Any experience of using Tallow on Aero leather jackets?

[Leatheradmirer]

Hello everyone,

It's been almost 3 months since I bought this super broken-in Aero in CXFQHH from the previous owner (god knows how many times this jacket has changed hands). I live in very humid and very warm country (33-34° C on average days).

I haven't really done anything to it beside giving it a damp wipe.

So this time I'm planning to give some conditioning to it because I think it needs some nourishment.

This is how the jacket currently looks indoor with minimal lighting:

And this is how the jacket looks outdoor in the shade no sun blasting:


To my eyes the jacket looks like it could benefit from some nourishment. What do you think?

I haven't asked the previous owner when was the last time the jacket got conditioned and I'm currently thinking about using beef tallow.

I have used it on my leather belts, boots and bag and as of now none of them is actually showing bad signs. The fatty smell has gone away after 2-3 days of air drying and the leather feels more supple and way nicer to touch. I have never tried applying it to any jacket though.

Does anyone here have any experience of using it especially to Aero jackets?

 

[zebedee]

I think it would eventually become rancid. Use Renapur or Obenauf's. I live in HK and hang jackets on a rail in my room. The oldest jacket is about 17 years old; I give it a light going over with Renapur once a year. Newer ones once every two years. I have only ever seen tiny mold spots which are easily wiped off. Horsehide is tightly-grained and packed with oils and waxes - I wouldn't worry too much, but hang leather jackets on a free standing rail, not in a cupboard.

 

[RDS]

Hello everyone,

It's been almost 3 months since I bought this super broken-in Aero in CXFQHH from the previous owner (god knows how many times this jacket has changed hands). I live in very humid and very warm country (33-34° C on average days).

I haven't really done anything to it beside giving it a damp wipe.

So this time I'm planning to give some conditioning to it because I think it needs some nourishment.

This is how the jacket currently looks indoor with minimal lighting:
View attachment 803953
And this is how the jacket looks outdoor in the shade no sun blasting:
View attachment 803961 View attachment 803954

To my eyes the jacket looks like it could benefit from some nourishment. What do you think?

I haven't asked the previous owner when was the last time the jacket got conditioned and I'm currently thinking about using beef tallow.

I have used it on my leather belts, boots and bag and as of now none of them is actually showing bad signs. The fatty smell has gone away after 2-3 days of air drying and the leather feels more supple and way nicer to touch. I have never tried applying it to any jacket though.

Does anyone here have any experience of using it especially to Aero jackets?

Unless you intend on roasting and eating your jacket I would avoid using tallow.

Based on just the three photos you’ve provided your Aero Leather jacket doesn’t look like it really needs any conditioning but if you do want to treat it I’d just go with any of the more common, commercially available products which you can easily get wherever you are.

Most people will have their own particular favourites but to be honest despite the manufacturers claims they all do much the same thing, with much the same results.
The more important thing, however, is to apply whatever you do decide to use sparingly and to not overuse it.

 

[handymike]

@photo2u is the one to speak with about Tallow. I have had great results using it mixed with beeswax, but I also live in California and don't have the humidity issues like you do. I think the Tallow will darken this jacket considerably, so if you want to keep the look it has, I'd go with either nothing or one of the commercially mild ones (Pecards, etc.) that eventually dry and lighten back up.

 

[Observe]

Echoing others on the rancidity issue with tallow. I would only use a light conditioner, otherwise you'll risk losing the nice depth of colour on the leather. It'll look dull and lifeless if you soak it in something heavy.

 

[Leatheradmirer]

I think it would eventually become rancid. Use Renapur or Obenauf's. I live in HK and hang jackets on a rail in my room. The oldest jacket is about 17 years old; I give it a light going over with Renapur once a year. Newer ones once every two years. I have only ever seen tiny mold spots which are easily wiped off. Horsehide is tightly-grained and packed with oils and waxes - I wouldn't worry too much, but hang leather jackets on a free standing rail, not in a cupboard.

I have been using Obenauf's on all my other jackets, but I'm honestly not that satisfied with the result since it tends to make the appearance of my other jackets duller which is not to my liking, it is bit heavy on the wax I believe? I have never tried Renapur though, is it lighter than Obenauf's?

Unless you intend on roasting and eating your jacket I would avoid using tallow.

