of Valet. School of  A Waterproofing Primer  It's one of the
most durable materials we wear. It's made to take a beating and
that kind of durability will often cost you. But when chosen
carefully and maintained properly, leather can be an investment
that will pay off for a lifetime.  That being said, nothing
damages leather quite like water—it saps the suppleness from the
skin and dries out the natural fibers, resulting in staining,
stretching and cracking if not treated. Thankfully, a few simple
steps will prevent moisture from permeating and eventually
ruining your leather. But we should start by getting one thing
straight: Waterproofing is something of a misnomer. You see, no
matter what you put on your leather, it will never be fully
waterproof. Water resistant is more like it. Protected, but not
impervious to the elements.  Before You Start Choose Your
Waterproofer  Make sure to test a small area before treating the
entire garment, bag or shoe. Pick a discreet spot—under a
jacket's arm, the side of the s