Techniques for Distressing Your Leather Jacket | 6 Steps

Techniques for Distressing Your Leather Jacket | 6 Steps

The more original way to get the vintage or distressed look of your jacket is to wear it for ages. However, this might take a lot of time. Therefore, many people like you opt for other techniques. We know how much a person can love their leather jacket. It is almost like the one thing they cannot leave behind whenever going out. 

If you want a vintage or distressed look on your jacket, we can help you with this article. 

 

Why Distressing Your Leather Is Worth It:

Before you grab the tools and start working on your leather apparel item, you should first figure out why you're distressing leather. Distressed leather, unlike other popular fashion products like jeans and shirts with a million enormous holes, is a style that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so in the future.

Distressed leather jackets, in particular, have lasted as a fashion standard. They are worn by practically every generation and represent the transition from youth to young adulthood. Distressed leather also tells a story, and the vintage aspect of worn-down leather may enhance the appearance of any outfit it is worn with.

Now, if you want to embrace this fashion trend but have no clue how to do so, we have some amazing ideas for you.

Ways to Distress Your Leather Jacket

There are some simple ways to distress your leather jacket easily, and some of them are as follows: 

  • Apply Rubbing Alcohol

Apply a thin layer of rubbing alcohol to the leather using a spray spray bottle. You can also apply it using a toothbrush or a towel. Do not drown your bag; instead, wet it with rubbing alcohol. It will dry out the leather and give it a vintage look as you want it.

  • Use Distressing Tools

You can also use some of the distressing tools. For example, leverage awls, knives, and wire brushes to produce unique roughness and distressing patterns on a surface. You can make light scrapes using it or just scratches all over the leather jacket - paying special attention to high-wear areas.

Always continue with caution and apply only a little pressure at the start, gradually increasing the force until you achieve the desired distressed surface. You can express your originality by wearing a leather jacket for men and using distressing tools to create distressed designs. 

  • Beat It Up

While your leather jacket is still moist from the rubbing alcohol, crumple, knead, and wrinkle it properly. This allows you to simply distress the leather and add creases and wrinkles to the surface for a worn-out appearance.

  • Get It As Dusty As Possible

Take your leather jacket outside to get it as dusty as possible. This does not require you to smear mud on your coat. However, to ensure you don't unintentionally ruin it, you must still use precautions. Before moving forward, take one step at a time and occasionally pause to assess your progress.


There's no need for you to get filthy on your leather jacket hastily. You can take some dirt in your hands and lightly dust your garment with it. If you'd rather, you can also roll it in some soil or a sandbox. After you've got the desired look, brush off any extra dust.

  • Break Out The Sandpaper

To give the leather a more worn appearance, rub it with fine-grade sandpaper. 

Concentrate on areas of your luggage that would normally encounter the most hardship, such as the bottom and corners. 

This is also a good time to take a breather, assess your work, and consider using leather conditioner to give the leather some love.

  • Heat And Steam

Heat and steam can cause an object to appear older and more worn than it actually is. Steaming can be achieved with a portable steamer specifically built for the steam setting on an iron. Keep the steamer or iron a few inches away from the jacket while gently steaming the areas you want to change.

This process makes the leather fibers pliable. After being steamed, the leather can be crumpled, folded, or twisted to create an aged look. After being reshaped, allow the jacket to air dry to maintain its distressed appearance. 

Bottom Line

Finally, you can choose the fashion you like, and making your own vintage design is also easy if you proceed with caution. 

We at Best Leather NY have the best leather jacket collection. The material used is unmatchable, and the styles are varied to give you a new look for any outfit. 


Just shop and you can be the start of all your upcoming gatherings. 

Look cool and stylish and have the best time flaunting your original wardrobe after shopping with us. Start now!

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