Leather Care & Weather
Can You Wear Leather in the Rain?
Yes, but aniline darkens and suede darkens until dry. See which leathers handle rain, how to dry yours without heat, and why salt and damp storage matter.
Yes, you can wear leather in the rain, whether it's a leather jacket or a coat. How it comes through depends on the leather's finish and on how you dry it. Aniline leather darkens where water soaks in, and suede and nubuck darken until the nap dries. Any leather should dry at room temperature, away from direct heat.
Part of our leather care and weather guide.
Rain decision by leather type
This table draws on advice from the BLC Leather Technology Centre and the store's care guide.
Not sure which leather you have? Read the leather care label first.
| Leather | In rain | Wear it out? | Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aniline | Water soaks in and darkens it | Avoid rain where you can | – |
| Suede and nubuck | Darkens while the nap is wet, then should dry back to its color | A shower is fine; dry it well afterward | – |
| Any leather treated with a water and stain repellent | Better protected against water stains | Yes, then dry it properly | – |
Before you go out
Treat the jacket or coat with a water and stain repellent to help prevent water marks and soiling. Test it on a hidden area first.
How well leather resists water can be measured. ISO 5403-1 sets out a lab test for the dynamic water resistance of flexible leather. If a maker quotes a water-resistance result, ask which test it used.
When you get home
- Hang the jacket and let it dry at room temperature. No hair dryer, radiator or clothes dryer.
- Don't put it away damp. In very humid air, mould can grow in as little as 2 days.
For what water does to the leather itself, and what can be fixed, see what water actually does to leather. For drying and storage beyond a wet day, see how to care for a leather coat.
What about snow?
Snow brings a second issue. Winter salt stains leather, so wipe the hem and cuffs with a clean, damp cloth and let it dry naturally.
If you are choosing a coat for wet winters, Leather Collection men's leather coats come in cowhide, sheepskin or goatskin. Ask about the finish before you buy.
LeatherGuide Editorial Team
LeatherGuide articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.