When the rainy season arrives,
Is it okay to wear a leather jacket on a rainy day?
What should I do if it gets wet?
We sometimes receive questions like that.
As leather is a natural material, it is not entirely unaffected by exposure to water.
That said, there is no need to be overly nervous.
In this article, we introduce how to handle leather jackets on rainy days and what to do if they get wet.
To sum up, there is no need to worry unduly if it is only a light rain.
Black leather jackets, in particular, do not show visible changes even if they get slightly wet, so you can wear them without issue for everyday use.
Of course, you would want to avoid walking for long periods in a downpour or getting soaked, but there is no need to worry too much about a sudden shower or light rain.
Leather is also a material processed using water during the manufacturing process.
Therefore, it is not the sort of thing that will immediately deteriorate just from being exposed to rain once.
While it depends on the type of leather, there is generally no need to worry excessively if it gets slightly wet from rain during everyday use.
On the other hand, not all leather ages in the same way.
Light-colored leathers, such as beige or natural shades, are particularly prone to showing color differences where they have become wet, and rain stains may remain.
Additionally, "suage" leather—finished using only dye—lacks a surface coating, making it prone to absorbing moisture.
As a result, the change in appearance when wet with rain is also relatively pronounced.
Of course, these aspects can be enjoyed as part of the unique aging process of leather; however, if you wish to maintain its pristine condition for a long time, refraining from wearing it on rainy days is one option.
If you own items made of light-colored or unfinished leather, in particular, it is advisable to take a little extra care.
The appearance and aging characteristics of the leather also vary depending on the type of tanning.
Generally, chrome-tanned leather is soft and supple, and tends to show relatively mild changes in appearance when exposed to water.
On the other hand, while vegetable-tanned leather develops greater character the more it is worn—allowing one to enjoy the rich process of aging—it has the characteristic of easily losing its natural oils when exposed to water.
Therefore, if the leather is allowed to dry without proper care after getting wet, it may harden or crack.
Of course, it won't be ruined immediately just because it got wet in the rain once.
However, repeated exposure to moisture causes the leather to lose its natural oils; therefore, we recommend taking some care when wearing the item—especially if it is made of vegetable-tanned leather.
STRUM offers "Oil Calf," a signature series made using chrome-tanned leather.
This is the brand's signature leather, combining a supple feel with a rich, distinctive character.
Leather jackets are made of a material that gradually changes its appearance depending on the environment in which they are worn and the passage of time.
Beyond just wrinkles, scratches, and color changes, the experience of getting wet in the rain might also be considered a form of aging unique to that particular garment.
Of course, I wouldn't recommend getting it wet unnecessarily, but the ability to enjoy even the slight changes that occur is a unique charm of leather.
If your leather jacket gets wet in the rain, it is important to dry it thoroughly first.
At that time, avoid drying it rapidly using a hair dryer or direct sunlight.
Applying high heat while the leather is wet may cause it to harden or shrink.
We recommend air-drying it in the shade in a well-ventilated area.
After drying, brush lightly; if you are concerned about dirt, gently wipe it off with a cloth that has been wrung out thoroughly.
Additionally, if the leather has become extremely stiff, applying a small amount of leather oil is also effective.
However, applying too much at once can alter the leather's appearance, so it is best to apply small amounts while checking the results.
Precisely because leather is a natural material, its appearance gradually changes depending on the conditions in which it is worn and the passage of time.
Of course, you want to avoid leaving it wet, but there is no need to be overly concerned about it.
With proper care during wear, the experience of getting wet in the rain—much like wrinkles, scratches, and color changes—becomes part of the garment's unique character.
I hope you enjoy your time with the leather jacket as you break it in and make it a one-of-a-kind piece that is uniquely yours.
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