How to really soften stiff, thick leather? Extreme methods only!

[Will Zach]

Or just buy these. look soft.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144392910802?hash=item219e7cf7d2:g:tNAAAOSw105h-CIy

 

[morrison2951]

Just wear it!

 

[handymike]

You could put them in a sturdy fabric bag and use it as a piñata. Hitting them over and over with a baseball bat should soften them up. For a little extra, fill the bag with candy and let the neighborhood kids do all the work. It will take awhile for them to get through the canvas bag.

 

[Psant25]

I recall one of the PNW boot makers like drews or franks saying to break in their boots quicker to spray a mixture of 1/2 water 1/2 rubbing alcohol solution until wet and wear them to dry.

i have used a lot of different conditioners. There was some apple leather care conditioner product that turned a couple of my heavy cxl aero jackets quite soft and i was pleased with the results. Searched amazon and found it.

 

[Psant25]

Found it. If works 8 oz work boots prlly works for anything less weight

 

[Canuck Panda]

Wow. That’s Pornhub levels of Vaseline. It all soaked in?

Yup, I was shocked too. It took a few days but that thick leather just soaked them up.

 

[Fifty150]

let the neighborhood kids do all the work.

We are talking about leather pants. Most people who are into leather pants will wear them, and become a human pinata. I know several clubs where they could help break in leather pants.

 

[born113]

I recall one of the PNW boot makers like drews or franks saying to break in their boots quicker to spray a mixture of 1/2 water 1/2 rubbing alcohol solution until wet and wear them to dry.

Alcohol is a very old recipe for shoes. But this is primarily for temporary softening to make it easier to make the desired shape. And there is almost no long-term softening effect from alcohol. Exactly the same as for a person

 

[Monitor]

Guiz, leather conditioners, oils, greases, lubricants, etc. are NOT an option for me. I cannot buy them. To me, these things are unobtainable. Household products are my only option. I cannot acquire mink oil. I cannot acquire saddle soap. I have never even seen saddle soap. [insert brand name here] product is precisely what I was trying to avoid with this thread.

Just curious, What leather item are you trying to soften?

Leather pants. Massively heavy and very stiff leather.

@yellowfever; The leather is naked, almost raw. No surface finish to speak of. I do believe there are some waxes in the leather as it has got that CXL vibe going on but I am not 100% sure plus heat doesn't seem to have any effect on it. The pants do not become softer, more pliable with

I have pants that are more wearable but I want to wear these because I really like them. Leather is stunning with character appearing with each wear. Also, I got them tailored to perfection, I really invested a lot of time in them, they're just too robust. The thing is, this helps a lot with the fit. They crease just perfect, look great... But spending an entire day in them is... Tiresome.

At this point, I know they would feel and look much better if fully broken in, borderline destroyed, but I ain't got the time to get there. By the time that happens, I doubt it I will be in any condition to wear leather pants.

 

[born113]

Household products are my only option

Then drowning your pants in glycerin might be a good option.

 

[Monitor]

Alcohol is a very old recipe for shoes. But this is primarily for temporary softening to make it easier to make the desired shape. And there is almost no long-term softening effect from alcohol. Exactly the same as for a person

Interesting... Okay, but will the leather retain the broken in shape it attained whist intoxicated, or will it shrink back to its previous dimensions once the leather dries up, do you know?

 

[Marc mndt]

Have you tried getting them soaking wet (warm water) and wearing them until dry?

 

[born113]

Interesting... Okay, but will the leather retain the broken in shape it attained whist intoxicated, or will it shrink back to its previous dimensions once the leather dries up, do you know?

I am not very experienced in large leather goods. I have done this many times with only small functional leather parts of large mechanisms. I can only argue about the long-term softening effect. But it was a lot of kinds of leather.

 

[Monitor]

Have you tried getting them soaking wet (warm water) and wearing them until dry?

I don't have what it takes to do that...

 

[Will Zach]

Guiz, leather conditioners, oils, greases, lubricants, etc. are NOT an option for me. I cannot buy them. To me, these things are unobtainable. Household products are my only option.

Vaseline then. Available in your local pharmacy. John Chapman swears by it. Bonus - good for your skin - you know how it is with leather pants...

 

[Robson]

A advice from a leathershop where I bought a pair was, go to bed wearing it. The bodyheat warms the leather and it will soften.

 

[red devil]

A advice from a leathershop where I bought a pair was, go to bed wearing it. The bodyheat warms the leather and it will soften.

I was going to sugget that, a sleeping in them say 10 times should have some serious effect

 

[Monitor]

I don't move while sleeping. I'll just be uncomfortable...

 

[red devil]

I don't move while sleeping. I'll just be uncomfortable...

At least try tonight, you don't have much to lose

 

[TREEMAN]

IMO This garment needs some kind of treatment then a lot of battering. The treatment might just be hot water and then a long time in a dryer ( no heat ) . They need to be beat into submission .. leave them in the dryer until they beg to come out or in this case until they’re on their knees !!