That's excellent, sometimes I wear new walking boots in doors all evening and so they heat up and start to mold to the foot slightly and the sole start to loosen
It’s a good way to do it. But what if you live somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of rain? This method is essentially the same but allows better control and more convenience
Don't just wear the jacket, move around in it. Frequently, Zipp up all the zippers, make fists, bend your arms as much as you can, take a deep breath and flex hard. I like my leather jackets tight so I can mold them to my body, this really helps, especially with a Schott Perfecto steerhide.
Good job Del. Does this work for new leather tennis shoes? Any leather shoe videos? I appreciate your attention to detail...like making sure to inform drying the leather out completely before putting the leather jacket before putting it back into a dark gloomy closet...to prevent mold/mildew...very salient point!!!😎
@@majorharbour3926 thanks MH! I’ve accidentally had this method applied to my Wesco Boss leather engineer boots when I got caught in a downpour. So it can be extended to shoes. However I’d worry about soft/absorbent materials in a tennis shoe insole
Not wearing the jacket to bed, but wearing it while you take a nap sitting on the couch is totally doable and it will break in exactly the key points. Because what do most people do when taking a couch nap? they cross their arms, i know i do lol
SIR, by the way! I would like to say that another way i have heard you can break in a jacket is shower with it (No soap) just with hot water and the leather will mold to the shape of the body... I heard this is a particularly good way to break in horsehide
A somewhat more intense version of this method. I think the main disadvantage of shower is that you may soak the lining too much…if desperate could be what you decide to do but I’d be hesitant to do it personally
My Thedi is a veg tanned leather that goes through a “relicing” process which breaks it in completely. It’s the thicker water Buffalo he uses. There was no break in for me, and it was made to measure so fits perfectly. My Schott steerhide CXL is completely opposite. I’ve had it for a while and it’s comfortable, but still may do this to break it in even more. The thick, heavy, waxy leather is just stubborn and folds in weird places sometimes depending on the grain. Great information and looking forward to watching more of your videos.
I think you're talking about what is called distilled water in the states. Gallon jug for about $1 and it's supposed to be a type of purified water that's made by boiling water into vapor and then condensing the steam back into a liquid. The process of distillation removes impurities from the water. Shouldn't leave any residue!
With this Langlitz jacket I gave it the leather dressing when I got it. Getting it wet will also accelerate your timeline to conditioning it, since the water will pull out oils etc from the leather
I have a Schott 618 (46) arms at elbows and biceps are tight from working out. Will this break-in method help the leather stretch or what do you think would work? Also, I have a Schott 618 (46) and a Schotte 626VN (XL). The 626VN is my favorite. try it and review it if you like Scott Perfecto's. I think it will become your favorite also. My chest is exactly 46" and 618 (46) fits fine but is a snug fit. 626 (XL) is a perfect fit. I bought the 626 for everyday use and the 618 for my motorcycle. I have same style in a Harley Davidson branded jacket that I bought used and a size Large fits good and I have extra room.
Hey Robert! Yes it should help the bicep to stretch. There are limits, but I would still take it slow. Would like to review a 626VN (and all the other models) at some point!
@@DudsByDel I bought my 626VN at a Lucky Brand store in the mall in Providence. It was the only one in the store that was a return. I ended up paying $410.00 for it. My 618 I bought used on Ebay from Japan vendor and paid 500+.
We live on a farm, on cool, wet evenings I sleep on our porch in the jacket. The dampness, the change in temps, the dog who sleeps with me---voilá, broken in.
the way i like to break in a new leather jacket is to sit with it in my lap and just knead and roll the leather for a couple of hours-while watching tv is good-you can feel the stiffness and ' 'knots' coming out as you go..usually takes a few sessions before it's nice and soft,but it works like a dream(it's quite enjoyable too!)
@@DudsByDel thanks, Del. Will keep watching you as you've the expertise so l can really enjoy mine too. It helps when you give all info where (sites, vintage stores, shows...etc), when to buy at what reasonable price...l want to least own 3-4 go tos wearable through the season out here in CA
I bought a leather jacket (sheepskin perfecto) a few weeks ago and I have a question, should I wear a backpack with it? I usually carry stuff like my license, a book, some water and very rarely my laptop and a backpack is the easiest way to carry it on a motorcycle/while walking, so much so that going out without a backpack feels unnatural now The backpack I carry is a canvas one, will that create unnatural wear patterns (especially in the straps area) cause it's surface is quite rough?
