How to Unwrinkle a Faux Leather Jacket

A faux leather jacket is a versatile and stylish wardrobe staple, but pulling it out of storage or a suitcase only to find it covered in creases can be frustrating. Unlike real leather, which can be quite resilient, faux leather is essentially a plastic-coated fabric (polyurethane or PVC) that is sensitive to heat. Applying direct, high heat from an iron can melt, warp, or permanently damage the material. The good news is that with a little bit of care and the right techniques, you can safely smooth out those unsightly wrinkles. This guide will provide clear, beginner-friendly methods for how to unwrinkle faux leather jacket, restoring its sleek, sharp look.

Faux leather jackets are a stylish and affordable alternative to genuine leather, but they can sometimes develop creases or wrinkles that detract from their polished appearance. Whether your jacket has been stored improperly or folded during travel, it’s important to address these imperfections carefully to preserve the material. Restoring your faux leather jacket to its original smoothness is easier than you might think, as long as you follow a few simple steps and use the proper tools.

7 Step-by-Step Guide on How to Unwrinkle a Faux Leather Jacket

Step 1: Hang It Up

The simplest and least risky method is to let gravity do the work. As soon as you notice the wrinkles, place your jacket on a wide, sturdy hanger that supports the shoulders properly. A flimsy wire hanger can create new puckers. Hang the jacket in a well-ventilated area, ensuring it isn’t pressed against other clothes. Over the course of a day or two, many of the lighter wrinkles and creases may relax and fall out on their own. This hands-off approach should always be your first course of action before trying more active methods.

Step 2: Use the Power of a Steamy Shower

One of the most effective techniques is to use steam. The bathroom steam method is a gentle way to introduce indirect heat and moisture. Hang your jacket on a good hanger from the shower rod or a hook as far away from the showerhead as possible to avoid getting it wet. Close the bathroom door and windows, then run a hot shower for about 15 to 20 minutes. The steam will fill the room, gently warming the faux leather and allowing the wrinkles to release. After the steam treatment, leave the jacket hanging to cool and dry completely.

Step 3: Use a Clothes Steamer

If you have a handheld clothes steamer, you can be more direct with your approach. First, hang the jacket securely. Hold the steamer at least six to eight inches away from the surface of the fabric to prevent overheating. Keep the steamer moving constantly and don’t let it rest on one spot for too long. Work in sections, steaming the most wrinkled areas like the sleeves and back. As the material warms up, you can gently pull on the fabric to help smooth out the creases. This method gives you more control than the shower trick.

Step 4: Use an Iron Safely

Using an iron is the riskiest method, so it must be done with extreme caution. Turn the jacket completely inside out. Set your iron to its lowest possible heat setting—no steam. Place a thick, clean cotton cloth, like a pillowcase or a t-shirt, over the wrinkled area of the jacket’s lining. This cloth acts as a protective barrier. Press the iron briefly and gently onto the cloth, keeping the iron moving at all times. Never let the iron touch the faux leather directly. This indirect heat can help release stubborn wrinkles from the inside.

Step 5: Tumble Dry with Caution

This method also requires care, as the heat from a dryer can damage faux leather. Check the jacket’s care label first to see if it allows for any machine drying. If it does, turn the jacket inside out and place it in the dryer along with a few clean, dry towels. The towels will help buffer the jacket and prevent it from slapping against the dryer drum. Tumble dry on the lowest possible heat setting for no more than 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the jacket immediately while it is still slightly warm and hang it up to prevent new wrinkles from setting.

Step 6: Gently Stretch and Weigh Down stubborn Creases

For persistent creases, especially on the sleeves or collar, a bit of gentle stretching can help. Lay the jacket on a flat surface. Place a heavy book or another flat, weighted object on top of the wrinkled area. Leave it for a few hours or overnight. This steady pressure can help flatten the crease. You can also try gently pulling and smoothing the fabric with your hands after it has been warmed slightly from a steamer or the bathroom method. Be careful not to pull too hard, as you don’t want to stretch the material out of shape permanently.

Step 7: Apply a Leather Conditioner

Sometimes, faux leather can become dry and stiff, which makes it more prone to wrinkling. Applying a conditioner formulated specifically for faux leather or vinyl can help. A good conditioner will moisturize the material, making it more supple and flexible. This can help existing wrinkles relax and also prevent new ones from forming as easily. Apply a small amount of conditioner to a clean, soft cloth and rub it into the jacket in a circular motion. Test it on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

Common Faux Leather Issues

Faux leather, while more affordable and environmentally friendly than genuine leather, can present some common issues over time. One major problem is peeling or cracking, which often occurs due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, or improper care. This can cause the surface to lose its smooth appearance and result in patchy, uneven areas.

Another frequent issue is discoloration. Faux leather can fade or change color when exposed to harsh chemicals or UV rays, detracting from its original look. Additionally, some faux leather materials may develop a sticky or tacky texture, especially in humid climates or when improperly cleaned. Regular maintenance, such as avoiding harsh cleaners, protecting it from excessive heat, and using appropriate conditioners, can help mitigate these problems and extend the life of faux leather items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Put a Faux Leather Jacket in the Dryer to Get Wrinkles Out?

Yes, but with extreme caution. If the care label permits, you can tumble dry the jacket inside out on the lowest possible heat setting for only 10-15 minutes. Adding a few dry towels can help cushion it. Remove it immediately and hang it up. High heat will melt or warp the faux leather, so never use a medium or high heat setting.

What Is the Safest Way to Get Wrinkles Out of Faux Leather?

The safest methods use gentle, indirect heat and moisture. The top two are:

1. The Bathroom Steam Method: Hanging the jacket in a steamy bathroom after a hot shower allows wrinkles to relax without any risk of direct heat damage.
2. Using a Handheld Steamer: This gives you more control, but you must keep the steamer at least 6-8 inches away from the fabric and keep it moving.

Can I Use an Iron on a Faux Leather Jacket?

You can, but it is very risky and should be a last resort. Always turn the jacket inside out, use the lowest iron setting with no steam, and place a thick towel or cloth between the iron and the jacket’s lining. Never let the iron directly touch the faux leather material, as it will melt.

Why Is My Faux Leather Jacket So Wrinkled?

Wrinkles in faux leather are most often caused by improper storage. Folding the jacket or compressing it in a crowded closet, drawer, or suitcase for an extended period will cause creases to set into the plastic coating of the fabric. To prevent this, always store your jacket on a wide, sturdy hanger.

Does Faux Leather Conditioner Help with Wrinkles?

Yes, it can. When faux leather becomes dry, it gets less flexible and holds onto wrinkles more easily. A conditioner designed for vinyl or faux leather moisturizes the material, making it more supple. This added flexibility can help the fabric relax and release creases, while also preventing new ones from forming.

Conclusion

A wrinkled faux leather jacket doesn’t have to be a permanent style problem. With methods ranging from simple gravity and steam to the careful application of low heat, you can easily restore its smooth, sleek appearance. The key is to always be gentle and avoid direct, high heat, which can cause irreversible damage. By choosing the right technique for your situation, you can keep your jacket looking sharp and ready to wear for any occasion. Now that you have a clear understanding of how to unwrinkle faux leather jacket, you can confidently care for your favorite wardrobe piece.