Leather jackets have always been cult clothing accessories that at the same time proved to be versatile. Whether you’re wearing a leather black trench coat or you opt for a classic biker jacket, such pieces are suitable for multiple occasions. Or on rainy days what shall it do? Can you wear a leather jacket in the rain with no fear of it getting ruined?
The short answer is yes — you can wear leather in rain — but with some sort of precautions. Leather being a natural product is anyway a bit rigid and porous in structure, which can easily lead to soaking in and absorbing water, and if not washed correctly that leather is bound to change its color, become rigid and may even crack. Nevertheless if you plan to wear a leather jacket in the rain, you should be prepared to have your jacket spoiled.
Some kinds of leather are less permeable to water compared to the others and there are several precautions you take before going out with your jacket in rather wet British weather. A waterproof leather jacket spray and proper selection of leather material such as faux leather will also make leather fashionable in wet condition.
What Happens if a Leather Jacket Gets Wet? (Risks and Solutions)
It’s a question that many leather jacket lovers are interested in. What happens if a leather jacket gets wet? Leather jackets retain heat well, but if a leather jacket gets wet they do not dry particularly well.
Regrettably, if your leather garments are not protected adequately, rain may bring a lot of harm to them.
Leather is highly sensitive to water and when it rains. When leather gets wet it soaks in the water making it develop a bad smell, have discoloration, shrinking or become stiffening. When the water evaporates the skin is removed from the leather and it becomes dry and brittle that can crack easily. This is especially true with untreated natural leather they have very little water resistance to them. In the long run, the effects of rain on your jacket if not carefully avoided will definitely lessen the durability of your jacket.
For those asked, does water damage leather and can it be repaired? The answer is no, not if the damage is treated quickly. To reduce the dangers, it is advisable to remove them immediately, leave the jackets in an open area to dry, use paper or cloth to stuff the jackets in order to maintain their shape and let them dry in a cool and dry place. Do not use direct heat to dry it because this will only make the skin even drier.
How to Protect Your Leather Jacket from Rain Damage
It is very important to learn “How to protect your leather jacket from rain damage” because your prized possession will remain valuable if you want it to last for many years. If you own a men’s leather jacket or a women’s leather jacket, it is very important that protective measures against rain are taken.
First of all, waterproofing leather jackets can go a long way in decreasing rain impact on the apparels. Some other types include waxed or oiled leather and they are more waterproof than the ordinary. A good waterproof leather jacket spray generates a layer on the jacket through which rain cannot infiltrate but rolls off in drops.
Additionally, consider opting for treated leather. Can you wear a leather jacket in the rain if it’s treated? Absolutely. Leathers like waxed leather and chrome-tanned leather are more suitable for wet conditions due to their higher water resistance compared to untreated, full-grain leather.
Also, it is important to decide on using treated leather. Can you wear a leather jacket in the rain if the leather has been treated? Absolutely. Other types of skins such as waxed leather and chrome-tanned leather are more appropriate for wet weather since they are wetter than untreated, full-grain leather.
However, what most people do not know is that even waterproof leather jackets are not devoid of some measure of vulnerability. It also fades over time, again the waterproof sprays have to be applied on the sneakers’ design. Using preventive measures to avoid the rains entails that one can go out wearing the leather jacket without any thought of it getting spoiled by the rain.
Types of Leather Jackets and Their Water Resistance
So when deciding to wear a leather jacket in the rain, one has to take into account different types of leather jackets and their basic level of water resistance. That is why, some of them are more water-repellent than others, and some of them must be cared for in the proper manner.
1. Full-Grain Leather
This outside is actually the best of these leathers and called full-grain leather. This type is durable, but it’s the least water resistant of the other types due to its natural state. Full-grain leather preserves as many of the original characteristics of the hides as possible and hardly processes them in order to align them; therefore, full-grain leather is less resistant to rain damage. If you own a full-grain leather black trench there is need to be careful when wearing it in the rain without a protective spray.
2. Top-Grain Leather
Top-grain leather is less coarse and offered in more consistency as compared to full-grain leather because the outer layer is sanded. It is always assumed to be even more water resistant than full-grain and therefore preferred for use on leather jackets in the rain. But, it can get harmed if it is subjected to a fairly good amount of water.
3. Waxed or Oiled Leather
To be ready to serve the purpose of being more water resistant waxed or oiled leather is manufactured. These treatments therefore help to make the leather more water resistant making it able to withstand wet weather. If you frequently travel to Humid areas this could very well be the right place for an all season leather jacket.
4. Synthetic Leather (Faux Leather)
Faux leather, also termed as synthetic leather, is produced from polyurethane or from polyvinyl chloride. It is usually more water resistant than natural leather which makes it ideal for use on rainy occasions. If you are seeking a jacket which is able to cope with wet weather a faux leather jacket should be the right solution.
Can You Wear Faux Leather and Wool Jackets in the Rain?
The versatility of faux leather and wool jackets often leads people to ask, “Are these materials suitable for rainy weather?” While faux leather is a great alternative for rain protection, there are nuances to be aware of.
