How to Care for Your Aviator Jacket to Maintain Its Vintage Charm

The aviator jacket is a timeless piece that combines functionality with style, often evoking a sense of nostalgia for its military and aviation roots. Whether made from luxurious leather, faux leather, or durable synthetics, your aviator jacket is an investment in both fashion and comfort. To ensure it lasts for years and maintains its vintage charm, it’s important to follow proper care guidelines. Here’s how to maintain and preserve the look and feel of your beloved aviator jacket.

1. Clean Your Jacket Regularly

Keeping your aviator jacket clean is crucial for maintaining its appearance, especially since dust, dirt, and oils from your skin can affect its texture and finish over time.

Leather Care: For genuine leather jackets, avoid using water to clean them directly, as this can damage the material. Instead, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away any dirt. For deeper cleaning, apply a leather cleaner or conditioner that’s specifically designed for your jacket’s material. This helps remove stains, restore the leather’s natural oils, and prevent it from drying out or cracking.
Faux Leather Care: Faux leather jackets can often be cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Use a cloth to gently wipe the surface and ensure you remove any grime. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the synthetic material.
Fabric and Lining Care: If your aviator jacket has a shearling or fleece lining, it’s best to clean it with a gentle brush to remove loose dirt and dust. For deeper cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s instructions—some may allow machine washing, but others may require hand washing or dry cleaning.

Why It’s Important: Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt buildup and maintains the jacket’s polished look. Proper cleaning also preserves the integrity of the materials and ensures your jacket looks fresh without compromising its vintage appeal.

2. Condition and Protect the Leather

Leather is one of the key materials in traditional aviator jackets, and it requires special care to retain its suppleness and vintage charm.

Conditioning: Leather can dry out over time, leading to cracks and a worn appearance. To prevent this, apply a leather conditioner every few months, depending on how frequently the jacket is worn. A conditioner will nourish the leather, keeping it soft, supple, and resistant to cracking.
Waterproofing: Leather jackets can absorb water, which may cause stains or damage over time. Apply a water-repellent spray designed for leather to provide protection against rain and snow. Always test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the material.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Leather can fade and dry out if exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. When not in use, store your jacket in a cool, dry place away from heat sources or intense sunlight.

Why It’s Important: Regular conditioning helps maintain the softness and shine of the leather, preventing cracks and preserving the jacket’s vintage look. Waterproofing protects the leather from environmental damage, ensuring your jacket lasts longer.

3. Proper Storage is Key

How you store your aviator jacket plays a significant role in maintaining its shape and integrity.

Use a Wide-Shoulder Hanger: Always hang your aviator jacket on a broad, padded hanger. This helps preserve the structure of the shoulders and prevents the jacket from becoming misshapen over time. Avoid thin, wire hangers that can cause indentations or distort the jacket’s shape.
Avoid Folding: While it might be tempting to fold your jacket to save space, this can lead to creases that are difficult to remove. Always hang the jacket when storing it.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your aviator jacket in a closet or wardrobe where it’s protected from moisture and humidity, which can cause mildew, mold, or material degradation. If you’re storing the jacket for an extended period, consider using a garment bag to protect it from dust and environmental elements.

Why It’s Important: Proper storage keeps your jacket looking new for longer, helping it maintain its form and preventing damage. By avoiding folding or improper hanging methods, you ensure that the jacket retains its original structure and silhouette.

4. Avoid Over-Wearing or Excessive Friction

Though the rugged style of an aviator jacket is made for everyday wear, over-wearing or exposing the jacket to excessive friction can cause premature wear and tear, particularly on the leather.

Limit Over-Exposure to Abrasive Surfaces: Avoid rubbing the jacket against rough surfaces that could cause scuffing or abrasion, especially on the sleeves, shoulders, and elbows. These areas are prone to wear due to constant movement, so take care when sitting or leaning against rough surfaces.
Rotate Your Jackets: If you wear your aviator jacket frequently, consider rotating it with other outerwear. This will prevent constant strain on the same areas and allow the jacket to maintain its shape and appearance for a longer period.

Why It’s Important: Overuse and constant friction can damage the leather or fabric, making it lose its vintage charm. By rotating your jacket and limiting its exposure to abrasive conditions, you can preserve its original finish.

5. Repair Minor Damages Promptly

Even the best-quality aviator jacket can experience some wear and tear over time. Minor damages, such as small scratches, loose stitching, or worn-out zippers, should be addressed immediately to prevent them from becoming larger problems.

Leather Scratches: For small leather scratches, use a leather repair kit to buff out the damage. You can also apply a leather conditioner to the scratched area to restore the material’s smoothness.
Stitching Issues: If you notice any loose threads or seams, repair them immediately to prevent the damage from worsening. If you’re not confident in your stitching skills, take the jacket to a tailor who specializes in leather or outerwear repairs.
Zipper Repair: If your jacket’s zipper becomes stuck or broken, avoid forcing it open. Repair or replace the zipper as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Why It’s Important: Timely repairs prevent minor issues from turning into bigger problems that may compromise the jacket’s functionality and appearance. Addressing damage quickly ensures the jacket retains its vintage charm.

6. Keep the Shearling Lining in Good Condition

Many aviator jackets are lined with shearling, which adds both warmth and style. Shearling requires special care to maintain its plush feel and prevent matting or flattening.

Avoid Wetting Shearling: If the shearling gets wet, allow it to air dry naturally (away from direct heat or sunlight). Do not wring it out or use a dryer, as this can damage the fibers.
Brush Regularly: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently fluff up the shearling lining, restoring its soft, fluffy texture.
Store Properly: During off-seasons, store the jacket in a breathable garment bag to protect the shearling from dust and damage.

Why It’s Important: Shearling is a delicate material that requires proper care to maintain its luxurious, warm feel. Taking care of it ensures that the jacket remains both functional and stylish for years to come.

Conclusion

Your aviator jacket is more than just a stylish outerwear piece—it’s a timeless investment that can last for decades when properly cared for. By following these simple care tips—cleaning it regularly, conditioning the leather, storing it properly, and addressing minor repairs—you can ensure your aviator jacket retains its vintage charm for years. Whether you’re wearing it on a chilly day or using it to add a classic edge to your wardrobe, your well-maintained aviator jacket will continue to impress, offering warmth, style, and durability season after season.