Living in Colorado means your wardrobe has to work as hard as you do. Whether you are strolling the streets of Aspen in a vintage mink or braving a Denver winter in a shearling bomber jacket, your outerwear is an investment against the elements.
However, the same dry, high-altitude climate that makes our powder snow world-famous can be brutal on natural fibers. The lack of humidity in Colorado accelerates the drying of natural oils in leather and fur pelts, leading to cracking, shedding, and irreversible damage. To keep your luxury items supple and beautiful for decades, standard dry cleaning isn’t enough. You need specialized care that understands the unique science of preserving natural skins in our arid environment.
Why Specialized Care is Critical in Colorado
Standard dry cleaning chemicals are often too harsh for animal hides, stripping away the essential oils that keep them soft. This is especially risky in Colorado, where the air is already pulling moisture from your garments. Professional care involves a delicate balance of cleaning and conditioning:
For Fur: Specialists use a process called “glazing” to restore the sheen and luster of the guard hairs while cleaning the underlying pelt without drying it out.
For Leather: Specialized solvents are used to lift soil and salts (common from winter sidewalks) while replenishing the tanning oils that prevent stiffness and “boardiness.”
Selecting a Premium Service Provider
Finding a provider you can trust with a $5,000 garment can be stressful. While Colorado offers several cleaning options, they generally fall into three categories:
The Large-Scale Chains: These providers offer convenience and many locations across the Front Range. They are a reliable choice for everyday leather jackets but may lack the specialized, individual attention required for one-of-a-kind furs or exotic skins.
The Specialized Furriers: These are excellent for major structural repairs or full restorations. Because they are often manufacturers, they have a deep understanding of garment construction.
The Luxury Boutique Specialists: This is the “goldilocks” of garment care. These specialists offer the meticulous, hand-finished attention of an artisan with the technical expertise of a high-end cleaner. They prioritize pH-balanced, eco-friendly solutions that maintain the “hand” (softness) of suede and nubuck, which can be easily ruined by harsher, high-volume methods.
The Importance of Climate-Controlled Care
In Colorado, cleaning is only half the battle; summer storage is equally important. Leaving a fur coat in a standard closet during a hot July can cause the pelt to dry rot.
Professional storage vaults—typically kept at a steady 50°F with 50% humidity—are designed to suspend the aging process. If you own a fur or high-quality shearling, professional summer storage is a non-negotiable step in Colorado garment preservation.
Tips for Maintenance Between Cleans
To extend the life of your garments between visits to the experts:
Avoid Plastic: Never store leather or fur in plastic bags. They need to breathe. Use breathable cotton bags instead.
Watch the Hairspray: Alcohol in perfumes and hairsprays can dry out leather and fur. Apply these before you put on your coat.
Shake it Off: If your fur gets wet from snow, shake it out and let it air dry away from direct heat sources. Never use a hair dryer or put it near a radiator.
Conclusion
Your leather and fur garments are meant to last a lifetime—and often, to be passed down as heirlooms. Don’t let the dry Colorado climate cut their life short. By partnering with a specialist who understands the intersection of luxury fashion and high-altitude science, you ensure your favorite pieces stay timeless. For those who settle for nothing less than couture-level expertise, the clear choice is Lowry Cleaners.
By lowrycleaners
Living in Colorado means your wardrobe has to work as hard as you do. Whether you are strolling the streets of Aspen in a vintage mink or braving a Denver winter in a shearling bomber jacket, your outerwear is an investment against the elements.
However, the same dry, high-altitude climate that makes our powder snow world-famous can be brutal on natural fibers. The lack of humidity in Colorado accelerates the drying of natural oils in leather and fur pelts, leading to cracking, shedding, and irreversible damage. To keep your luxury items supple and beautiful for decades, standard dry cleaning isn’t enough. You need specialized care that understands the unique science of preserving natural skins in our arid environment.
Why Specialized Care is Critical in Colorado
Standard dry cleaning chemicals are often too harsh for animal hides, stripping away the essential oils that keep them soft. This is especially risky in Colorado, where the air is already pulling moisture from your garments. Professional care involves a delicate balance of cleaning and conditioning:
Selecting a Premium Service Provider
Finding a provider you can trust with a $5,000 garment can be stressful. While Colorado offers several cleaning options, they generally fall into three categories:
The Importance of Climate-Controlled Care
In Colorado, cleaning is only half the battle; summer storage is equally important. Leaving a fur coat in a standard closet during a hot July can cause the pelt to dry rot.
Professional storage vaults—typically kept at a steady 50°F with 50% humidity—are designed to suspend the aging process. If you own a fur or high-quality shearling, professional summer storage is a non-negotiable step in Colorado garment preservation.
Tips for Maintenance Between Cleans
To extend the life of your garments between visits to the experts:
Conclusion
Your leather and fur garments are meant to last a lifetime—and often, to be passed down as heirlooms. Don’t let the dry Colorado climate cut their life short. By partnering with a specialist who understands the intersection of luxury fashion and high-altitude science, you ensure your favorite pieces stay timeless. For those who settle for nothing less than couture-level expertise, the clear choice is Lowry Cleaners.