Leather belts are not just stylish. They are also elegant, classy, and so worth the money you invest in them. However, they can be rigid sometimes and keep the wearer uncomfortable. But you can stop the discomfort if you know how to soften leather belts yourself.
No matter their leather type, whether they’re made with crocodile leather or with the tanned varieties such as vegetable-tanned leather, or other types, leather belts play a huge role in holding up your pants and skirts to ensure that you’re comfortable.
They also last for several years if; you apply the proper care and maintenance necessary for leather items.
The right care is also necessary when trying to break in leather to reduce stiffness and rigidity. So, we’ll give you top tips on how to soften a new stiff leather belt or even an old one for a comfortable feel.
How to Soften Leather Belt Step by Step
No one deserves to suffer the uneasiness that comes with wearing a stiff leather belt. It can be distracting and cause bruises if worn for a long time. New leather belts need breaking in to soften them for easy use.
Old leather belts may also become rigid when they lack proper maintenance or as a result of exposure to elements that make them dry and rigid. Please read on to find out how to soften a leather belt at home, whether it’s a new or old one.
You can soften a leather belt by; using natural oils, rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly, or a leather conditioner. Here are the different efficient methods of softening leather belts.
Read Also: How to Soften Leather—5 Effective Methods
Softening with Natural Oils
Step One: Prepare the Leather Belt
The first step will be to lay the belt on the sun and leave it for ten to fifteen minutes. This action will cause the pores to open and get the leather ready for treatment.
Step Two: Select the Oil
Next is to select the oil you’ll use. Organic coconut oil, mink oil, olive oil, avocado oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil are all good for softening leather. So, choose one of the oils, especially the one you know is good for your skin.
Step Three: Apply the Oil
Now, apply the oil to the belt. Begin by taking some on your fingers and rubbing it over the belt material. Then, rub it in properly, and allow the belt to dry. You can apply more layers of oil during application. You may also repeat the oil application if the leather is not soft enough when it has dried.
Softening with Rubbing Alcohol and Vaseline
Step One: Apply the Rubbing Alcohol
Soak a soft cloth or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. Then use it to wipe over the surface of the leather belt to open up its pores. Ensure that you apply the isopropyl alcohol in layers until it soaks the belt.
Step Two: Apply Petroleum Jelly
The next step is to get petroleum jelly such as Vaseline. Take some on your finger and apply it all over the leather belt’s surface until it soaks into the leather.
Step Three: Clean the Leather Belt
Get a soft, clean cloth and wipe the petroleum jelly off the belt. Then, allow it to dry after wiping before wearing it.
Softening with Leather Conditioner
Step One: Clean the Leather
Begin by cleaning the belt with a soft, clean cloth following the tips on cleaning a leather belt. This cleaning will help to remove dirt from the leather and make it ready for the conditioner.
Step Two: Apply the Conditioner
Now get a clean, soft cloth and put some conditioner on it. Then, rub it evenly unto the leather belt ensuring that you cover all the parts to avoid an uneven look.
Step Three: Let it dry
Allow it to dry. You may repeat the application if the belt still feels stiff until it has softened and looks polished. This method helps if you’re looking for how to quickly soften leather belts.
Softening Through Regular Wear
If you’re looking for how to soften up a new leather belt or how to naturally soften a leather belt at home, you should consider wearing it regularly. If you wear a new leather belt regularly, it stresses the material and makes it relax with time. It’ll break in and become flexible.
But, ensure moderation with the stress because pressing too hard can lead to leather peeling. So it may be the best to apply leather conditioner to the belt before wearing it to avoid crease formation.
Read Also: How to Soften Leather Boots – Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Q: How do you soften a stiff leather belt?
You can soften a stiff leather belt by using the several effective methods already told of; applying a leather conditioner repeatedly, wearing it regularly, rubbing alcohol and petroleum jelly, applying natural oil such as jojoba or coconut oil, and other methods.
These are the trusted ways of softening stiff leather belts for comfort.
Q: Do leather belts get softer?
Yes, most leather belts will get softer with time. The stiffness could be from its tanning process, but it breaks in over time and becomes pliable. However, you’ll need to be patient until it softens.
Q: How do you soften leather naturally?
You can naturally soften leather by wearing it often. It puts some stress on the leather and causes it to relax and become soft after some time of usage.
So, if you want to know how to soften new leather shoes, bags, or jackets naturally, you can wear them often until you get your desired result.
Q: How do you break in a new belt?
You can break in a new belt by doing things that will soften it. One way is the use of a leather conditioner. Begin by cleaning the belt to remove impurities, then put some of the conditioners on a clean cloth, rub it on the belt and allow it to soak in. Allow it to dry.
Q: How do you break in a thick leather belt?
A thick leather belt can break in with constant usage. You can apply a quality leather conditioner to it, and allow it to dry before wearing the leather. Once each coat dries up, you can put another coat on it until the leather softens.
Q: Should I oil my leather belt?
You can apply natural oil on your leather belt as it helps to make it soft and comfortable. It is best to use oil that you can use on your skin. Such oil includes coconut, jojoba, almond, or olive oil.
Please avoid the use of oils that are hydrogenated in a chemical way, such as palm oil or corn oil, because they may harm your leather.
Q: Do belts need to be broken in?
Most quality leather belts will need breaking in because they come stiff and causes discomfort to the wearer. However, all belts don’t come the same way. Some may need lots of energy breaking in, while others may not need much breaking in or any effort to soften them.
Q: How do I stop my belt from whining?
You can stop it from whining by using bar soap. Rub the bar soap on the belt, and the whining will go away for some time before you change it. You can also spray WD-40 on it to stop it for a while.
Q: How do you break a belt fast?
One of the fastest ways to break in a belt fast is by using a leather conditioner. Apply the leather conditioner on the belt using a clean cloth. You can apply multiple coats allowing each coat to dry before applying another. Do this until it breaks in the way you desire.
Final Words
A leather belt is a worthy investment that reveals your sense of fashion. But its stiffness when new can bring a lot of discomfort. Thankfully, you can follow these steps on how to soften leather belts to break in the leather and enjoy wearing them in comfort.
