Can You Wear Suede in the Rain? Tips for Wearing Suede in Rain

You should be aware of the drawbacks of wearing suede leather items in the rain and how to care for them on rainy or snowy days.

For their plush feel and opulent appearance, suede fabrics are well known. With the right maintenance, they can last for a number of years as well, but can you wear suede in the rain?

The Suede is not suitable for rainy weather. Delicate fibers in the fabric have the potential to be harmed or dulled by water. Mud stains on suede are difficult to remove and restore from clothing or shoes.

The advantages and disadvantages of wearing suede shoes in wet weather are discussed in this article, along with advice on how to take care of suede shoes to extend their life.

Can You Wear Suede in the Rain?

Water can harm suede shoes because suede is not waterproof. Suede can acquire water stains and lose their color when it becomes wet. In addition, suede has a different texture when wet and takes a while to dry. The shoes might lose their shape as a result, which would make them uncomfortable to wear.

If you take the right precautions, you can wear suede shoes in the rain. Applying a water-repellent spray is one way to shield your suede footwear from the rain. In order to keep the suede from getting wet, this will act as a barrier between it and the water.

If you have an umbrella with you or are wearing waterproof boots over them, suede shoes are still acceptable to wear in the rain. Here is how to Soften Suede Leather.

Tips for Wearing Suede Boots in Rain

Here are some tips for wearing suede boots in the rain:

1. Choose a darker color: The likelihood of water stains appearing is lower and maintenance is simpler on suede boots in darker hues.
2. Avoid puddles: To reduce the risk of water damage, try to avoid stepping in puddles or walking on wet surfaces.
3. Use an umbrella: To prevent getting wet and ruining your boots, carry an umbrella or put on a raincoat.
4. Apply a protective spray: Before wearing your boots in the rain, always spray a suede protector on them.
5. Be prepared: Wear boots made of waterproof materials rather than suede if you anticipate rain.

How to Care for Suede Shoes?

You must take good care of your suede shoes to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on how to care for suede shoes:

1. To remove dust and dirt, regularly brush your suede shoes with a soft-bristled brush.
2. Allow your suede shoes to air dry if they become wet. The suede can be damaged by using a heat source, such as a hairdryer.
3. When a stain appears on a pair of suede shoes, gently rub it out with a suede eraser or a soft cloth.
4. To prevent the suede from being harmed, avoid wearing your suede shoes on rough surfaces.

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Suede in the Rain?

Even a light rainstorm can damage or discolor your suede because water and suede don’t mix well. It’s best to stay away from wearing suede shoes or clothing in rainy weather because the rain can damage your suede items in a number of different ways.

Rainwater Causes Suede to Lose Its Shape

Suede has fibers that expand in the presence of rainwater, which results in the fabric losing its shape. Suede may also stop being supple and soft and start to become rough and stiff.

Rainwater can be especially damaging to suede because it frequently contains dirt and other particles that can get lodged in the fabric. Your suede clothing must be handled carefully after getting wet in order to avoid lasting damage.

Rainwater Can Stain and Discolor Suede

Rainwater can cause suede to lose its shape as well as become stained and discolored. Unlike leather, suede lacks a protective layer, making stains more likely to penetrate the material and be challenging to get out.

The following chemicals and substances in rainwater can stain or discolor suede:

• Traces of salt: Salt is frequently present in rainwater, which can cause discoloration or leave white marks on the material.
• Dirt and mud: Suède may become stained with dark mud and dirt brought by rain. For instance, if you step in a puddle unintentionally while wearing suede shoes, the mud may stain the fabric.
• Acid: Because of the smog in some areas, rain can be acidic. In particular, the sulfuric acid in that kind of rain can cause the fabric to yellow or discolor.

Rainwater Encourages Mold and Mildew Growth

Your suede may grow mold or mildew if it gets wet and isn’t properly dried out, which can weaken the fabric and leave a musty smell. If you wear an item that has mold or mildew, you could also experience health problems.

Wearing a moldy suede jacket, for instance, could cause you to inhale mold spores and have respiratory problems. Cleaning and drying wet suede items as soon as possible will help you avoid these issues.

Rain Causes Suede to Lose Its Shine

Suede has a distinct, alluring sheen that heightens the sense of luxury. But suede fibers can become dull and lose their shine when they are wet from rain. The material may have watermarks, which can ruin the look of the piece.

How to Fix Wet Suede Shoes?

You might be wondering if there is a way to repair suede footwear if it has gotten wet and dried. We’ll now walk you through the process of repairing wet and dry suede shoes.

Assess the Damage

Identifying the damage is the first step in restoring suede shoes that were wet and then dried. Look for any fading, water stains, or texture changes. It might be best to take the shoes to a professional cleaner or cobbler if they are seriously damaged. You can attempt to fix it yourself if the damage is only minor.

Brush the Suede

For the suede to regain its nap, brush it next. Brush the suede gently in one direction using a brush with soft bristles. Any dirt or dust that may have accumulated on the shoes can be removed with this. Make sure to brush the sides, the soles, and the entire shoe.

Rehydrate the Suede

Following a brushing, you can use a suede conditioner to rehydrate the suede. Utilizing a soft cloth, apply the conditioner and rub the suede in a circular motion. The suede’s natural oils will be restored, softening the material. Apply the conditioner uniformly throughout the entire shoe.

Remove Water Stains

A suede eraser can be used to eliminate water stains from suede footwear. Avoid over-rubbing or harming the suede by gently rubbing the eraser over the stain in a circular motion.

Try applying vinegar and water solution if the stain is particularly challenging. Apply the mixture to the stain with a soft cloth by combining equal parts white vinegar and water. Let the shoes dry after wiping the stain with a clean cloth to remove the solution.

Related: How to Get Oil Out of Suede?

Protect the Suede

Applying a water-repellent spray will help keep your suede shoes dry in the future. In order to help prevent water damage, this will put a barrier between the suede and the water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully and make sure to spray in a well-ventilated area.

Store the Suede Shoes

It’s critical to properly store suede shoes to maintain their best appearance. The suede can be harmed by storing them in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures. Instead, keep them out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry location. The shoes can also be stuffed with tissue paper to keep their shape.

The Bottom Line: Wearing Suede in Rain

Suede does not do well in rain, snow, or other wet weather conditions. It is best to keep suede items away from moisture at all costs, as it can result in stains, discoloration, and fabric damage.

After it has rained, suede shoes can be brushed to make them even after being dampened with water. Use a sponge or towel to blot up any extra water. While the shoe air dries on a breezy spot in the shade, keep it in shape by placing some paper inside.

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