Damages and Imperfections in Leather and Suede Garments

Leather and suede garments are some of our favorite clothing. However, they are not easy to care for. In some cases, after only a short period of wear, leather or suede garments may show local damage. Usually, microscopic examination of the skins in the damaged areas will show that they are less compact and weaker than other areas of the garment.

This situation sometimes occurs when a combination of skins taken from
different animals are used in the makeup of the garment. Skins that come
from various portions of the same animal may also be used. These skins
sometimes have a variety of thicknesses or inherent natural defects.
Skins from certain portions of the animal, such as the belly, are less
compact and weaker than skins from other portions of the animal. On
occasion, skins may be split thinly to accommodate soft, flowing skirts;
tops; or other types of garments needing lightweight suede or leather
panels. Weak areas in leather or suede may also be a result from from
wounds, disease, and insect bites received during the animal’s lifetime.

The skins may look and feel great when they are new, but they have a
tendency to pill, separate, or tear, especially if used in an area of a
garment that receives repeated rubbing, friction or abrasion during
wear. For example, if a thin suede skin is used on a sleeve, an area
that typically receives lots of stress and strain during wear, the suede
may become pilled. In some instances, if the area is very weak, the
skins may actually separate and tear.

Damage due to defective skins and circumstances of use frequently becomes more apparent after a normal leather cleaning process. This is because dyes or finishes may have masked the problem, and the agitation of cleaning aggravates areas
that were abraded during wear. In many cases, Utopia Cleaners’ professional leather
cleaner may be able to replace the damaged skins and return the garment
to a wearable condition. We will try our best to match the skin’s color or texture.

Leather and suede are susceptible to a wide range of problems, so it is important that, as a consumer, you are aware of potential problems and limitations of
leather garments. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Utopia Cleaners. We are here to help you look your best!

About Utopia Cleaners

Utopia Cleaners offers dry cleaning and laundry services to the communities in Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Woburn, Brookline, Everett, Chelsea, Medford, Belmont, Winchester, and Lexington via dry cleaning delivery service and laundry pickup service. Other services include alterations, wedding gown preservation and shirt laundry.