Yes! You Absolutely Can Wear A Leather Jacket In The Rain

You have been planning to wear your leather jacket to this event for days – but yikes! It looks like it’s going to rain, or maybe it already is raining! What do you do next: ditch the leather jacket for something else or wear it as planned? The good news is that you can wear a leather jacket in the rain, however, it’s a good idea to take some measures to protect it, either preventative or reactive.

Understanding Water Resistance

Because your leather jacket is water-resistant, it’s unlikely to be a big deal if a few drops of rain get on it. That being said, you will want to avoid getting caught in a full-on downpour. Always bring an umbrella with you if it looks like it’s going to rain.

Although leather is water resistant, that doesn’t make it waterproof. The difference is simple: water resistant materials can withstand the penetration of water to some extent, whereas waterproof materials are completely impenetrable to water.

Preventative Measures to Protect Your Leather Jacket from Rain

Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to prep your leather jacket for the rain. Below is a list:

  • Waxing or conditioning: With both methods, you apply the wax or leather conditioner directly to your jacket with the use of a cloth. However, with waxing, you have to make sure your leather jacket is clean and dry before application whereas it’s best for your jacket to be damp when applying a conditioner. Once you are done with application, leave your jacket to dry naturally, without help from any heat sources.
  • Leather lotion: Another option you have is leather lotion, which creates a water resistant barrier over your jacket.

Keep in mind that these measures need to be completed before your jacket has come into contact with water. If it has already gotten wet, the wax, conditioner or lotion won’t be able to create the barrier you need.

What if My Leather Jacket is Already Wet?

Now you may be wondering, what if you get caught int the rain unexpectedly, and your jacket is already wet? The best thing to do is to dry your leather jacket as soon as possible, before water has the chance to seep into the material. This is best done using a dry cloth before leaving it to dry naturally. Even if you use leather lotion, this is a good practice to maintain to keep your jacket in pristine condition.

Shop Leather Jackets at Taylor’s Leatherwear

If you are looking to purchase a leather jacket, look no further than Taylor’s Leatherwear. We stock a wide range of jackets including motorcycle jackets, bomber jackets and more. To make the most out of your purchase and make things easier for you, we offer leather jacket care and services where you can customize your jacket or send it for cleaning when needed. Feel free to browse our blog for tips and tricks on caring for your leather jacket – you will be glad you did!