Leather is a flexible material used to create various items, including handbags, belts, clothes, and footwear. The leather fabric expands easily with use, which adds to the garment’s fantastic comfort.
There is no need to throw away clothing, just a tiny bit too small because leather is simply stretched at home.
If you want to retain your expensive leather products, it is highly advised that you have them cleaned and conditioned by a professional.
7 Ways to Stretch Leather at Home
It is common for your leather clothing and shoes to become too tight to wear. Although it will gradually stretch out with constant use, you could easily stretch it using some of the methods below.
Use Rubbing alcohol
Alcohol and water are good ways to stretch your leather items. Here’s what to do;
- Mix one part of alcohol with three parts of water, and put it in a spray bottle.
- Spray it on the leather after giving the container a thorough shake to blend the chemicals.
- Straighten it out by hand before you shower it or hang it with weights.
Note: Do not dip the item into alcohol directly.
For clothing
- Spray the mixture on it, then stretch and bend the areas you wish to stretch.
- Wear the clothing until the spots where you applied the mixture have dried off.
For shoes
Spray the mixture in and on the shoes, then wear thick socks and the shoes for about 30 minutes to stretch them.
You can also do the same for leather belts.
Use Ice
One property of water is its contraction and expansion when it melts and freezes, and leather shares the same property when ice is involved.
Although this technique is most commonly used to stretch leather shoes, you can also apply it to other leather products.
You can accomplish this in two ways:
Method 1
- Insert a sturdy plastic bag inside the leather shoe and fill it with water. Make sure the plastic backflows and fits the entire shoe space perfectly.
- Close the bag to avoid any spillage.
- Repeat the same for the other shoe.
- Put the shoes with the water bags inside the freezer.
- When the ice begins to form, it will expand, stretching the leather shoes in the process.
- Defrost the shoes before removing the plastic bags from them.
Method 2
- Put your leather item inside a plastic bag and seal it tight.
- Put this leather bag inside a larger freezer bag, fill it with water, then zip it up.
- Please keep it in the freezer for one or two hours to freeze.
- Take out the bag and allow it to defrost.
Note: Take caution while using the ice method because you risk ruining your leather item by filling it with water.
Apply Heat
The heat helps to loosen the pores of your leather item, making it easier to stretch. Here’s how to go about it.
For Leather Clothing
- Use a hairdryer to dry the leather item from a distance until it becomes warm and soft.
- Apply the heat to the primary areas of the item.
- Now, turn off the hairdryer, and your leather item is ready to be worn.
- Stretch the leather items by bending and expanding the areas you wish to stretch.
Note: I’ll advise you to wear thick clothes before putting on the leather item (such as leather jackets) and avoid overheating it to prevent it from burning.
For Leather Shoes
- Wear the thickest socks you have and tight leather shoes.
- Then, apply heat to the tight areas of the shoes using a hairdryer.
- Move your feet inside the shoes to stretch the leather.
- After stretching the leather, remove it to cool.
Use Weights
Using weights to stretch leather items and materials is among the simplest methods one can apply. The method is usually used for leather straps and belts.
Some people may prefer to use a heat source to stretch out their leather straps rather than their hands for better results.
However, if you prefer to use weights, here’s how you can do it.
- Set up a metal bar suspended some distance above the ground or any stable source.
- Then attach one side of the leather item to the metal bar and the other side to any heavy item or a bag filled with rocks, heavy books, etc.
- Now, select and use the right weight depending on the strength of your leather item.
- Let it hang for an hour or two, and check back every ten minutes to avoid a break or tear.
- Now, remove the weight once you get the desired results.
Use Professional Leather Products
You can use commercial leather products if the other methods fail to work for your leather items or if you want another method that seems more ‘professional.’
Leather Stretching Sprays
Good stretching sprays are widely available in grocery stores, shoe shops, and on the internet. Simply spray the leather object with the leather stretching spray, and it will become supple and stretchy.
After that, you can wear the leather for a while to help it expand out.
Just spray the inside of your shoes and slip on some socks to wear for a few hours. Alternatively, you might use a shoe stretcher to lengthen the shoe.
Leather Conditioners
You can purchase leather conditioners almost anywhere shoes are sold, which not only help soften the leather, but also acts as a suitable leather care product.
These products work best for leather furniture-like sofas, and you can also use them on your leather clothing and shoes.
For small leather accessories like wallets, you can apply the conditioner and stuff it with paper to retain the stretch.
Shoe Stretchers
Shoe stretchers are wooden or metal devices shaped like a foot. It is usually inserted into the shoe and adjusted with screws inside the shoe to stretch it to your desired limit.
For better results, use a shoe stretching spray to make the leather item soft, so it stretches easily.
How Can I Stretch Leather At Home?
Stretching leather is not difficult; it can easily be done at home if you know the correct methods.
If you do not want to use the services of a professional, be sure to do it carefully to avoid any wear or tear to the leather product.
You can also try any of the methods with an old leather item before using it on an expensive leather item.
Using warm water is one option you can try.
This process is typically reserved for more oversized items of leatherwear, such as coats and skirts.
- Start by filling a bathtub with warm water and soaking the leather item in it (not for leather shoes). Ensure complete submersion of the item in water.
- After that, gently twist and knead to ensure it absorbs all the liquid.
- Once it is entirely soaked, please leave it in the water for ten minutes.
- Wear it for an hour or two to stretch to fit the body.
How Do I Stretch Leather By Hand?
Another way to stretch your leather item is by hand; this is the best method when you target areas too tight for you.
Here are some pointers on how to stretch leather by hand:
- Use a shoehorn
A shoehorn can help to stretch the back of your leather shoes or moccasins. Insert the shoehorn into the back of the item and push it down. This will stretch out the leather and make it more comfortable to wear.
- Use a hairdryer
Please turn on the hairdryer, set it to a warm setting, and hold it close to the tight areas. Move your hand around to avoid overheating one spot.
- Insert a hard object
You can stretch your leather items by inserting a hard object inside them. Insert it and leave it for a few hours. Doing this will help stretch the leather and make it more comfortable.