How do YOU break in a new jacket?

[HoosierDaddy]

Maybe 1/2" after the arm creases.

 

[El Marro]

Maybe 1/2" after the arm creases.

Agreed, i’ve never had a problem with it. Jackets that were just right when they arrived don’t change much, and obviously jackets that are too short are just too short.

 

[Marc mndt]

How do you break in a jacket? Swim in it

 

[JoeNiblick]

Thanks! I'm looking at the Seven for sale in the classifieds. The measurements seem spot on, but the seller says the sleeves are too long on him. I feel like I'm going blind trying to look at his measurements, my measurements, and the measurements of jackets that fit well. I suppose there's only one way to really find out...

 

[jonesy86]

How do you break in a jacket? Swim in it

Hanalei Surf Hot Water Treatment (HSHWT)
Patent pending.

 

[M Brown]

wear it dry after a good rain storm soaking

 

[Boyo]

@jonesy86 - How did the jacket survive the Hanalei? is it very stiff now or any other unexpected changes ( not that anyone knows what to expect when you bodysurf in a leather jacket)

PS You got me thinking of a water-skiing Fonzie

 

[jonesy86]

@jonesy86 - How did the jacket survive the Hanalei? is it very stiff now or any other unexpected changes ( not that anyone knows what to expect when you bodysurf in a leather jacket)

PS You got me thinking of a water-skiing Fonzie

Yeah, I think it actually came out fine. After rinsing the salt water and sand off of it at the shower next to the lifeguard stand (and yep, got some good sideways glances), I put it in the sun as pictured yesterday. Then, wore it for the drive back to town, and out to my favorite fish taco place, went home and hung it out on a hanger outside on my lanai overnight (thankfully it has been relatively dry here lately). It was still just a little damp this morning so I wore it around the house for a bit, and now I’m finishing drying it in the sun. It is kind of a waxy leather, did not get damaged in the least, and is taking on nice creases in the sleeves. Probably finish the patent pending HSHWT with a coat of Pecards.

 

[jonesy86]

Someone should start one of those online polls. Which do you like better, water skiing Fonzie, or body surfing Jonesy?

"aaaaay"

or

"Yo Mama"

 

[Boyo]

You got my vote Jonesy!... LOL

 

[Seb Lucas]

Interesting Jonesy. I have always dried my jackets in the shade after putting them through the washing machine - generally takes several days and there is absolutely no shrinkage. Let us know how your sizing has held up.

 

[jonesy86]

Interesting Jonesy. I have always dried my jackets in the shade after putting them through the washing machine - generally takes several days and there is absolutely no shrinkage. Let us know how your sizing has held up.

It is so humid here that it would grow mold If I didn't put it in the sun or a dryer.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I am certainly surprised that drying the wet jacket out in the hot sun didn't shrink it. I got caught in the rain a few years ago on a MC trip wearing a leather jacket. After a good drenching I rode a couple hundred miles in the hot sun. The jacket shrank somewhat all over...but the sad part was that one sleeve was now very noticeably shorter than the other.
HD

 

[jonesy86]

Came out fine.

 

[navetsea]

I would use a standing fan to speed up drying. drenching wet jacket on a hanger with zip open facing a standing fan overnight will be slightly damp by the morning perfect for wear to dry.

 

[Turnip]

First day breaking in. Felt a bit like a Formula pilot this morning sporting kind of a comfortable but sturdy neck support and it took some tackling to grab the belt.
Way back home went already easier due to sunshine / rising temperatures in the car...

 

[jonesy86]

I am certainly surprised that drying the wet jacket out in the hot sun didn't shrink it. I got caught in the rain a few years ago on a MC trip wearing a leather jacket. After a good drenching I rode a couple hundred miles in the hot sun. The jacket shrank somewhat all over...but the sad part was that one sleeve was now very noticeably shorter than the other.
HD

I finished the HSHWT Patent pending, with a coat of Pecards rubbed in by hand. Then put the jacket in the sun to slightly warm the leather and absorb the dressing. In the end it did shrink an inch in the length down to 26 inches, which is probably my preferred length.
The P to P, shoulder, and sleeve was unaffected.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Glad the jacket turned out well, Jonesy.

In terms of the main topic of the thread, I personally do not understand the point of doing anything special to break in any type of clothing. I just wear my clothes, including my leather jackets. Whatever natural break in is all the break in they get.

 

[morrison2951]

Same here. Wear the hell out of mine and enjoy them all as they break in naturally.

 

[belopsky]

Is there any way to shrink a jacket a bit? My mister freedom stallion is a little large but a size down would be too small.