Quick Answer
To keep faux leather shorts looking their best, spot clean with a damp cloth, air dry away from heat, and store them folded or hung in a cool, dry place. Avoid machine washing and high heat to prevent damage.
Why Faux Leather Needs Special Care
Faux leather is a coated fabric—usually a polyurethane coating over a knit or woven base—so it behaves differently from real leather or regular cloth. It doesn't absorb moisture the same way, and it can crack, peel, or lose its stretch if exposed to heat, harsh detergents, or rough handling.
The good news: faux leather is often more forgiving than genuine leather. You can usually wash it at home (if the care label allows), and it won't require conditioning. But the coating means you need to be gentle—especially with heat, which can cause the coating to break down or become sticky.
Commando's faux leather shorts are made with four-way stretch and a polyurethane coating, so they're designed to move with you. Proper care helps maintain that stretch and the smooth, leather-like finish.
What to Avoid: Heat and Harsh Chemicals
Heat is the biggest enemy of faux leather. High temperatures—from washing machines, dryers, irons, or even a hot car—can cause the coating to warp, bubble, or crack. Always air dry and use low heat if you must iron (with a protective cloth).
Harsh chemicals like bleach, acetone, or alcohol-based cleaners can strip the coating and cause discoloration. Stick to mild soap and water for spot cleaning, and always test a hidden area first.
Step-by-Step Care Routine
- Spot clean first: Use a soft, damp cloth with a tiny drop of mild soap (like baby shampoo or dish soap) to gently dab stains. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain or damage the coating. Rinse the cloth and wipe the area to remove any soap residue. Always test on an inside seam first to ensure the color doesn't bleed.
- Hand wash if needed: If the care label allows, fill a sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the shorts, gently swish them for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Do not wring or twist—press the water out gently. Never use hot water; it can cause the coating to become sticky or peel.
- Air dry away from heat: Lay the shorts flat on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel to absorb excess water. Then reshape the shorts and lay them flat or hang them on a padded hanger to dry. Keep them away from direct sunlight, radiators, and dryers. Do not use a clothes dryer—high heat will damage the faux leather permanently.
- Remove wrinkles with low heat: If wrinkles appear, use a steamer on a low setting, holding it a few inches away. Or iron on the lowest heat with a pressing cloth between the iron and the shorts. Never iron directly on faux leather, as the heat can melt the coating. Test a small area first; if the coating looks shiny or sticky, stop immediately.
- Store properly: Fold the shorts and place them in a drawer, or hang them on a padded hanger to avoid creases. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid plastic garment bags, which can trap moisture and cause the coating to degrade. If hanging, use a clip hanger with padded clips to prevent marks.
Products That Care Easy
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Faux Leather Five-Pocket Short: The Faux Leather Five-Pocket Short is made with Commando's signature four-way stretch faux leather and is fit-tested by real women. Because it stretches and recovers, it can be gently hand-washed and air-dried without losing its shape—just avoid wringing it out.
Faux Leather Five-Pocket Short
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Faux Leather Tailored Short: The Faux Leather Tailored Short features a bonded hem that won't ride up or lose its shape. The bonded hem helps the short keep its structure through washes, so you can focus on gentle cleaning without worrying about distortion.
Faux Leather Tailored Short
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Faux Leather Relaxed Short: The Faux Leather Relaxed Short has a lining of 78% nylon and 22% elastane, offering firming fabric with light compression. The lining is delicate, so hand washing in cold water and air drying will protect both the outer faux leather and the stretchy inner layer.
With these simple steps, your faux leather shorts will stay sleek and stretchy for many wears. For more care tips, explore our other faux leather guides.
