What is popular one month may be forgotten the next in the fickle world of fashion. But, occasionally you come across clothing that is naturally resistant to changes in taste due to the season. One such item is the leather jacket, a style that has managed to defy the obedient march of fashion for well over a century.
Yet, having too many options might cause a decision-making impasse to develop quickly. And because a quality leather jacket will almost always need a sizable investment, it is advisable to conduct your homework before parting with your hard-earned money. Fortunately, assistance is available in the form of our thorough guide to men's leather jackets, which should make finding your next wardrobe partner a bit easier.
The Bomber Jacket In Leather
Remember the pilots of the early 20th century as you step off a long-haul trip; they endured open cockpits in what were essentially tin cans with wings. You may actually feel as though you've left your soul behind. The military created the bomber jacket and made it a standard issue for their pilots to give them some relief from the tough circumstances encountered at altitude.
Despite the fact that there have been many different types throughout the years, the bomber's prototype was the US Airforce's A-1 flight jacket, which was shown in 1927. It had a high-neck collar to ward off biting winds, ribbed woolen cuffs, and a button-fastening design with silk inside. The design was manufactured of cowhide. It was replaced by the A-2 in 1931, which had the extra advantage of a zip-fastening, making it slightly simpler for flyboys to scramble.
How To Put It On
The bomber is best worn with similarly casual clothing, such as knitted polos, plaid shirting, earthy-hued chinos, and on chilly days, a bulky roll-neck sweater. This is because the bomber is by nature casual due to its utilitarian beginnings. With a splash of flyboy bravado, yours will go with anything you wear it with.
Classic Leather Blazer
Even while tailoring is a fine thing in and of itself, add the extra luxury of leather, and you have something slightly different. The blazer is a relatively new invention in the history of leather coats, born more out of fashion than out of necessity, but we like to stay on top of changes.
A leather blazer, which naturally has some stretch and fluidity, fits better in a leaner shape due to its inherent flexibility.
How To Put It On
It's a look that looks good when worn formally, as with wide-leg wool pants and chunky-soled Derbies. Or in more relaxed circumstances while wearing slim-fit selvage jeans, slick sneakers, and retro-inspired eyewear.
The Leather Trucker's Jacket
The denim king Levi Strauss initially produced the Type III in 1962. It is recognized by its button-fastening chest pockets, contrast stitching, side fasteners, and slightly cropped length. The trucker moniker pays reference to its origins as the preferred jacket for HGV workers and technicians, but the type III's design has grown into the prototype for what many of us think of as the denim jacket, which refers to the fabric rather than the style. It shouldn't be surprising that it was mainly constructed from strong materials that could resist the rigors of life on the road, such as denim, corduroy, and of course, leather.
How To Put It On
Modern leather truckers unquestionably raise the bar for sophistication. This is supported by a cursory glance at the leather truckers currently available: they are close-cut and elegant enough to work with tailored wool pants and a silk shirt, but they also look equally good with black denim, folk jewelry, and tough-looking boots.
The Field Jacket In Suede
On a damp day, you might become devoted to your dependable Barbour field jacket, but it has a dressier relative that is an improvement over your waxy old friend. The "Parsons jacket," so named in honor of US Major General JK Parsons, who directed its creation, became the field jacket's regular issue for US Army personnel during World War II. It can be recognized by the abundance of pockets that are used to conceal extra ammunition and other fighting gear, although they are still practical for concealing keys, wallets, and phones during peacetime.
The field jacket fits naturally in a rural environment, as its name suggests, but when made of leather, it also appears at home on urban streets. A similarly sophisticated interpretation of the trend is offered by Milan-based Valstar, known for its cloud-soft leathers, in a richly hued suede with the kind of precise construction that would please military men. It's important to check for needless cuts and seams on larger leather coats, advises Mr. Fila. While flaws have been removed, smaller, lower-grade skins have been utilized on the body's surplus panels.
How To Put It On
The field jacket pairs well with neutral hues like white, khaki, and taupe, and if you want to play the urban GI, a dash of camouflage never hurts.
The Leather Motorcycle Vest
A black leather motorcycle jacket expresses anarchic cool unlike perhaps any other piece of clothing. The biker's role as a rebel icon was forever solidified when Mr. Marlon Brando wore one in 1953's The Wild One as bad lad Johnny Strabler. The Schott Perfecto jacket that Mr. Brando wore while riding on his Triumph Thunderbird was designed in 1928 by Mr. Irving Schott and has since become the standard for motorcycle leather.
