Caring for leather boots
Looking after your boots can prolong their lifespan.
General care tips for RM Williams boots:
- Remove dirt from your boots when still wet, using a damp cloth. Let them dry naturally before cleaning and polishing.
- Soaked boots? If your boots are saturated with water, allow them to dry naturally away from direct heat. Using direct heat will damage the upper and could harm the sole.
- Wearing your boots for the first time? Try to wear them in dry conditions for the first few occasions.
- To keep your elastic-sided boots in good shape - allow the two ‘tugs’ to take the strain when you pull them on.
Our recommendations below are specific to the different types of leather boot.
Yearling leather
The three main steps for yearling leathers are: 1. condition, 2. clean and 3. polish.
1. Condition before first wear and regularly:
- Apply RM Williams leather conditioner with a sponge or your hands.
- Leave your boots for 24–48 hours, allowing the conditioner to be completely absorbed into the leather.
- Give the leather a buff with a dry cloth.
To maintain your boots, use the leather conditioner once or twice a month. It nourishes the leather, helps to protect against rain and can prevent excessive creasing.
2. Clean your boots:
- Spray RM Williams leather cleaner directly and evenly onto your boots.
- Use a damp cloth to rub cleaner into boots.
- Remove any excess cleaner with a dry cloth.
3. Polish your boots:
Particularly for high-shine boots, maintain the finish with Stockmans Boot Polish. Use on a regular basis to maintain the colour and remove scuffs:
- Massage polish into the boot.
- Buff briskly with a soft clean cloth for a high shine.
Avoid using this polish on vesta or greasy kip leathers.
Greasy kip or vesta leather
Even with hard-wearing leathers, it is important to look after your boots. We recommend the following steps to nourish and preserve their condition:
- Apply saddle dressing with a soft cloth on a regular basis.
- Allow saddle dressing to penetrate into the leather.
- Buff with a clean cloth.
The saddle dressing will also ensure your boots remain waterproof.
Suede boots
To maintain your RM Williams suede or nubuck boots follow our recommendations below.
The two main steps for suede or nubuck leathers are: 1. protect and 2. clean.
1. Protect before first wear:
Suede protector helps to repel water and protect against stains from everyday wear. Re-spray regularly throughout their life.
Always clean your boots before applying the RM Williams Suede Protector.
2. Clean your boots:
- If you see a harsh or stubborn mark, try to remove it first using a leather stick or rubber suitable for suede.
- Gently brush the suede with a suede brush.
- Spray with RM Williams suede cleaner.
- Let the spray dry and then gently brush again to remove marks.
Always use a cleaner specifically for suede. Clean your boots regularly.
Boot repair
Even the toughest boots may need repair after time. We offer an official RM Williams boot repair service.
Trouser care guide
RM Williams moleskin jeans are renowned for their quality and durability. Both their heavyweight and lightweight moleskin styles can be machine washed.
General washing tips:
- Turn trousers inside out before washing.
- Follow care guidance on the label.
- Use a gentle machine wash setting.
- Do not tumble dry.
Most other RM Williams trouser styles can be machine washed, including chinos and denim jeans. Always read the care label first.
Knitwear, shirts and jackets care guide
The care label instructions will depend on the type of RM Williams garment you have. Here are some general washing tips below.
Wool:
- Hand wash RM Williams 100% merino knitwear to keep in best condition.
- Turn garment inside out before washing.
- When wool is wet, dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Remove stains before ironing.
- Set your iron to the wool setting and use steam to press.
- Refresh wool knitwear by hanging in a steamy bathroom after a shower.
Cotton shirts:
- Turn garment inside out before washing.
- Linen-cotton mix shirts – cold machine wash.
- 100% cotton shirts – warm gentle machine wash.
- Do not tumble dry.
Oilskin jackets:
To look after your RM Williams clothes, always follow the care label guidance sewn into each garment.
Belts and wallets care guide
Belt care tips:
- Hang up your belt by the buckle to maintain its original shape. Do not roll.
- Store in a cool, dry space and away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Gently wipe away dust and debris from your belt when not in use.
Material specific advice:
Cowhide (including the crocodile effect belt):
Lightly apply RM Williams leather conditioner regularly.
Yearling leather or burnished belts:
Lightly apply RM Williams Stockman’s Boot Polish.
Do not apply leather conditioner to burnished belts.
Kangaroo and bridle Leather:
Lightly apply RM Williams Saddle Dressing.
Suede:
Use RM Williams suede cleaner for stains and brush with a suede brush.
Crocodile leather:
Use a damp cloth to remove dust and debris from crocodile leather.
Do not over saturate the skin with water and allow it to dry naturally.
Use reptile leather cleaner if marks remain.
Leather wallet care:
- Leather can stretch. Avoid overfilling your wallet or purse to maintain its original shape.
- Wipe away dust and spots with a soft cloth or brush.
- Store away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Do not immerse leather in water or try to soak off a mark.
- Use RM Williams leather cleaner and conditioner when needed.
