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Wearing leather jackets in the rain

jonbuilder

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Messages
3,556
Location
Grass Valley CA Foothills
Do you have specific jackets in your collection you go o for rain or snow days. I would think leather is fine in the rain if the jacket is dried properly. I did wear a 50s long leather jacket on an hour and a half walk during heavy rain and later that day was at an outdoor wake all afternoon in constant light rain. The die bleed through to the lining and it took a couple of weeks to dry the jacket. If I know I will be in rain for an extended time I grab my Haelson made of quality steer hide. Never any issue bleed through nor do I get wet through the jacket. Must be something in the way the leather was tanned. Also, the leather is in excellent condition never needs conditioning.

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Khilij

One of the Regulars
Messages
138
I've had good success wearing my Vanson Chopper in the rain. The Competition Weight cowhide has never let me down so far. Haven't tried it in a huge downpour though as it's my first jacket and I don't want to risk damaging it too much, and I wear glasses so wearing a raincoat with a hood is preferable if I have the option. If I was caught in heavy rain I don't think i would be too worried though.
 

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,314
Location
Iowa
I've done it a lot in heavier, newer Steer & horsehide jackets. Tomorrow and the day after look like good, rainy days in Iowa, so I'll try the Vicenza Ridley in the rain for a period of time, to see if that helps crease up a few areas more.

Generally speaking, I do wear them in the rain, then wear them in the house as they dry off. Preferably keeping them on till completely dried of the water.
 
Last edited:

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,711
Location
East Java
if I just walk across parking lot, or get my jacket wet momentarily I don't mine which one, I prefer my natural one since I want to "patina" it more than the others who leave very little trace of being rained on.
 
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16,404
Don't wear my leather jackets in the rain. I know nothing's going to happen to them but can't wear them damp the next day so I don't want either out of commission, just 'cause I was careless.
 

Tom71

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,397
Location
Europe
I wear all my jackets in the rain, except for my Himel "Imperial". I like the oil-tan so much as it is that I want to delay aging as best as I can.
If it rains really hard, I will go for Horweens heavy CXL stuff, Vanson CW or Lost World´s horse.
 

dubpynchon

One Too Many
Messages
1,045
Location
Ireland
I have a Cheyenne I tend to wear if it's raining, although if it is I use an umbrella, I don't like getting soaked, especially with the lack of natural insulation on my head. Rain is great for breaking in stiff leather boots though, I have a pair of William Lennons I need to wear the next time it's raining to save myself foot ache.
 

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,711
Location
East Java
depending where you live of course, but leather will dry from water quite fast when worn, water actually pooling down toward the hem and cuff pretty fast, faster than jeans.
upper part of the jacket will dry very fast, so if you wear it unzipped, and just walk or ride with the hem of your jacket blown by the wind, it will dry very fast, unless your liner is quilted and soaked... then it will take eternity probably.
 

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