The design offers value beyond its evident aesthetic benefits in terms of functionality as well. An asymmetric front-fastening zip serves two purposes: it keeps the chill out while you max out the throttle and prevents hardware from digging into your torso as you lean over the handlebars. Its close, aerodynamic cut is justified because a biker jacket should fit like a second skin and be form-fitting. When you're actually riding a motorcycle, it will seem sloppy and let the wind get into it if it's too loose.
Punk-inspired motorcycles from the Japanese label Blackmeans have a distinct modern rock 'n' roll sensibility. Mr. Yujiro Komatsu, the brand's originator, is particular about how a biker jacket fits. As you try it on, make sure your arms are free to move about and that the sleeve length, when the jacket is zipped up, sits comfortably on your wrist. Moreover, make sure the sleeve angle is still attractive when your hands are in the pockets.
Putting It On
A less-is-more philosophy is a wise strategy when it comes to styling because whatever item you choose to go for is a statement in and of itself. You'll seem tough and prepared for anything, even if you're just manning the bar at your neighborhood bar rather than hitting the road on a Harley. You can wear it over a clean white tee like Mr. Brando or a cashmere hoodie on milder days.
Things Which You Should Always Look For In Leather Jacket
Leather
As one might anticipate, one of the key elements in assessing if a leather jacket is a good investment is the hide from which it is produced. According to Mr. Fila, "excellent leather shouldn't feel too slick, glossy, or plasticky." You're looking at a rectified leather if it does.
Corrected leathers are typically severely dyed or sanded to cover up flaws and color variations in the hide, which ultimately reduces the leather's long-term durability. Due to its endurance, full-grain leather is sometimes regarded as the best; this can be seen from the leather's surface's natural, noticeable grain.
The quality of the hide used, however, also has a significant impact on how a leather jacket is made. Too many panels indicate a lack of attention to fall and drape as well as a low priority given to the sourcing of high-quality leather.
To preserve the garment in good condition over time, the stitching should be even and the thread thickness appropriate to the weight of the leather. Suede examination calls for a significantly distinct method. When touched, a suede of high quality ought to feel nearly silky. It has probably been treated if it feels dry and harsh or looks very matte.
Linings
Being wrapped in the finest hide you can find is great, but what about what's hidden beneath the surface? To improve breathability, higher-quality leather jackets may contain separate linings for the body and sleeves. Although linings can be made of a variety of materials, including nylon, cupro, viscose, and silk, it's important to consider whether they were manufactured with the same quality of workmanship as the rest of the jacket.
A clumsily printed internal lining may be a sign of a poor-quality garment. Given that there is too much extra fabric, it suggests improper material measurement. Even though this may seem like a small complaint, you don't want your jacket's lining to wear out while the exterior shell is still in fine condition.
There aren't many mechanics in clothing, but with a leather jacket, the zip is a significant element that needs to be taken into account. According to Mr. Fila, zippers should feel solid and zip up easily. As a result, brands may be tempted to economize there. A high-quality zip can cost up to ten times more than a less expensive one. Another helpful tip is to look for coats with double-ended zips since they provide additional styling options and are more comfortable because you can let the jacket out at the bottom when you sit down.
While selecting a jacket, consider the metal components as well. Every hardware, including zips, should have a unified look in terms of size, color, and style. It's evidence that the designer paid attention to the little things and used durable materials.
Taking Care Of Your Leather Jacket
So, you've made the decision to spend and press the button. But you must also know how to take care of it if you want your new prize leather to last a long time. Use a warm, slightly moist towel to routinely clean off your leather jacket to avoid a buildup of dust and debris.
Your leather item is losing its natural oils if it begins to crack. Use a leather conditioning treatment to handle this.
New suede or nubuck leather is usually better cared for. To keep your clothing from being harmed by water or oil, spritz it with a high-quality protector.
What can you do to remedy a stain in an emergency, even if you should get a leather item professionally cleaned?
Use a spoon to scoop out any extra solid materials, then a butter knife to smooth it out, and then a paper towel with light pressure to blot it up. The effectiveness of this phase depends on your ability to take your time.
Obtain two bowls. Warm water in one bowl should have a few drops of dishwashing liquid added to it. After sponging the solution onto the affected region, rinse the sponge out into the second bowl. Continue until the stain disappears.
If there are any lingering odors, store the jacket with a dish of baking soda in a cabinet to absorb the stench. But, avoid applying it directly to your jacket as this could harm the leather.