How to Waterproof a Leather Jacket & Protect It from Rain

Leather and water have a complicated relationship. A little rain won't hurt a well-cared-for jacket, but repeated soakings dry leather out and leave marks. Knowing how to waterproof a leather jacket — and what to do when it gets caught out — keeps it protected.

Can You Waterproof Leather?

You can make leather water-resistant, though not fully waterproof like a rubber coat. A good leather protector spray adds a barrier that repels light rain and makes marks easier to wipe away. It won't survive a downpour, but it handles everyday weather well.

How to Apply a Waterproofing Spray

1. Clean the jacket first so you're not sealing in dirt.
2. Test the spray on a hidden area to check it doesn't change the colour.
3. Spray evenly from a short distance, covering the whole surface in a light, even coat.
4. Let it dry fully, ideally overnight, before wearing.
5. Reapply periodically — the protection wears off with use, so a few times a year keeps it working.

Use a spray designed for your leather type. Smooth leather and suede need different products.

If Your Jacket Gets Wet

Caught in the rain? Don't panic, and don't make it worse:

• Blot excess water gently with a dry towel — don't rub.
• Hang it on a wide hanger and let it air-dry naturally at room temperature.
• Keep it away from radiators, heaters, and hairdryers. Heat is what actually cracks wet leather.
• Once fully dry, apply conditioner to replace the oils the water drew out.

What to Avoid

Don't try to dry leather quickly with heat — it's the fastest way to ruin a jacket. Don't wring or fold wet leather. And don't ignore it: leaving a wet jacket crumpled leads to stiff, misshapen patches.

Waterproofing Suede

Suede is more vulnerable to water and shows marks easily, so a suede-specific protector spray is well worth using before you ever wear it in wet weather. Brush the nap first, apply the spray evenly, and let it dry fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a leather jacket waterproof?

You can make it water-resistant with a protector spray, which repels light rain and makes marks easier to remove. It won't be fully waterproof like synthetic rain gear.

What should you do if your leather jacket gets wet?

Blot excess water, hang it to air-dry at room temperature away from heat, and condition it once fully dry.

Does rain ruin leather jackets?

Light rain is fine for a cared-for jacket. Repeated soakings, or drying with heat, are what cause damage.

How often should you reapply waterproofing spray?

A few times a year, or before wet seasons, since the protection wears off with use.

Protect Your Gacket Jacket

Spray to protect, air-dry if caught out, and never use heat. For the full routine, see our leather care guide, and explore our handcrafted leather jackets.