If you're looking for a stylish jacket that's guaranteed to withstand the hands of time, you should consider investing in leather. Leather jackets have been around for over a century, and there's no signs of this trend slowing down any time soon. On the contrary, there's been a growing demand for leather jackets, due largely in part to their unique style and ultra-comfortable texture. But if you're planning to buy a new leather jacket, you should familiarize yourself with the following "hacks."

Store in a Closet with a Humidifier

Being that we're currently in the middle of the winter season, many people are experiencing dry air -- a common characteristic of this time of year. The dry air, however, can wreak havoc on leather jackets, making them stiff, brittle and susceptible to damage. This is due to the fact that leather has thousands upon thousands of small pores, which are constantly releasing or absorbing moisture depending on the humidity in the surrounding environment. If you store your leather jacket in a closet with a low relative humidity level, it will likely experience these and/or other problems. To prevent this from happening, place a humidifier in your closet and set it to 40-50%. This is a happy medium in which the air is not too dry but not too moist, protecting your leather jacket from damage.

Keep it Soft with a Conditioning Product

Another hack that everyone who owns a leather jacket should know is to keep soft by using a leather conditioning product. It's not uncommon for leather jackets -- or other leather garments and accessories -- to become stiff over time. Conventional wisdom should tell you that a stiff leather jacket isn't as comfortable to wear as a soft jacket, which holds true in almost all cases. The good news is that you can keep your leather jacket soft by using a conditioning product. Leather conditioning products are designed to moisturize leather so it doesn't dry out. You can find these products available for sale at most leather goods store. So, what's the best leather conditioning product to use on your leather jacket? Saddle Soap is an excellent product that's used by countless men and women. It's safe for all types of leather, helping to keep them soft and supple while also protecting against common forms of damage.

Prevent Wrinkles by Hanging up Your Leather Jacket

You can keep your leather jacket from developing wrinkles by hanging it up on a clothes hanger. Doing so helps by retaining the original shape of your leather jacket, discouraging the formation of wrinkles and creases. Granted, you may still notice a few small wrinkles here and there, but they are typically few and far between -- especially when compared to simply tossing your leather jacket on the floor where it will bunch up into a wrinkled mess.

Read and Follow the Care Label

If you look inside your leather jacket, you'll probably notice a small tag with specific instructions on how to clean and maintain the jacket. Known as the care label (for obvious reasons), it's recommended that you read and follow the advice listed here. No two leather jackets are the same, so the steps for cleaning and caring for them will vary. The only way you'll know how exactly to maintain your leather jacket appropriately is by reading the care label.

Custom Sized

Think all leather jackets are sold in the same universal sizes? Think again. Assuming you shop at a typical retail or department store, you'll probably be limited to choosing one of these universal sizes. Unfortunately, though, not everyone has the same size body, meaning you may or may not find a leather jacket available in your size. This is why it's recommended that you buy your leather jacket from a store that offers custom sizing, such as LeatherCult. When ordering your leather jacket, you can specify your own body measurements; thus, ensuring your new jacket fits just right. This takes the burden of shopping at countless different stores off your shoulder, connecting you with the perfect-fitting jacket.

Beyond Brown or Black

When you think of leather jacket colors, what's the first color that comes to mind? For most people, the answer is either brown or black. These colors have long been associated with leather jackets, and even today they remain two of the most popular choices. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you should limit yourself to only choosing a brown or black leather jacket. If you want to stand out from the crowd, consider an alternative color like white, blue, green or even yellow. Going with an alternative color such as one of these is a sure-fire way to differentiate yourself from the crowd -- and that's what fashion is all about.

Watch the Rain

If you want your leather jacket to last, you should keep it as dry as possible. Wearing a leather jacket outside when it's raining for just a few minutes isn't going to cause any damage. In fact, you can probably wear it for hours outside in the rain without experiencing any negative effects. But if you leave your jacket outside while it's raining for an entire day or longer, the moisture will saturate deep into the pores, making it damp. The bottom line is that you should avoid leaving your leather jacket outside when it's raining.

Leather Jackets Look Better as They Age

A leather jacket will naturally become lighter as it ages. Don't worry, however, as most people prefer the look of an aged leather jacket. The differences are subtle, and some people may not even notice them. However, the nuances between a new and aged leather are certainly there, with many people preferring the latter style. Whether you're leather jacket is 1 day old or several years, you can wear it with confidence knowing that leather looks better as it ages.