Breaking in a new leather motorcycle jacket is a fun and necessary process for every new jacket owner. Initially, all high-quality jackets tend to feel itchy and stiff, but with time, they become more comfortable. In this post, we share numerous tricks and tips that have proven effective in breaking in many leather jackets.
What type of Leather is your Jacket
There are different leather types and the first thing you should do is check what type of animal leather your jacket is made of. Tougher and durable leather materials are typically harder to break in than softer, more sensitive leathers.
For example, cow leather is more difficult to break in than Lambskin leather. Check the jacket neck collar to find out what type of leather the jacket is and how to clean and store it.
Gently roll it up
Try the roll-up exercise. It is a famous trick bikers have used to break in their leather jackets and increase their overall flexibility for years. Draw from their knowledge and shorten your break-in period tremendously by rolling up your jacket.
To perform the exercise, slowly roll up the entire jacket until it's no larger than a ball. Unroll the jacket and repeat the process for about 10 minutes or so.
This trick is particularly effective because it loosens up the leather and deliberately adds wrinkles and creases to the jacket. With each roll-up, it will get easier to roll up the jacket and move around in it.
Wear your leather jacket
You might have heard that the fastest way to break in your new leather jacket is to wear it, and it's completely true. Just sitting around in your jacket, moving around, and interacting with people and places will help you break it in faster.
Over time, the jacket will get easier to move in and feel softer because you are constantly stretching the leather, creasing it, and forcing it to fall back to its original shape. Wear the jacket every day for the first few days of owning it if you can, and you'd be surprised how fast the breaking-in process can be.
Read your manufacturer’s instruction
Though most bikers don't make a big deal of it, it's important to read the jacket maker guide or instructions when you purchase a new leather jacket. No two manufacturers use the same processes and the information and tips they provide for taking care of your bike might differ from each other. Sometimes manufacturers even attach instructional guides for breaking in your jacket and not just cleaning and conditioning.
Use a leather conditioner
Conditioning your new motorcycle jacket is another smart way of breaking it in faster. Many bikers often overlook the importance of conditioning your new biker jacket, but they forget that it can do wonders for your jacket.
Leather conditioners extend the life of the leather and make it softer. Conditioners also help leather to resist various weather conditions, such as light rain and cold temperatures. When leather gets wet, it takes a long time to dry out and can get stiff, making it uncomfortable to wear.
Proper conditioning can break down the leather faster, making it more supple, flexible, and cleaner. You can condition your jacket with some saddle soap and the help of a professional. You could also DIY it and learn to condition your jacket yourself.
Follow these steps when conditioning your leather motorcycle jacket:
- Clean the leather with a leather cleaner. Use a spray bottle and some soap water.
- Apply a leather conditioner to the leather using a cloth or sponge.
- Let the soaking leather conditioner sit for a few minutes.
- Buff the leather with a dry cloth. Remember not to use excessive force when buffing.
- Apply a leather protector to help keep the leather from getting wet and stiff.
- Let the leather protector dry for a few minutes.
Things you can do to ensure the break-in process is fast
Aside from implementing the various tricks and tips we've discussed already, there are steps you can take to ensure that the break-in process is as speedy and as painless as possible. Genuine leather materials take time to break-in.
Make sure the Jacket is your size
This might come across as unhelpful considering you've already bought your jacket, but you should make sure the jacket you have is your exact size. Breaking in occurs regardless of jacket size, but having the right size does certainly makes the experience less unpleasant.
Your jacket is the right size if it fits snuggly around your body and doesn't feel tight when you rotate your body or move. If you are still not sure, check your order page for your measurements and make sure they are accurate.
Buy High-Quality Leather Jackets
High-quality leather jackets are cut a tier above the rest. They are typically harder and more difficult to break in but not as hard as poorly-made leather jackets. Poorly-made or low-quality jackets are not worth the stress and effort that goes into trying to break them.
They remain cumbersome to wear even after breaking them in and often burst at the seams with applied pressure and swift movements.
The first sign you're dealing with a proper high-quality product would be the name of the brand, then the feel of the materials. And finally, you will notice that the seams are all triple-stitched and dependable.
Conclusion
A leather jacket is an investment that could potentially last you years if it is adequately sourced and protected. As such, you should take great care when choosing and breaking in a leather jacket you've settled on. They should fit you perfectly, be flexible, and above all else, be made with great leather.
Breaking your leather jacket in is an instructive experience, one that you can call on when you purchase your next jacket. These tips have helped us over the years, and they should help you too.
