Leather is a material that will naturally flex over time. However, sometimes you may want to speed up this process. If you want to stretch your shoes, jacket, or leather accessory, there are several ways you can try. You can stretch the skin using a hairdryer. In addition, you can also apply alcohol to the area you want to stretch. Alternatively, you can use a spray specifically designed to stretch the skin. Choose the appropriate methods and tactics so that the skin can flex in a short time.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Stretch Skin Naturally
Step 1. Stretch a leather garment by wearing it at home
Leather is a material that stretches naturally when worn. Therefore, by wearing leather pants, jackets or skirts when at home, you can stretch them naturally. Leather shoes can also stretch when worn, but your feet may be scratched.
- This method does not stretch the skin quickly. If you use this method, your skin may flex after a few days or weeks, depending on your preference.
- Wear leather clothing for 2 hours or more every day. Also, make sure you pace around when wearing leather clothes. Skin that is often worn will flex more quickly.
Step 2. Stretch the leather accessory by stuffing it
If you want to stretch your wallet, coin purse, bag, or other leather accessory, you can stuff it. Use materials made of paper or cloth. Make sure the material used does not damage the skin. Stuff the accessory you want to stretch with the prepared material to the fullness you want. How long the accessory will flex depends on its size and your taste.
- This method will be more effective if the material used is moistened first.
- Apply a skin-stretching spray before stuffing the accessory to allow the skin to flex more quickly. These sprays can be purchased at clothing stores, shoe stores, or online.
Step 3. Stretch the belt or leather accessory using the weights
Start by anchoring one end of the leather to a stable surface. You can use a table, chair, shelf, or any stable surface that can grip the skin to be stretched. After that, hook weights such as rocks or cans on opposite ends. By doing this, the skin can flex more quickly.
You can stretch a leather jacket or pants by attaching weights to the arms or legs. Hook clothes on strong hangers
Method 2 of 5: Using Skin Stretching Products
Step 1. Apply a skin stretching spray for instant results
Purchase a skin-stretching spray to stretch the skin. This spray can be applied directly to the area you want to stretch. A skin-stretching spray will make the skin more supple and soft. This spray is commonly used on leather clothing and shoes. Therefore, for satisfactory results, wear leather clothes immediately after applying the skin-stretching spray.
- If you are applying this spray to a leather accessory, hang the leather and hook the weights on the opposite end to stretch it.
- Leather stretching sprays can be purchased at your nearest clothing or shoe store. You can also buy it on the internet. This spray is generally sold for Rp. 70,000-Rp. 200,000.
Step 2. Use conditioner to keep skin soft and supple
You can buy a leather conditioner that can help soften the skin. This conditioner is generally sold in liquid or cloth form. Leather conditioner sells for Rp. 70,000-Rp. 300,000.
- This conditioner is very effective in softening furniture, car interiors, or other leather accessories. This conditioner can also be applied to leather clothes or shoes.
- Generally, you will need to apply conditioner to the skin using a clean cloth. After that, wait for about 2 hours and let the skin absorb the conditioner that has been applied. Wipe the remnants of the conditioner that is still attached to the skin.
Step 3. Stretch the leather shoes using a shoe stretcher
Shoe stretchers are generally made of wood or plastic. The device is then inserted into the shoe to stretch it. You can purchase a shoe stretcher that is specifically designed to stretch a specific section of the shoe. A shoe stretcher generally sells for IDR 300,000.
You can also stretch your leather shoes by taking them to a professional cobbler. Professional cobblers will use better and more complex stretchers. Your leather shoes will flex more quickly
Method 3 of 5: Stretching the Skin Using Water
Step 1. Fill a container or sink with water
Use the sink if your leather clothes fit in it. Fill the sink with water so that the entire leather garment is submerged. You can also use a container or tub. After choosing the right container, fill it with water. Make sure the leather clothes fit when put in the container.
You can use warm water or room temperature water
Step 2. Soak the entire skin in water
Once the container or sink is filled with water, soak the skin in it. Make sure the entire skin is submerged in water. You may need to fold the skin slightly so that it is completely exposed to the water.
