How to Iron a Leather Jacket: Easy Steps

A well fitted leather jacket is a wardrobe staple. Over time, storage or wear can cause wrinkles, but with the right method you can smooth them without damage.

Quick answer

Yes, you can iron a leather jacket to remove light wrinkles. Use the lowest heat, turn steam off, place a cotton cloth over the leather, and press for 3 to 5 seconds per section. Do not slide the iron. Hang on a wide padded hanger to cool.

Understanding Leather Before You Iron

Leather is a natural material with unique fibers, oils, and finishes. Whether it is lambskin, cowhide, goatskin, or sheepskin, heat can cause permanent damage if used incorrectly.

Common leather types: lambskin, cowhide, goatskin, sheepskin, suede.

Risks of incorrect ironing: heat marks, stiffening, fading, loss of natural grain texture.

At Decrum we craft our jackets from premium lambskin leather for softness and lightweight feel, but the same careful method applies to all genuine leathers.

How to iron a leather jacket at home

Check the care label for ironing guidance.
Wipe dust and let the jacket dry fully, or follow our Leather Jacket Care Guide.
Set the iron to the lowest heat and turn steam off.
Place a cotton pillowcase or pressing cloth between the iron and leather.
Press gently for 3 to 5 seconds per area, lift between presses, do not slide.
Hang on a wide padded hanger to cool and set the shape.

For a method that avoids direct heat, see how to get wrinkles out of leather jackets.

Safer Alternatives to Ironing

Garment steamer: hold 6 to 8 inches away to relax wrinkles. Full method here: How to Get Wrinkles Out of Leather Jackets.
Steamy bathroom: hang the jacket away from water splashes while running a hot shower to let gentle humidity relax light creases.

Aftercare and Storage

Apply a leather conditioner to restore natural oils. Steps in our care guide.
Store on a wide padded hanger to avoid shoulder creases.
Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Is it safe to iron leather?

It is safe for light wrinkles if you use very low heat, a cotton pressing cloth, and short presses. Avoid ironing suede or nubuck. Deep creases are better handled by a leather specialist.

What temperature should I use to iron leather?

Use the lowest heat your iron allows with steam off. Always test on a hidden area first and keep a cotton cloth between the iron and leather.

Can I iron suede or nubuck?

No. Do not iron suede or nubuck. The nap can flatten or scorch. Use gentle steaming at a distance and a suede brush, or see a specialist.

FAQs

Can you iron a leather jacket?

Yes, for light wrinkles only. Use low heat, no steam, a cotton cloth barrier, and short presses. Always test on a hidden area first.

How do you iron a leather jacket?

Clean first, set low heat, place a cloth on top, press 3 to 5 seconds per section, lift between presses, then hang to cool.

Is steaming better than ironing for leather?

Steaming at a distance is gentler because it avoids direct heat contact.

What temperature to iron leather?

Use the lowest setting your iron offers with steam off. Test on a hidden area first.

Can you iron suede?

No. Do not iron suede or nubuck. Use gentle steam and a suede brush or consult a specialist.

How to make your leather jacket straight?

Start with non heat options. Hang on a wide padded hanger, steam from 6 to 8 inches away, or use the steamy bathroom method. If needed, do brief low heat presses with a cloth barrier. See our wrinkle guide.

Does heat ruin leather jackets?

Excess heat can dry oils, cause stiffness, shine, and color change. Always use minimal heat for the shortest time or choose steaming instead.