How to stretch a leather jacket: 6 the most effective ways
When you buy a leather jacket from The Boujie Caveman, it'll always fit you just right. But if your jacket ends up feeling a bit snug, don't worry!
Sometimes, leather items shrink because of improper care. We've seen situations where leather jackets are washed or cleaned with vinegar, both destroying the natural oils in the leather and causing it to shrink. Here are some easy tips to stretch it lengthwise or crosswise.
Do leather stretch?
Natural leather is soft and pliable, making it easy to stretch. Before you try to stretch a jacket that's too small, ensure it's made of genuine leather. Stretching synthetic leather can cause permanent stains.
Almost any genuine leather can be stretched, but there's a limit to how much it can expand. Thicker leather has more stretching potential than thinner one. You won't be able to turn children's clothes into adult sizes, but you can add a few centimeters or millimeters to make the item more comfortable and spacious. The exact amount depends on the type of leather.
Solution # 1: Soap
If you can't or don't want to use special products, a soap solution can help. Mix liquid soap and water in a 1:4 ratio. It's best to use colorless and odorless soap. Wet the outside of the jacket with the solution.
If you need to stretch the jacket a full size, treat the inside as well. Using a spray bottle makes this easy. Put on the jacket and wait 30 minutes, then wet the leather again. Wear it until it dries completely. To remove the soap solution, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and let it dry.
Solution # 2: Warm Water
Warm water can also help stretch your jacket:
- Wet the jacket under a slightly warm shower.
- Put the jacket on over a warm sweater.
- Wear it for a long time, ideally around 6 hours. For a quicker method, spend time in a humid environment.
- Alternatively, walk in the rain with an umbrella or sit in a bathtub to soak the jacket.
- If the jacket is too small to button up, find someone who can wear it over a thick sweater for a while.
Solution # 3: Sunflower Oil
Oil can make leather more elastic, allowing it to stretch easily. For the best results, the jacket should be worn for a certain period of time, preferably over a bulky item like a woolen sweater. Applying preheated oil beforehand will enhance the stretching effect. Here's how to use this method:
- Pour a small amount of vegetable oil into a saucepan and heat it until it boils.
- Carefully apply the hot oil to the outer surface of the jacket.
- Let the oil sit for a while.
- Rinse the jacket thoroughly with plenty of water to remove the oil.
- Dry the jacket completely.
- For added shine, wipe the jacket with glycerin.
Solution # 4: Rubbing Alcohol
Alcohol works similarly to oils for stretching leather. Apply an alcoholic solution (antiseptic, vodka, perfume, cologne) to the surface before wearing the jacket. Put on your jacket and focus on stretching and bending the areas that need it. Wear the jacket until the spots where you applied the mixture are completely dry.
Be sure to test the solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't affect the color.
Solution # 5: Heat
Heat can soften leather and make it easier to stretch. Just use a hair dryer to warm up the leather from a few inches away until it softens. This method works well for stretching sleeves. Stuff them tightly with paper, then warm the leather with the hair dryer. The leather will become flexible and stretch to your desired size.
Whether you're wearing your jacket, hanging it on a hanger, or stuffing it with paper, fasten all buttons and zippers. This will help prevent deformation and maintain the jacket's shape.
Solution #6: Professional Products
Special softeners, stretching agents, and care products can help you stretch leather quickly without damaging high-quality pieces. Available as sprays, aerosols, and foams, these products offer a variety of options for different types of leather. They work by softening the leather, making it easier to stretch naturally. You can use these products to gently expand the item on a mannequin or by stuffing it with paper.