Does your new leather jacket feel a bit stiff and uncomfortable to wear? Believe it or not, conditions like this are commonplace, because the jacket is not yet flexible. Luckily, you don't have to deal with a stiff jacket for too long as there are lots of ways to flex it. The easiest way is to wear it as often as possible.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Wearing a Jacket Every Day
Step 1. Put on your jacket
Naturally, a leather jacket will flex itself over time because it is under pressure when worn every day. If you want to flex your jacket quickly, wear your jacket every day!
Keep in mind that activities that make you move, bend, and apply gentle pressure to the jacket will make it more flexible than when worn in activities that require a lot of movement. For example, wearing a jacket while hiking will make it more flexible than wearing it all day working at the computer
Step 2. Wear a jacket even if you don't need one
Jackets don't just have to be worn when you go outside. In fact, wearing a jacket when you don't need it (such as when you're lounging around the house) can make the jacket stretch more quickly. However, be careful when wearing it for dirty and rough activities as stains, scratches, and rips can make the jacket difficult to repair (though it is still possible to repair it the right way). Wearing a jacket for the following activities (and others) can flex the jacket more quickly:
If you really want to use all the time you have, wear a leather jacket to sleep to stretch it by giving it an extra 8 hours of sleep each day, as long as it doesn't interfere with your sleep
Step 3. Flex the jacket in an unusual way
Depending on the material used, leather jackets can be very durable. In addition to wearing it, you can flex your leather jacket faster by doing other activities. Some of the activities you can do to quickly flex your leather jacket include:
- Roll up and use the jacket as a backrest or pillow.
- Wrap it around the body to use as a blanket.
- Form the jacket into a ball and play.
- Use the sleeves of the jacket as a handle to carry something (don't carry heavy objects).
- Use your jacket to gently stretch your legs and arms.
Step 4. Try using a fine scourer carefully
Some skin care professionals (but not all) recommend using a scrubber if you want to smooth out rough and stiff areas of the jacket. If you want to try it, do it slowly and often stop your work to check the result. Leather is more difficult to repair than fabric, so if there is a hole or break in the leather, it will leave a permanent mark.
- Choose a soft scourer, such as fine steel wool, high-grit sandpaper, or a nylon scouring pad. Using a harsh abrasive, such as coarse sandpaper, can damage your leather jacket.
- Good targets are in the joint area (shoulder, elbow) and around the seam. Remember that this method will really peel off your leather jacket.
Step 5. Use a special leather conditioner to remove stiffness from dry skin
We often forget that leather jackets are made of animal skin, and when dry, the leather can become stiff and even crack (just like human skin). If your leather jacket feels stiff, cracked, or looks flat, use a little conditioner to soften and protect it, making it more comfortable to wear.
- You can buy leather conditioner in specialty shops or online at a fairly cheap price (usually around IDR 180 thousand to IDR 360 thousand per liter). Some good brands include Lexol, Pecard, Leather Honey, and so on.
- Make sure you use a conditioner that matches the skin type on your jacket. Leather is usually made from one of 4 sources, each of which has a different texture: cow, goat, sheep, or horse. Conditioners are usually formulated specifically for certain skin types and should not be used on other types. Lotion for light clothing is usually suitable for the delicate skin of goats and sheep, while the heavier, all-weather conditioner is best for horse and cowhide.
Method 2 of 3: Using Moisture
Step 1. Put on your leather jacket for a walk when it's drizzling
Many people know that leather jackets are more elastic when wet. As long as the jacket isn't too wet, you can use this method to flex a new leather jacket. One easy way to do this (while working out at the same time) is to take a short walk in a jacket when it's drizzling. The drizzle will keep your jacket wet and soft, but not so wet it won't damage it.
Of course you shouldn't wear a leather jacket when it's raining heavily. Too much water can permanently damage your jacket, get dirty, and shrivel up
Step 2. Move around while wearing a wet jacket
Before the skin dries, take the opportunity to stretch it a bit. Bend your elbows, rotate your arms, and lift your shoulders. You can even run, jump, bend over, do push-ups, or dance to get the whole jacket stretched. The key is to get physical - any activity that can stretch the jacket at the joints is a good thing.
Step 3. Allow the jacket to dry while wearing
Go outside when it is drizzling, then enter a dry room. Keep your jacket on for a few hours until it dries naturally. As the water evaporates, the stretched wet skin will slowly shrivel until it is completely dry. As you wear it, this will make the jacket contract around your body. This makes the jacket flexible and conforms to your body shape.
If you have to remove the jacket while it's still drying, stuff a clump of clothing inside so it doesn't shrivel up
Step 4. Use a spray bottle when it's not raining
Of course water is the main thing in this method, not where it comes from. If it doesn't rain, fill a spray bottle with water and lightly spray it all over the skin. Wear the jacket until it dries normally. Be careful not to use too much water. Remember that you are trying to imitate a drizzle, not a downpour.
If you accidentally spray too much water, use a towel to wipe off the excess water. The skin will not be damaged if it is not too long in contact with water
Step 5. Use a washcloth as an alternative
Another way to moisturize a leather jacket is to do it by hand. Soak the washcloth in water, then wring it out well so the washcloth is not too wet. Gently wipe the leather, do not rush, and wipe the entire jacket.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing What to Avoid
Step 1. Do not soak the leather jacket
As already explained, flexing a leather jacket using moisture should pay attention to one important thing: don't wear it excessively. Leather can be seriously damaged if soaked. Once dry, the microscopic fibers that make up leather can lose their oil content, which makes your jacket stiff and dry. The best solution is to take precautions: If possible, keep the leather jacket from getting too wet.
- Be careful with methods that suggest using a washer and dryer. While the dryer can dry the leather quickly, preventing long-term damage, it can cause the jacket to shrivel, and change the texture and appearance of the jacket.
- If your leather jacket is really wet, gently wipe it with a towel, then apply leather conditioner to the wet leather to replace the oil while the jacket is drying.
Step 2. Do not flex the jacket with excessive force
Leather is a very durable raw material for clothing, but it is very difficult to repair if damaged. Keep this in mind when you try to flex the jacket. While most leather jackets can withstand everyday use, never intentionally do anything that could tear, slice, puncture, or damage the leather. If this is done, the scars may not be able to disappear in a long time.
- Keep in mind that jackets made of goat and sheepskin tend to be smoother and softer than jackets made of horse and cowhide.
- Tear that occurs along the seam is still possible to sew back on (look for the wikiHow article on how to repair a seam). However, any rips in the center of the jacket must be glued or patched.
Step 3. Don't ignore the care label on your jacket
If you are unsure about how to care for any type of clothing, including leather jackets, look for instructions on the garment itself. This usually takes the form of a small label containing care instructions that is sewn inside the garment. Each jacket requires different care. Some jackets may be made in such a way that the instructions in this article should not apply to them. If in doubt, follow the instructions on your jacket's care label, don't use the instructions in this article.
Tips
- Be patient! The most comfortable and natural stretch of the jacket can be achieved gradually as the skin stretches over time.
- A leather jacket that has been flexible will not feel comfortable continuously if it is not cared for properly. For more information read How to Care for a Leather Jacket.
