How to Break In and Care for Your Leather Motorcycle Gear

Make it fit like a second skin – and last for years

A good leather jacket or pair of trousers can outlast your bike if you break it in properly and care for it along the way. New leather can sometimes feel a little stiff and unforgiving at first, but it should gradually mould to your body, becoming more comfortable without losing its protective qualities.

In this guide we’ll cover:

• How to break in new leather gear safely

• What not to do (no extreme “hacks”)

• Day-to-day cleaning and conditioning

• Waterproofing tips

• How to store your leather so it doesn’t crack, sag or go mouldy

1. Breaking in your leather motorcycle gear

New leather gear is designed to be snug, especially sports and race-style fits. It should be close to the body, but you should still be able to move freely and operate the controls comfortably.

The best way to break in leather: wear it

The single most effective method is boring but true: Wear it often, for short periods.

Try this:

1. Around the house:

• Put your new jacket or trousers on over a thin base layer.

• Wear them while you watch TV, work at your desk, or do light chores.

• Sit, stand, crouch and move your arms as if you were riding.

2. Short local rides:

• Start with 20–30 minute rides instead of all-day trips.

• Use your normal riding position so the leather learns your shape at the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.

3. Gentle stretching in position:

• Sit on the bike and gently stretch: reach for the bars, tuck in, move side to side.

• Avoid yanking or forcing the leather – let it relax naturally.

Within a few rides, you should feel the leather soften a little and the armour pockets “settle” into place.

2. What not to do when breaking in leather

There are a few old-school tricks that can actually damage modern motorcycle leather and stitching:

• ❌ Don’t soak it in water.
  Riding in heavy rain occasionally is fine, but deliberately soaking leather to “break it in” can actually dry it out, shrink it or warp the fit once it dries.

• ❌ Don’t drown it in oil or random household products.
  Things like cooking oil or heavy oils can clog the leather, weaken stitching and leave greasy, uneven patches.

• ❌ Don’t leave it in the sun or near a radiator to soften it.
  Excess heat and UV will dry and fade leather, and can even make it brittle over time.

• ❌ Don’t size up massively expecting it to shrink.
  Motorcycle leather will give a bit, but it won’t magically go from oversized to race-fit. Start with the right size, then let it break in.

If in doubt, keep it simple: correct size + regular wear + gentle care beats every “hack”.

3. Everyday cleaning: keeping leather fresh

Bug splats, road grime and sweat will build up if you ride regularly. Cleaning little and often is far better than waiting until it’s filthy.

Quick clean after a ride

• Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away:

Insects

Light dirt

Surface dust

• Let it air dry naturally at room temperature.

Deeper clean (every few weeks or when visibly dirty)

1. Remove armour and liners if they are detachable.

2. Mix a little mild soap (or a leather-specific cleaner) with lukewarm water.

3. Lightly dampen a soft cloth or sponge – don’t soak it.

4. Gently wipe the leather in small sections.

5. Wipe again with a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

6. Allow to air dry away from direct heat.

Avoid: harsh detergents, bleach, solvents or scrubbing brushes, these can strip colour and dry out the leather.

4. Conditioning your leather (without overdoing it)

Leather is skin, it needs moisture to stay supple, but too much product can clog it.

When should you condition?

• When the leather starts to feel dry, stiff or “papery”

• After a thorough clean

• If you ride frequently in dry, hot conditions

How to condition

1. Choose a proper leather conditioner (ideally one recommended for motorcycle gear or riding leathers).

2. Make sure the leather is clean and dry.

3. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth, working it in gently with circular motions.

4. Focus on high-flex areas:

   • Elbows

   • Shoulders

   • Knees

   • Hips and seat

5. Let it absorb, then buff off any excess with a dry cloth.

Less is more: conditioning a few times a year is usually enough for normal use. Over-conditioning can make leather heavy, greasy or overly soft.

5. Waterproofing and rain care

Most leather isn’t fully waterproof, but you can improve its resistance.

Waterproofing treatments

• Use a leather-specific water-repellent spray or cream.

• Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Don’t rely on waterproofing alone: for sustained heavy rain, a proper rain suit or laminated textile is still best.

After riding in the rain

• Hang your gear on a wide hanger and let it dry naturally.

• Never dry leather on radiators, in front of heaters or using a hairdryer.

• Once dry, consider a light condition if it feels stiff.

6. Storing your leather gear correctly

Good storage will massively extend the life of your gear.

• Hang, don’t fold:

  • Jackets: use a sturdy, wide hanger to support the shoulders.

  • Trousers: hang from the waistband or over a bar, not sharply folded.

• Cool, dry, ventilated space:

  • Avoid damp garages, lofts or sealed plastic bags.

  • Leather needs to breathe – a simple wardrobe with some airflow is ideal.

• Keep away from direct sunlight:

  • Long-term sun exposure can fade colour and dry out the leather.

• Empty pockets & remove armour if storing long-term:

  • Takes weight off stressed areas and lets everything air out properly.

7. Little maintenance jobs that make a big difference

1. Check seams and stitching:

• Now and then, inspect high-stress areas (shoulders, elbows, seat, crotch, knees).

• Catching loose threads early is much easier than repairing a full split.

2. Look after zips and snaps:

• Keep zips free of grit; if needed, a tiny bit of zip lubricant or beeswax can help them run smoothly.

• Don’t yank stuck zips, just gently work them free.

3. Deal with scuffs sensibly:

• Light scuffs add character and usually don’t affect protection.

• Deep cuts or abrasions through the leather are different. Get them checked by a professional repair service.

8. How should well-cared-for leather feel?

Once broken in and properly maintained, your leather motorcycle gear should:

• Feel snug but not restrictive

• Allow you to reach the bars, turn your head and move on the bike comfortably

• Move with you at the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees

• Show some natural creasing in high-movement areas – that’s a good thing

Great leather gear is an investment. With the right break-in and a bit of regular care, it’ll reward you with:

• Better comfort

• Better protection

• A longer life and a lot more rides together

If you’d like help choosing the right leather jacket, trousers or suit (or you’re not sure how tight “new” should feel), you can always send us your measurements, and we’ll help you pick something that fits well now and will break in beautifully over time.