Help with stiff jacket

[Gus Cardinal]

Hey guys! I'm new here, so I apologize in case I make some mistake regarding the places to post or the structure of this post.

I need some advice regarding a 90's leather jacket i've bought. It is a very thick leather. Once I got it, noted that it was really stiff, e.g.: when I tried to hold it with my forearm, it looked like a piece of a cardboard.

I conditioned it 3 times and its now a little bit softer, but still very stiff.

My question is: do I apply more conditioner or just wear it to get ir softer?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AeroFan_07]

Just wear it. Looks very nice, I had something similar without the two upper pockets in the front many years back (that one was a Banana Republic jacket) and the leather was really beautiful on it. But it took quite a bit of work to break it in. Welcome to FL!

 

[Tom71]

Only condition if it still feels dry to the touch. Don’t overdo it.

I would just wear it for the time being. If the stiffness doesn’t go away, you can roll the jacket up and squeeze and manipulate it a bit. Won’t do any damage unless it’s too dry.

 

[AerGuitar]

Yep, since you’ve already conditioned it, just wear it and beat it up. Very cool jacket!

 

[Gus Cardinal]

Just wear it. Looks very nice, I had something similar without the two upper pockets in the front many years back (that one was a Banana Republic jacket) and the leather was really beautiful on it. But it took quite a bit of work to break it in. Welcome to FL!

Thanks a lot! I'll be putting it into work until it breaks in!

 

[Gus Cardinal]

Only condition if it still feels dry to the touch. Don’t overdo it.

I would just wear it for the time being. If the stiffness doesn’t go away, you can roll the jacket up and squeeze and manipulate it a bit. Won’t do any damage unless it’s too dry.

Thanks! I'll do! My only concern actually is because of those wrinkles on the sleeves, I am a bit afraid they my crack. But considering the amount of conditioner, I think they will just settle down.

 

[Gus Cardinal]

Yep, since you’ve already conditioned it, just wear it and beat it up. Very cool jacket!

Thanks man!!

 

[Monitor]

My question is: do I apply more conditioner or just wear it to get ir softer?

No. Conditioners rarely significantly soften leather. Stiff leather remains stiff no matter one.

 

[jchance]

Conditioner with lanolin helps soften the leather. Otherwise, you can try running the jacket through the dryer, no heat setting, with 2 tennis balls. I did that with a brand new cowhide jacket (no conditioner applied) and it became much softer after 15 hours in the dryer.

 

[raf]

You already applied conditioner to the outside, and that takes some time to soak-in--if it soaks-in at all; some exterior finishes prevent this.

The No-Heat dryer and tennis ball trick might be worthwhile.

I have heard of some folks soaking the jacket in distilled water (no chlorine, etc.) and then wearing it all day, fully zipped-up, to soften the leather and promote creasing at the usual points in the arms.

Mostly folks use a thin sweatshirt (NOT a hoodie) underneath it. When finished, allow to fully air-dry using a decent broad-shoulder hanger, making a point of turning the jacket and the sleeves inside-out. Suggest not drying it in direct sunlight. Using a fan, directed right at the jacket, and allowing jacket to rotate on the hanger to expose all surfaces, will help. This will take quite a while, so be patient.

 

[BloodEagle]

Cool jacket - its easy to over-condition leather, if I were you I'd wear it, enjoy it, and see how you go.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Funny enough, but a Vanson that showed up yesterday was actually a slight disappointment due to the lack of stiffness. Yes, this sounds odd. I was really looking forward to breaking in some of the new-stock Competition weight cowhide, and this jacket is so pliable and honestly even just comfortable it's rather a shock to me. It's also too large, so I plan to move this one along and order one right from Vanson, asking for the thickest and most stiff hide they can offer for it. Yes, I'm a bit goofy that way.