[Guest]

I just got some size 36 speedmaster pants on ebay which were worn only a couple of times. They are tight as hell. My buddy said you can wear the pants in the shower with hot water then walk around with them on wet to stretch them out?

Any suggestions for stretching them or is the above a good idea?

 

[Guest]

Re: Stretching leather pants (drain69)

i wouldn't. water isn't good for leather and it makes them stiff and that'll seem tighter. consult a leather specialist, or find out where they're tight and send them to Barnical Bill and have him alter them....

 

[Guest]

IMO, just wear em around the house for a few hours for say...2-3 days, and BAMMM broken in. Mine were the correct size, but tight in the thighs, all I did was wear them. The softened right up, and now fit like a champ

 

[Guest]

Re: Stretching leather pants (drain69)

I had the same thing happen to me. I wear a 34-35 so I ordered the speedmaster in a 36 to give myself extra room. When I tried them on I figured they were tight new but would stretch out atleast a little bit. Well, after two and a half years with them the only way I could make them fit better was to hit the gym. Don't get me wrong the leather is quality, but there sizing is just off.

 

[Guest]

Re: Stretching leather pants (cleary996)

Or you can do things the hard way and drop a couple of pounds.

 

[Guest]

Re: Stretching leather pants (drain69)

I had the same problem when I bought my Alpinestas track pants. I treated them with some Meguiars Rich Leather Cleaner/Conditioner and wore them around the house a couple of hours for a couple of days. They fit great now, I could hardly fit in them, and worse I could hardly move on the bike. I think the leather treatment is a good idea, it will help soften the leather.

 

[Guest]

An old method that still works is just what your buddy said. Wear them in the shower (doesnt need to be hot) make sure you totaly soak them and go ride untill they dry.

Its not gonna make a 42 fit like a 46 but it will loosen them up a bit.

 

[allchaos]

I bought a Alpinestar full suit (black)(keep this in mind) from a Shop here in Asheville, that the district Alpinestar P.R. visits regularly.. He helped the sales rep. size me, and we ordered the suit.
He( alpinestar rep.) brought it in and I tried the suit on, Tight ! wasn't the words I used to describe the fit.
Alpinestar rep. instructed me to wear the suit home(from the store) and get in the shower of cold water, and soak the suit.
i did as directed- except I used the children's swimming pool on the back porch, and fell asleep in the pool / in the suit. three hours later- I got out of the pool, mowed the yard - then noticed my ankles were, Black!
You get the picture... The suit fits, and has been thru a few trials/ and is still there...

 

[Jami6989]

Bro, this is a 6yo thread?

 

[Temeraire]

As an experienced leatherworker I can tell you this. You can put the leather in water, like you said, to stretch it however water stretching does have the potential to stiffen and even render the leather brittle. This generally doesn't happen unless you get the leather ridiculously wet, or if you wet it several times. The water strips away an essential chemical called tannin, the absence of which can cause brittleness and rotting. When I need to stretch leather I usually use a leather oil or preservative like Lexol. Get a bottle of the spray on kind from any hardware store or place that sells horse tack, put your suit on and spray it on the tight areas. Let the oil soak in or rub it in, do this process slowly maybe doing it for thirty minutes at a time multiple times for the best quality stretch. Do not rush this process, stretching a piece too fast can rip seams and threads easily. Remember the leather is stronger than thread and most seam breaks can be easily repaired, but it is better to not deal with them at all. Some oils or preserves can harshly effect colored leather dye so test the stuff to see if too much dye is being pulled out of the leather, there are several brands of leather products like this so you can try a bunch until you find the one that works for you. I've had the most success with Lexol, stretching gloves, suits, armor, and a pair of Nike shoes. Take it slow, and if you do try the water stretching method, an application of perservative or leather oil after the wetting should help to prevent brittleness and rot.