How to Shrink a Leather Jacket

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Leather jackets are a fashion statement and can be paired with a variety of clothing. [1] They're also ideal for practical purposes, such as protecting your skin while riding a motorcycle or keeping you cool during the warm weather. Unfortunately, this piece of trendy attire doesn't always fit and can look goofy and oversized. Luckily, there are ways that you can shrink your jacket by washing it by hand, in the washing machine, or taking it to a tailor. Instead of throwing away your jacket or putting it deep into your closet, consider shrinking it so that it fits better.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Shrinking Your Jacket in a Bathtub

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  1. The plastic container is necessary because the dye in many leather jackets will bleed when soaked in water and could ruin the finish on your tub. For the same reasons, you should wear rubber gloves to prevent dye from getting on your hands. [2]
    • You can purchase the plastic bins online or at most major department and hardware stores.
    • Purchase a tub that's at least 33 gallons (125 liters) or big enough so you can submerge your entire jacket.
    • You should fill the container up half way, or enough so that you can fully submerge your jacket under water.
  2. Keep the jacket submerged under water for five to ten minutes. Some of the dye should naturally leak out of your jacket. Rub a sleeve over the entire surface of your jacket and allow more of the dye to bleed out.
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  3. Once your jacket is finished soaking, take it out of the plastic bin and wring it out. Make sure to do this over the plastic container or the jacket's dye could create a mess. Get as much water out if as you possibly can before moving onto the next step.
  4. Lay out a fresh towel and drape your leather jacket over it. As the towels become soaked by the jacket, make sure to replace them and turn your jacket over so that the entire thing can dry. Keep your jacket in a dry area. If you put it in sunlight or another heat source, it will shrink your jacket faster but will also make it much smaller.
    • You can also use a hairdryer to achieve faster results. Be aware that this may cause the jacket to shrink more.
    • As long as your jacket isn't suede or nubuck, you can put it in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to shrink it. However, this will change the texture of your jacket, giving it a puckered look. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Shrinking Your Jacket in the Washing Machine

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  1. Place your leather jacket in your washing machine and run a regular cycle with cold water. Make sure to wash the jacket alone because the colors might could run and ruin your other clothes. Detergent is not necessary to shrink your jacket.
  2. When your jacket is done in the washing machine, it will still be very wet. Remove the excess water so it can dry faster and so that you can prevent potential damage, like watermarks, on your jacket.
    • Wringing out your jacket will also create fashionable wrinkles on your jacket. [6]
  3. Putting your leather jacket in the dryer while it's wet will allow it to shrink. [7] Once the dryer is finished, take your jacket out and try it on. If it's still too big, repeat the process until the jacket is a better fit.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Getting your Jacket Professionally Tailored

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  1. Look for tailors that specialize in leather alterations in your area. Leather jackets are hard to alter so they require an experienced leather tailor. Many regular tailors will not be able to make alterations to a leather jacket. [8]
    • Read reviews on tailors and choose one with positive reviews.
    • If you're having trouble finding a tailor that specializes in leather, call the store that you bought your leather jacket from and ask them if they have any recommendations.
  2. Once you've located a reputable leather tailor, you can visit their shop and request to have your measurements taken. Even if you already know your sizes, because they may have changed since the last time you were measured.
    • If you are in a rush, call them beforehand and schedule an appointment.
    • The tailor will measure your neck, chest, waist, shoulders, arms, and wrists. [9]
  3. Think of how you want your jacket altered before traveling to the tailor. For instance, you could get shoulder adjustments, shorten the sleeves, or taper the waist. [10] A leather tailor will try to work within your specifications to change your leather jacket so that you feel comfortable with it.
    • If you're on a budget, ask the tailor for an estimated cost of the alterations.
    • If you're unsure about what kind of adjustments you want, ask the tailor for their advice. [11]
  4. Because it's harder to tailor leather, you'll most likely have to wait longer than if your jacket was made from another material. Your tailor will usually give you a call and let you know that your jacket is ready to be picked up. Once you get to the store, remember to try your leather jacket on to make sure that it fits you. Depending on the amount of modifications the tailor had to make, this could take up to three weeks. [12]
    • Make sure that you have alternate protective gear if you're wearing your leather jacket because you ride a motorcycle.
    • Alterations on leather vary in cost but will typically cost between $100 to $300. [13]
    • Tipping your tailor is customary.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Will leather shrink in the dryer?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, just sprinkle a little water all over the item and tumble dry it on high heat for half an hour. However, do not do this if the garment is made of suede or nubuck.
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  • Question
    Is there a way to shrink a leather jacket without putting it in a bathtub or washing machine?
    Community Answer
    Your only other option is to take it to a tailor that specializes in leather.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    Would these options work with suede?
    supersonic413
    Community Answer
    Only the last option would work at all. The other two will ruin your jacket.
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      Warnings

      • Soaking a leather jacket or washing it in a machine could cause fading and water marks.
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      • There is no way to accurately tell how much your leather jacket will shrink when washing or soaking your jacket.
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      • If wear your jacket while it's still wet then the dye could leak out onto your clothing. [14]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mrporter.com/en-pe/journal/fashion/guide-how-to-wear-leather-jacket-biker-1412236
      2. ↑ https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-a-large-leather-jacket-smaller/
      3. ↑ https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-a-large-leather-jacket-smaller/
      4. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 14 December 2020.
      5. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 14 December 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/style-secret-toss-your-old-lea
      7. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/12/08/tips-for-breaking-in-a-leather-jacket-the-schott-nyc-jacket-giveaway/
      8. ↑ https://www.themodestman.com/leather-jackets-for-short-men/
      9. ↑ https://www.tailorstore.com/mens-body-measurements.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.themodestman.com/alterations-101-mens-suit-jackets-and-blazers/
      2. ↑ https://www.themodestman.com/alterations-101-mens-suit-jackets-and-blazers/
      3. ↑ https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/custom-leather-suit
      4. ↑ https://www.cycleworld.com/getting-right-fit#page-2
      5. ↑ https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-a-large-leather-jacket-smaller/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your leather jacket is too big for you, you can easily shrink it at home. First, wash your jacket in the washing machine with cold water. When the cycle’s finished, wring out as much water as you can and put it in the dryer on medium heat. This will cause the material to shrink as it dries. Alternatively, you can soak your jacket in a plastic tub of warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. After it’s soaked, wring the water out and dry your jacket on an old towel for 2 days. If you want it to shrink even more, dry it with a hair dryer. For more tips, including how to get your jacket professionally tailored, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Tim Dutton

        Nov 5, 2019

        "I followed your instructions, and my leather jacket fits now."
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