Leather is one of the sturdiest and most versatile materials for apparel, and there are many types of leather jackets that work for all four seasons. But what about rainy days? Is a leather jacket appropriate in the rain? The short answer is yes, but in order to prevent water damage to your coat, more care must be taken.
Wearing leather in the rain
Whether you live on the East Coast, West Coast, or somewhere in between, you’ll experience rain at some point throughout the year.
Thankfully, most garments are designed to withstand moisture, so being labelled “machine washable” should be no surprise. But leather is unique because it is strong, durable, yet susceptible to moisture damage.
Exposure to a small amount of moisture should not be a major problem. However, when leather is exposed to significant amounts of moisture for long periods, it can (and will) suffer damage. Water will collect in the pores, which can contribute to mound and mildew formation—and when that happens, it’s hard to fix.
So, what do you need to do to ensure that your leather garments are protected from water damage?
How can I protect my leather jacket from the rain?
It’s important to understand that leather can never be completely waterproof while having certain water-resistant qualities. Due to its porous nature, leather becomes wet when exposed to large amounts of water, and if properly dried, it can grow stiff or even rot.
You may wear your leather jacket in the rain without worrying about that it has become damaged, though, if you condition it correctly. One of the easiest ways to give your leather jacket some protection from water damage is to apply a waterproof leather lotion to its surface. Many different types of skin lotions are available in the market, each with unique ingredients. Yet, they all have one thing in common: they are designed to protect the leather from the damaging effects of moisture.
Once applied to the surface of the leather, it will create a protective barrier between the leather fabric and the outside elements, protecting it from rain damage.
In addition to using leather lotion, you should get into the habit of drying your leather garments immediately in case of rain. The longer the leather is exposed to moisture, the greater the risk of damage.
If you are wearing a leather jacket in the rain, when you return home or reach your destination, dry it with a clean cloth and let it dry naturally at room temperature. Doing so will go a long way in protecting it from moisture damage.
There are two ways to protect your leather from water and other types of damage: waxing and conditioning.
Waxing
Before waxing leather, you should make sure it is clean and dry. Keeping your leather goods clean and well maintained will increase their resistance to normal wear and tear.
After the leather surface is clean, apply a small amount of wax to a clean cloth and gently work it into the leather surface. You can repeat this step several times until satisfied wise with the result
After waxing, you should leave the leather to dry naturally. Avoid placing it near a heat source, as excessive heat can crack and damage the leather. Once completely dry, take another clean cloth and buff off the wax.
Conditioning
Unlike waxing, it’s best to have your leather wet when you condition it because it increases its permeability and allows the leather to absorb conditioners better.
After ensuring the leather surface is clean, apply a small amount of conditioner to a clean cloth and gently massage it into the leather. Pay special attention to creases and folds, as these areas need the most care.
Once you’ve applied the conditioner all over the leather, give it time to absorb and wipe off any excess. Next, leave your jacket to dry at room temperature, avoiding any heat sources.
Regularly conditioning your leather will not increase its water resistance, extend its life, protect it from other types of elemental damage, and allow it to retain its original look and feel.
It is important to note that waxing and conditioning methods cannot be applied to suede and nubuck leather jackets. While you should avoid exposing suede and nubuck to water, there are times when it can’t be helped. These types of leather, especially suede, are more sensitive to water, so your best option is to use a water-repellent spray to protect them from damage.
Different types of leather have other properties.
As we mentioned above, Certain types of leather are particularly susceptible to water damage and stains. Suede, for example, can be easily ruined if exposed to heavy rain and can only be treated with a leather care spray, so you should not wear a suede jacket in rainy weather. Wearing clothes should be avoided.
On the other hand, full-grain and top-grain leather are much more durable and resistant to all the elements themselves, giving you more options when it comes to maintenance.
This means that the occasional rain should not damage a well-maintained leather jacket. That being said, you should not neglect to regularly clean and condition your full grain leather jacket, especially if it is exposed to the elements daily.
Finally, synthetic or faux leather is the most resistant to water damage, as synthetic materials are used in its production. Although its general durability, look and feel cannot be compared to full grain leather, its low permeability means it will not absorb water.
In conclusion
The bottom line is: Yes, you can wear most leather jackets in all seasons and all types of weather, as long as you give them proper conditioning. After all, some of the most popular leather jackets were initially designed to withstand all weather conditions and protect the wearer in harsh environments.
All leather will ultimately develop worn marks with continued use. However, your jacket’s development of wrinkles and other age-related affects is not always a terrible thing. Every minor wrinkle or scratch will increase your leather jacket’s individuality and personality as you continue to wear it.
The fundamental cause of leather jackets’ enduring popularity is this. They combine functionality, toughness, and style.
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