Suede & Nubuck
Can You Wear a Suede Jacket in the Rain?
Light rain, yes; a soaking, no. What rain does to suede, why makers disagree, how to prepare, and how to dry a wet suede jacket without damage.
You can wear a suede jacket in light rain, but it is not a rain jacket. Suede is not waterproof unless treated, and its open pores soak up water, salt and dirt, which can stain it. A short shower usually just darkens the nap until it dries; a soaking is the thing to avoid.
Part of our suede, nubuck and roughout guide.
What rain does to suede
While the nap is wet, rain darkens suede. It should dry back to its original color. The risk is what the water carries: salt, dirt and oils can leave marks, and excess moisture can damage the leather.
Sources disagree on how much rain suede can take
The shoemaker is describing its own treated shoe suedes. A jacket's label or care tag tells you how your piece was made, so check it first.
| Source | View |
|---|---|
| Crockett & Jones, shoemaker | Its suedes are fat-liquored in tanning, so they fend off rain and water beads on top |
| Stitchdown, footwear magazine | Most suede is more water resistant than people think; a soaked pair dried properly will likely be fine |
| Leather Collection suede jackets | Keep the jacket out of heavy rain; water can mark suede |
| Wikipedia, Suede | Absorbs liquids quickly; excess moisture can damage it |
Before you go out
- Use a water-repellent spray. Both suede and nubuck benefit from one, since neither is naturally waterproof.
- Test it first. Try any protection product on a hidden area.
- Pick the weather. Leather Collection suggests saving its camel suede bomber for dry days.
For the full spray routine, see hosob's how to protect a suede jacket.
If your suede jacket gets wet
- Blot spills and wet spots with a dry cloth. Do not rub.
- Hang it on a wide hanger and let it dry at room temperature, away from heaters.
- Skip hair dryers and radiators; dry it naturally.
- Allow time. A leather-goods maker says thinner suede may dry in about 24 hours.
- Once dry, brush the nap even with a soft suede brush.
Do not wash suede with soap and water or put it in a washing machine. For stains, the store's suede pages point to a dry cleaner who works with suede. Our suede jacket care routine covers the rest.
Better choices for wet days
Nubuck resists water slightly better than suede, though it is not waterproof either. Some nubuck jackets carry a water-resistant coating. Compare them in nubuck vs suede.
Faux suede such as Ultrasuede is a polyester microfiber that resists stains and can be machine washed. It is not leather, as is suede a type of leather? explains.
A suede jacket for dry days
The Leather Collection Beige Suede Jacket for Men is 0.9-1.0 mm (about 0.04 in) goatskin suede. Its care notes say to keep it out of heavy rain and dry it at room temperature if it gets wet.
FAQ
Will suede be ruined if it gets rained on?
Usually not from light rain: the nap darkens while wet and should dry back. Salt, dirt and heavy soaking are what stain or damage it.
What are the downsides of suede jackets?
Suede is less durable than full-grain leather, absorbs liquids quickly and should not be machine washed.
What should you not use on suede?
Soap and water, a washing machine, and direct heat for drying.
LeatherGuide Editorial Team
LeatherGuide articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.