Can Suede Get Wet? How to Protect and Waterproof a Suede Jacket

Suede has a reputation for panicking at the first raindrop, which puts a lot of people off wearing it. So, can suede get wet? Yes, and a suede jacket will usually come through a shower without lasting harm, as long as you know how to dry it and protect it ahead of time.

Can Suede Get Wet Without Being Ruined?

Usually, yes. Suede is genuine leather with a brushed, napped surface instead of a smooth finish, and that open texture soaks up water much faster than smooth leather does. A few raindrops rarely cause trouble if you let them dry naturally. A proper soaking is a different story. Common results include:

• Dark patches while the suede is wet, which normally fade as it dries
• Water rings or tide marks where a wet area dried at a different rate from the rest
• Stiffness once the leather dries, especially if it dried too fast
• Flattened or matted nap that looks shiny or patchy

The good news is that most of these can be improved, and often fixed, with the right drying and brushing. The damage that is hard to undo usually comes from heat, rubbing or leaving the jacket crumpled while wet.

Is a Light Drizzle Different From a Soaking?

Very much, and it changes how much you need to do.

• Light drizzle or a few drops: shake the jacket off, hang it up and let it dry on its own. Once dry, a quick brush usually brings the nap straight back. Treated suede often shows no marks at all.
• Steady rain for a short walk: expect darker damp patches on the shoulders and sleeves. Blot, hang and dry slowly, then brush and check for rings.
• Soaked through: the leather and possibly the lining are wet. Follow every drying step below, give it plenty of time, and be ready to even out marks or call a specialist.

What Should You Do Right After Suede Gets Wet?

1. Blot, don't rub. Press a clean, dry, light-colored towel against wet areas to lift out as much water as you can. Rubbing pushes water deeper and mats the nap.
2. Reshape it. Hang the jacket on a wide, padded hanger so the shoulders keep their shape, and loosely stuff the sleeves with clean paper towels or a dry towel. Skip newspaper, as the ink can transfer.
3. Air dry at room temperature. Keep it away from radiators, heaters, hair dryers and direct sun. Slow drying is what prevents stiffness, and a thoroughly soaked jacket can take a day or more.
4. Brush when completely dry. Use a suede brush to lift the nap, working gently in one direction and then across.
5. Erase marks. Rub any remaining spots lightly with a suede eraser, then brush again.

Our full guide on how to clean a suede jacket covers dirt, oil and everyday marks as well.

How Do You Get Water Stains Out of Suede?

Water rings form at the edge of a wet patch, so the fix sounds counterintuitive: you even out the moisture across the whole area. Test this on a hidden spot first.

1. Brush the dry jacket to loosen the nap.
2. Lightly dampen the entire affected panel, seam to seam, with a barely damp sponge or a fine mist of clean water. Aim for evenly damp, not wet.
3. Blot gently with a dry towel to remove excess water.
4. Let it air dry on a padded hanger, away from heat.
5. Brush the nap back up and use a suede eraser on anything left.

If a ring is still visible after one careful attempt, stop there and let a professional take a look rather than repeating the process.

Women's Brown Suede Utility JacketMen's Brown Suede Asymmetrical Fringe JacketWomen's Brown Suede Trucker Jacket

How Do You Waterproof a Suede Jacket?

No spray makes suede fully waterproof, but a suede protector spray makes it water-resistant, so drops bead and roll off instead of soaking straight in. To apply it:

• Start with a clean, completely dry jacket, and brush the nap first.
• Test on a hidden spot, such as inside a hem, and let it dry to check the color.
• Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
• Hold the can roughly 6 to 8 inches away and apply light, even coats rather than one heavy one.
• Let it dry fully, following the time on the label, then add a second light coat if the label recommends it.
• Reapply every season, after any cleaning, or when water stops beading on the surface.

We explain the differences between sprays, waxes and creams in our guide on how to waterproof a leather jacket. For suede, stick to sprays made for suede and nubuck.

What Should You Never Do to Wet Suede?

• Don't put it in a washing machine or tumble dryer.
• Don't dry it with a hair dryer, heater or radiator, or in direct sun.
• Don't use oil-based leather conditioners, creams or waxes, which can darken suede and flatten the nap.
• Don't fold it or leave it in a bag while damp, which risks creases and musty smells.
• Don't store it in plastic; a breathable garment bag is better.

Is Suede or Smooth Leather Better in the Rain?

Smooth leather is the better rain companion. Its finished surface sheds light rain and wipes dry, while suede's open nap absorbs water quickly. Suede is best saved for dry or mostly dry days, with protector spray as a backup. If you get caught in a downpour in either, the rule is the same: blot, hang and air dry slowly.

For more on wet-weather wear, see our guide to wearing a leather jacket in the rain, and our suede vs leather jacket comparison if you are choosing between the two.

When Should You Take Suede to a Leather Cleaner?

Home care handles most rain mishaps, but a specialist is worth it if the jacket was soaked through, has mud or road-salt marks, shows color bleeding onto the lining or your clothes, smells musty after drying, or still has rings after one careful attempt. Look for a cleaner who specifically works with leather and suede, and ask how they treat napped finishes before handing it over.

FAQ

Can suede get wet in the rain?

Light rain is usually fine, especially on suede treated with a protector spray. Heavy, prolonged rain is best avoided, and if your jacket does get soaked, blot it and let it dry slowly at room temperature.

Does water permanently damage suede?

Rarely, if you dry it correctly. Dark spots usually fade as the suede dries, and stiffness and flattened nap often respond to brushing. Heat and rubbing are what cause lasting harm.

Can I wear suede in snow?

Dry, powdery snow can be brushed off, but slush and road salt can leave white marks. Treat the jacket first and brush off snow before it melts.

How often should I use suede protector spray?

A good rule is once a season for jackets you wear regularly, plus after every cleaning. If water soaks in instead of beading, it is time to reapply.

So, can suede get wet? It can, and with quick blotting, slow drying and a protective spray, a suede jacket will handle the occasional shower for years. Explore our women's suede jackets and men's suede jackets when you are ready to add one to your rotation.