Leather - the unique natural material
Despite many attempts at imitating the properties of leather, no true substitute has been found. The unique fibrous weave can absorb perspiration and transmit to the outer surface, and the leather is thus said to ‘breathe’. The air spaces between the fibres provides excellent insulation so that the leather also protects against both cold and heat.

Leather is now very much a fashion material and the tanneries provide an ever changing range of fashion effects. In this leaflet we shall be giving information about the different finishes available and the correct way in which to care for them. It is in fact the finishing process applied to leather that determines the Care and Cleaning required.

Look on the swing ticket attached to your garment, or the label sewn into the lining to ascertain the appropriate finish. If you are in any doubt at all about this, then please call into your nearest Lakeland shop or contact our Customer Care Department, Rothay Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0HQ. Telephone (015394) 39030. We will also be happy to help with any other queries relating to your leather garment.

A Note to Conservationists
Virtually any type of hide or skin can be tanned to produce leather. However, it is Lakeland’s policy only to use leather which is available as a by-product of the meat industry. Lakeland never has, and never would, condone anything else.

General
Always treat leather and suede with the care and respect that a luxury garment deserves. Keep on a well-shaped hanger when not in use, and if the garment is stored for any length of time keep in a fabric cover.
Most leathers are reasonably shower resistant, though not waterproof, and as such, their use in prolonged heavy rain should be avoided. Should your leather garment become wet, put on a well-shaped hanger and allow to dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight.

For Suede/Nubuck the marks can then be rubbed gently with a Lakeland Suede/Nubuck Cloth. For Nappa and Aniline leather the marks can generally be removed by rubbing the affected area against itself.

Care and cleaning
As a general rule, the higher the quality of leather the more it will benefit from extra care and attention. For care and cleaning purposes, Lakeland leathers fall into three main categories;-

CARE 'A', CARE 'B' and CARE 'C'

Check the swing ticket attached to your garment, the glossary at the back of this booklet, or ask a member of our staff to determine the relevant care and cleaning procedure to adopt for your leather.

Care and Cleaning ‘A’
Generally, Suede, Nubuck and buffed leather (i.e. leather which has been buffed in the finishing process to give it a duller, matt appearance), fall into category ‘A’.

When New
We recommend that before wearing your garment you spray with Lakeland Suede and Leather Guard.

This provides an invisible protective barrier over the surface of the garment which helps to prevent dirt and grime penetrating the surface of the skin and so makes it easier to remove surface grime and marks. Particular attention should be paid to the inside collar and cuff areas. This will dramatically reduce the problems caused by grease and perspiration from direct skin contact. Marks

A Lakeland Suede/Nubuck Cloth can be used regularly to enhance the nap and will prevent marks from penetrating into the skin.

Grease Marks
Can be removed by using Lakeland Degreaser. Spray over the offending area and leave for at least two hours to allow the degreaser to penetrate the mark. Remove the powder. Repeat as necessary. After treatment use a Lakeland Suede/ Nubuck Cloth and reapply Lakeland Suede and Leather Guard.

Note:
Lakeland Degreaser is a fairly strong cleaner and it is important to test on a hidden area of the garment first. Lakeland Suede and Leather Guard can be reapplied following thorough cleaning with a Lakeland Suede/Nubuck Cloth, or dry cleaning. Do not respray without cleaning first as this will result in sealing marks into the leather.

Dusting
All sueded garments will naturally shed a certain amount of fine dust when new, this is due to suede particles loosened in the buffing process becoming trapped in the pile of the garment. The softer the suede, the more likely this is to happen. The dust will soon disappear with wear; should it be excessive then the garment can be brushed with Lakeland Suede/Nubuck Cloth, then sprayed with Lakeland Suede and Leather Guard.

Rainspotting
Sometimes rainspotting can occur - this is when spots of water falling on the garment form a darker wet mark which, when it dries out, still remains as a dark spot. This can be eliminated by allowing the garment to dry naturally on a well shaped hanger then gently rubbing the marks with a Lakeland Suede/Nubuck Cloth.

Care and Cleaning ‘B’
Generally leathers with a ‘smooth’ surface - colloquially called ‘leather’ finishes, i.e. Aniline, Nappa and Hide, which in general have a slight sheen or finish on the leather fall into category ‘B’.

When New
Applying Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather when new will provide an invisible protective barrier over the surface of the garment. This biodegradable and dermalogically safe cream gives excellent protection against water and oil based stains as well as facilitating easier cleaning of everyday soiling.

When applying Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather we recommend particular attention is paid to the inside collar and cuff areas. This will dramatically reduce the problems caused by grease and perspiration through direct skin contact. It is recommended that new leather is treated prior to use with Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather. Depending on the level of wear, the leather will benefit from the reapplication of Lakeland Protection Cream, following the use of Lakeland Soft Cleaner for Leather, once or twice a year.

