How Weather Affects Your Leather Motorcycle Jacket

jamesjordan
2 days ago
3 min read

Sun, Rain, Heat & Cold — Here’s What You Need to Know

Your motorcycle jacket isn’t just for style—it’s your armor against the elements. But over time, those same elements can turn your premium leather into cracked, faded, or sagging gear if you're not careful.

So how exactly does weather affect your leather motorcycle jacket, and what can you do to fight back?

Let’s break it down by climate conditions—so your jacket lasts longer, looks better, and performs right through every season.

☀️ Sun Exposure: Fade, Dry, and Crack

Riding under clear skies? Feels great. But that blazing sun is rough on leather.

Here’s what happens over time:

UV rays dry out the natural oils in leather
Color begins to fade—especially in black or dyed jackets
The leather becomes brittle and stiff, eventually cracking
Stitching can weaken and rot under direct UV exposure

Protect your jacket:

Use a UV-protective leather conditioner every few months
Store your jacket away from direct sunlight
Rotate your gear—don’t let one jacket soak up all the rays

Jackets like the Beck Northeaster Flying Togs Horsehide Jacket from Legendary USA are made with premium horsehide, which resists UV damage better than cheaper leathers—but still need protection.

🌧️ Rain and Moisture: Water Is Not Leather’s Friend

Unless your jacket is fully waterproof (rare for leather), rain is a big problem.

What moisture does:

Causes leather to swell and warp
Weakens structure, making it lose its shape
Can lead to mildew or mold if not dried properly
Washes out essential oils, leaving leather dull and weak

Protect your jacket:

Apply a leather waterproofing spray regularly (look for beeswax or silicone-based)
Carry a rain cover if storms are in the forecast
After getting wet, dry your jacket naturally—never with a hairdryer or heater
Recondition the leather after drying to restore lost oils

The Beck TM-777 Black Horsehide Jacket holds up better in the rain than most imports, but no leather is invincible. Protect it right.

🔥 Hot Weather & Heat: Over-Drying and Shrinkage

Summer heat does more than make you sweat—it can dry out your jacket’s leather faster than you think.

Heat damage looks like:

Leather becoming stiff and brittle
Warping around high-stress areas (elbows, cuffs)
Accelerated color fading
Loss of flexibility and natural finish

Protect your jacket:

Avoid leaving it in hot car trunks or direct sunlight
Hang it in a cool, ventilated space after your ride
Condition more frequently during hot months
Keep it zipped and shaped while storing to prevent distortion

❄️ Cold Weather: Stiff Leather and Separated Seams

Think leather is safe in winter? Think again.

Cold weather affects leather by:

Making it stiff and less flexible
Increasing the chance of seam cracking during movement
Promoting drying and flaking, especially if stored in dry heat (like garages)

Protect your jacket:

Before winter, apply a rich leather balm to preserve moisture
Store your jacket off the floor and away from heaters
Use a padded hanger to maintain its shape
Let it warm to room temp before wearing to prevent cracking

🧴 How to Keep Your Leather Motorcycle Jacket Weather-Ready

No matter what climate you ride in, proper care is the key to longevity.

Basic jacket maintenance routine:

Clean dirt and bugs off after rides with a damp cloth
Dry completely before storing if damp or wet
Condition every 2–3 months with a trusted leather balm
Waterproof as needed—especially if riding in wet climates
Inspect seams, zippers, and lining for damage regularly

High-end gear like the Beck 666 Distressed Horsehide Café Racer holds up well in weather—but only with the right maintenance. Think of your jacket like your bike: ignore it, and it’ll let you down. Care for it, and it’ll last a lifetime.

🧥 Legendary USA Jackets Are Built for the Elements—But Still Need You

Let’s be clear: not all leather jackets are created equal.

Cheap imports soak up rain, fade under sun, and fall apart after a few seasons.But American-made jackets from Legendary USA are crafted from premium horsehide or cowhide, designed for real riders, and hand-stitched to take the abuse of the road.

Check out: