Leather jackets are meant to be worn. And since they’re breathable, beautiful, and timeless, you’ll want to wear yours every day. While this is fine when the weather is nice and breezy, what happens if you’re worried about rain? Conventional wisdom states that wearing leather in the rain isn’t a good idea. Here’s what you need to know about wearing leather jackets in the rain and what you should do if you find yourself caught in a storm.

Light Rain Is Fine
Light rainstorms and showers will get your leather jacket wet, but if they’re light, it’s unlikely that your jacket will become saturated. This is good news. A small amount of water isn’t going to hurt your jacket. But if you get caught in a torrential downpour or you’re out in the rain for hours and get soaked, the moisture could damage the leather. Remember, when leather gets wet, it can stretch. And when it stretches, it can change the way your jacket fits. Worse, the water can lead to stains and discoloration that can be difficult if not impossible to remove. 

If you think you’re going to be out in the rain for an extended time, consider packing an umbrella or a rain jacket to put over your leather jacket. But if you’re caught in a surprise drizzle, don’t panic.

Make Sure to Dry It Properly
If you do get your jacket wet, make sure to dry it properly. Hang it in a well-ventilated room out of direct sunlight. If you need to speed the drying process, consider pointing a fan at your jacket to further circulate the air. Make sure your jacket is completely dry before you wear it again to reduce the risk of stretching the material. 

Condition the Leather Well
It’s a good idea to keep your leather well conditioned at all times, but especially after a rainstorm. Doing so can keep the leather in better shape and reduce the risk of stretching and staining in the future. Many of these conditioners have beeswax in them which can increase the water resistance of your leather for several weeks or months, depending on how you wear it. 

Get It Professionally Cleaned as Needed
If you notice staining and discoloration on your jacket, whether it’s the result of being caught in the rain or not, the best thing you can do is get it cleaned by a professional. They’ll be better able to reduce the signs of water spots and discoloration after getting caught in the rain. Keep in mind that severe water staining may not be removed completely, even with the help of an expert. That’s why it’s best to only wear your jacket in light rainstorms or drizzles. 

Give Your Jacket the TLC It Deserves
Your leather jacket is designed to be worn. And that means it may get wet occasionally. Don’t let fear of water spots keep you from enjoying your jacket year-round. If you’re worried about the condition of your jacket or you’re looking for someone to clean and repair your jacket after getting caught in a storm, let Jonval Leathers and Furs help. Contact us to learn more.