A suede jacket is a wardrobe staple that blends elegance with attitude. Your polished look would be lacking one very soft touch without a suede jacket.

The only concern with suede is its delicacy. Rain can then splash on your favorite jacket to become a patchy mess.

For this very reason, you must learn how to waterproof your suede jacket, not only for the sake of its longevity but also to always have your style game strong.

1. Purchase a Quality Suede Jacket

Start with a quality jacket made from premium suede. The Marco Enzolani Suede Collection offers top-tier craftsmanship using responsibly sourced materials, ensuring your jacket has both the beauty and durability needed to stand the test of time.

2. Use a Waterproofing Spray 

Apply a suede-specific waterproofing spray on your jacket before wearing it out, even before the first time you wear it. Look for a product that’s:

• Silicone-free (to avoid discoloration)

• It is specially designed for suede or nubuck.

• Breathable (to maintain the texture)

• Apply two light coats of the product and dry it between each layer. Then reapply every 4–6 weeks, depending on whether you wear it or not.

3. Don’t Wear It in Heavy Rain

A waterproofing spray prevents moisture, but suede is only 100% waterproof. If it is saying heavy rain, it is better to swap it for something that is more weather-friendly. Fear not, you’ll still be wearing sharp, and your suede will give you a thank you.

4. Blot—Don’t Rub—If It Gets Wet

Accidentally caught in a drizzle? Don’t rub—this will cause the water to sink deeper and your suede to end up looking ruined (that suede’s surface texture). Fill the jacket with paper to give it shape and allow it to dry naturally.

Related search: Easy Guide: Wash Your Suede Jacket at Home

5. Keep Texture with a Suede Brush

Waterproofing itself will not make a suede feel or look better, but regular brushing will keep the suede looking velvety. Buy yourself a double-ended suede brush so the soft side is to brush in for working on general upkeep, and the rubber side to use on tougher marks.

6. Steam Lightly to Restore Shape and Texture

Once your suede is dry, your suede will feel a little stiff, too. Brush and then hold the jacket over steam (not too close!) for 15–30 seconds. It revives the nap and makes it look luxurious.

7. Store It Properly

And never shove a suede jacket up in the cramped closet. Please keep it in a breathable garment bag and hang it on a broad, padded hanger. Do not use plastic covers that trap moisture, which can damage the material.

8. Utilise Professional Cleaning when required

Ignore DIYing your jacket if there is water damage or major stains. You can bring it to a specialist cleaner who specializes in suede. For such an eternal piece of suede, it’s a small investment for you.

9. Avoid Oily Products Near Suede

Suede absorbs oil like a sponge, so any hand creams, perfumes or hair products should be used with care. These can stain your jacket, and it makes waterproofing ineffective. Such products should always be applied before putting on your jacket, and should dry properly.

10. Test first on a Small Area

Before coating the entire jacket with waterproof spray or cleaner, test it somewhere hidden (like inside the cuff or the collar) first. This also helps keep the discoloration, which is undesirable with lighter shades when dealing with suede.