In addition to being fashionable pieces, leather jackets serve the purpose of sophistication, rebellion, and class that never goes out of style. It does not matter if you wear a stylish bike jacket or a warm full grain coat; such items can give a boost to any outfit worn underneath them.
However, there is nothing more disappointing than wearing a newly bought leather jacket that is stiff and tight rather than soft and relaxed. You wish for the kind of leather that would be soft and buttery to sit scrolled across the body but how is that achieved?
New leather often feels stiff and bulky, especially better quality products. The good thing? It can be made more pliable. In this article, we will show you the best tips on how to soften leather jacket so that it can be the must-have piece in your closet as you had always imagined it to be.
Why Does a Leather Jacket Lose Its Softness?
Leather jackets are outerwear made from animal skins and so like all natural materials; they can undergo wear and tears. Eventually, your jacket may harden and lose its softness due to several factors—many of which you may have already experienced. Here’s an explanation with the reasons as to why most leather jackets become rigid and how you can avoid them:
1. Dryness and Lack of Moisture
Leather jackets are outer garments constructed from animal hide which, like all organic materials, is subject to degradation. As time goes by, your jacket may become stiffer and lose its pliability for various reasons—most of which you probably have gone through yourself. Here’s a brief overview including the USPs and why the majority of leather jackets stiffen up and how you can prevent them from doing so:
2. Improper Storage
Leather needs to be stored in a controlled environment to maintain its soft, supple nature. If stored in an overly dry or excessively humid environment, leather can either lose moisture or absorb too much, causing it to become rigid. In extremely dry conditions, the leather may crack, while excessive moisture can cause the leather to stiffen or warp.
3. Exposure to Harsh Elements
While leather can withstand wear and tear, it is also vulnerable to climatic elements such as moisture, freezing temperatures, and dirty air. Unprotected exposure to any element may lead to leather becoming tacky due to weather. Water is one of the worst offenders since the hide dries; water condenses within the leather causing distortion of the structure to a point where, once the water evaporates, the interior of the leather remains dried and devoid of movement.
4. Lack of Use
A leather jacket can harden if it is kept in the closet for several months especially, during the warm months when it is not being used. Leather is a living material and it does soften with regular wear, hence jackets that are worn infrequently may become stiff and hard to put on. Further, the leather may dry out and deplete its moisture content over time, making the leather stiff as well.
5. Poor Quality Leather
Not all leather is created equal. The quality of the leather used in your jacket will determine how soft it is and how it responds to wear. Lower-quality leather, such as bonded leather or faux leather, may not have the same suppleness as genuine full-grain or top-grain leather. While faux leather is more affordable, it won’t soften or develop the same luxurious texture over time, as it doesn’t have the same porous structure that allows it to absorb moisture and oils.
6. Wearing It Too Tight
If you’ve been wearing your jacket in a size that’s too tight, the leather can become stretched and lose its natural shape and softness. While leather does stretch with wear, excessive stretching, especially if the jacket is too tight, can result in a stiffer, more uncomfortable fit.
How to Soften a Leather Jacket: 5 Effortless Techniques
Now that you understand why your jacket may have become stiff, let’s move on to how you can restore its luxurious softness. These tried-and-true methods will help you get the most out of your leather jacket and ensure it feels as comfortable as it looks.
1. Wear It Regularly
The most effective technique to soften your leather jacket is to wear it regularly. Leather naturally gets more supple as it is used, with the fibres beginning to mould to your body. If your jacket is brand new and stiff, don’t hesitate to wear it about the home or while doing mild activities. Even brief durations of wear can help it break in and become more comfortable. Just don’t strain it if it seems too snug, since this may stretch the leather too much.
2. Lightly Mist with Water
Misting your jacket with water may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually an excellent way to soften leather. By lightly spraying your jacket with water, you hydrate the leather and make it more flexible. The moisture helps to relax the fibers, making the leather more pliable.
To do this, fill a spray bottle with water and lightly spritz the surface of your jacket. Then, put the jacket on while it’s still slightly damp and wear it around the house for about an hour or so. This allows the jacket to conform to your body. Afterward, let the jacket air dry in a cool, shaded area. Never store a wet leather jacket, as excess moisture can cause mildew or water spots.
3. Use Natural Oils to Nourish the Leather
Leather is inherently oily, but it loses moisture with time, which causes stiffness. To replenish some of the lost oils, use a natural leather conditioner or oil like mink oil, neatsfoot oil, or even coconut oil. These oils go deeply into the leather, restoring moisture and making it softer.
To do this:
- Clean the surface of your jacket to remove any dust or dirt.
- Using a soft cloth, apply the oil in circular motions, working it into the leather.
- Allow the jacket to absorb the oil for several hours or overnight before wiping away any excess.
- Repeat this process a few times if necessary until the leather feels soft and smooth.
4. Condition with Leather Conditioner
Leather conditioners are designed to soften and preserve leather while maintaining its flexibility and sheen. Regular conditioning not only restores suppleness but also protects the leather from cracking, drying out, and becoming brittle.
For use:
1. Wipe the jacket down with a moist cloth or gentle brush to remove dirt and dust.
2. Apply conditioner on a clean cloth or sponge.
3. Use circular movements to properly spread the conditioner over the leather.
4. Allow the conditioner to soak for a few hours before buffing with a delicate towel to eliminate excess.
Conditioning your jacket to to three times a year will help maintain its softness and protect it from wear and tear.
5. Use Alcohol and Petroleum Jelly for Deep Softening
Combine rubbing alcohol and petroleum jelly for a more intense softening procedure. Alcohol cleans and loosens the fibres, while petroleum jelly deeply moisturises and softens the leather.
To use this method:
1. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad and carefully clean the leather jacket’s surface. This eliminates dirt, filth, and any surface buildup.
2. After the alcohol evaporates, apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly to the leather with a soft cloth.
3. Gently rub it in circular motions to coat the whole jacket.
4. Let the jacket remain overnight for the petroleum jelly to completely soak. By morning, your jacket will be visibly softer and more flexible.
FAQs
Can I use oil on a faux leather jacket?
Yes, you may use oil to make imitation leather shine. However, it will not increase suppleness since imitation leather is non-porous and does not absorb oils in the same way that genuine leather does. To keep imitation leather in good condition, apply a vinyl conditioner formulated for synthetic textiles.
What’s the best oil for softening leather?
Mink oil is typically considered the finest for softening and conditioning leather. It soaks thoroughly into the leather without leaving a greasy behind. Neatsfoot oil is another nice choice, although it might damage cotton stitching over time. Other oils, such as castor and coconut oil, can be utilised but may leave a sticky residue or stain.
Does leather soften over time?
Yes, leather softens naturally with frequent wear and use. The fibres in the leather relax and mould to your body form. However, effective conditioning treatments can assist speed up the softening process and keep the leather supple for many years.
Wrapping Up: Embrace Softness
Your leather jacket is more than simply outerwear; it represents an investment in style, comfort, and personal expression. Whether you choose a classic motorcycle design or a more polished, tailored look, the key to wearing your jacket is to make sure it is both comfortable and fashionable.
By using these easy yet efficient ways, you may soften your leather jacket and maintain it in good shape for years. Treat it with love, care, and a little time, and your jacket will repay you with unrivalled comfort and timeless style.
Explore our premium leather jacket line, designed for both the Canadian and American markets, and find the ideal balance of luxury, durability, and comfort.
