Style guide, outfits and inspiration
No men’s wardrobe is truly complete without a tried and true leather jacket. This classic garment has stood the test of time, remaining popular in men’s fashion for over a century.
Leatherworking is an ancient craft whose traditions predate modern fashion, but the leather jackets we know today became popular at the turn of the 20th century. Despite the evolution of materials and construction over the years, the leather jacket remains true to its original form. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create men’s leather jacket outfits that are sure to impress!
Much like buying a nice suit, investing in a leather jacket is seen by many as a symbol of masculinity. While a real leather jacket can be quite a significant investment, if properly cared for, it will always last. In this guide to leather jackets for men, you will not only learn how to wear a leather jacket, but also how to find the style and quality of leather that suits you and fits your budget.
Types of leather
Cowhide leather, which is made from the skin of a cow, is by far the most widely used type of leather for clothing. Suede and nubuck are also commonly found, leathers with an embossed surface. Suede is soft and supple, while nubuck aims to provide strength and durability.
Patent leather is a leather covered with a plastic lacquer to create an elegant and shiny finish. Although much less common, you can also see suede, alligator, goat and pork leather.
Vegan leathers and faux leathers have come a long way in recent decades. Today, these cruelty-free alternatives are more popular than ever. It is important to remember that these plastic-based textiles are not always made in a sustainable manner and their quality can vary widely.
While it is sometimes difficult to tell the faux leather from the real one, more often the faux leather looks too perfect or uniform.
How to determine the quality of leather?
When spending a few hundred dollars on a leather jacket, you definitely want to be sure you get your money’s worth. There are four types of leather commonly used in clothing: full grain leather, upper leather, corrected leather, and bonded leather.
First of all, it’s important to understand that grain refers to the top layer of the skin, which can have blemishes due to scars, marks, insect bites, and other stains.
We speak of full grain leather when all of the grain is left intact, which means that all imperfections are still visible. Despite its imperfections, this type of leather is more desirable (and therefore more expensive) due to its durability.
The leather is said to be “full grain” if it has been corrected in any way. Typically, this involves buffing a thin layer on top of the grain to remove imperfections.
Corrected leather, also called genuine leather, is inferior leather. It tends to be stronger and less breathable because the surface is often painted or embossed after sanding to create a more crisp finish.
Bonded leather is made from the leftover pieces of the skin, making it the lowest quality (and lowest price). The pieces are glued together and enhanced using synthetic additives like polyurethane or latex, and manufacturers are not required to disclose the percentage of actual leather in the fabric.
The leather jacket trend
Leather biker jacket
The leather motorcycle jacket we know and love today was originally designed for Harley Davidson in 1928. The thick fabric protected riders from minor accidents and inclement weather, and the cropped style made the garment more comfortable to wear. wear while driving. Throughout history, this style has continued to be associated with avant-garde subcultures like the Greasers and punks.
It has also been undeniably prevalent in pop culture. You will recognize it on Marlon Brando in The Wild One, on John Travolta and his gang in Grease and on the British punk group The Sex Pistols. Today, it has arguably become the most popular style of leather jacket in mainstream fashion. The motorcycle jacket is a universal classic, to say the least.
Motorcycle jackets have a shorter cut, often with a thick belt with metal buckles. This style features an off-center front zipper, layered cuffs and front zippered pockets. They usually feature lots of metallic details such as shoulder pads, buckles, snaps and exposed zippers. You can also see this style referred to as a jumper, which has a front zipper, or a double jumper, which has two. It can also be called Perfecto, the brand name of the original Harley Davidson styling.
Aviator leather jacket
Brown leather bomber jackets were originally worn by pilots in WWI. This classic style gained its iconic status when it was worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Today, bomber jackets have gained in popularity, both in leather and in other fabrics such as satin or wool.
Patrouille de France – Redskins
RAFAL YCON Black
Patrouille de France jacket
Bomber jacket
Bomber jackets were originally created for pilots with a shearling lining to keep them warm. Today both pilots and ordinary men wear this jacket, which is both practical and fashionable. This is a must have for winter, because it will keep you toasty warm while giving you a killer look. Don’t go overboard with overlays. Keep it simple and contemporary with plain pants and lightweight knitwear.
Schott
LC1259H Brown
Men’s brown sheep bomber jacket with hood
Pilot leather jacket
When motorcycle racing became popular after World War II, riders wanted a clean, minimalist style that offered them protection without getting in the way. The popularity of Racer jackets has remained constant due to their simplicity and versatility. Although this style is simpler than other leather jackets, it is a great choice for men who are looking for a piece that will remain in fashion for many years to come.
Daytona 73
ELIO Black
Men’s bison lambskin jacket
These jackets are defined by minimal details – a central front zipper, side pockets and a band collar – and a slimmer fit. These jackets are flattering for a wide range of body types, especially for men with broad shoulders. Due to their simplicity, it is important that a racer jacket fits perfectly.
In summary…
The leather jacket is a classic and versatile garment that has been in fashion since the dawn of time and will never go out of style. If you don’t already have one, this is a must-have piece that is missing from your wardrobe. This jacket expresses bold statements about your style choice, so be sure to pick the right one for you. If you’re looking for advice on which one to choose, look no further. This guide on how to wear a leather jacket will help you determine which one is right for you.
