Leather accessories like wallets qualify as luxury goods, but a new one can feel stiff and hard to use. Leather wallets soften as they are handled, in part, by the natural oils from our skin. You can hasten this natural softening by treating the leather before you fill it with your necessities. By treating the leather, your make it more supple and less prone to cracking or creasing. Keep leather items like your new wallet in good shape with regular cleaning, conditioning and care.
Soften with Olive Oil
Step 1
Dab the corner of a clean, white cloth in olive oil. Wring away any excess oil. You want the cloth to be oily but not dripping.
Step 2
Lay a towel on a flat surface, such as a table. Open the wallet and turn it so the outside of the wallet is facing you.
Step 3
Rub the outside of the wallet with the cloth. Leave the oil on the wallet for 30 minutes. Wipe away the oil with a clean cloth.
The Card Method
Step 1
Stuff two or three cards -- credit cards work well -- into one wallet slot. Fill as many slots as you can.
Step 2
Hold the wallet in your hands and work the leather gently. Leave the cards in the wallet for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the cards. Your wallet will feel looser and placing items in the slots will be easier.