Marks
Minor marks and soiling that occur with everyday wear can be removed by using Lakeland Soft Cleaner for Leather. This is a mild cleaner which will not affect the original look, properties or finish of the leather. Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather should be reapplied following cleaning.

Grease Marks
Can be removed by using Lakeland Degreaser. Always test on a hidden area of the garment first. Spray over the offending area and leave for at least two hours to allow the degreaser to penetrate the mark. Remove the powder. Repeat as necessary. After treatment wipe the area with a clean damp cloth.

Note:
Some Nappa and Hide leather can become scuffed with wear, and in some instances these marks can be concealed by using the appropriate coloured shoe polish/cream. Care must be taken to ensure that the correct colour is applied and that this is carefully polished off before wear to avoid dye transfer. Always test on a hidden area first and if in doubt contact a member of our staff for further advice.

Care and Cleaning ‘C’
Care and Cleaning ‘C’ is generally used for exceptional ‘fashion’ finishes which may not have been available before the production of this booklet. We therefore advise that you contact a member of our staff for specific information whenever Care ‘C’ is referred to. Some leather does not benefit from the use of any cleaning products, the leather will simply be enhanced with wear. You will find these types of leather are also classed as Care ‘C’ and further information can be found within the "Leather Finishes" section of this booklet.

Sheepskin - Care of Wool Side
Use a damp sponge and lukewarm water to which a small amount of mild, pure soap has been added - do not use powdered detergents. Sponge the wool all over, taking care not to allow it to become too wet. Dry naturally, then comb through with a poodle brush.

Ironing
If necessary, it is possible to iron out creases from Suede/Leather. For best results ensure the iron is set on the ‘medium’ setting. Place a clean fine weave cloth over the area to be ironed and gently apply pressure with the iron to smooth out creases.

Note:
It is important that the iron does not make direct contact with the Suede/Leather.

Warnings
Whilst you should never experience any problems with a Lakeland leather, it is always advisable to be aware of any potential hazards which could affect the appearance and general wear of any leather garment.

Adhesive labels
Do not allow adhesive labels such as those used to promote charities, etc to be stuck onto suede or leather garments as the adhesive may cause discolouration or remove some of the finish.

Car Seats/Seat Belts/Handbag Straps
Some car seats and seat belts are made from particularly hard wearing materials which can be abrasive to leather or suede. Care should be taken, especially with finer leather and suede to ensure abrasion or sharp buckles do not cause damage to the garment.

Dye Transfer
As with some fabrics such as denim, there can be a degree of dye transfer both from and to suede/nubuck and aniline leather. This can occur particularly when the garment is wet. You should avoid direct contact with light coloured garments and car seats.

Oil/ Wax Transfer
With any leather which has an oil or waxy finish, there is the potential for oil/wax to transfer onto any other fabric it comes into contact with. You should avoid contact with light coloured garments and car seats.

Rainspotting
Occasionally rainspotting can occur – this is when spots of water falling on the garment form a darker wet mark, which, when it dries out, still remains as a dark spot. This can usually be prevented by ensuring the appropriate protection spray/cream has been applied before wear. However, if the problem arises it can be eliminated by allowing the garment to dry naturally on a well-shaped hanger.

Sunlight
Strong sunlight will fade suede and leather. It is advisable never to leave suede and leather garments in the sun for long periods of time, e.g. the back ledge of a car window.

Dry Cleaning
The care and cleaning products recommended by Lakeland will postpone and even eliminate the need for dry cleaning and we would normally advise against dry cleaning for the first 2/3 years. However should excessive soiling make dry cleaning absolutely necessary we would advise you to contact Lakeland Customer Care Department (015394 39030) for details of a recommended specialist leather cleaner.

Q. Can I expect leather and suede to look as good as new after cleaning?
A. Not usually. Unlike fabric garments leather does not benefit from dry cleaning. During the cleaning process, dirt and grime is removed from the leather and inevitably this process also removes some of the substances used in the original production to dye and soften the skins and on occasions adhesive which may have been used in the manufacture.

Q. What can I expect to happen to suede/leather after dry cleaning?
A. Although a specialist leather cleaner will endeavour to restore the colour and softness of the garment to as near its original condition as possible (they should record the type of finish and colour, noting any variations in colour either between panels or from use, before cleaning), some colour loss or change to the texture is occasionally unavoidable even after treatment from the best dry cleaning.

Q. Why did my leather jacket seem to get tighter following dry cleaning?
A. When skins are tanned and dyed they are impregnated with fats, then stretched and tacked out on boards to dry. Occasionally, following cleaning, the skin will shrink. A dry cleaner specialising in leather should measure the garment in order that the correct size and shape can be ensured during finishing.

