Can Leather Get Wet? Understanding How Water Affects Leather

Feb 25 , 2025

Akhtar Ayub

Leather serves as a timeless material because of its enduring quality, opulent character and multipurpose use patterns that make it an essential fashion item in numerous everyday uses. But one burning question we often ask ourselves is: Can leather get wet? Water and its effects on leather products like leather jackets, leather boots, leather bags, and leather shoes are important to know when trying to maintain product quality and shelf-to-shelf-like life.

This article will help you determine if you can get leather wet, what damage, if any, it can cause, and how to protect and care for leather.

Water Resistance Myths About Leather Jackets

Some believe leather is waterproof, but others think wetting leather does irreversible damage. The truth is, what happens when leather gets wet depends on the type and care of the leather.

Many people mistakenly think that a little rain ruins your leather jacket. Water will damage leather, but not all leather is created equally. Can leather jackets get wet? Yes, but they can be saved with proper care. The crucial part is how much exposure, how quickly they dry and how they are treated.

Water Resistance in Different Kinds of Leather

Various types of leather exist, and they differ significantly in their water repellency. This distinction is crucial in addressing the question: Can real leather get wet?

Full-grain leather: While it has excellent water resistance and is very durable, exposing full grain to heavy moisture can lead to it cracking. To learn more, read What is full grain leather?
Top-grain leather: Flexible and water-resistant, top-grain can also get stained if exposed for too long.
Suede leather: Highly water-sensitive, suede can't get water marks and lose some of its softness when wet. You can also check out our best-selling suede leather jacket mens sherpa-lined boar suede jacket.
Bonded leather: Made from leather scraps, bonded leather separates and weakens when exposed to moisture.

Advice On How To Keep Your Leather Jackets Safe From Water Damage

Rather than having to deal with the consequences of your leather items getting wet, it is best to take precautionary measures beforehand.

To maintain your leather jackets, bags, and shoes, consider the following tips to ensure that they maintain quality:

Use Water-Proofing Products on Leather: Water-resistant leather conditioners can be used. These add a layer that protects the leather from getting damaged by moisture.
Avoid Wearing Leather During Rain: Do not wear leather during snow or rain. Instead, make use of a waterproof coat and umbrella.
Store Leather in Safe Environments: Keep stored leather in a dry and cool area away from heat and sunlight so that the quality of the leather is retained.
Do Not Completely Immerse Leather: Can you soak leather in water? Immersing leather in water is a poor practice since this may cause the fibres to swell, stretch, and lose their form.

What Happens When Leather Gets Wet? How to Care for Wet Leather Jackets?

Do not stress when your leather becomes wet. You need to respond immediately after exposing your leather item to wet conditions based on its level of saturation. This guide provides an easy step-by-step method to recover the item:

Gently Pat Dry: Camera gear bag holders getting wet doesn’t spell the end of the bag; however, the very first thing to do is to blot gently and slowly using a soft and clean cloth to get out excess water. Don’t rub, as this will damage the surface.
Air Dry: Using direct heat on leather will result in cracks or shrinkage. Is it ok to get leather wet? If it has the proper conditions to dry, like room temperature with sufficient time? Then yes.
Condition the Leather: Using a conditioner will help in restoring moisture and flexibility. What happens to leather when it gets wet? Essentially, when it does get wet, it loses moisture and oils, causing stiffness, which in turn means supple leather.
Re-shape Your Leather: If your wet leather goods have lost their shape, then gently doll them up with your hands or a form to help them retain their structure as they dry.
Polish the Leather: A gentle leather polish can remove dirt and stains from leather, while watermarks can be removed using a leather cleaner. Ensure the polish is safe for the leather type.

Does Leather Suffer When Wet?

So, is it bad for leather to get wet? The proper handling of leather protects it from moisture damage, although water remains an enemy of leather materials. Continuous leather exposure to water will eventually produce fractures together with discoloration and material rigidity.

Regardless, leather shoes, bags, jackets, and boots can resist water as long as they are guarded with care.

Is it okay for leather to get wet? Yes, as long as it is dried properly. The key piece of advice is to ensure that the wet leather is dried correctly and avoid leather being exposed for long periods.

The Final Note

The intersection between water and leather is a complex dance. What happens when leather gets wet varies from small changes relating to appearance to drastic changes without maintenance.

You can make sure to benefit from the beauty and longevity of your leather items for years to come with techniques such as water-repellent treatments and appropriate storage.

Head over to Nomad Nappa if you want well-designed Nappa leather products that are manufactured with attention to detail. Remember, proper care of your leather items is a two-way street, where taking care of your leather goods will reward you by taking care of your needs.

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