How to Store a Cockpit USA Flight Jacket in the Off-Season
- jamesjordan
- Jun 28
- 3 min read
Storing a Cockpit USA flight jacket correctly during the off-season is one of the most important things you can do to protect it. Sheepskin and leather are organic materials that continue to change in storage — they can dry out, mold, crack, or distort if stored incorrectly.
Step 1: Clean Before You Store
Never store a flight jacket without cleaning it first. Oils, dirt, sweat residue, or food stains left on the leather during storage will set permanently and may breed mold. Spot clean the exterior with a damp cloth and sheepskin-appropriate cleaner. Brush the shearling interior gently to remove loose debris. Allow to air dry completely — at least 24 hours — before the next step.
Step 2: Condition the Leather
Before putting a flight jacket away for months, apply a quality leather conditioner to the sheepskin exterior. The leather needs moisture to stay supple through a static storage period. Apply evenly, let absorb 20 minutes, buff off excess. Pay extra attention to stress areas — elbows, shoulders, and zipper vicinity — where leather is most likely to dry and crack.
Step 3: Use the Right Hanger
A Cockpit USA flight jacket must be stored on a wide padded hanger that matches the width of the jacket shoulders to prevent deformation. Wire hangers are too narrow and will create distortions at shoulder tips over months of storage.
Step 4: Use a Breathable Garment Bag
Cover the jacket with a breathable cotton or muslin garment bag. Never use a plastic dry-cleaning bag. Plastic traps moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew inside the shearling. Breathable fabric allows air circulation while keeping dust off.
Step 5: Choose the Right Location
Store in a cool, dry, dark location with consistent temperature and humidity. A climate-controlled bedroom closet is ideal. Avoid attics, which get extremely hot in summer. Avoid basements, which can be damp. Avoid garages. Temperature and humidity fluctuations cause leather and shearling to expand and contract, eventually leading to cracking.
What to Avoid in Storage
Do not fold or compress under other items. Do not store in sunlight. Do not store near heating vents. Do not stack other garments on top. Do not use mothballs near leather or shearling — the chemicals can discolor and damage these materials. Cedar is a safer alternative for pest prevention.
Mid-Season Check-In
If storing for four months or more, do a mid-season check. Pull the jacket out, hang it in a ventilated space, inspect the leather for dry spots or discoloration, and apply conditioner if needed. Air it out for a few hours, then return to storage. This 30-minute step can prevent months of undetected damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store my flight jacket in a plastic bag?
No. Plastic traps moisture and creates conditions for mold inside shearling. Always use a breathable cotton or muslin garment bag.
How long can I store a flight jacket?
Indefinitely, if stored correctly. Clean it, condition it, use a breathable bag, hang it properly, and keep it in a stable climate.
Should I stuff the jacket while storing it?
No. Hanging is better than stuffing. Stuffing can distort the shape and compress shearling permanently.
Do I need to do anything when I take the jacket out of storage?
Yes — hang in a ventilated area for a few hours, inspect the leather, apply conditioner if needed, and brush the shearling to restore loft.
Where can I buy a Cockpit USA flight jacket?
Legendary USA is an authorized Cockpit USA dealer. Shop at legendaryusa.com/collections/cockpit-usa.
