Will rain ruin suede?

Suede is a soft, fuzzy material made from the underside of animal hides, and it’s known for being more delicate than other types of leather. When it comes to rain, the answer is: rain can damage suede if not handled properly, but it doesn’t always ruin it completely.

When suede gets wet in the rain, the first thing that happens is the fibers absorb water. This makes the suede look darker, and the texture becomes heavy or matted. If the rain is light and the suede only gets a little wet, it might dry out without too much damage. But if it gets soaked in heavy rain, the risks are higher. The water can cause the suede fibers to swell. As they dry, they might shrink unevenly, leading to the material looking wrinkled or distorted. For example, a suede shoe that gets caught in a heavy rainstorm might dry with creases or a misshapen toe, making it look old or ill-fitting.

Rainwater can also leave stains on suede. Even if the water itself is clean, when it dries, it can pull dirt or oils from the surface of the suede into small spots. These spots are called “water stains” and can be hard to remove. They make the suede look patchy, with lighter or darker areas where the water dried. If the rain is dirty, like in a city with pollution, the water can carry dirt particles that stick to the wet suede fibers, leaving more obvious stains that are even harder to clean.

Another problem is that wet suede becomes more fragile. The fibers are softer and easier to damage when wet. If you rub or scrub the wet suede to dry it, you might break the fibers or push dirt deeper into the material. This can make the texture rough or fuzzy in a messy way, instead of the smooth, even fuzz that suede is known for. Over time, repeated exposure to rain can make the suede lose its natural oils, which keep it soft and flexible. This can make the suede dry out, crack, or become stiff, especially if it’s not cared for properly after getting wet.

But rain doesn’t have to ruin suede if you act quickly. If your suede item gets wet, gently blot it with a clean, dry cloth to soak up excess water—don’t rub it. Then let it air dry in a cool, shaded place away from direct heat, like a heater or sunlight. Once it’s dry, you can use a suede brush to gently fluff up the fibers and restore its texture. Using a suede protector spray before getting it wet can also help repel water, making it less likely to soak up rain and get damaged.

In short, rain can damage suede by causing shrinkage, stains, or texture changes, but with quick and careful handling, you can often prevent permanent ruin. Taking steps to protect suede before it gets wet and treating it gently when it does get wet are key to keeping it looking good.