Does a leather jacket stretch?

Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:19 pm

Just wondering.. did some research over a few days...
does a leather jacket stretch over time or shrink? if a jacket is a just right in the fit, like a perfect fitting suit jacket, will it loosen up over time and fit a little looser?
just wanna see what everyone thinks
thanks

Jude

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:29 pm

It's my understanding that they typically shrink....But I'll defer to a higher judge on that one....

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 2:10 am

Depends on how much it is used, I guess, and in what kind of conditions...

I would assume that a leather jacket worn only occasionally, and usually left on a hanger, would over time stretch a little due to gravity. On the other hand, I would assume that a leather jacket worn on a regular basis through all kinds of weather would most likely shrink a little.

Also, you got to take temperature into account. If you wear a jacket in inclement weather and take good care of it and condition it afterwards, I would imagine that the shrinkage would be very minimal. However, if you leave it to dry on a heater, it would shrink alot... which explains the major shrinkage some folks who distress their jackets in Dryers experience.

TomK · Post by **TomK** » Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:01 am

In my experience all my leather jackets have stretched across the shoulders and back, and at the elbows. I always regarded it as part of the normal breaking in process as the jacket assumes your own body shape to some extent and becomes more cpmfortable to wear.

HDRnR · Post by **HDRnR** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 10:51 am

Horsehide doesn't stretch, some of the others like lamb might.

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:27 am

Like they said, it depends.

I had one of the first deerskin Expeditions they ever made, and for some odd reason everytime the jacket got warm from normal body heat, the hide stretched. My sleeves would sometimes extend out almost 2 inches beyond their normal length.

Once the jacket cooled, it returned to it's original size.

Personally, I think that one was possessed.

I no longer own it, as it went back to G&B in exchange for one of their first production goatskin jackets. I no longer own that one either. I 'outgrew' it.

Regards! Michaelson

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:31 am

The more Indiana Jones cereal I eat, Indiana Jones Dr. Peppers I drink, Indiana Jones M&M's I eat....all seem to make the jackets shrink....it's really odd...

WConly · Post by **WConly** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:39 am

nicktheguy wrote:The more Indiana Jones cereal I eat, Indiana Jones Dr. Peppers I drink, Indiana Jones M&M's I eat....all seem to make the jackets shrink....it's really odd...

Now...this is funny...I was thinking the same thing! As, I get older it seems some of my clothing gets smaller! Darned clothes -- I know it isn't me...wait a minute my pants are pinching...be back in a while...they must have gotten smaller!

I have never had this experience with my Wested's or other leather jackets. But, it seems to me, that we need to remember these are made out of various hides, and like us, they can change just as we change with age! Just my 'two cents!' W>

Chewie Louie · Post by **Chewie Louie** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:47 am

At least we know that leather gloves shrink. (We learned that from O.J.)

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 7:26 pm

They stretch and shrink.

Weston

jedidentist · Post by **jedidentist** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 9:05 pm

I've been waiting for my Wested lamb to stretch across the chest for 7 years now and it hasn't yet. I'm a skinny, 6'3" 167lbs and a 42L was still tight across the chest. Funny, I ordered one shirt from England and the size also ran small...I know they're skinnier over in Europe, but man...

TomK · Post by **TomK** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 9:41 pm

HDRnR wrote:Horsehide doesn't stretch, some of the others like lamb might.

Mine already has. I guess it depends on the exact hide, and what you do while wearing it.

davyjones007 · Post by **davyjones007** » Sat Jul 05, 2008 10:57 pm

Some have stretched out in the back and shoulders. Others have relaxed but not stretched. My lamb relaxed alot in the shoulders making the sleeves longer. Now it fits better. I feel your pains about shrinking clothes. It happens to my 10 year old son's clothes and shoes too.

Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:08 pm

im gettin a vanson X1 jacket and its measurements are my exact fit for a suit jacket..i just hope it stretches out a bit so i can wear it with a jean jacket under it!

wolvie style