How to Stretch a Shearling Coat: A Step-by-Step Guide

For shearling jackets, nothing beats the sumptuousness and durability of leather. On the other hand, leather garments are notorious for being too snug and unpleasant to wear. Putting on a shearling coat crafted with sheepskin leather is often interpreted as a sign of maturity and refinement. However, it can be unpleasant and even suffocating to wear a shearling coat that is too tight for you. Here, we'll go over how to stretch a shearling coat with both at-home and commercial options.

So, does shearling jacket stretch? The answer is yes. Shearling jackets can be stretched, just like any other leather product or piece of clothing. Although they are stretchable that doesn't mean they loosen up too much for the wearer.

There are several advantages to stretching out a shearling jacket. First, it can soften and make the leather more comfortable to wear by breaking it in. Second, it can preclude the leather from cracking and drying out over time. Lastly, it can help restore the jacket's natural shape and protect it from becoming obscured.

How to Stretch a Shearling Coat? [Different Methods]

Here are some suggestions for how to stretch a shearling coat quickly. Get some use out of it by donning it on a walk or a run first. The leather will soften and become more flexible as a result of your normal body movements. To stretch leather without damaging it, you can also use steam to loosen the fibers first.

Method 01: Wearing the Shearling Coat

Stretching a men's shearling coat naturally is the most effective method. This can be achieved by wearing them regularly and allowing the fabric to relax so that it eventually fits your body. If you wait a while, you'll find that your shearling coat provides more of a relaxed fit.

Though, this isn't always realistic, especially if you're wearing a brand-new shearling coat for the first time this season. If that's the case, there are some steps you can take to hasten the procedure. Women should get used to the shearling coat women by wearing it around the house for an hour or so every day. Doing so will aid in softening the leather and making it more comfortable to work with.

It's crucial to keep the shearling coat in a new form after you've stretched it out a little. To keep it in pristine condition when not in use, please hang it up instead of folding or crumpling it.

Method 02: Steaming the Shearling Coat

Try steaming for professional shearling coat stretching if you don't have any leather conditioner on hand.

A steam generator, such as that found in a clothes steamer or a home steam generator, can be used for this purpose. Because of this, the skin will gain elasticity and softness. We can add fullness where needed, by gently stretching them by hand. It is recommended to put on the shearling coat right after the steaming and don it for a couple of hours to stretch the entire coat to size.

Keep in mind that leather is easily damaged by water, so you shouldn't soak the coat in it or let it get drenched.

Method 03: Using the Weights

If you don’t have enough time for stretching a tight shearling coat, then use weights to stretch a shearling jacket. This method includes hanging a shearling coat on a hanger and then stuffing heavy objects (like a can) into the pockets to add a flair of weight that will help in stretching a tight shearling coat.

Keep in mind that weight should not exceed the limits that a shearling jacket can bear. Anything that challenges the durability of a shearling coat will result in shape distortion.

Method 04: Professional Alterations

Professional alterations for stretching a shearling coat typically involve the use of specialized equipment and techniques to stretch the material carefully and precisely. This may include the use of heat and steam to soften or loosen the fibers, as well as the use of specialized tools to apply tension to specific areas of the coat. Additionally, a professional tailor may use a combination of hand-stitching and machine sewing to ensure that the coat is stretched evenly and maintains its shape. It's important to note that stretching a shearling coat too much can damage the coat, so it's best to trust a professional tailor to do the job.

FAQs: How to Stretch a Shearling Coat

Does sheepskin leather stretch?

The answer to this question is yes. Genuine sheepskin leather indeed stretches over time. It is precisely the rationale why buyers should make sure that the men's shearling coats made out of sheepskin are snug and cozy at the time when the shearling coat is first tried on since they will stretch almost half a size over time. 

How do you stretch a sheep leather jacket?

If you're in a pinch and need to know how to stretch a shearling coat, consider the following suggestions. Firstly, wear it while you're doing some sort of physical activity, like going for a walk or a run. These movements of your body will help break in the sheep leather and make it more flexible.

If you want to loosen the fibers before stretching them, you can also use a hair dryer or iron set to low heat, but this method can easily disturb the leather if you aren't careful. Leather fibers can be further loosened and relaxed by wiping them down with water.

Additionally, a leather conditioner or lotion can be used to aid in the leather's break-in process without posing any unnecessary danger.

Are shearling jackets worth it?

The answer to this query is an absolute Yes, and the attributes that make this shearling jacket worthwhile are its exceptional warmth, the flair of durability, and the ultimate coziness that the wearer feels while putting in. Moreover, the care of a shearling coat is just to protect it from getting wet.

Final Thoughts

Have you ever thought about how to stretch a shearling coat? As leather is a durable material so it requires some time to soften. The pliability of a shearling jacket is like that of any other product or article of clothing made entirely of leather. Even though shearling jackets are stretchable, that doesn't mean they'll get baggy. But there are several safe methods for stretching a shearling coat. One option is to walk around in it for a few hours; the other is steaming and professional alterations. All are mentioned above. Try using these methods to stretch a shearling coat!