4 Simple Ways To Stretch Your Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is not just an outfit but also a protective item that you can wear throughout the seasonal changes. A perfect fit can be an investment that you can cherish for years. If they are too tight for you, here are some simple steps to help stretch them out.
Naturally
If you are apprehensive about using chemicals, you could always opt to stretch your leather jacket naturally. Wear your jacket and flex your arms regularly to loosen up the leather. This method will eventually allow your jacket to conform to your body.
Leather Conditioner
- Conditioners are great options when you want to stretch your leather jacket.
- Take a soft cloth and remove any dirt accumulated on the surface.
- Then, take an ample amount of leather conditioner (not too much) and apply a layer to the areas that feel sturdy. For example, the elbow or the shoulder area requires stretching when your fold or move your arms.
- Rub the conditioner in a circular motion and let the layer sit for an hour.
- Wipe off the excess conditioner and wear your jacket to check if there is any difference.
Note: Do not use too much conditioner; it may cause the leather fibers to become extra greasy, eventually attracting more dirt.
Water
One of the simplest ways without using any chemicals is to stretch a leather jacket using warm water and a soft. What’s better? They are available at home.
- Note that using excess water or soaking leather in water may damage the leather and make it brittle.
- Wet the cloth in warm water and wring off excess water.
- Rub the damp cloth gently on the surface of the leather jacket. Make sure you don’t scrub the surface because the color will fade away.
- If you have used excess water, rub out the standing water with a dry cloth leaving it only moderately moist.
- Lastly, wear the damp jacket and flex it until it is dry. When the water sits on the leather, it becomes easy to stretch the leather rather than just leaving it to dry out.
Heat
Another effective method is to use heat from a cloth iron or a hair dryer. Refer to this method when you need to stretch specific portions of the jacket.
- Hair Dryer: Place the leather jacket on a flat surface. Keep the hair dryer at least 6-7 inches away from the surface and apply heat. Move the dryer over the chosen surface until it feels warm and soft. Once the surface is warm enough, switch off the dryer and let the jacket cool.
- Cloth Iron: Using a cloth iron is best for thick leather jackets. Start by placing a cotton cloth on the surface you would like stretched. Gently iron the areas in a circular motion for a few seconds. Allow the leather to cool before wearing.
- Avoid using excessive heat as it can damage the leather.
