It is no secret that leather jackets are a timeless piece of outerwear. They have been around for decades and show no signs of going anywhere anytime soon.
Leather jackets are the perfect addition to any outfit; they can dress up a look or make a more casual outfit seem edgier.
However, they’re not always the most practical choice when it comes to inclement weather. So can you wear a leather jacket in the rain? And if so, should you?
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about wearing a leather jacket in the rain.
We’ll cover the different types of leather jackets, how to waterproof your jacket, and what to do if your jacket gets wet.
By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on all things leather jackets and rain! So, let’s get started.
Can You Wear a Leather Jacket In The Rain?
You can definitely wear a leather jacket in the rain. However, you’ll want to make sure that it’s properly treated and waterproofed before heading out into the rain, to avoid any shrinking, warping, or stains. If you ever do get caught in the rain with your leather jacket, make sure to dry it as soon as possible.
Otherwise, it’s likely that your jacket will absorb water and become heavy and uncomfortable.
Once you’ve treated your jacket, you’ll also want to be sure to protect it from the elements as much as possible.
If you can, avoid walking in direct rain and try to stay under an umbrella or awning whenever possible.
If you do get caught in the rain, be sure to dry off your leather jacket as soon as possible.
Wet leather can shrink, warp, and stain, so it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible.
With that said, there are certain types of leather jackets that are better suited for wet weather than others.
For instance, waxed and oiled leathers will repel water better than untreated leathers.
Synthetic leathers are also a good option for wet weather, as they’re often treated with water-resistant finishes.
So, there you have it: yes, you can wear a leather jacket in the rain, but you’ll need to take some extra care to protect it from the elements.
Be sure to treat and waterproof your jacket before heading out into the elements, and make sure to dry it off as soon as possible if it does get wet.
And when in doubt, opt for a waxed, oiled, or synthetic leather jacket—they’ll stand up better to the elements than untreated leathers.
Tips for wearing a leather jacket in the rain
Here are a few tips for wearing a leather jacket in the rain:
– Choose a waterproof leather jacket.
If your leather jacket isn’t waterproof, don’t even think about wearing it in the rain.
Waterproof leather jackets are specially treated to repel water, so they’re the only type of leather jacket that can worry-free withstand a downpour.
– Let your jacket air dry.
If your leather jacket gets wet, don’t put it in the dryer! Hang it up to air dry instead.
The heat from a clothes dryer can damage the leather and cause it to crack.
– Invest in a good leather conditioner.
Even waterproof leather jackets need to be conditioned regularly to stay soft and supple.
A quality leather conditioner will help protect your jacket from the elements and keep it looking its best.
– Leather lotion can help.
If your leather jacket starts to feel stiff or dry, give it a good rubdown with a quality leather lotion.
This will help keep the leather supple and prevent it from cracking.
– Wax it for extra protection.
If you really want to go the extra mile, you can wax your leather jacket for an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Just be sure to choose a quality leather wax that won’t damage the leather.
-Spray it with a waterproofing spray.
If you’re worried about your leather jacket getting soaked in the rain, you can always give it a good spraying with a waterproofing spray.
This will help create a barrier between the leather and the water.
– Store it in a cool, dry place.
When you’re not wearing your leather jacket, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place.
Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in a humid environment, as both can cause the leather to degrade.
With these tips in mind, you can wear your leather jacket in the rain without worry.
Just be sure to take good care of your jacket and you’ll be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
How often should you waterproof your leather jacket?
It’s typically best to waterproof your leather jacket at least once a year, or more often if you live in an area with high humidity or lots of rain.
If you wear your jacket frequently, you may need to waterproof it more often to keep it looking its best.
To waterproof your leather jacket, start by cleaning it with a leather cleanser or saddle soap.
Once it’s clean, apply a waterproofing spray or cream evenly over the surface of the leather.
Let the jacket air dry completely before wearing it or storing it away.
With proper care, your leather jacket will last for many years to come.
Different types of leather jackets
There are many different types of leather jackets, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Here is a quick overview of the most popular types of leather jackets:
Blazers:
Blazers are a type of leather jacket that is characterized by its tailored style and buttoned front.
Blazers are typically made from lighter-weight leathers, making them ideal for wearing in warmer weather.
Parkas:
Parkas are characterized by their long length and hooded style. They’re typically made from waterproof or water-resistant leather, making them ideal for wearing in inclement weather.
Ponchos:
Ponchos are a type of leather jacket that is characterized by its large, blanket-like style.
Ponchos are usually made from thinner leathers, making them great for layering in colder weather.
Vests:
Vests are a type of leather jacket that is characterized by its sleeveless style.
Vests are mostly made from thicker leathers, making them perfect for wear in cooler weather.
Bomber jackets:
Bomber jackets are a type of leather jacket that is characterized by its fitted style and ribbed trim.
Bomber jackets are typically made from thicker leathers, making them ideal for wear in cooler weather.
Motorcycle jackets:
Motorcycle jackets are a type of leather jacket that is characterized by its fitted style and multiple zippered pockets.
They’re typically made from thicker leathers, making them ideal for wear in cooler weather.
Which leather jacket should you wear in the rain?
The best leather jacket to wear in the rain is one that is made from waterproof or water-resistant leather.
Parkas and bomber jackets are typically made from waterproof or water-resistant leather, making them ideal for wearing in inclement weather.
If you don’t have a waterproof or water-resistant leather jacket, you can always give your jacket a good spraying with a waterproofing spray.
This will help to create a barrier between the leather and the water, keeping your jacket looking its best.
Whatever type of leather jacket you choose to wear in the rain, just be sure to take good care of it and you’ll be able to enjoy your jacket for many years to come.
What to do if you’re not sure of your leather jacket’s material?
If you’re not sure whether your leather jacket is made from waterproof or water-resistant leather, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and give it a good spraying with a waterproofing spray.
This will help to create a barrier between the leather and the water, keeping your jacket looking its best.
Here are the steps you should follow:
Check the label:
Most leather jackets will have a label that indicates what kind of leather it is made from.
Do the water test:
Drop a few drops of water on an inconspicuous area of the jacket and see how long it takes for the water to bead up or soak into the leather.
If the water beads up and sits on top of the leather, it is most likely made from waterproof or water-resistant leather.
If the water soaks into the leather, it is most likely not waterproof or water-resistant.
Check the weather forecast
When in doubt, it’s always best to check the weather forecast before heading out in your leather jacket.
If there’s even a chance of rain, it’s best to leave your leather jacket at home or risk damaging it.
Consider a different jacket
If you don’t have a waterproof or water-resistant leather jacket, you can always consider wearing a different type of jacket altogether.
A denim jacket or windbreaker would be a good option to protect your leather jacket from getting wet.
Conclusion
Leather jackets are a timeless wardrobe staple that can be worn in a variety of ways.
When it comes to wearing leather jackets in the rain, be sure to choose one that is made from waterproof or water-resistant leather.
If you’re not sure of your jacket’s material, always check the label or do the water test to be sure.
And finally, if there’s even a chance of rain, it’s best to leave your leather jacket at home or risk damaging it.