Wearing a leather jacket in the rain makes people nervous, and Seattle is the place where the question comes up most. The weather station at the Seattle airport records an average of about 39 inches of precipitation a year, with measurable rain on around 156 days, and November, December and January are the wettest months, based on the Climate of Seattle article on Wikipedia. So if you want to wear leather there, you need a plan.
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Will Rain Ruin a Leather Jacket?
Not always. A short walk in light rain will not ruin a good jacket. The problem is leather that stays wet or dries too fast. Leather is not waterproof, and water can leave dark marks, make the surface stiff and dry it out. How bad it is depends on the type of leather, the finish and how you treat the jacket afterward.
Using a Leather Jacket in the Rain
Light drizzle
Much of Seattle’s rain is light and steady rather than heavy. Brief exposure is usually fine. Wipe off drops with a soft cloth when you get inside.
Heavy rain
Take an umbrella or wear a waterproof coat on top. Soaked leather takes longer to recover and is more likely to mark.
Suede and nappa
Suede marks easily and needs extra care. Smooth leather is usually easier to wipe and recover.
What to Do If Your Jacket Gets Wet
- Blot the water with a soft, dry cloth. Do not rub.
- Hang the jacket on a wide hanger so it keeps its shape.
- Let it dry slowly at room temperature, away from radiators and hair dryers.
- When it is fully dry, apply a leather conditioner to bring back softness.
Heat is the biggest risk. It can make leather shrink and crack, so be patient. Our leather jacket care guide explains each step in more detail.
Protecting Leather Before the Rain
A leather protector spray can add some resistance. Always test it on a hidden area first, such as the inside hem, because it can change the color. Follow the instructions on the product and do not expect a spray to make leather waterproof.
Choosing a Jacket for a Wet City
Darker leather hides small water marks better than light colors. A fully lined jacket dries more evenly than a thin unlined one. The quilted black diamond lambskin jacket and the quilted lambskin motorcycle biker jacket are examples of darker styles. Our leather jacket colors guide goes through how color affects wear.
Shearling for Rainy Winters?
Shearling is warm but also not waterproof, so it does not solve the rain problem on its own. Our guide to shearling vs leather jackets compares the two.
Ordering From Us
We ship worldwide for free, with standard sizes from XS to 3XL arriving about 7 to 14 days after your order is confirmed. Browse the shop or read the FAQ page.
Leather Jacket in the Rain: Tips for Commuters
If you walk to work in a wet city, a few habits make a big difference. Carry an umbrella so the jacket does not get soaked. Wear a scarf to stop water running down your collar. When you reach the office, hang the jacket up instead of leaving it on a chair, so it can dry in shape. A leather jacket in the rain is fine for short trips, but long exposure is where the trouble starts.
Common Myths About Leather and Water
Myth: one drop of rain ruins leather
No. A few drops will usually dry without a mark, especially on a dark jacket.
Myth: leather is waterproof
It is not. Water can soak in and change the surface if the jacket stays wet.
Myth: a hair dryer fixes it fast
Heat is one of the worst things for wet leather. Slow drying is safer.
If you also want something longer, see our coats.
When to Skip the Leather Jacket
If the forecast says heavy rain for hours, leave the leather at home and wear a rain shell. Save the jacket for dry evenings and light drizzle. Our guide to how to wear a leather jacket has ideas for outfits in any weather.
A final point on weather. Leather can handle a light shower, but a leather jacket in the rain still needs a little respect. If you get caught in a downpour, wipe the jacket gently, hang it up to dry naturally and keep it away from heaters. Do that, and a leather jacket in the rain is nothing to worry about on an ordinary day. Many people wear a leather jacket in the rain for short walks and the daily commute without any trouble when they look after it afterwards. When the sky looks gray, a leather jacket in the rain is a fair choice if you keep the trip short.
Quick Questions
Can I wear a leather jacket in light rain?
Yes, for short periods. Wipe it and let it dry naturally afterward.
Can I dry a wet leather jacket with a hair dryer?
No. Heat can damage the leather. Let it dry slowly at room temperature.
Do I need to condition leather after it gets wet?
Often yes, once it is fully dry, because water can take natural oils out of the leather.
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