Based on just the three photos you’ve provided your Aero Leather jacket doesn’t look like it really needs any conditioning but if you do want to treat it I’d just go with any of the more common, commercially available products which you can easily get wherever you are.

Most people will have their own particular favourites but to be honest despite the manufacturers claims they all do much the same thing, with much the same results.
The more important thing, however, is to apply whatever you do decide to use sparingly and to not overuse it.

Might as well put some seasoning on it too hahaha.

But anyway this is closer look of the jacket before I wipe it down with a damp cloth, it's my first Chromexcel HH (and also a pretty much completely broken in one)


Doesn't it look a bit dry on the surface?

 

[jacketjunkie]

I have been using Obenauf's on all my other jackets, but I'm honestly not that satisfied with the result since it tends to make the appearance of my other jackets duller which is not to my liking, it is bit heavy on the wax I believe? I have never tried Renapur though, is it lighter than Obenauf's?


Might as well put some seasoning on it too hahaha.

But anyway this is closer look of the jacket before I wipe it down with a damp cloth, it's my first Chromexcel HH (and also a pretty much completely broken in one)

View attachment 804007
Doesn't it look a bit dry on the surface?

It could use conditioning, I agree with you. Wouldn't use animal fat though. Just use whatever basic well-proven leather conditioner, like Obenaufs or Lexol. You can brush the jacket after applying the conditioner to put some shine back on it.. it is the same as with shoes really, you want it to shine, you need to brush it.

 

[AeroFan_07]

TBH most folks over-condition their jackets, which may be worse in the long run than "under" conditioning of the same. If you want a shine on that jacket, try Urad (ordinary) and use it Very Lightly. Your CXL jacket likely does not need much else, and as others have said, brushing with a horse hair brush will help. Be Careful with Urad -- It's like a varnish for jackets.

Otherwise, I could not comprehend ever wearing any leather jacket, especially with a tweed wool lining, in 30+C weather with humidity. My few jackets I have left have not been on my back in months and will not be again till the weather drops back below ~ 14C or less.

 

[LukeST]

Like a few others have said, I would give this a good brush with a horsehair brush and then take another look.

 

[RDS]

I have been using Obenauf's on all my other jackets, but I'm honestly not that satisfied with the result since it tends to make the appearance of my other jackets duller which is not to my liking, it is bit heavy on the wax I believe? I have never tried Renapur though, is it lighter than Obenauf's?


Might as well put some seasoning on it too hahaha.

But anyway this is closer look of the jacket before I wipe it down with a damp cloth, it's my first Chromexcel HH (and also a pretty much completely broken in one)

View attachment 804007
Doesn't it look a bit dry on the surface?

With your Aero Leather jacket you now already have the ‘look’ that many on here are trying to achieve on their own jackets. I’m sure there are some who are probably quite envious because posts requesting advice on ‘How to break in a leather jacket’ are made fairly regularly in the forum.

As has been said by those above other than possibly a quick brush or rub down with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or dust I wouldn’t do anything to it. I don’t believe it will need conditioning for some time yet, however if you do, and depending on what you use, you may risk end up changing its desired ‘time worn’ appearance..

 

[Leatheradmirer]

With your Aero Leather jacket you now already have the ‘look’ that many on here are trying to achieve on their own jackets. I’m sure there are some who are probably quite envious because posts requesting advice on ‘How to break in a leather jacket’ are made fairly regularly in the forum.

As has been said by those above other than possibly a quick brush or rub down with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or dust I wouldn’t do anything to it. I don’t believe it will need conditioning for some time yet, however if you do, and depending on what you use, you may risk end up changing its desired ‘time worn’ appearance..

After some consideration I decided not to put anything on my CXL Aero as I'm afraid to lose most of its appearance. I gave it a good brush and just went to continue wearing it for days.

Looks a bit better than the last time (to my eyes).

Be Careful with Urad -- It's like a varnish for jackets.

Otherwise, I could not comprehend ever wearing any leather jacket, especially with a tweed wool lining, in 30+C weather with humidity. My few jackets I have left have not been on my back in months and will not be again till the weather drops back below ~ 14C

I can't say much about Urad as it is not available here. I'm left with either Obenaufs, Saphir, Fiebings and Bick 4. Not so many options to choose / try for leather products in where I live.

Funny thing is my body reacts to heat a bit odd. I feel much more hotter and sweat more when wearing a thin leather jacket or even a regular non-leather jacket.