Care Tips for Your Billy Reid Blake Jacket

by Muhammad khan on February 12, 2025

With a nod to vintage motorcycling culture, this style has that rock-and-roll cool factor. It's perfect for anyone who values versatility and timeless style.

Keep your Blake jacket looking its best with regular conditioning and avoiding exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. Mould and mildew can damage leather and may leave it with a green or black appearance.

1. Clean it Regularly

A leather jacket is a classic piece of menswear that never goes out of style. However, as with all outerwear, it does require regular cleaning to keep it in good condition. Body oils, sweat, dirt and grime can build up on your leather jacket, causing it to lose its sheen. Thankfully, it’s fairly easy to clean your Billy Reid Blake Jacket to keep it looking like new.

Start by removing any loose dust and dirt from the surface of your jacket with a soft cloth or sponge. If your jacket is particularly dirty, mix mild soap with warm water and apply it to a damp cloth or sponge. Gently wipe the jacket and then dry it with a towel. After you’re done, apply a leather conditioner to keep it soft and prevent it from cracking over time.

Founded in 1996, Reid’s eponymous brand channels classic American style through a modern lens. With a handful of freestanding stores in retail hotspots and a collection carried at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus, the label has become an institution with celebrities and tastemakers alike. From Daniel Craig in Skyfall and Will Smith in the upcoming Ang Lee sci-fi movie Gemini Man to Julianne Moore in After The Wedding and Bart Freundlich’s False Positive, Reid’s “lived-in luxury” looks are showing up on the big screen more often than ever.

The Blake jacket, with its supple shearling and rugged trucker cut, is the perfect example of the label’s ethos at work. The washed lambskin leather gives the jacket that charming broken-in feel right out of the box, and it’ll only get better with time. But the jacket isn’t only a rock ’n’ roll standby; it also looks great with jeans and a simple tee, or even a pair of tailored trousers.

2. Condition it Regularly

If you’re going to invest in a leather jacket, you want it to last. Leather is durable, but it can lose its shine over time due to body oils, sweat, grime, and dust. Using a conditioner regularly can help to maintain your jacket’s natural sheen.

To avoid damaging your leather jacket, you should use a conditioner made specifically for leather and apply it with a soft cloth or sponge. Then, allow your jacket to air dry before wearing it again. You should also store it in a cool, dark place and avoid storing it in plastic garment bags.

Leather needs to breathe and being stored in a garment bag can cause your jacket to lose its shape. It can also become coated in mould and mildew. If your leather jacket develops either of these problems, you should clean the surface immediately with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Alternatively, you can use commercial leather cleaner. Be sure to blot the affected area and not rub it.

Similarly, stains like those caused by food or drink may need special treatment. Common stains from drinks include coffee, tea, juice, milk, and wine. Stains from foods can be even more difficult to remove, such as those caused by ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and salsa. Fortunately, Rinse can remove these kinds of stains from your Billy Reid Blake jacket using best practices and specialized dry cleaning chemicals.

The right leather jacket can add a touch of rugged, old-school style to your wardrobe. Whether you’re an honorary member of the T-Birds or just dipping your toe into the world of leather, this jacket is a stylish staple that will only get better with age.

3. Don’t Expose it to Moisture

While leather jackets look great on their own, they’ll lose their luster over time due to body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime. However, if you take good care of your outerwear and protect it from these elements, your Billy Reid Blake jacket can last for years to come.

When it comes to caring for your leather jacket, moisture is a big no-no. Exposure to excessive moisture can lead to mold growth and other damaging effects. To prevent this, you should avoid storing your jacket in plastic garment bags or other protective covers that can trap moisture and inhibit its breathability. Instead, opt for breathable fabric covers that will allow your jacket to breathe and prevent any potential damage from mold or mildew.

A classic American style through a modern lens, the Blake jacket is a must-have for anyone who loves rugged yet refined fashion. Whether you’re an honorary member of the T-Birds or just starting your journey into the world of leather, the Blake will quickly become one of your favorite staple pieces. With its uber-soft material and worn-in design, it’s the perfect balance of rugged masculinity and everyday refinement. Shop this must-have style at Garmentory, a curated marketplace that features independent designers and boutiques from around the world with 1 checkout.

4. Don’t Expose it to Sunlight

If you are planning on wearing your Billy Reid Blake Jacket outside on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to avoid leaving it out in direct sunlight for long periods of time. This is because leather can be damaged by the sun’s harmful UV rays. The best way to prevent this from happening is by avoiding exposure whenever possible and covering your jacket with a light, breathable fabric when you are not wearing it.

If your jacket does end up getting wet, make sure to allow it to dry completely before you wear it again. This is important because a wet leather jacket can quickly begin to develop mildew or mould. Mould and mildew can be difficult to get rid of once they have started growing on your jacket, so it’s best to prevent them from developing in the first place. To help your Billy Reid Blake Jacket stay as fresh and clean as possible, try to avoid storing it in plastic garment bags as this can hinder air circulation.

If you’re looking for a leather jacket that is stylish, durable, and will look great with just about anything in your wardrobe, then the Blake Jacket by Billy Reid might be perfect for you. The uber-soft material, broken-in design, and flattering fit of this jacket makes it a standout option that’s perfect for anyone who wants to combine ruggedness with everyday refinement.

5. Store it Well

While leather jackets may look rugged, they’re actually quite durable and can last for years if cared for properly. But, just like other pieces of outerwear, they can be subject to abrasions and damage, particularly from body oils, sweat, dirt, grime, and dust. That’s why it’s important to take a few steps to care for your Blake jacket, so you can wear it for as long as possible.

From Daniel Craig in 2012’s Skyfall to Will Smith in upcoming Ang Lee sci-fi flick Gemini Man to Julianne Moore in husband Bart Freundlich’s After the Wedding, Reid’s brand of “lived-in luxury,” as it’s been called, is making its way onto the big screen. Reid himself notes that he’s “flattered” to see his clothing reimagined for the silver screen, and adds that the Blake jacket (which is a Billy Reid staple that’s made with washed leather to create that broken-in feel) in particular is perfect for the part because of its ruggedness and flattering fit.

With a strong Southern heritage and an artisanal approach to design, it’s no surprise that Reid’s uber-soft, worn-in Blake jacket has been so well-received in the fashion community, as evidenced by three CFDA awards (tied with Tom Ford). But, the best thing about the Blake jacket might be its versatility—it’ll instantly become your go-to for casual Fridays, Little League games, and everything in between.

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