1 B1 neutral
To wear new footwear or clothing repeatedly until it becomes comfortable and moulds to the body.
"It's worth taking the time to wear in new hiking boots before a long trek."
separable
wear in
B1 neutral separable transitive
To make new shoes, clothes, or equipment comfortable and properly fitting by wearing them regularly.
In plain English
To make something stiff or new feel comfortable by wearing or using it many times.
What does "wear in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To wear something inward to its natural shape — transparent in meaning.
Actually means
To make something stiff or new feel comfortable by wearing or using it many times.
Usage tip
Most commonly used for shoes, boots, or gloves. 'Break in' is a more common alternative, especially in American English. 'Wear in' is more typically British. Often used as an adjective (well-worn-in boots).
Words that pair with "wear in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
shoes boots gloves leather trainers saddle
How to conjugate "wear in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wear in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wears in
he/she/it
Past simple
wore in
yesterday
Past participle
worn in
have + pp
-ing form
wearing in
continuous
Hear "wear in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wear in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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