Q. Which cleaner should I entrust to dry clean my leather and suede garments?
A. Contact Lakeland’s Customer Care Department (015394 39030) and they will recommend a specialist leather cleaner where you should send your garment, together with your name, address and day time telephone number. As soon as your garment is received, a dry cleaning expert will ring you to discuss your garment giving you a realistic indication of the likely condition following cleaning, and quoting the charge. Should any minor repairs be needed they will also quote for carrying out the work if you wish. As a Lakeland customer, you will also be entitled to a 20% reduction on the quoted charge.

Q. My local dry cleaners advertise they can dry clean leather - will I be happy with the results?
A. Should you wish to use another specialist leather cleaner then we would advise you to take along this booklet and ask the cleaner in question to confirm they will follow the same pre-cleaning examination as mentioned above.

You should never need to sign a dry cleaning disclaimer for a Lakeland leather. Should a garment requiring dry cleaning form part of a suit, it is always advisable to have both items dry cleaned together in order that the cleaner can ensure minimal colour variation.

Leather Finishes
Aniline Leather – (Care & Cleaning ‘B’) Aniline Leather is selected from the finest quality skins and is leather which has been dyed but has no pigment coating and minimal finish applied to the surface. This allows the true beauty and characteristics of the skin to shine through and provides a totally soft, supple natural look and feel. Because of the natural variation in colour of the skins you will find most Aniline leather available in either dark or strong colours. Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather and Lakeland Soft Cleaner for Leather can be used on Aniline leather however, it will change the appearance by evening out the natural markings and darkening the colour.

Authentic Aniline - (Care and Cleaning ‘B’)
Authentic Aniline has been developed for, and is also exclusive to Lakeland. It can be described as Aniline, as above, however Authentic Aniline has no finish applied to the surface which gives a more casual appearance and provides the ultimate ‘soft touch’. Although easy to care for, it is essential that Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather is applied before wear - these leathers will mellow with wear, to give a fashionable lived-in look.

Semi-Aniline – (Care & Cleaning ‘B’)
As Aniline leather above. However a small amount of protective finish has been added to enhance and prolong wear.

Semi-Aniline (Hair Sheep) – (Care & Cleaning ‘B’)
Hair sheep leather is a lighter weight yet strong leather which is particularly suitable for producing more ‘tailored’ garments. A small amount of protective finish is added to enhance and prolong wear.

Hide – (Care & Cleaning ‘B’)
These are leathers which have a pigment coating applied to the outer surface of a slightly heavier skin after tanning. This gives the leather a smooth surface, uniform colour and slightly shiny appearance. These leathers will also have a certain degree of resistance to dirt, grime and wear.

Hide Glazed – (Care & Cleaning ‘C’)
When new, this leather has a medium shine, which will become duller with a more ‘distressed’ appearance with wear. This is both natural and the intended fashion look.

Hide – Pull Up – Oily – (Care & Cleaning ‘C’)
Pull up leathers are designed to become distressed looking with time and use. This type of pull up leather has a slightly oily spray applied in the finishing and will sometimes retain an oily feel.

Hide – Pull Up – Waxy – (Care & Cleaning ‘C’)
Pull up leathers are designed to become ‘distressed’ looking with time and use. This type of pull up leather has a slightly waxy coating which gives a softer, smoother handle.

Nappa Leather (Care & Cleaning ‘B’)
These are leathers which have a pigment coating applied to the outer surface of the skin after tanning, which gives them a very smooth surface, uniform colour, and a slightly shiny appearance. These leathers will also have a certain degree of resistance to dirt, grime and wear.

Nappa – Pearlised – (Care & Cleaning ‘B’ or ‘C’)
This leather has a pearl-like lustre applied to the finishing process. It may benefit from a light application of Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather – please check individual garment ticket.

Nappa – Waxy (Care & Cleaning ‘B’)
This leather has a slight wax coating on the original Nappa, which gives the leather a softer, smoother handle.

Nappalan – (Care & Cleaning ‘C’)
Nappalan is a superbly soft sheepskin which has a pigmented coating applied to the suede side of the skin which gives it a fashionable matt leather finish on the outside, whilst retaining the warmth of the sheepskin on the inside. After a certain amount of wear, some of the surface finish will shed; leaving a distressed appearance. This is a normal characteristic of Nappalan and will enhance the suppleness of the skin whilst adding to the rugged, natural appearance of the garment. The leather will not benefit from the application of any after care products.

Nubuck – (Care & Cleaning ‘A’)
Nubuck is leather buffed on the grain side to give a very fine velvety surface, so although it appears to look and feel like suede it is in fact leather. Where friction occurs some of the buffed finish will wear down and become shiny - this will not in anyway affect the wear and tear, but will add to the fashionability.

