A brand new leather suit or jacket is stiffer than it will ever be again. That stiffness isn't a flaw, it's protection that hasn't moved with your body yet — here's how to break it in safely.

01

Wearing indoors photo

Wear it around the house first

Put the suit or jacket on for 20-30 minutes at a time indoors before your first real ride. This lets the panels start flexing at the elbows and shoulders without the added stress of actually riding in it.

02

Riding position photo

Sit in riding position, not standing

Leather stretches based on the position it's held in. Sit on the bike (or a chair, tucked forward) while breaking it in so the panels shape themselves to your actual riding posture, not a standing position you'll never use on the road.

03

Leather care product photo

Don't oil or condition it too soon

New leather already has factory-applied treatments. Adding oil or conditioner in the first few weeks can over-soften the panels before the armor and stitching have settled into place, weakening the structure early.

04

Short ride photo

Start with short rides

Your first few rides in new gear should be short and low-stress — this gives the leather a chance to move with you gradually instead of fighting a full-length ride in gear that hasn't flexed yet.

05

Hanger storage photo

Store it on a hanger, not folded

Folding new leather while it's still stiff can create permanent crease lines exactly where you don't want them. A sturdy hanger keeps the panels and armor pockets holding their shape while they break in.