So, you've purchased a new leather jacket, and now you're faced with the task of breaking it in. Assuming it's made of genuine leather and not fake/faux leather, it will probably feel somewhat rough at first. This is good because it indicates the jacket is made of real, genuine leather. Leather has certain qualities and characteristics that aren't found in other materials, one of which is a rough texture. Over time, however, your leather jacket will become softer and more flexible. The good news is that you speed up this process by following some simple steps. For more information on how to break in a new leather jacket, keep reading.

Check the Type of Leather

First, check to see what type of leather your jacket is made of. All leather is made of animal hide, but this hide may come from one of several different animals. Cowhide leather, for instance, is stronger and more durable than lambskin leather. Therefore, it requires more work to break in. You can usually tell what type of leather your jacket is made of by checking the care label. Found inside the neck collar, this label reveals the jacket's materials as well as instructions on how to clean and maintain it.

 Watch the Water

Until your leather jacket is fully broken in, it's recommended that you keep it away from water. Leather is like a sponge, with pores that absorb water from its environment. When you wear a leather jacket in the rain, for instance, moisture will seep into the jacket's leather materials. Normally, this shouldn't cause any issues, assuming you allow your jacket to dry afterwards. But until your leather jacket is broken it, you should avoid exposing it to water. The problem with water is that it prevents the jacket from breaking it naturally, thus making it feel exceptionally rough. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to water or rain may cause it to develop mold, which is something no one wants to see on their jacket.

Use Your Hands

Using your hands, gently roll your leather jacket into a ball and back out, and repeat this process for 10 minutes or so. This helps to break in the jacket by loosening the leather materials while making it softer and more flexible in the process. You shouldn't be too aggressive when performing this, however. The key thing to remember is that you want to gently ball up your leather jacket so that it develops wrinkles and creases. With each new wrinkle, the jacket will feel softer and more comfortable when worn -- and that's the ultimately goal of breaking in a new leather jacket.

Move Your Body

Another simple tip for breaking in a new leather jacket is to move your body around while wearing it. Once you've purchased a new leather jacket, go ahead and put it on. Next, raise your arms in the air and spin them around in circles. This forces the leather materials to stretch just enough so that it breaks it in without causing damage. You can also turn your body from side to side to help break it in the leather. When doing so, you should hear and feel the leather crack, indicating that the leather is being broken in. This is one of the easiest and fastest ways to break in a new leather jacket.

Condition It

Don't forget to condition your new leather jacket. Many people overlook the importance of conditioning leather, believing it offers little to no benefit. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Conditioning is arguably one of the most important steps in maintaining a leather jacket. Furthermore, it helps to break in leather jackets by making them feel softer and more supple. So, how do you condition a leather jacket exactly? Conditioning involves the use of a special leather conditioning product like saddle soap.

Choose a High-Quality Leather Jacket

It's also important that you choose a high-quality leather jacket. Some companies sell low-quality leather jackets that are made of sub-par materials with shoddy craftsmanship. Aside from the visual imperfections in these jackets, they are also harder to break in. You'll have an easier time breaking in a leather jacket by choosing a high-quality jacket. If you're struggling to find a high-quality leather jacket in your size, consider ordering one from LeatherCult. We offer one of the largest selections of high-quality leather jackets at unbeatable prices. Best of all, you can specify your own measurements, we'll use to create a custom jacket that's designed specifically for your body shape and size.

Wear It

Of course, you can break in your leather jacket simply by wearing it. Whether you're running errands around town or simply lounging at home while watching movies, try wearing your jacket. The more you wear it, the quicker it will break in. Each time you put on or move in your leather jacket, the materials will stretch just slightly. Over time, this constant back and forth stretching helps to break in the leather materials while making it feel softer and more supple in the process. So, rather than hanging up your leather jacket in the closet, leave it out and wear it on a daily basis.

Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions

Finally, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions. Because no two manufacturers use the exact same materials or methods to make their leather jackets, instructions on how to clean and care for them may vary. You can find the manufacturer's instructions for your leather jacket by checking the care label, which as we discussed earlier, is usually located inside the neck collar. A leather jacket is a smart investment that will offer you countless years of use and enjoyment. However, you should break in your leather jacket so that it's softer and more comfortable. By following the tips listed here, you'll have an easier time breaking in your leather jacket.