Like other leather products, belts can be stiff before they have been worn a few times. Breaking it in naturally through normal wear is the most effective solution, but the softening process can take some time if you don't wear the same belt every day. Speed up the process with one of three simple tricks to give your leather belt the desired worn-in look and feel.
Step 1
Rub a cotton ball with petroleum jelly onto the belt in a circular motion, making sure to cover the entire belt with a thin layer.
Step 2
Gently rub a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol onto the belt until it covers the entire surface of the belt to loosen up the leather. Repeat the application of rubbing alcohol as many as two more times to properly soften the material.
Step 3
Treat the new belt with leather conditioner right after you buy it by applying a dime-sized amount from a cotton ball onto both sides of the belt.
Related Articles
Ways to Stretch Leather Belts
What to Wear With a Simple Shift
How to Remove Scuffs From a Brass Belt ...
How to Put a Military Belt On
How to Treat Doc Martens With Mink Oil
How to Attach Adjustable Buckles
How to Take Care of a Leather Belt
How to Fasten Double D-Ring Belt Buckles
How to Take Out Scratches From Silver ...
How to Wash Collar Stains on a Leather ...
How to Take Care of Doc Martens
How to Lacquer Leather
How to Clean Scuffed Up Rain Boots
The Correct Way to Adjust the Belt on a ...
How to Glue a Leather Belt
How to Trim a Belt
How to Tie an Army Necktie
How to Make Toasted Bread Sticks With ...
How to Attach Buckles to Leather Belts
How Should I Protect My Lambskin ...
References
Tips
- If you use leather conditioner, let your belt dry for a few hours after application.
- If your belt becomes wet, lay it out flat and let it dry naturally.
Warnings
- Do not bend, fold or roughly wrap a new belt, as it can crack or wrinkle the stiff leather.
- Do not use oil to soften your belt.
Writer Bio
Michael Briggs is a trending news reporter for Desingnntrend.com. He has interned for digital and print publications including "The New York Daily News," "The Princeton Packet" and Thrillist. He graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in journalism with a sports reporting concentration.
Photo Credits
Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images