Are leather motorcycle gloves waterproof?

Untreated full-grain leather is water-resistant but not waterproof. It resists light rain and brief wet exposure well, but will soak through in heavy rain. DWR (durable water repellent) treatments significantly improve water resistance without affecting the leather's breathability or feel.

What should I do if my leather gloves get soaked in rain?

Allow them to air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat. Stuffing loosely with newspaper can help maintain shape. Once fully dry, apply a quality leather conditioner — water leaches out natural oils and conditioning replaces them.

Are waterproof leather gloves a good choice for rain?

Waterproof liner gloves (with a membrane like Gore-Tex inside) provide excellent wet-weather protection but sacrifice some breathability and tactile feel. For heavy-rain climates, a waterproof-lined pair as your wet-weather glove is a worthwhile investment alongside your regular leather pair.

How Leather Gloves Handle Rain and Wet Conditions

Q: How can I make leather motorcycle gloves more water-resistant?

Apply a DWR spray or leather waterproofing treatment such as Sno-Seal to the exterior. These create a hydrophobic surface that causes water to bead and run off. Reapply every few months or whenever the water-beading effect diminishes.

jamesjordan
Jun 26
2 min read

How Leather Motorcycle Gloves Handle Rain and Wet Conditions

Rain doesn't have to end your ride — but it does test your leather motorcycle gloves in ways that dry weather doesn't. Here is how leather performs in wet conditions and how to protect your gloves so they perform their best when it matters.

How Leather Performs in Rain

Full-grain leather has natural water resistance due to its tight fiber structure and natural oils. Light rain beads up and runs off well-maintained leather. In prolonged heavy rain, the leather will eventually saturate and let water through — though this takes longer with quality full-grain leather than with lower-grade alternatives. Once saturated, the leather feels heavier and slightly stiffer until it dries.

The Most Important Step: Proper Drying

Getting caught in rain doesn't hurt leather if you dry it correctly. Air dry at room temperature away from any heat source — radiators, dryers, or direct sun. Heat causes wet leather to stiffen permanently. Stuff gloves loosely with newspaper to help maintain shape as they dry. Never microwave or oven-dry leather.

Conditioning After Wet Exposure

Water carries natural oils out of leather as it evaporates. After any significant wet exposure, apply a quality leather conditioner once the gloves are fully dry. This step is what prevents rain from degrading your leather over time. Riders who skip post-rain conditioning are the ones whose gloves crack and dry out prematurely.

Improving Water Resistance

DWR sprays and waterproofing products like Sno-Seal beeswax treatment create a hydrophobic surface that causes water to bead and run off. Apply every few months or whenever the water-beading effect diminishes. These treatments don't eliminate wet-through in heavy rain but significantly delay it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are leather gloves waterproof?

Water-resistant but not waterproof. DWR treatment improves resistance significantly without sacrificing breathability or feel.

What to do if gloves get soaked?

Air dry at room temperature, stuff with newspaper to maintain shape, then condition once fully dry.

How to make leather gloves more water-resistant?

Apply a DWR spray or Sno-Seal wax treatment. Reapply every few months.

Are waterproof leather gloves worth it?

For heavy-rain climates, a waterproof-lined pair as your wet-weather option is worthwhile alongside regular leather gloves.

Ride Through Rain, Maintain the Leather

Proper wet-weather care keeps your American-made leather motorcycle gloves in excellent condition season after season. Shop our collection and gear up for whatever the weather brings.