Yeah, sometimes our receipts print out crooked,  I, (Susie) do walk around most days without shoes, if we got something cold to drink we’ll share it, if we have lunch on the counter, don’t be afraid to grab a fork and take a bite.

Our customers are the one’s that make the shop, it’s not just for bikers, we pride ourselves on having a little something for everyone!

We have a sweet line up of custom jewelry, custom fringed motorcycle accessories, t-shirts, jackets, vests, chaps and so much more.  Come on in and look through our catalogs while you put your feet up in the lounge.

It’s not just about what’s on the shelves, it’s all about our customers, Tori came in one day and hung out in the lounge because of the rain.  She read through all the magazines and stuck around for a good 3 hours.

We are in a world of fast paced, 24/7 – not at Leathers 4U, we believe in taking the time to learn about our customers, if you drive by and see Nikki and I sitting outside, honk and wave, or hell, just stop in and let us know what you have been up too.

We are like the Bartle’s and James of Antioch, and sometime we slow the pace down, just because it feels right! Sometimes our conversations take twisted turns, but it’s all in fun!

We have helmets and fur hats and we have fun with the folks that walk through the door.

ANTIOCH – Even though prime motorcycle season is still months away, a new store in Antioch aims to provide riders with all the gear they need for a summer full of cruising. Tim Adkins and Susie Kleiner opened Leathers 4U, a custom leather store, earlier this month at 982 Route 59 in Antioch. A wide range of leather and motorcycle-related items are available at the store for both men and women customers, including vests, chaps, gloves, T-shirts and various accessories, Kleiner said. “We kind of want to be unique with items you don’t find everywhere,” she said. Kleiner and Adkins hope to create an atmosphere where customers can feel comfortable and relaxed while they shop. A lounge area offers recliners and catalogs for customers who want to comfortably browse for different items. “If it’s not in the store and you want it, we’ll try to get it,” Kleiner said. The store also specializes in customizing leather items, thanks to leathersmith Barb Sanford. Artwork can be attached to jackets, too, which Kleiner has done to some jackets available for sale. The store is meant to be a support mechanism and resource for the biker community, Adkins said, but his store also offers more than just motorcycle-related merchandise. “It’s not just biker stuff,” he said. “It’s any kind of leather.” Juanita Ramirez of Ingleside stopped in for a look at Leathers 4U after seeing the merchandise in the window, she said. “I like it,” Ramirez said. “It’s about time we got a store like this in Antioch.” In addition to owning the leather store, Adkins owns the carpet store Carpets 4U in Wauconda. All the details What: Leathers 4U custom leather store Where: 982 Route 59 in Antioch Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; by appointment only Monday and Tuesday Contact: 847-838-8700 or www.Leathers4U.com

Copyright 2010, Lake County Journal, Shaw Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.

During conversations it was mentioned that we should find something that has charm, something that we can fix up and put our heart & soul in and fix to the way we like.

On the way to record commercials at WIIL Rock for Carpets 4U we were stopped at 173 & 59 and looked to the left, and Tim said, just like that.. hung a u-turn and pulled in to look into the windows, looked around back, and realized this could be the new home of Leathers 4U.

Back in the car and on the phone in less than a minute we were on the phone with who is now our landlord.

Leather jackets for women are more stylish than men’s, with different designs and a slimmer fit, in a wider range of colors, pink leather jackets, tan leather jackets or your basic black leather jackets feature many of the same designs as mens leather jackets but with slimmer fits and a wider range of colors.

Suede leather jackets, with their sophisticated look and luxuriously soft feel, are also popular among women.

Once favored for their strong, rebellious image, today leather jackets are worn by anyone who wants a great looking coat that is also durable and always in style.

1-Leather Dyes:  It’s normal to see a little bit of dye come off when you are cleaning your leathers by hand.  Do not use household cleaners to clean your leather apparel.

2- Because unprotected leather is susceptible to spotting from water and other liquids, a newly purchased leather item should be treated immediately to prevent permanent stains.  The use of too much oil and wax, however, can clog pores, causing leather to lose its ability to allow air in and moisture out.

3- Be careful not to use waxes, silicone products or other leather preparations that impair a garment’s ability to breathe.

4- To retain its beauty and other desirable qualities, Leather requires frequent conditioning to replace the natural lubricants lost during normal use.  With proper care, Leather can be protected from excessive dryness that can cause it to crack, and from moisture that may cause it to swell or mildew.  Just like your skin, if leather gets dry, it cracks and splits, the cow is no longer there to produce the oils, so conditioning is important if you want your leather garment to last!

5- Without regular cleaning and conditioning, perspiration will draw the moisture out of the leather, turning it hard and eventually making it tear like paper. If this occurs, there is no product or treatments that will bring it back.

6-Stains: clean them when they are fresh!  Most stains can be cleaned up quickly with a damp cloth.  Stains from oil or grease can be removed by grinding ordinary white blackboard chalk, sprinkle it on the stain, leaving it there for about a day.  Don’t rub it in, just let it sit.  After about a day, simply use a leather care brush to remove the powder.
Any stain that can’t be removed by a damp cloth or chalk, consider taking to a professional cleaner who knows how to clean leather.

7- If not cared for properly, the skins in your garment can stretch or sag.  Leather jackets, vests and shirts should be hung on wide or padded hangers to best maintain their shape.

8- Do not store leather goods in plastic bags or other non-breathable covers once received.  If your leather garment must be stored in a garment bag, keep it open for ventilation.  Consider cutting a hole in an old sheet or pillowcase to cover your leather when storing it.

9- Store your leathers in a well ventilated, cool, dry place.  Avoid hot areas such as attics; or damp areas such as cellars.  Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight.

10- Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any source of heat.  Apply a little leather conditioner when the leather is nearly dry to restore flexibility.  Follow this with a full conditioning treatment after the leather has completely air-dried.  Suede can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look.

11- In winter, promptly remove any salt deposits from garments by sponging with clear water, then follow with the treatment recommended above for wet or damp leather.  To prevent mildew try to protect leather from excessive humidity.

12- In a dry environment, regularly condition the leather in order to prevent it from drying out and cracking.

13- Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment

14- Wrinkles should hang out.  If ironing is desired, set iron on rayon setting, use a heavy
Brown wrapping paper (such as a brown paper bag) as a pressing cloth on the right side of the garment and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine.

15- Never use caustic household chemicals to clean leather.  Also, avoid leather preparations that contain alcohol.

16- Avoid turpentine and mineral spirits as they can pull color.

17- Caution, use of mink oil or other animal fats will darken leather.

18- When treating and conditioning your leather apparel, don’t forget your leather on your bike!!

Are you looking for leathers? Are you looking for somewhere to hang out and just have some good folks to talk to. Stay Tuned and Coming Soon in Antioch Illinois – Leathers 4 U – where the smell of leather is strong, where the atmosphere always has a smile and there is always the thought of wind in your hair.

Leathers 4 U – Coming soon

* Motorcycle Apparel
* Biker Jackets—Buffalo, & Cow Hide
* Dusters—All Sizes
* Patches for Motorcycle Jackets
* Genuine Leather Motor Chaps—Variety of Sizes
* Leather Vests
* Leather Hats
* Leather Belts
* Ladies Leather Jacket
* Kids Leather Vest & Jackets
* Ladies Leather Handbags
* Motorcycle Saddlebags
* Men & Ladies Leather Gloves
* Leather Pouches
* Leather Tool Bags
* Leather Saddle Bags
* Sunglasses