Caring for leather.

cr0w

Hey guys, I've just recently discovered a love for all things hat-related, and got myself a fine leather hat imported from Australia for both work and casual purposes. Just got it in yesterday, in fact. Problem is, I was wearing it at work (I work outside all day every day) and it started raining before I could get to cover and my hat got a decent soaking. There are, of course, bubbles now on the brim, many of which I was able to smooth out with some conditioning oil and just letting it dry on its own.

My question is, being fairly ignorant when it comes to the care of leather garments, will rain generally ruin leather if I end up working in it while wearing the hat or will it eventually just age and weather enough to where the rain won't affect it anymore? I'd hate to have to not wear it to work since I bought it specifically for that purpose, but I don't want to ruin it before I've had a chance to really enjoy it. I also sweat a hell of a lot, being that I live in Houston, so that's another issue.

Any help/advice/products that can be offered would be greatly appreciated.

MushroomStick

I suppose you could probably scotch guard it if you're that worried about it.

oldsak

I use mink oil on my boots. It will probably work on your hat as well.

zilo

You can make leather water resistant to various degrees but it's nigh impossible to make it fully waterproof. Eventually it will get beat up enough that you won't notice the (new) stains but it's not going to stop absorbing contaminants as it ages, it'll just get so full of crud that new crud won't show up as much.

Especially considering the sweat issue, I wouldn't wear it all day at work. Sweat is quite salty and will leave nasty white stains.

cr0w

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm generally considering wearing it during the mornings before it gets too hot, then switching to my straw hat. I've just wanted a nice, quality Crocodile Dundee-style hat since I was little and now I want to fucking wear it everywhere.

I have some Bick-4 leather conditioner I've rubbed in as well as some Kiwi leather protectant I applied this afternoon. Guess the most important thing now is to be vigilant. Thanks again for the help guys, I do appreciate it.

Daemonion

I use Montana Pitch Blend.

It is a combination of bee's wax, mink oil, and pine pitch. All natural-stuff, and works great. Using oils can darken your leather permanently, but I happen to like the look of well worn, well-oiled leather. This particular combo makes my leather boots pretty water resistant. I re-apply at least once a month.

Use a warm, damp cloth, wipe down your hat, and let it dry before applying any oils.

cr0w

Thanks for that. The hat is black leather, so I can't say I'm worried about the leather darkening. Just want to protect it.