Nubuck Buffed – (Care & Cleaning ‘A’)
Sometimes termed ‘Nubuck’ or ‘Country Nubuck’. This has a semi-sueded look. Randomly buffed on the grain side to give a velvety surface.

Nubuck – Glazed – (Care & Cleaning ‘C’)
This is Nubuck with a fashionable ‘glazed’ finish which breaks down with wear to give a natural rugged appearance. By its very nature, this leather will not benefit from the application of any after care products.

Nubuck – Oily – (Care & Cleaning ‘C’)
This is Nubuck which has had an oily spray applied in the finishing. It tends to produce a rugged look to the skin and will sometimes still have a slightly oily feel.

Nubuck – Waxy – (Care & Cleaning ‘A’ or ‘C’)
This is Nubuck which has a wax spray applied in the finishing. It tends to produce a rugged look to the skin, and will sometimes retain a slight waxy fell. This leather may benefit from a light application of Lakeland Suede and Leather Guard - please check individual garment ticket.

Suede – (Care & Cleaning ‘A’)
Suede is produced by buffing the inside of the skin to produce a velvet like nap finish. Suede is fairly resilient to everyday use, providing it is sprayed with Lakeland Suede and Leather Guard when new, though may become shiny where friction occurs; after a long period of wear.

Sueded Sheepskin – (Care & Cleaning ‘A’)
Sheepskin with a traditional sueded finish which has been buffed on the inside of the skin to raise a soft velvety nap. The wool side is trimmed (which makes the garment much less heavy than early sheepskin coats) and ironed by the tanneries to give a smooth silky feel, and which with wear, will actually mould to the shape of the wearer to give added comfort.

SEMI-SUEDED SHEEPSKIN - (CARE & CLEANING ‘A’)
Sheepskin with a semi-sueded finish, which has been randomly buffed on the inside of the skin - see ‘Sueded Sheepskin’ above.

WASHED LEATHER (CARE & CLEANING ‘A’, ‘B’ OR ‘C’)
This is leather with a washed finish, and is normally Aniline. As such, it will absorb virtually anything with which it comes into contact - see ‘Aniline’ leather finish.

Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather will provide the best protection possible against water and oil based stains. However, applying cream will also make the shade of leather darker and more uniform.

Lakeland Suede and Leather Guard will protect washed leather, without affecting the colour, but the protection will be less than that of a cream. Should you wish to enhance the distressed and ‘lived in’ look that washed leather provides; you can decide not to protect the leather at all. However, you should be aware that without protection, the garment will become permanently marked and may not have the long term appeal of a ‘protected’ Lakeland leather.

Note:
New leather finishes are being developed all the time. If you are in any doubt as to the type of finish and the care and cleaning which relates to your particular garment, please contact your local branch of Lakeland or contact our Customer Care Department.

Leather Briefcases/Handbags/Luggage
These can be cleaned and treated in the same way as suede or leather garments. It is always advisable to check inside the bag for any labels referring to the particular care of clasps and fittings and follow the care and cleaning for the relevant leather finish.

Leather Gloves
Most top quality gloves are produced in Hair Sheep Aniline leather, and require the minimum of attention to preserve their appearance and comfort. Should your gloves become wet, allow them to dry naturally away from direct heat, in a warm room. Ease back into shape whilst drying by putting the gloves on and off several times. If the gloves become soiled, then wipe with a clean damp cloth or use the relevant care products recommended. Lakeland Protection Cream for Leather can be used. However, it may change the appearance slightly by evening out the natural markings in the leather and darkening the colour.
Soft Cleaner for Leather can be used to remove dirt and soiling.

Leather Trousers – Shortening
Leather trousers can be easily shortened by following the stages below:
1. Measure inside leg for finished length required.
2. Turn trousers inside out.
3. Cut off any excess, leaving approx 4 cms for hem inside.
4. Secure stitching on side seam.
5. Glue by putting around 6 small dots of Copydex approx 1.5 cms from raw edge, then fold the hem by 4 cms to give finished length, making sure there are no creases and press together firmly.
NB. You may wish to wear your leather trousers for 2/3 occasions with the hem temporarily turned up. This will ensure that any creasing which may occur in the leather will not affect the desired length.

After Care Service
We are keen to ensure that you enjoy wearing your leather purchase and are confident in the use of the leather care products which are designed to enhance and prolong the life of your garment. Should you require any further advice please contact your local branch of Lakeland or our Customer Care Department.

Should you have purchased your leather from elsewhere and require advice on any aspect of your leather garment, then Lakeland’s leather buyer, Richard Standring, will be happy to help.