When you first think of this question, you would say "yes" it does because the leather gets wet and could damage the jacket. But actually, leather jackets work perfectly in the snow; it just needs to be adequately cared for. A leather jacket can last more than a lifetime and withstand harsh weather and elements. You can only achieve this with the correct aftercare.
Tips on how to deal with drops and snowflakes
Waterproofing
Most shops and online stores that sell leather items, especially leather jackets, also sell a waterproofing spray. It would help if you sprayed this very generously on the outside of the jacket.
When you’re done spraying, let it sit for a while, you will notice that raindrops and snowflakes disappear instantly. This will easily prevent wear and tear and let you wear your favourite leather jacket repeatedly.
Read our in-depth article about how water affects your leather jacket.
Hang it to dry
When hanging your leather jacket, using a wooden hanger is highly recommended. A leather jacket should never be hung in direct sunlight. The best place to hang your jacket would be in a shady spot with air passing through it.
This will allow the jacket to dry and prevent it from getting an unpleasant smell. The hanger should be comprehensive and perfect for the jacket because a small hanger can misshape the shoulders.
Dry it gently with a towel
If, for some reason, you forgot to waterproof your jacket, there is no need to stress. There is a lot more you can do than you think. Take a soft material or towel and gently dab the jacket. The moment you rub it forcefully, you will damage the jacket. Treat the jacket with love and care, and it will last you for a lifetime.
Learn more ways of taking care of your leather jacket!
Condition your leather
Anyone with a leather jacket should have some kind of conditioner to treat their jacket with. After you dry your jacket, apply your conditioner and spread it generously. This will restore all the natural oils in the leather. Your leather jacket should always be moist and well taken care of.
If you follow all these steps, then your jacket should be in perfect condition. Your jacket will be protected against all types of weather and will allow you to wear it time after time.
Now that you know how to take care of your leather jacket let us discuss what causes damage to the leather.
Extreme exposure to sunlight
The sun is the one true enemy of leather. When your leather jacket is exposed to the direct heat and light of the sun, it damages the colour and makes it look worn. You can wear the jacket in the sun, but you should make sure to treat it well every few months.
The main takeaway from this is to avoid wearing your leather jacket in the sun for long hours as it will make your jacket look older quickly.
Waiting before cleaning stains
This always happens occasionally; you or someone else accidentally spills something on your jacket. The stain needs to be taken care of immediately, or it can become permanent. With the help of harsh chemicals and soaps, you can easily prevent stains and thus protect your leather.
Time
Everything, even your leather items, ages with time. The more you use your leather clothing, the more it will wear out, and the longer you possess it, the more you will use it.
Peeling is one of the most typical issues that develop when leather ages. However, just because your leather item is peeling does not mean you must discard it. Instead, use the services of specialists to get your leather repaired.
Different types of leather need different amounts of maintenance
Certain varieties of leather are more sensitive to water damage and stains than others.
- Suede, for example, is readily destroyed by heavy rain and can only be cleaned with leather care sprays, so avoid wearing suede garments during the rainy season.
- On the other hand, full-grain and top-grain leather are significantly more durable and resistant to the weather and provide you with additional maintenance alternatives.
This implies that a well-maintained, high-quality leather jacket should be unaffected by little rain. However, especially if your full-grain leather jacket is exposed to the impacts of weather on a daily basis, you should clean and condition it on a regular basis.
Finally, due to the synthetic elements employed in its creation, fake or imitation leather is the most water-resistant. Although its overall durability, appearance, and feel aren't comparable to full-grain leather, it does have a reduced permeability, meaning it won't absorb water.
Learn more about the different types of leather grains.
In Conclusion
The fundamental truth is that most leather jackets may be worn in all seasons and all sorts of weather as long as they are properly maintained. After all, some of the most legendary leather coats were designed to survive extreme weather and protect the user in dangerous situations.
All leather will ultimately exhibit signs of wear after extensive use. Wrinkles and other effects of time on your jacket, on the other hand, aren't necessarily a terrible thing. The longer you wear it, the more it will contour to your body, and every crease or scratch will add to your leather jacket's uniqueness and personality.
This is the fundamental reason why leather jackets have never gone out of style. They're functional, long-lasting, and stylish all at the same time.