Sometimes rainfalls can be exotic enough to make you want to dance in the cloudburst. But things can also go the opposite as rain on someone’s parade, especially when he’s wearing an expensive leather jacket. Since leather looks so shiny and reflective, people often think they are water-repellent.
Sadly, it’s the other way around. ‘Can leather jacket get wet for real? Is there no way to prevent it?’ Yes, leather jackets can get wet, moreover, keeping them in damp weather for too long will damage them. But fret not, you can also prevent the worse from happening. Stay with this article for tips and tricks.
What Leather Jackets Can Get Wet
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the material first. Pure leather isn’t waterproof at all. Leather has a lot of pores in it since it is normal for any natural material to be porous. Pores in leather allow the material to breathe and shine all the time. And being porous is the reason why leather is not waterproof.
If your leather jacket is made entirely of leather, of course, it can get wet. Usually, most of the leather jackets in the market are made entirely with pure leather. However, there are also jackets made with synthetic leather or Artificial leather, which are not only cheaper but also impermeable.
What Happens If You Get Leather Jacket Wet
Since leather is natural and porous, it can’t withstand water like many other materials. Water and moisture can clog the pores of the leather jacket and it can lead to mold and mildew formation. Also, getting leather wet will cause water spots and leave stains.
If you don’t keep the leather jacket dry, it can rot and be stiff. So, if you get leather wet, you’ll damage them eventually. Moreover, if you use heat to dry your wet leather jacket, the jacket will shrink and you may not be able to wear it again.
What to Do When Leather Gets Wet
If your leather jacket gets wet while there was no preventative measure such as waxing taken, don’t panic. You can still protect the jacket from any damage if you quickly and carefully start the drying process. The earlier you can start this process, the better the result will be.
First, take a clean dry cloth or towel and start wiping the moisture off the jacket. When you are convinced that the jacket is completely dry, hang it as it is at room temperature. Do not use any dryer or heater or it will cause other damage.
Can You Wear a Leather Jacket in the Rain
As you already know that pure leather isn’t waterproof at all, you have to make sure that your jacket contains synthetic leather to withstand rain. Although your pure leather jacket can withstand a smaller amount of unexpected rain, too much moisture will harm it. So, if you decide to wear it in the rain, prepare for the worse.
How to Protect Leather Jacket from the Rain
Luck may not always be on your side and anytime your leather jacket can face sudden rain and splashes. That’s why it’s normal to look for a solution to protect your dear jacket from the damage caused by rain. There are two preventive methods for this problem.
However, don’t get inspired to let your leather jacket get wet even though there are solutions. Because these solutions cannot protect the jacket all the time as the preventive measure can be faulty or the effect wears out faster.
1. Waxing
If you wax your leather jacket, it can become temporarily waterproof for many days until the coating falls off. This process is quite simple. Just take a clean cloth, and liquid wax, and put your jacket on a flat surface. Then start applying wax on the jacket using a clean cloth.
2. Leather Lotion
Leather lotion can make your leather jacket temporarily waterproof too, but it can’t work as effectively as waxing. Apply this lotion to your jacket before going outside in the rainy season, and it will act as water-resistant material for the day.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- Will a suede jacket get ruined in the rain?
Suede jackets can withstand sudden small raindrops on them. But they will get damaged if you keep them in the same condition for too long. That’s why it’s not the best idea to wear a suede jacket in the rain.
- Are leather jackets warmer in cold weather?
Leather jackets are warm, but in cold weather, you will need to wear more layers beneath the jacket to protect yourself from excessive cold.
Final Verdict
Now you know the answer to the ‘can leather jackets get wet?’ and how you can avoid it to protect your jacket. But knowing these are not enough to protect your jacket, leather can still mildew if you store it in a damp area or inside a plastic bag. Store and wear the leather jacket properly to ensure its longevity.
Leave a Reply