How to stretch leather gloves the right way by LeatherBlues
Leather is a natural material that can initially feel stiff and it takes some time to break in as leather is also known for its toughness and resistance to change. However, sometimes we may notice that even after a prolonged period of usage the leather gloves still feel too tight and uncomfortable to wear. It happens a lot when we shop leather products online or from overseas as the sizes vary in other markets and we don’t get to check them physically.
It can happen to anybody and it’s quite common for leather gloves to feel tight at times. But worry not as there is an easy way to fix that size issue without damaging the leather. In this article, I am going to share the right way to stretch your leather gloves. We are also going to discuss what should you do and what not in the dos and don’ts section. In addition, we are also going to discuss the consequences of wearing leather gloves that are too tight. So let’s get started
Table of Contents
Understanding Leather Stretch
Before getting into the stretching process you should know about the process and the type of leather you are going to work on. It is always good to know the task before attempting it
Know your leather
Different types of leather often shows 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 stretching
When leather gets wet, water molecules penetrate the spaces between collagen fibers, temporarily weakening the bonds holding the fibers together. With the weakening of bonds, leather becomes more flexible and soft. When gentle tension is applied on the leather then the fibers realign themselves in the direction of the pull. After leather is dried and water molecules evaporates, leading the collagen fibers to reform stronger bonds in new positions. You must have some idea of how to stretch leather gloves
Setting Realistic Expectations
Shrinking can only make little difference. Don’t expect that it will drastically transform your leather gloves that are several sizes too small. You can only achieve a little bit increase in size say a half size or even less. You can consider buying a new pair if the size issue persists
How to stretch leather gloves
Here comes the most interesting part of the article where we will learn about the method to stretch the leather. Here’s the overview of both methods
Step 1.| Soak the leather gloves in warm water at temperature around 100°F or 38°C for 2- 3 minutes. This will allow water to penetrate through the leather fibers. Avoid using hot water as it can make leather dry.
Step2.| While soaking under water, squeeze the gloves gently to encourage more water to seep in through the leather.
Step3.| Put on the gloves when they are still wet but not dripping. Now slowly stretch the tight areas of gloves and focus on the areas that feel too tight.
Step4.| Now hold the stretch for 20-20 seconds to allow the fibers to realign. You can repeat the steps 2 to 4 if it still feels tight.
Step 5.| Leave the gloves to air dry at room temperature. You should stuff the gloves with tissue paper or cloth pieces to help gloves retain their new, stretched shape.
Post-Stretch Care
Post-stretching care is crucial for maintaining the quality of your leather gloves and preventing them from shrinking. One of the best ways to do this is by using a high-quality leather conditioner. Regularly conditioning your leather gloves will help prevent stiffness, which can lead to cracking.
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.
Why you should stretch your leather gloves?
1.| Discomfort
The most obvious consequence of all is the discomfort and pain you get by wearing gloves that are too short. It can even cause blisters and rashes
2.| Restricted movement
Gloves that are too tight will limit the natural movement of your hand and can even cause aesthetic issues
3.| Health issues
wearing gloves that are too small can restrict blood flow enough to cause injuries like blisters, muscle strain, or even numbness of fingers. This is more likely with very tight gloves worn for extended periods.
4.| Damage to the gloves
The constant strain on gloves can lead to tearing or ripping of the material or stitching. In addition, it decreases the useful life of your gloves
5.| Individual sensitivity
Some people are more sensitive than others to wearing tight clothing and accessories and that can cause even greater discomfort to them
Dos and don’ts of stretching leather gloves
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Use gloves stretching solution to make stretching process more effective | Do not use any harsh chemicals on leather for stretching as some people advise using alcohol which can cause damage to leather |
| Always start gently by mildly stretching leather | Don’t get too aggressive in the beginning |
| Keep the stretching process as possible | Do not rush the process as it will cause more harm than good |
| Only stretch to the extent that the leather allows | Do not force leather to stretch when you can feel the resistance and further stretching can only cause damage |
| Gently stretch the leather | Do not use excessive force on leather as it will cause leather to tear or deform unevenly |
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 and 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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