How do you treat your hard-to-replace (vintage, expensive/high-end, limited edition, etc.) jackets?

[AeroFan_07]

silicone free waterproof spray

Back when Wilson's Leather shops were still a common site, I used their store-brand spray on jackets.

Maybe this would be worth a try:
https://www.danner.com/waterproofin...AQStWUqcKJZ3ap-KFXvHQF_H7LEALoMszbLbGSYubf3xa

 

[JasonY]

If someone is collecting jackets with no intention of wearing them, do they still buy them in their own size?

Most insightful response I've seen yet

 

[JasonY]

My take is that as with other items of lasting value (old houses, tools, whatever...) is that they were made to be used but not abused.

 

[Tom71]

I only buy jackets that I have the intention of wearing.

My rarest and most expensive vintage jackets are generally worn less often, but I do still wear them consistently. It also depends on condition as well.

I have a couple of "beater" jackets that are either more durable or in rougher condition and are less rare/desirable that I wear to work most or the time. Still, I wear all my jackets several times per year. In fairness, I don't have anything expensive enough to completely baby anyway.

This is my approach as well.

I don’t buy to collect. I buy to wear. If a jacket loses its appeal over time, I move it along.

Exactly like @dudewuttheheck, it does make a difference if a jacket is particularly delicate or otherwise precious to me or not. Some jackets get only worn if conditions are sound enough; others qualify as “only jackets” on holidays or else where I have no control over the elements.

I once got a new jacket that I liked so much in its brand-spanking-newness that I voiced I’d rather never break it in or expose to other elements than the air. I wasn’t quite serious, but the backlash was still pretty intense.
I don’t accept that there’s a general rule how to treat leather jackets, but personally, if I feel something is too precious to be worn in “normal conditions”, it’s not for me as it replaces the joy of “having” with a sense of worry.

 

[Eagledog]

Many things are very difficult to replace now. It's not just jackets.
I bought one of the 1st 100 Ford Raptor trucks in production. It was $34,000 in 2010. Many of the original buyers wouldn't consider to use it as a daily driver, it was too special. I drove it everywhere on and off road. Sold this high mileage truck for almost what I paid in 2017 and bought a new one for $50,500. It just turned 8 years old last week. Now a new Raptor is over $100,000 with tax. At those prices I will never be replacing it. Restoration and repair only.
Custom leather prices have really soared in the last few years. I imagine many people are being priced out of the market as they struggle to pay for more pressing needs.
It's more important to take care of all our possessions. That was commonplace behavior in the 1930's and 1940's. I think that people are moving in that direction due to necessity.

 

[zebedee]

I wear my Aeros and Simmons Bilts in all weather conditions and on extensive travel. I have found that, so far (in 15+ years), I haven't done more to them than busted an unimportant thread. The only exception is (ironically) a 1920s Aero Work Coat in russet Badalassi with a Troy lining - I treat it reasonably carefully. I don't buy (real) vintage jackets, though. I wear the jackets with William Lennon boots quite frequently, and take few precautions apart from a Renapur swipe every two years.

The Aero hides that look most vintage over a short time are probably the Battered Seal and Tan - aside from the Jerky. Short of that, CXL - with very regular wear.

 

[John_Z]

I don’t do anything special to look after mine. They are all in a big heap. I pull out whichever one I feel like wearing on the day. I’ve long ago lost count of how many jackets I have lol

 

[Doctor Death]

I usually stand inside of a museum case when wearing mine.

All right, sorry, I just couldn't resist! Yeah, what a quandary. Fortunately for me, I don't have any vintage hard to replace jackets. The closest thing to it would be my Schott Perfecto that's over 25 years old. I used to baby it because that was the only leather jacket that I had. I wouldn't wear it in bad weather, etc. But now that I have a bunch of leather jackets, the inhibitions have pretty much evaporated.

If you have a lot of these vintage jackets, are you going to take them with you and wear them in the afterlife? If not, I'd wear 'em all in rotation. You only live once.