tell you if the jacket is weather friendly. You wouldn’t want the rain to turn your $2k investment into mush. Do your homework. With me, if the jacket is dry I lightly oil the leather with a refined oil that’s close to the color of the leather. That way I don’t worry of it will take away from the patina or wear patterns. Basically it’s up to the individual. Remember a little oil goes a long way.

[@DancingSpacePotato]

I sort of baby my nicer stuff. Not obsessively, but enough to ensure nothing catastrophic would happen to them. No motorcycle riding in C&J Oxfords or power washing the driveway in CP Achilles, but I wear my stuff. I have a few leather jackets and I haven’t done anything to any of them except wipe them with a cloth after getting in from rain. My favorite jacket was around $1500 and I leaned against some gum on a wall. Picked it off and continued eating my pizza. My philosophy is just use your stuff, but keep it clean.

[@Awakendabeast13]

Great vid i would like to see whole interview...those jackets are awesome i not sure i can ever pay so much money...insane over 2 grand....beautiful though

[@gasaul5759]

Hey, nice logo.

[@paultaylorbikes]

Got an old ugly burgundy banana republic jacket. Hand washed it with soap in tub. Lost ugly burgundy color. Dried it. Took fine steel wool to it. Now always get compliments. So, don’t be afraid folks!

[@noahpalmieri941]

Bick 4 is the best

[@BoyishDriver]

I do agree. I have some lambskins from Italy and they seem happy. I used 48 ounces on 5 jackets, 4 lambskin & 1 cow. All handmade Italian and one from Greece. 2 bally, 1 gimo, 1 fratelli rossetti, and 1 perforated All Saints made in Greece from cow hide. They all stack together flat in garment bags. The tan bally has darkened slightly, but I rather hydrate them then have em rough and easy to tear or crack. I hydrated the tan one to play with the color a bit via distilled water in a spray bottle mixed with bickmore 4. The tan one was a lil dry at the bottom seat area.

[@mirceacostache7578]

The dude talked half an hour about completely different things until he answered. Is the full interview a couple days long?

[@greglinsmythe3375]

The answer is yes, condition it

[@jimmycake7143]

I find Lexol has the right idea. See Cals leather shirt vid.

[@CarloSikkink]

How do I remove wrinkles from my leather jacket?

[@adhyantorokusumo7451]

You can't and you don't need to *imo

[@brunonjezic6208]

Is there some specific bad thing about over conditioning the lether like hurtung its longevity? I dont mind change of color or it beign a bit oily. But can it hurt the structure? I can't find any and would loce to know

[@shootjase]

I think i read somewhere that over conditioning wears away the stitching more than hurting the leather, if that helps. Everything in moderation.

[@domn415]

Hey Carl, Have you ever used either Bear Grease Leather Dressing or Huberd's Shoe Grease?? Thank You for another informative video!

[@dumbellgympretorian877]

interesting..

[@Mr.QualityCheck]

Me and my friend bought 1 jacket each from the same store, made of sheep leather. My jacket is now 7 years old and i regularly clean and condition it with simple cheap vitamin E oil available here and its very humid here so leather gets moldy otherwise. 2 years ago my friend asked for a leather jacket repair because his leather jacket after 5 years started losing moisture and tearing off like a foam in leather pieces.. completely dried out... I asked him why he said he never conditioned it with anything and removed mold with damp cloth always and used it like that... So here is my experience

[@jimmycake7143]

best not to let the hide dry out.

[@johndenton4952]

You know; you know...

[@Sandipan_Naskar]

I am from India, I can never get a himel... And the cost is too much ;¬( 😔

[@colemancalgary5260]

Don’t worry I’ll buy you one what’s your address?

[@henryhartley9993]

Wear the hell out of your jackets and jeans, spot on....

[@salmonfish1145]

Carl why are there 4 porn bots in your comments section? 😂

[@CarlMurawski]

Man I have no clue!! They're all the same too- lots of emojis, and way out of context comment...

[@Crz3552]

This did not to be 9 minutes

[@jimmycake7143]

Use common sence, take care of your stuff.

[@dudewuttheheck]

The biggest mistake people make is conditioning their leather jackets too soon.

[@CarlMurawski]

Absolutely!

[@BoyishDriver]

Why a big mistake? What happens? Mistakes even with bick4?

[@ibuprofen303]

Is this man experiencing some kind of electrical blackout?

[@bryanwilson5779]

I learned absolutely nothing from this video.

[@BoyishDriver]

Zero information

[@dimitrisagrianitis518]

Usted habla y no enseña ninfun jacket.

[@royklemm3518]

Whole lot a gibberish goin on!

[@robertlundgoot4736]

Too long winded,never made it to the subject.....

[@CarlMurawski]

What a shame, your attention span robbed you from learning tips straight from one of the worlds best jacket makers. I'd suggest you give it another try.

[@thiaguinhooitodois2211]

Jezzzz man get to the point. Dude takes forever to answer

[@larrybaby9377]

Carl, your introductions are too long-winded, always. Just introduce the topic, without fuss, and then get into it. You are not why I am trying to watch this video.

[@CarlMurawski]

Feel free to skip ahead.

[@mr.jameson218]

You are not the reason he's making it.

[@FullMetalAlchemist31]

I have an old leather jacket I bought when I was in middle school so it's a little over 10 years old and I didn't even know it was leather but now that I know I wanna keep it nice but still worn looking so I've been looking into these kind of videos. It's not cowhide though it's sheep skin I believe (Cordero in Spanish).