The backpack will definitely “make its mark” over time on the jacket. Up to you to decide if that’s something you want or not. For some folks it’s a desirable sign of wear and legitimate use…
Greetings sir. I have personally found with my generic chrome tanned jackets that a good conditioning, wearing the jacket in heat and wearing it while sleeping are rather useful, along wearing it to rain. Hope you are well
More people telling me they sleep in their jackets than I expected. The one time I did it was a short nap and I felt awful when i woke. Maybe I should give it another go?
I just thrifted a mint leather jacket. It fit perfectly… buuuut then I washed it because some dry cleaner on TikTok said it was ok, and I’ve done it before with good results. I’d say its about a 1/2 size too small now, especially in the arms when I try n lift them. At least I have peace of mind that it’s clean but I definitely need to give her a stretch.
Never ever would I put my jacket into a washer/dryer. I just wear the crap out of it and minimal conditioning. I do sleep in mine especially if it’s totally new. Your sweat etc will actually mould it to your body but really it’s just about wearing it to me. If you’re not wearing it maybe it doesn’t fit right. Then just sell it, it’ll just sit in your closet otherwise and that money could go towards another jacket 😂 Another great video Del. Thanks for the content👍 I ride so a lot of my jackets get wet anyway.
Yeah man riding and wearing is great and probably the best way to naturally break it in. Since I don’t ride I use this method just to get some water exposure in the mix. And totally agree about selling jackets that just hang in the closet!
Only bought one new jacket in 50+ years, always bought vintage/ second hand never had that problem. By the way I have an epic motorcycle, military collection, just saying.
Hey Kevin thanks for the comment. I’ve only bought new a couple of times, namely custom pieces from Johnson Leathers and Langlitz. Even so, I’ve found plenty of used jackets that still need breaking in!
I always just put a good conditioner on my leathers. Let it dry and soak it in. Then wear it for a bit. The conditioner softens the leather and helps restore the natural beauty to the leather. Your right just damp the leather because if doesn't dry right like you said it can ruin the leather. That is a nice jacket btw it shines incredible. 😊
Thanks man! Yeah conditioner will help. It’s actually Langlitz first recommendation is to condition their new jackets. But if you want to speed things along without over conditioning, getting it wet can be a good choice
Only use this method jackets that are stubborn / difficult to break in. Tougher leathers can take it with no problems. I didn’t count the sprays, just completely covered the jacket
Never use chemicals on a leather jacket...especially acetone. This will dry out the leather and even cause it to rot. Rotted leather literally turns to dust. Leather needs to be conditioned and cared for. Why rush wear and a patina? The whole point of them is to tell your story. Why lie about it?
Not this robust stuff. It depends on the leather but motorcycle jackets typically have a strong top coat and don’t need protectant or frequent conditioning
I just got a leather jacket and it is as stiff as cardboard, also sounds like it. It's supposed to be 100% buffalo leather. Do you think it will soften with wear?
Ótimo video. Parabéns! Eu fiz a técnica de dormir com a jaqueta. Além de não funcionar, acordei com os braços terrivelmente dormentes. Foi uma catástrofe!
no personal experience but seems like perforated jackets wouldn’t require much break in? If it does, getting it wet will help. Maybe use a damp towel instead of the spray bottle so it doesn’t soak through the interior considering the perforation?
@@DudsByDel Thanks for the answer... I knew it😎 I love watches and leather jackets. I have 519 at the moment, but 626vn is "on the radar". Greetings from Poland!
Yes you can condition after…make sure to let it dry naturally without tension or additional sources of heat. This method is only for new robust leathers that require breaking in.
Thank you….can I purchase a good leather conditioner on Amazon ??? Ps my girl is a lil pissed…. I followed your sleeping advise !! lol. Definitely took a sleeping pill …. It works …. Lol. But once again …. Any names of conditionor you recommend?? 🙏🏼
Agreed. I have four Aeros and a Thedi and now that several years have gone by, they look awesome. I'd be leary of anything that would dry out the leather, including water.
@@davidhilliard4777 saw the pics on Butterscotch lb Instagram. It does look great. Worry that it’d be to long for me, but a lot of folks like the longer models
You don't want to wear it in the Shower or immerse it fully in water. You can strip down the oil in the leather and cause the leather to dry out. You have to remember that the back part of the leather is suede.
Very long, very drawn out unnecessarily information.You should change the title of the video instead of 3 things.How to how about twenty minutes of things you shouldn't do and then five minutes of what you should do fell asleep three times.
