# How can i make leather more flexible

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-make-leather-more-flexible/256935>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 26, 2004, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-make-leather-more-flexible/256935 "2004-07-26T15:28:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2004, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-make-leather-more-flexible/256935/1 "2004-07-26T15:28:19Z")

</div>

I just bought a watch with a leather band, the band isn’t flexible enough. What can i use to make the band more flexible. Is there anything cheap and/or household or do i need some special kind of leather softener.

If i make it too soft can i make it harder again?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\
**Post date:** [July 26, 2004, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-make-leather-more-flexible/256935/2 "2004-07-26T16:25:01Z")

</div>

Generally, use will make it more flexible. You could try neatsfoot oil, but that’s primarily to keep leather from drying out and cracking. It’s also made with animal fats, which may not be something you want next to your skin. You might try mineral oil.