There’s no denying the fact that leather jackets are a timeless, stylish choice of men’s outerwear. With origins dating back to World War II, they embody a certain uniqueness that’s found elsewhere. Perhaps this is why leather jackets remain one of the most popular styles of jackets, even after all of those years. Regardless, you really can’t go wrong with a genuine 100% leather men’s jacket. But like all areas of fashion, it’s important to familiarize yourself with current trends. Some leather jacket styles are slowing going the way of the dinosaur, while others are becoming more popular. So, what leather jacket trends can you expect to see more of this year?
Black Leather
Black leather isn’t a new option. On the contrary, companies have been producing leather jackets and other leather goods in black for decades now. With that said, there’s been a growing trend towards the use of black leather jackets. There’s just something naturally appealing with black leather. Traditionally, leather has been made in brown, tan and beige colors. All three of these colors are excellent choices, especially if you plan on wearing similar-colored footwear. However, black is a viable alternative that men should consider when choosing a leather jacket. Black leather jackets offer a slightly more formal appearance, making them ideal for the workplace. Furthermore, they tend to age more gracefully than their brown counterparts, which is another reason why they are preferred.
Bomber Jacket
If you keep up with leather jacket styles, you may notice an increase in the number of bomber jackets. As the name suggests a leather bomber jacket is the same style worn by pilots and crew members during World War II. These jackets typically featured a genuine leather exterior with a soft lining, such as wool, for the interior. The soft interior was designed to protect the wearer from cold, which was a common problem during high-altitude flights back then due to the lack of internal cabin heating systems. While modern-day planes now feature internal heating systems, many men prefer the classic look of the bomber jacket. It’s a great all-around style that you can wear for either casual or formal occasions. And best of all, it’s designed with an emphasis on comfort, meaning you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be warm and cozy while wearing it.
White Undershirt
Who says you have to wear a fancy dress shirt underneath your leather jacket? This is certainly an option from which to choose, but another option is to wear a basic all-white t-shirt. Assuming it’s a high-quality white t-shirt that’s pressed and not wrinkled, this creates the perfect casual look. You can easily create this style with little effort. Simply wear a white t-shirt underneath a traditional black leather jacket (black works best for this look). The white and black creates a contrasting appearance that really enhances your outfit. So, the next time you struggle to find something to wear, grab a white t-shirt and black leather jacket.
Leather Long Coat
Another trend in men’s leather jacket fashion is the use of longer styles, such as the characteristic leather long coat. As the name suggests, a leather long coat is “longer” than your standard-length jacket. It often extends past the thighs or knees, offering a more unique appearance. Leather long coats are made in the same 100% high-quality leather as standard-length jackets. The only difference is the longer length. With the leather long coat extending farther than its counterpart, it’s generally preferred for the cold fall and winter months. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can only wear it during this time of year. Rather, it’s a good idea to choose a leather long coat over a shorter standard-length coat when it’s particularly cold outside.
High-Quality Leather
Just because two jackets are made of 100% leather doesn’t mean they are of equal quality. We’ve talked about this before on our blog, but it’s worth mentioning again that there are more than a dozen different types of leather, all of which vary in quality. Pure NAPA sheep skin leather, for instance, is often considered the highest quality. It’s soft and supple, yet still incredibly strong. If you want a leather jacket that’s going to last, consider NAPA sheep skin for this very reason. There are several other high-quality types of leather, though, so don’t feel restricting to only choosing NAPA sheep skin. Look at the overall jacket and its construction to determine whether or not it was made with “quality” craftsmanship.
Custom Sizing
The old days of spending hours trying to find a leather jacket are long gone (thankfully). If you want to a leather jacket that fits just right, you can now order it with custom sizing. All of the leather jackets sold here at LeatherCult, for instance, offer custom sizing at no additional charge. When ordering your jacket, simply include your body measurements, which we’ll use to make the perfect-fitting jacket. This takes the burden of crossing your fingers and hoping you find the perfect size off your shoulders. Just include your measurements when ordering, and you’ll receive a leather jacket that fits just right. There’s no easier way to find the perfect fit than by ordering your leather jacket here at LeatherCult.
These are just a few of the top “trending” leather jacket styles. The truth is that no one can predict exactly what’s in store for leather jackets this year. We may see new styles emerge, and we may see some old styles go. But one thing that’s for certain is leather jackets are here to stay. They’ve been around for nearly a century, offering the perfect balance of style and comfort. For these reasons and others, it’s safe to say that leather jackets are a great choice of outwear among men and women alike. If you need help choosing a leather jacket, check out some of our previous posts on the Leather Cult blog.