How to shrink leather gloves the right way
Leather is a tough material that can withstand the elements and possesses high resistance to change. That’s what it is known for, right? However, sometimes you may find your new leather gloves are too loose, and you want them to be a bit smaller for a snug fit. Altering gloves can be difficult, so the only option left is to shrink them. In such situations, knowing how to shrink leather the right way becomes very important.
I once had a pair of driving gloves that were just a bit too large for my hands. They were very expensive, as not everyone could make them properly, so altering them was not an option. Then I learned how to shrink leather gloves the right way and decided to give it a try. Boom! I managed to get the perfect fitting leather driving gloves.
In this article, I am going to discuss how you can shrink leather gloves the right way. By the right way, I mean without compromising the natural properties of real leather. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Understanding Leather Shrinkage
Before getting into the actual shrinking process, you need to know a bit about leather shrinkage and how it can affect various types of leather. This knowledge will help you better perform the task of shrinking leather gloves and you can also share it with others.
Know your leather
Different types of leather often show differently when it comes to shrinking and stretching. For instance, out of major three types of leather such as full grain, top grain, and split leather, full grain tends to be the most resistant and it does not shrink easily
The science behind shrinkage
When leather fibers get wet the water penetrates into them and water molecules temporarily weaken the natural bonds between the fibers leading to be more flexible and swollen. As heat is applied, the water molecules within fibers become more agitated and vibrate with increased energy. This increased thermal energy further disrupts the bonds between collagen fibers. As we allow leather to dry, the water evaporates and bonds between collagen fibers becomes stronger in their new shrunken position.
Let’s be realistic with shrinking
Shrinking can only make little difference. Don’t expect that it will drastically transform your leather gloves that are several sizes too big. You can only achieve a little bit of decrease in size say a half size or even less
How to shrink leather gloves?
Here comes the most interesting part of the article where we will learn about the method to shrink the leather. Mainly there are two methods to do so: The one is water-heat method and another is wear-dry method. Here’s the overview of both methods
The water and heat method
Step 1.| Briefly soak the leather gloves in Luke’s warm water to introduce moisture into the fibers. Make sure the whole gloves are completely submerged in the water to avoid uneven patches
Step 2.| Now remove the gloves from the water and wear one of them in your hand, you can also squeeze out the excess water
Step 3.| Now with the help of a hair dryer, apply controlled heat while gently manipulating the gloves into the desired size by holding the dryer in the other hand. The dryer should be set on a low-heat setting
Step 4.| Let the gloves dry naturally at room temperature. You can repeat the steps twice or thrice to get the desired size but not more than that.
The wear and dry method
This method is comparatively slower than the previous one but it can ensure the minimum damage to the leather and its properties:
Step 1.| Wear the water-soaked leather gloves for a short period of time so that your body heat and moisture interact with the leather, slight shrinkage may occur.
Step 2.| Remove the gloves and let them air dry properly, allowing the fibers to set in new shrunken positions. You can repeat this process several times to get the desired size
Post-Shrinkage Care
Post-shrinking care is very important for maintaining the best quality of your leather and preventing your shrunken gloves from stretching out again. One of the best ways to do this is by using a good quality leather conditioner. Regularly conditioning your leather gloves will help prevent stiffness, which can lead to stretching.
Always use a leather conditioner specifically designed for leather gloves. Apply a thin coat and then buff it off with a soft cloth. You should condition your leather gloves every 2-3 months, or more often if you use them frequently.
Do leather gloves change over time?
Yes, leather gloves can undergo stretching or shrinking over time and the extent of change depends on several factors such as the type of leather, environment, and the maintenance routine.
1.| Shrinkage
Shrinkage in leather can occur over time due to exposure to moisture such as sweat, and rain, and then it is dried rapidly. This will result in leather losing its oils and becoming stiff.
2.| Stretching
Leather gloves can stretch over time and usage. The extent of stretching depends on the type of leather and how you have taken care of it. Soft leather tends to stretch over time
Does leather size change when wet?
Yes, moisture can affect the size of leather and it very much depends on various factors such as the type of leather, the temperature of water, and many more. For instance, the water can make fibers of some leather types like top grain leather swell and then shrink as they get dry. The temperature at which it gets dry also matters and can very well make a difference
What temp affects the size of leather?
Temperature can play a significant role when it comes to leather shrinkage. Leather starts to shrink noticeably at temperatures around 90-100°F (32-38°C)
It’s very important to keep in mind that excessive and sudden changes in temperature will cause the leather to lose its natural oils leading to becoming brittle and finally suffering irreversible damage
So best practice it to it gradually and at a controlled temperature which should not be too high
Effect of steam on leather
Well, hot steam can shrink leather to some extent but not as much as high heat and water. Steam is gentle as compared to hot water or high-temperature methods
Using steam is like combining water and heat in order to shrink your leather gloves. You can apply steam using a steam iron or a steamer dedicated to garments in a low-heat setting. Just make sure the leather gloves are fully exposed to steam evenly and then let them air dry at room temperature. You can repeat this process several times to get the desired shrinkage.
conclusion
In conclusion, I would say don’t force leather to stretch to the extent that it gets damaged. You should definitely buy new leather gloves with the right fit. Always refer to the size chart and measure your hands when buying leather gloves from online stores especially when you are shopping from an international store to avoid confusion and size-related issues.
For more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
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