Latest News for Jonval Leathers & Furs

Ah, the smell of a new leather jacket - you can’t beat that! You start to slip on your new coat and realize that it’s stiff and not as worn-in as you’d like it to be. The real tried and true way to break in a new leather jacket is to be patience and let time do the work. However, not all of us are patient, especially when we have a new beautiful jacket that we want to wear! If you’re one of these people, follow these tips and tricks on how to soften up a new leather jacket from your Denver leather repair experts!

Determining Leather Type

The very first thing that you should do, and know if you don’t already, is to learn what type of leather your jacket is constructed out of. If you want to break in a jacket and speed up the process, the leather must be strong enough to withstand your actions. Unlike fabric, you can’t simply stitch up a hole on anything made out of leather. Additionally, any scuffs,marks, or scratches are permanent. Choose a strong durable leather that you can really break in and wear it for a long time so it will conform to you and your body.

Use a Little Bit of Water

If you get caught in a rainstorm, don’t worry! This is actually a good thing for your new leather jacket. Water will soften up the skin, making it easier to stretch and crease at specific points on your body. You may have heard people saying that you can put your jacket in the washer and dryer, which can be effective, but will ultimately cause shrinkage of the leather that you won’t ever be able to fix. To avoid doing that, wear your jacket in some rain drizzle until you can tell that the leather is damp. Start moving your arms in natural motions like bending so you can get creases in the right places while the jacket is wet. If you prefer not wearing your jacket out just yet, lightly spray your jacket with water but don’t overdo it! As your new leather jacket dries, it will start to form to your body.

Roughen It Up

If you’d like to take some of the finish off of your jacket, you can use steel wool to lightly scratch the surface. Don’t ever use sandpaper as it is generally too abrasive. Use uneven strokes and go SLOW because as we stated before, you can’t go back and erase scratches - they’re there. If you do make a mistake, rub the area more as you wear it to naturally break it in. To really roughen your jacket up, and increase the amount of time it takes to break it in, you can always tie your jacket up in a ball using twine or rope, and toss it around. The more you play catch with it, the more it will soften and take on your shape!

Once you’ve got your perfect fit and shape, be sure to take good care of your leather jacket. Read up on how to store a Denver leather jacket so it will last for years to come! If you need more information on softening up your leather, talk to the experts! Jonval is known as the go-to store in Denver for leather, fur, and shearling. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Wrinkles will start to form on a leather jacket if it is folded up for a long period of time, which is why it’s best to leave it hanging. But, what happens if you’ve already made this mistake? Don’t worry—you won’t have to wear a wrinkled leather jacket for the rest of your life. Here are tips for removing wrinkles from a Denver leather jacket:

Steam it.

Steam removes wrinkles, but using a clothes steamer could damage the leather. Fortunately, there is a way to steam the wrinkles out of a leather jacket without turning on a clothes steamer. Hang the leather jacket somewhere in your bathroom where it will not get wet and turn on the shower. Close the bathroom door and let the hot water run so steam begins to fill up the room. The steam from the shower should gently relax the wrinkles in your leather jacket without harming the jacket. If there are still a few wrinkles remaining in the jacket, gently smooth them out with your hands as the room cools down after turning off the shower. Learn how to get wrinkles out of leather.

Iron it.

Ironing a leather jacket is typically not recommended, however it can be done to remove wrinkles as long as you are extremely careful. The key is making sure that the iron never comes into direct contact with the leather. Lay the wrinkled section of the leather jacket flat on an ironing board and place a clean cotton towel or cloth over it. Turn the iron on to the lowest setting possible so the leather is not exposed to too much heat. It’s also recommended that you empty out all of the water in the iron before beginning so there are no spills. Then, apply light pressure and run the iron across the cotton cloth quickly. Do not move the iron slowly across the surface or press it down firmly against the cotton cloth. Low heat and a light touch should be enough to remove the wrinkles.

Use heavy objects.

Lay the leather jacket on a flat, hard surface and flatten any bumps in the material. Then, place a heavy object over the area that has a wrinkle. It’s best to use a heavy book such as a dictionary or textbook, but any heavy object will work. Leave the books laying on top of the jacket overnight and check it in the morning to see if the wrinkle has vanished. This should be enough to completely remove a small wrinkle, but if it’s a deep crease, this method may need to be used along with another method mentioned above. Be sure to put the jacket on after you take the books off of it so it regains its original shape.  

For more information on caring for leather jackets, talk to the experts. Jonval is known as the go-to store for leather, fur, and shearling. Browse our eclectic collection of genuine furs and leathers or stop by to have one of your fur or leather pieces cleaned, stored, or repaired. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Leather is a classic material that is used by fashion designers in practically every season. Some designers are able to create breathtaking leather looks, while others truly miss the mark. As the leading leather store in Denver, we know when a designer has completely nailed the leather trend. Here’s a look at some of the designers who have done it right:

The Row

The Row is a high-end fashion label that focuses on creating luxurious wardrobe staples, such as plain white t-shirts and form-fitting dresses. Almost every season, The Row introduces a new take on the leather dress, and this year was no exception. This season’s dress is form-fitting and hits right below the knee, so it’s appropriate for your personal and professional wardrobe. This little black dress also has a hidden zipper in the back that doesn’t distract from the simplicity of the design. Overall, the designers at The Row were able to create the perfect leather dress for every occasion.

Frame

Frame is a denim company, but they have recently branched out and included leather and other materials in their designs. One of their most popular designs is a shiny leather mini skirt with a slight A-line silhouette that falls to the mid-thigh. The shine on this leather differentiates this skirt from the dozens of other leather mini skirts on the market. Plus, the designers have managed to cut this skirt perfectly so it doesn’t sit too close to the body, but also doesn’t have an extreme A-line shape. Learn about the A-line dress definition.

