Care Guide

Do

• Gently shake off the water and get the piece out of the rain as fast as you can.
• Let it dry on its own, on a wide hanger, in an airy room at room temperature.
• For leather and nappa, blot (don't rub) with a soft, dry cloth.
• Let wet fur dry completely, then shake it gently so the hair resettles.
• If it got badly soaked or a water mark set into the leather, bring the piece to the workshop.

Don't

• Don't dry it with a hairdryer, radiator, stove or in direct sun — the leather dries out and cracks.
• Don't rub or brush fur or suede while they are wet.
• Don't put the wet piece in a plastic bag or a closed wardrobe — it will go mouldy.
• Don't use a hot hairdryer on nappa or vegetable leather — it leaves rings and stiffens the material.
• Don't apply any solution or wax to wet fur.

Do

• Air the piece on a wide hanger, in a cool, dry spot, away from the sun.
• Leave it a few hours in fresh air (not in the sun) to freshen up.
• Keep fur and leather away from the kitchen, cigarette smoke and strong perfumes — they absorb the smell.
• For a stubborn smoke or musty smell, bring the piece in for professional cleaning at the workshop.
• Store the piece clean — odour often comes from dirt and body oils left on it over the summer.

Don't

• Don't spray perfume, deodorant or air freshener directly onto fur or leather.
• Don't machine-wash the piece or send it to an ordinary dry cleaner.
• Don't use mothballs to 'cover' the smell — they leave a heavy odour of their own that is hard to remove.
• Don't shut a damp or unaired piece in a sealed bag — the stale smell only gets stronger.
• Don't try to mask a musty smell — it signals damp that needs to be dealt with.

Do

• Feed the leather now and then with a balm/cream suited to its type, in a thin layer.
• Test any product first on a hidden area (inside, hem) and let it absorb.
• Keep the piece away from direct heat sources — a radiator dries leather out over time.
• For vegetable leather, condition rarely and thinly — it darkens easily and develops a patina.
• Deep cracks, stiffened leather or lifted areas are fixed at the workshop, by reconditioning.

Don't

• Don't leave leather for years with no feeding — it dehydrates and cracks at the creases.
• Don't use alcohol, acetone, bleach or household detergents on leather.
• Don't apply cooking oil, petroleum jelly or random greasy products — they stain and mat the hair.
• Don't dry cracked leather with heat to 'revive' it — it splits worse.
• Don't fold or cram a dried-out piece — cracks start in the creases.

Do

• Store the piece clean — moths are drawn to body oils, sweat and dirt, not to the fur itself.
• Use a breathable cloth garment bag and leave air around the piece.
• Air and check the piece regularly — a routine look catches any problem early.
• Keep the wardrobe clean and dry; vacuum and wipe the shelves before seasonal storage.
• For valuable fur, professional cold storage is the safest anti-moth protection.

Don't

• Don't use mothballs on fur — they damage the hair, dry the skin and leave a smell that is hard to remove.
• Don't put cedar oil or scented sachets directly on the fur or right next to it.
• Don't store the piece dirty or worn 'until next season' — stains and body oils invite moths.
• Don't seal the piece in airtight plastic — the lack of air encourages moths and mould.
• Don't keep fur in a warm, damp, unwatched attic or cellar.

Do

• Clean the piece (or bring it in for cleaning) before storage — store it clean, not dirty.
• Hang it on a wide, padded hanger so it keeps its shoulders and shape.
• Use a breathable cloth garment bag and leave space between pieces so air can circulate.
• Choose a cool, dark, dry spot — heat and light dry the leather and fade the hair.
• For natural fur, ask us about cold storage and glazing at the start of the season.

Don't

• Don't use a plastic cover or bag — it traps moisture and dries the leather.
• Don't hang the piece on a thin wire hanger — it deforms the shoulders of the fur.
• Don't keep it next to a radiator, in the sun, or in warm, damp spaces.
• Don't cram fur in between other clothes — the hair flattens and loses its volume.
• Don't forget the piece in a car boot, suitcase or sealed box for months on end.