(Not sure if this should go here or in the more general forum. Feel free to move it if it's too general for Vendors.)

My favourite jackets tend to be those made of heavier, stiffer leathers, horsehide or steerhide. I have three jackets from Aero Leathers, two in front-quarter horsehide and one in heavy steerhide, and I'd recommend them for quality and durability.

The problem with horsehide, though, in particular, is that it takes ages to properly 'break in' - especially if, like me, you don't ride a motorcycle. Myself, I think it's a good excuse to get tied up or put in a canvas straitjacket for a few hours: the heat generated by struggling and the coarse canvas help to soften the leather. That's my story, anyway.

What's your tip for 'breaking in' brand new leather?

No substitute for extended wear, measured in hours or days. This could be straightjacketed as you advise in your original post, or contained in a cage, sack, extended immovable bondage etc.

Do you reckon there's enough active wear (in terms of moving around in the gear) in immoveable or cage bondage, though? One reason I think a few hours (or days!) in full leathers with a canvas straitjacket over the top is that the combination of heat generated from struggling and gentle abrasion from the coarse fibres upon the surface of the leather break the hide down a little. Ropes do the same job but tend to leave tell-tale wear-marks around the wrists.

No need to move this topic, this is exactly the kind of discussion we want here.


The old Rob Meijer in Amsterdam (the original "Rob" from RoB stores) used to advise customers to piss on their new leathers when they complained about the stiffness of their new garments. I wouldn't advise it. Not sure whether it even works.
I also know a BLUF member who used to lend out his new Langlitz jackets to young guys with little gear. They were happy to wear those heavy jackets for a couple of years and when they were worn in, he asked them back. I guess there's a risk there too!
I personally don't mind the stiffness of new leathers at all. I like the whole process of getting new gear, fantasizing about it first, saving money, then measuring, ordering, waiting for the postman, wearing it the first time, and then the long process of breaking it in. It's all part of it.

My Vanson jacket now after just 4 years has become broken in, but at the same time I wish it still had that as new sheen to it. I've worn it nearly every day and actually the whole process has become a part of your life !

Try wearing your new leathers out in the rain - Beware that it is not for too long so that they become 'waterlogged' but long enough for them to become moist & sticky - Then leave them for as long as possible so that your body heat dries them out - You will find that they will become quite creased & begin to look used

Thanks, folks. Today is a particularly good day for the 'rain method' - in London, anyway! I'm thinking I'd probably have to wander about in the rain for quite a long time, though, in the case of horsehide, which seems glossier and more naturally water-repellent than other leathers.

Don't fancy the uric acid idea (not that into yellow...) or the lending of expensive gear to other guys (I'm not that wealthy or altruistic). I do agree that the wearing in of leather is a pleasure in itself, though.

One method which has worked well for me on new leather (which is a tad 'stiff') is to 'condition' it with saddle soap. This nourishes the leather as well as 'softening' it up while letting it 'breathe' - and the resulting 'sheen' looks good. Be sure the saddle soap is applied generously and 'foams', and let it 'cure' for awhile - then, buff it with a clean terrycloth. Sometimes, a second 'treatment' works, too. Just be sure the saddle soap dries thoroughly and penetrates the leather before buffing it. Remember, leather was once 'skin' - and 'skin' needs nourishing care. I've done this with my vehicle's upolstery (light tan leather) and it today looks as good as the day it was new - and is even more supple and flexible. When I get ready to trade this vehicle on a newer one, I'm thinking of having a pair of chaps made out of the upolstery - but in light tan? I dunno......lol!

I forgot to say, sleep in them as well.... your body heat and swet and the natural movement you'll make over night will soon help it along.... plus give you something in morning to do..... when you wake!

I sleep in my new gear:)