Theory

Theory is known for using high-end fabrics such as leather and suede, so it’s no surprise that they have a number of leather jackets in their most recent collection. Theory creates garments for both men and women, and leather jackets are available for both genders. Although some of the pieces are traditional bomber-style jackets, there are a few unique items that are definitely showstoppers. For example, one of the women’s leather jackets is designed with an incredibly soft and lightweight lamb leather that hangs off of the body similar to an open cardigan. The relaxed fit of this jacket makes it appropriate for day or evening, and since it’s a bit lighter than other styles, you can probably get more use of it throughout the year.

Helmut Lang

Many people think of leather as a heavy duty material. However, Helmut Lang has designed a leather spaghetti strap tank top that proves that it can also be a lightweight summer fabric. This piece, which is made out of soft lamb leather, is cut close to the body and works well with a classic pair of slim fit dark jeans.

Ready to find stylish leather pieces for your wardrobe? Jonval is known as the go-to store for leather, fur, and shearling. Browse our eclectic collection of furs and leathers or stop by to have one of your fur or leather pieces cleaned, stored, or repaired. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Leather leggings are form-fitting leather pants that taper in at the ankle like skinny jeans. The fabric that is used to make leather leggings has more stretch than the leather used to create standard leather pants, which means they cling much closer to the body. Leather leggings are one of the must-have fashion accessories for the fall season, so now is the time to learn how to wear these staple pieces. Here are some tips for rocking leggings from a leather store in Denver:

Choose the right size.

Never buy a pair of leather leggings without trying them on first. The fit must be perfect on these leggings, so try on multiple styles until you find a pair that works with your body. If the fit is right, the leather should not be bunching up around your legs or so tight that it’s cutting into your skin. The leather may bunch at the ankles if the leggings are a little long, but this can easily be fixed with the help of a tailor.

Create balance.

Leather leggings will hug every curve of your body, so it’s recommended that you choose a top that has a looser fit. Wearing a looser top will create a balanced look and make it more appropriate for everyday wear. Read this leather leggings buying guide for more tips.

Wear longer tops.

Leather leggings look more like regular pants than other leggings do, but the truth is that they are still leggings. Therefore, they look best when they are paired with a longer top that covers the first four to five inches on the top of the leggings. Let the top hang loose over the leggings instead of tucking it in to achieve the easy, breezy look that you desire.

Don’t wear leather.

If you’re going to wear leather leggings, then leave the leather top and jacket hanging in your closet. Wearing only one leather item at a time is best if you want the piece to truly stand out and make a statement. Pair leather leggings with softer and lighter fabrics such as cotton, chiffon, and silk instead.

Don’t be afraid of color.

Most leather leggings are black, but there are plenty of other colorful options available. Black leather leggings are edgy and chic, but if you want something that’s a bit more laid back, look for brown leather leggings instead. This will tone down the outfit and make it more appropriate for daytime wear. If you’re feeling daring, try a bright pastel pair of leather leggings paired with a neutral colored top. This is a trend that all of your friends will be dying to emulate!

For more advice on how to wear your favorite leather pieces, talk to the experts. Jonval is known as the go-to store for leather, fur, and shearling. Browse our eclectic collection of genuine furs and leathers or stop by to have one of your fur or leather pieces cleaned, stored, or repaired. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Leather jackets are classic pieces that will never go out of style, so it’s important to keep them in good condition so you can continue to wear them year after year. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the proper way to store leather, so they end up damaging their jackets. To preserve the beauty of your Denver leather jacket, follow these simple storage tips:

Control the environment.

Leather should never be exposed to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, so be mindful of this when deciding where to store your jacket. Storing the jacket inside a closet should be fine as long as the closet is temperature-controlled and not in direct sunlight. Make sure that there are no vents or light bulbs that could give off heat located near the jacket. Read 8 ways to store your suedes and leather goods.

Apply a leather conditioner.

Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to your jacket prior to putting it away if you plan on keeping it in storage for a long period of time. The conditioner will moisturize the leather and ensure that it doesn’t crack or dry out while it’s being stored. After the conditioner has been applied, use a soft cloth to wipe off any excess product that may remain on the surface of your leather jacket.

Use acid-free paper.

Stuff the arms of your leather jacket with acid-free tissue paper before putting it in storage. The tissue paper will help the jacket keep its shape so it doesn’t fall flat while in storage. Make sure that you choose acid-free tissue paper instead of grabbing any kind of paper that you can find. Other types of paper can be slightly acidic, which means they could cause discoloration.

Hang it up.

It’s recommended that you choose a padded, wide hanger instead of a wire hanger for your leather jacket. Wire hangers can leave creases in the leather, which may be very difficult to remove. Never fold a leather jacket and keep it inside a dresser since this can also lead to creases in the fabric.

After placing the jacket on the appropriate hanger, put it inside a cloth garment bag so the leather can breathe while it’s in being stored. You should never put a leather jacket inside a plastic bag since plastic is not a breathable material. In fact, mildew may start to grow on a leather jacket that is stored inside a plastic bag if the environment becomes too humid. Finally, place it inside your closet and leave space between the jacket and the items surrounding it. A jacket should never be shoved tightly in between two other clothing items.

For more information on preserving your favorite leather pieces, talk to the experts. Jonval is known as the go-to store for leather, fur, and shearling. Browse our eclectic collection of genuine furs and leathers or stop by to have one of your fur or leather pieces cleaned, stored, or repaired. Contact us today to learn more about our services.