Due to the frequent usage of the faux leather and wool jackets the question arises, are these materials appropriate for rainy conditions? The utilization of the faux leather is number one appropriate for the rain protection but there are few moments that are worth to be discussed.
Faux Leather
Is faux leather waterproof? Yes, the faux leather jackets are relatively more water-resistant than natural leather jackets, though they are not fully water-proof. Faux leather jackets are water resistant and hence it is advisable to wear clothing underneath in the event of a heavy downpour. Eventually, the compounds get affected by water and this is especially the situation with synthetic material. Therefore one should try to keep Jacket as dry as possible. It would improve combustion effectiveness and thermal efficiency without adding to the mass.
Wool Jackets
Wool Jackets fibers are relatively water resistant, but not to water. A wool jacket in the rain will be wet but it will not be wet. But if your jacket has been in direct contact with water frequently, the fibers can be degraded and your jacket will lose its shape. For instance, if you are going for wool wear on a rainy day, better get a water repellent spray or even take an umbrella to cover the wool fabric.
Top Maintenance Tips for Leather Jackets in Wet Weather
It’s not easy to preserve the quality of the leather jacket in particular when it rains and the material gets wet. Here are the top maintenance tips for leather jackets in the rain:
- Apply waterproofing spray before heading out on a rainy day, that you should apply waterproof spray before you even put on your jacket and head out in the rains. This behaves as a barrier to shield the water from penetrating into the jacket hence avoiding soaking. Waterproof leather jackets used for activities require this extra layer, majorly after they have been worn for some time.
- Dry Your Jacket Properly Thoughtfully Wearing a leather jacket requires you to do so appropriately especially after being exposed to rain. Let dry your leather jacket in a room with good aeration and should not be exposed to heat such as from the hair dryer that can harm the leather. To make the jacket dry in the correct position, use the paper towels to stuff the jacket while drying.
- LEATHER CARE TIPS; Do not use harsh detergents Store your jacket in a dry place especially close to a heater and do not expose your jacket to direct sunlight, however store it in a dry place. Some of the problems it causes include mold, mildew and stiffness due to damp storage.
- Condition regularly your jacket prolongs and slows down the process of leather jacket cracking. Submerge your jacket in water and let it dry afterward and a leather conditioner used to help replace the oils that were lost. This one is very crucial for jackets that are used to shield from rain most of the time.
Best Leather Jacket Materials for All-Season Protection
If you are looking for a jacket which will be appropriate during all seasons inclusive of rainy seasons then consider the following fabric. All-season leather jackets are fashionable and warm, depending on the piece, serviceable all year round but water resistance is always an important consideration.
Waxed Leather
For an all-season leather jacket, waxed leather is one of the best options due to its natural water resistance. It holds up well against rain, making it ideal for those who want a stylish, functional jacket year-round.
A good leather that can be used in an all-season leather jacket is the waxed leather since it has a natural water resistant feature. Isn’t affected by rain and thus can be worn all year round for those who wish to have a stylish and practical jacket.
Synthetic Leather
There are few differences such as the material used to make faux leather is cheaper and it also has the added advantage of being water resistant. It may not be as breathable as natural leather, but it is useful for those people who intend to use a rain proof jacket and require minimal maintenance.
Alternative Fabrics to Leather for Rainy Days
At other times, maybe when it is raining, the leather jackets can be worn but at other times a different material may be more appropriate. Here are some alternative materials to consider:
Polyester
Polyester is therefore easy to handle and on a rainy day it is better than leather since it is water resistant. It is not as slippery as leather, it is easy to maintain since it dries very fast and it is relatively cheaper. Nonetheless, it is not as comfortable as the substances found in nature so the clothes probably are not very suitable for wearing in a hot climate for a long time.
Nylon
Nylon is also great for shielding from the rain as well as from the sun Nylon is also great for shielding from the rain as well as from the sun alternative. On the same note, nylon is also a very good material for rain protection. It’s also very light and similar to polyester; it doesn’t absorb much water and dries very quickly. It is also not very susceptible to water harm as compared to leather materials. Toh nylons should still be avoided because they may stick together, and do not give a very premium feeling like leather.
Final Thoughts
Therefore it can be said that you can wear leather in rain but only if you follow these essential preventive measures. If you properly take care of the jacket, use the right treatment and know the kind of leather used in making the jacket, you are sure to wear the jacket for years regardless of the weather. So, whether you choose to wear an all-season leather jacket or go for a synthetic material like faux leather, the important thing to consider is that the jacket should not get wet, dusty or otherwise dirty and also should not be put away in a manner that will make it lose its shape or get ruined.
For those who want to wear some new and stylish and comfortable leather and other fabric material jackets, Natural Jackets provides a number of better options. Take advantage of the free delivery on any order that is above $250 and maximize your purchase with satisfaction. Well if you took the time to read this you should visit Natural Jackets today and keep it proper no matter the weather.
