When leather gets wet, the oils in the leather bind to the water molecules. As the water dries and evaporates, it draws out the oils with it. The leather's loss of natural oils causes it to lose its supple quality and turn brittle.
The oils in the skin bind to the water molecules, so as the water dries and evaporates, it starts drawing the oils out. It's this shedding of natural oils that causes the leather to lose its supple quality and become stiff and brittle. Water can also cause staining and can move dyes leaving streaks and spots.
Water strips leather of its natural oils and when wet leather dries, you'll often find that it has become dry and brittle. While rain can ruin leather, the following steps can help you treat and fix water-damaged leatherto help preserve your valuable leather apparel.
Short answer: no! Because of the porous nature of hides, genuine leathers made from these skins do not do well when exposed to water. Not only can leather absorb water/liquid and leave behind stain marks, but getting wet can even detract from the leather's durability.
By nature, leather absorbs water very well due to its fibrous nature. Some leathers are resistant to water depending on the dyeing method and finishing method, but basically they can be considered to be weak against water. Moisture changes the texture of the leather, which leaves a mark.
Leather and water don't mix very well, although leather does have a degree of natural water resistance. This is okay if it comes into contact with small amounts of water (such as light rain), but as natural animal leather is a porous material, it will never be 100% waterproof.
Rain, or any type of water, can damage the suppleness of leather. If left untreated, the leather will turn brittle and crack. Any water or moisture can cause mold and fungus to grow on (or in) your bag. This mold will discolor the leather, causing stains, and a funky smell.
The result can be a spotty, stained appearance and a loss of the suppleness of the leather, leaving it brittle… even cracked. If the water takes a long time to evaporate, the leather can even begin to rot.
Leather — whether this is real leather, or synthetic or plant-based leather — is almost always unsuitable for machine washing and should never be soaked in water during cleaning. Always check the care label before you start to clean any leather item for any special requirements.
Can you wear a leather jacket in the rain? Yes, leather jackets can be worn in the rain, but vegetable-tanned or unfinished leather must be protected with water-resistant products to be worn in the rain. Leather spray, conditioner, or wax can be applied to any leather to protect it from moisture and damage.
Unwaxed And Untreated Leather Will Absorb Water
Although you'll be getting the real feel of the leather, it will also damage more easily. If the leather jacket remains untreated and unwaxed then the water will land straight onto your jacket and there won't be a protective layer over it.
Never hang in direct sunlight or near a heat source. It may take two to three days for the coat to dry completely.
As the water dries and evaporates, it draws out the oils with it. The leather's loss of natural oils causes it to lose its supple quality and turn brittle. So, while the leather is still damp, but clean, apply a reasonably thick coat of leather conditioner to repair the damage done by lost oils.
Direct heat or water exposure can lead to the loss of moisture that's naturally found in the pores of the leather hide. This can actually dry up the leather, crack it up and shrink. Over time, with regular use, one must take proper care of this delicate fabric to maintain its shape and prevent shrinking.
Apply a generous portion of rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad. Then, dab the pad on the leather surface until it is shiny. Afterward, apply Vaseline to the surface. You can apply a few layers if you feel that leather can absorb more.
Leather itself is not well mixed with water. Yes, it has some water resistance, but too much water will cause the leather to become wet – due to the material's permeable nature – and as the leather dries it can become stiff and hard, losing that wonderful supple texture.
Water easily permeates leather. Leather contains oils that make the material durable and flexible. When the leather absorbs water, the oils combine with the water molecules. You don't want this to happen because as the leather dries, the oils evaporate with the water molecules.
Common marks such as those caused by water can cause permanent damage and can ruin your furniture's look. Water tends to dry out leather's natural oils, so it is important to condition the leather after removing the stain.
Real leather is porous and because of that, it cannot be 100% waterproof. Instead, think of leather as water-resistant. While your shoes or handbag will fare well while quickly stepping into the rain to get to your car, this isn't the same as submerging leather.
Being durable also means that leather jackets give a pretty good resale value. If we assume that the jacket you are buying is made from real leather, it will age and look even better with time. Go for 100% real cowhide or sheepskin leather (preferably full grain) if you want tough, enduring outerwear.
But there are a few ways to protect leather from water, which is the closest you'll get to leather waterproofing. One option is to use a spray protectant or other commercial waterproofing product designed specifically for leather. Another option is beeswax cream.
Leather jackets do a decent job of keeping you warm during winter. But there are certain temperatures at which a leather jacket won't keep you as warm. If the temperature is below freezing, a leather jacket will keep you warm for a short time. It is true, especially if it comes without a liner.
Leather that gets wet tends to stretch out a little; let it air dry and it will return to its original size. If you apply heat, however, either with hot water or by drying it with hot air, your leather jacket will shrink.