Rainy day handbag survival guide
Today, we’re diving into a topic that's very fitting for this season: how to choose and care for your handbags on rainy days.
Rainy weather in New York has definitely been unpredictable lately—gorgeous sunshine in the morning, thunderstorm by the afternoon. So I thought it’d be the perfect time to share some of my favorite tips for protecting your bags when the weather turns against us. Some might seem obvious, but I promise a few could surprise you!
1. Don’t risk your most precious bags
Let’s start with the golden rule: leave your most delicate, high-end bags at home on rainy days. If a bag makes you say, “Oh no, what if it gets wet?”—just don’t wear it. Go for something you wouldn’t be devastated to see get a little water on it.
2. How you carry your bag matters
Here’s a little personal trick: I always wear my bag on the same side I’m holding my umbrella—left arm, left hand. This keeps the bag centered under the umbrella and protected from the elements. Even with crossbody styles, I adjust so the bag sits on the left. It’s second nature now and has helped so much in keeping my bags dry.
3. Wipe your bag dry immediately
As soon as you’re back inside, wipe down your bag—don’t let water droplets sit. Over time, those drops can leave marks or permanently damage the leather. A simple microfiber cloth can do wonders.
4. Spray your bag with protectant
I highly recommend using a protective spray on your bags (and shoes) before venturing out in unpredictable weather. Two of my favorites:
Carbon Pro – This is top-tier and works wonders on smooth leather, suede, and more. I’ve seen it recommended for Chanel bags and shoes.
Kiwi Protect-All – Another trusted option, great for leather, suede, and even fabric.
Spraying your bags (especially if they have untreated leather like vachetta) gives you peace of mind.
5. Avoid these materials when raining
Just... don’t. When it’s wet out, skip:
Smooth and box leathers
Suede (even with spray—it’s too risky!)
Velvet and silk
Exotics like python or crocodile
Vachetta leather (hello water stains!)
6. Choose weather-resistant materials
If you want a stylish yet functional rainy-day bag, here are some great materials to consider:
Pebbled leather – Durable and slightly textured, making it more resistant to rain and scratches.
Coated canvas – Think Louis Vuitton’s Monogram, Burberry’s checked styles, or Goyard’s iconic prints.
Nylon – Super lightweight and practically waterproof. Plus, it’s easy to clean!
Fabric – Controversial, but hear me out! If the bag is small and sits close under your arm, it’s less likely to get soaked. And I’d often prefer damp fabric that will dry over damaged leather.
Rainy day bag recommendations
Let’s talk actual bags:
Polène bags – Their grainy pebbled leather is both chic and practical.
YSL Envelope Bag (in pebbled leather) – If you need something more elevated for an event or meeting, this is a solid option.
Longchamp Le Pliage – The ultimate rainy-day classic. It’s nylon with just a touch of leather (which you can spray!). It’s affordable, stylish, and goes with everything.
Prada Nylon Bags – Iconic and durable. I had one for years and it held up beautifully.
Fendi Fabric Bags – Especially their totes and baguettes. Lightweight and, if carried close under your arm, they’ll survive a few sprinkles just fine.
Bonus tip: opt for darker colors on rainy days. They’re less likely to show watermarks or stains and tend to match our moodier rainy-day wardrobes anyway.
I hope these tips help you navigate rainy days without sacrificing style or damaging your favorite pieces. If you have go-to bags you swear by for wet weather, I’d love to hear about them—feel free to share in the comments!