Step 3. Let the skin soak for 10 minutes
Make sure the entire skin is submerged in water. The easiest way to confirm this is to wait until no bubbles come out of the skin. After that, let the skin soak for about 10 minutes.
Step 4. Wear still wet skin to stretch it
After 10 minutes, put on the still wet skin. Even if it's uncomfortable to wear, you have to move around while wearing it. This is done so that the skin flexes to the maximum. Wear the skin for several hours while continuing to stretch the area you want to stretch.
This method is quite effective for flexing clothing, shoes, or leather accessories, such as belts
Step 5. Use alcohol as an alternative
If you don't want to soak your skin in water, you can use alcohol. Instead of wetting the entire skin, alcohol can be applied to a more specific area of the skin.
Step 6. Mix isopropyl alcohol with water
Combine the alcohol with water in a bowl, then stir until smooth. After that, pour the solution into a small, empty spray bottle.
If you don't have a spray bottle, you can use a tissue or cloth. Dip a tissue in the prepared solution. Make sure the tissue is not too wet
Step 7. Spray the solution on the skin you want to stretch
Spray the solution on the area of skin you want to stretch. If you are spraying the solution on leather clothing, choose the area that bends the most when worn. You don't need to wet your skin until it's drenched.
If using a tissue, pat the skin with a tissue that has been moistened with an alcohol solution. This is done to transfer the alcohol solution to the surface of the skin
Step 8. Wear the skin after applying the alcohol
After applying the alcohol solution to the skin, put it on immediately. Stretch the area where the alcohol solution has just been applied. Continue to wear the skin until the alcohol attached to the skin is completely dry.
- If an alcohol solution is applied to leather shoes, put on thick socks before putting them on. This is done to stretch the leather shoes.
- If alcohol is applied to a leather accessory, stretch it with your hands.
Method 4 of 5: Warm Up the Skin
Step 1. Use a hair dryer to heat the skin
Heat can help stretch the skin by opening up the pores and making it more supple. Turn on the hairdryer and direct it at the part of the skin you want to stretch. Heat the skin evenly. Wait for the skin to warm and stretch before turning off the hairdryer.
Step 2. Wear thick socks when heating leather shoes
If you want to stretch your leather shoes, put on thick socks before turning on the hairdryer. After putting on the socks and leather shoes, use a hairdryer to heat the shoes. Move your feet so that the shoes stretch effectively. Once the hairdryer is turned off, continue to wear the shoes until they return to their normal temperature to keep them supple.
Step 3. Put on leather clothes after heating
Use a hairdryer to heat the leather garment you want to stretch. You can heat a leather shirt, jacket, pants, or belt. Once the clothes start to flex and aren't too hot, put them on immediately. Move your body while wearing the leather garment. Continue to wear leather clothing until the temperature returns to normal.
Method 5 of 5: Using Ice to Stretch Leather Shoes
Step 1. Prepare a large plastic bag
Cover the shoes with a plastic bag. Make sure the plastic bag you use is big enough to fit your shoes. Instead of using a plastic ziplock bag, use a large plastic bag if your shoes are big enough. Make sure the plastic used is not perforated and strong enough to hold water.
Step 2. Fill a plastic bag with water
Pour the water into a plastic bag. Fill a plastic bag with water until it presses all over the shoe. After that, make sure the plastic bag is tightly closed so it doesn't leak. Make sure the water presses all over the shoe, especially the toes.
Step 3. Put the shoes in the refrigerator until the water freezes
Once the plastic bag is tightly closed, place the shoes in the refrigerator. Make sure the shoes are set up properly instead of laying on the edges. This is done so that the water freezes properly. Leave the shoes in the refrigerator overnight to allow the water to completely freeze.
Step 4. Take the shoes out of the fridge and let the ice melt
Remove the shoes from the refrigerator after the water in the plastic bag has completely frozen. The ice will stretch the leather shoes. Wait for the ice to melt. Once the ice has melted, remove the plastic bag filled with water from the shoe.
