How to buy and wear a leather jacket | men’s leather jacket guide

Author: Marc Leatherings

In every discerning gentleman's wardrobe, genuine leather jackets are a staple. In our article about leather jackets for men, we help you decide which type to buy and how to wear it.

There might be something brewing around you. There is rebellion in your veins which makes you reach into your wardrobe for that outfit. Perusing your options furiously until your tactile sense is overwhelmed by smell. The leather jacket is getting closer and closer. Once you reach it, you quickly pull it out of your wardrobe and quickly cover your torso. We have set the mood. This is a rebellion. Your hair is even slicked back. Sons of anarchy meets backstreet boys. Let's get rid of that visual. Yet you understand the point.

However, there is a question that remains, what happens if you own more than one leather jacket? You may also need to improve your wardrobe if you don't have any. Here you can find answers to all of these questions and more.

WHY WEAR A LEATHER JACKET

It looks badass, plain and simple. That kind of vibe is irresistible, right? Despite popular belief, leather jackets serve not only an aesthetic purpose but a very functional one, therefore, making them a very compelling addition to your wardrobe.

MASCULINE APPEARANCE

Leather coats do, however, connote masculinity first and foremost. Since the earliest days of human civilization, tough guys and alpha males have worn leather jackets. The best leather jacket comes from your animal conquests. Thanks to an oiled economy, Braveheart-like behavior is not necessitated to wear a leather jacket nowadays!

Although the rebel, the warrior, and the tough guy have mostly disappeared from our memory, the timeless notions linger on. The smooth, polished leather look, even sans spikes or studs, conjures associations of masculinity, toughness, and swagger.

PROTECTION

During the early 1900's we came to know leather jackets as we know them today. Air force pilots and military personnel alike wore brown leather jackets, particularly during World War I. Irving Schott, a Manhattan based raincoat manufacturer who designed a Harley Davidson motorbike jacket in 1928, introduced the contemporary leather jacket. Riders can use the jacket to protect themselves from the elements as well as accidents.

During the Second World War, the bomber leather jacket was renamed bomber because it was designed for use in open cockpits and favored for its warmth.

A leather jacket is the go-to item for motorcyclists for a reason. Despite the fact that it's not going to protect you completely from a sledgehammer accident on the pavement, it works better than denim or alternative clothes.

LONGEVITY AND DURABILITY

A leather jacket represents a rare antidote to the fast-fashion era. In addition to providing your wardrobe with a boost of versatility, a quality leather jacket will stand the test of time!

Fabric composition is the major benefit of leather over cloth. The fibers in leather are pressed together in one solid mat. Despite a deep cut, there is nothing to be unraveled. There will be a certain amount of damage to the fabric, but the remainder will remain intact.

Choosing the type of leather that is right for you will depend on both aesthetics and the functionality that you need. In terms of softness and smoothness, lambskin or calfskin are the right choices, but note that these types of leather are not as durable as a thick motorcycle leather jacket.

Choose a full grain product if you want the best quality and longevity. Even though these are considerably more expensive than other options, they use the highest quality hides. These jackets are not easily breakable, but the effort is worth it.

Top-grain leather is a great option if you are looking for something more affordable. To give the leather a uniform, even aesthetic, the natural skin has been sanded off and stamped.

Alternatives, such as polyurethane, can mimic leather without using real skins, if you would like something conscious or more affordable.