Leather jackets constantly rank as one of the most popular forms of outerwear. They’ve been around since the early 20th century, during which they were by airplane pilots and crewmen. Their thick leather construction offers a higher level of thermal insulation — and therefore more heat — than coats and jackets made of thinner, less-insulative materials.
In recent years, however, there have been dozens if not hundreds of new leather jacket styles released. While there’s nothing wrong with choosing a modern leather jacket such as this, many men and women prefer the timeless appearance of classic leather jackets. If you fall under this category, consider the seven following tips on how to choose a classic leather jacket.
1) Brown or black
For a classic appearance, choose a leather jacket featuring either brown or black. When leather jackets were first invented, they were manufactured almost exclusively in these two colors. Over the years, brown and black have remained the most popular colors for leather jackets. They are timeless, easy on the eyes, and flow cohesively with most other colors and patterns. As a result, you can’t go wrong with a brown or black leather jacket, especially if you’re trying to achieve a classic appearance.
2) Simple fastening
If you look at examples of some of the world’s first leather jackets, you’ll probably notice they all have a simple fastening mechanism. Although there are exceptions, most either have a single column of buttons lining the front, or they have a zipper on the front. Regardless, simple fastening mechanisms such as these are recommended. They are easy to use, and most importantly, offer a classic appearance.
3) Genuine leather construction
In the past, all leather jackets were made of genuine leather. In other words, they were made of the same fake or faux leather from which many modern leather jackets are made. Therefore, you should choose a leather jacket made of genuine leather if you’re looking to achieve a classic appearance.
With that said, not all genuine leather is the same. Some types of genuine leather are better than others. Napa leather, for instance, is regarded as being the highest-quality type of leather because of its exceptionally fine grain, which tends to make it softer and more supple than other types of leather.
4) Consider a hooded style
Some people assume that hooded leather jackets are new, but this isn’t necessarily true. They’ve actually been around for decades, making them a viable option to consider if you’re looking to achieve a classic style. The Hooded Leather Jacket #510 sold here at LeatherCult, for example, features an attached hood for a superior level of warmth. When the weather gets cold, you can simply pull the hood over your head. Combined with its napa leather construction, it’s an incredibly warm and stylish jacket that’s perfect for men and women of all ages.
Hooded leather jackets are particularly versatile because you can wear them year-round. Some people assume that hooded leather jackets can only be worn during the winter months, but this isn’t true. While you can certainly wear a hooded leather jacket during the winter, you can always wear it during the spring, summer or fall months. If it’s hot outside, just pull down the hood so that it doesn’t cover your head.
5) Steer clear of unconventional styles
Avoid purchasing a leather jacket in an unconventional style. What does this mean exactly? Well, when shopping for a new leather jacket, you’ll probably discover that some feature unique or otherwise uncommon styles. If you’re looking to make a fashion statement, you can experiment with a leather jacket in an unconventional style. But if you’re trying to create a classic appearance, it’s best to choose a leather jacket in a conventional style.
Conventional leather jacket styles usually share the following characteristics:
- A smooth and clean front
- Basic style that reflects the styles of early-generation leather jackets
- Made entirely of genuine leather
- An appropriate length that usually stops around your waist
- A simple fastening mechanism
Regardless of which leather jacket style you choose, it’s important to check the care tag to determine exactly how much work, as well as time, is required to clean and maintain it. Leather jackets are pretty low maintenance when compared to other forms of outerwear. Nonetheless, you’ll still have to invest some time and attention to clean and maintain a leather jacket. On the care tag, you’ll find instructions from the manufacturer on how to clean and maintain it.
6) Look for pockets
Don’t forget to look and see if a leather jacket has pockets before purchasing it. Some leather jackets are designed with pockets, whereas are not. If a leather jacket has pockets, you’ll typically find them on the front. There might be one pocket on each of the front sides of the jacket, which you can use to store and carry small items.
If a leather jacket doesn’t have pockets, you won’t be able to store or carry small items in it. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a leather jacket without pockets — you just need to wear pants or trousers with pockets. Nonetheless, you should still look for pockets when choosing a classic leather jacket.
7) Make sure it fits
You probably won’t wear your leather jacket very often, or at all for that matter, if it doesn’t fit properly. After all, jackets aren’t comfortable unless they fit right. If your leather jacket is too small, it will feel tight and constricting. If it’s too big, it will feel baggy and loose. Regardless, you won’t get much use out of your leather jacket if it doesn’t fit.
The Conclusion
To ensure your classic leather jacket fits, consider ordering it from LeatherCult. Whether you choose a brown or black classic leather jacket, you can rest assured knowing that it will fit. We offer custom sizing on all our leather jackets, including classic styles, at no additional charge.