Because leather
is so pliable, (especially wet leather) you can change its shape and
size. The basic principal is to make the leather moist (not soaked)
and apply heat or cold.
For example, leather specialists will use extreme heat followed by
extreme cold to coax torn leather back to its original shape and position
before they apply adhesive when repairing tears. A commercial stripping
gun and a decent size of metal that has been in the refrigerator are
recommended, no kidding! Find out the proper technique first before
attempting this maneuver.
Leather Stretching
If you have shoes, for example that are a bit small, you have a couple
of different options for stretching them. You can take them to a cobbler
and have them stretched with an industrial strength leather stretching
shoe device, or if you want to risk it you can stretch your shoes
on your own.
Home Remedy Leather Stretching
I've heard stories that some boot salespeople recommend wetting your
shoes with rubbing alcohol and while still wet, putting the shoes
back on, as almost any wet leather will stretch. The alcohol evaporates
quickly so there should not be any spotting with this leather stretching
technique.
Another thing I have heard is that some people have successfully filled
a quart bag with water and placed it in the shoe. Put the whole deal
in the freezer and as the water freezes, it will expand right along
with the shoe. You might want to try this with an old boot first to
see what happens.
If home remedy solutions make you nervous, you can buy your own leather
stretching shoe device. Type "stretch shoe" into a search
engine for some ideas.
Sizing a Hat
If you have a leather hat that feels too snug, consider buying a hat
form or wig stand that is the right size and then placing the hat
on it so the hat can dry to the right size. You could also wear the
hat after getting it nice and pliable, but it may not dry while on
your head because of your own natural moisture. So consider the
humidity and temperature that day if you try this method.
If the hat is
big enough to fit even though it might be tight, wait to see if regular
wear creates new memory. You can always take the hat to a cobbler
since they have the equipment and should be able to stretch it out
for you. If you are not sure where to look, start with your local
yellow pages to see if you have a hat maker locally.
Breaking-In Shoes
One of the best ways to break in a new pair of shoes is to wear them
around the house for short periods of time. Just remember that since
the leather is stiff, if you walk around too long you'll develop blisters.
However, the natural moisture produced from your feet helps to soften
and break in the boots or shoes without using
stretchers.
One option that should be a last resort before heading to the cobbler
is to lightly wet them with a damp sponge inside and out, taking care
not to soak them. After all, leather and water are not the best of
pals. Wear them for a couple hours that way.
Just keep in mind that wearing new leather boots or shoes on a regular
basis will keep the leather supple and help them form to your feet.
If you don't use them for a long period, wear them for a couple of
hours on occasion to keep the leather soft and pliable.
As your boots begin to break in, you will see two creases - one right
behind the toe of the boot and the second higher up on the foot, but
below your ankle. If the boots dry out from disuse, you may have to
take it easy for a couple of days when you put them on again.
You can also hand break boots by bending them back and forth a bit.
Lastly, you can buy boots that do not require a long break-in or painful
break-in period. Having to break-in a boot is compensation for the
boot being hard.
These days, most high quality boots are made in leathers that are
strong without being crippling. It is possible to buy a pair of sturdy
boots that will not cause pain every time you wear them. Ask the retailer
about the break in period and the quality of boot in their line.
In reality, leather stretching can be relatively easy if you take
your time and think it through.
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