While most leather jackets are made of cow’s hide, this isn’t the only material using in their construction. It’s not uncommon for antelope, deer, lamb or sheep hide to be used in leather jackets. Different hides offer different characteristics and qualities, which is why some men and women prefer alternatives to cow’s hide. Sheep hide, for instance, is softer and more supple, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Of course, there’s a reason why cow’s hide is the single most common material used in the construction of leather jackets: it’s strong, durable, comfortable and versatile. So if you can’t seem to choose between the different hides, stick with a leather jacket made of cow’s hide just to be on the safe side.
World War II Leather Jackets
Although they’ve been around for decades prior, it wasn’t until World War II when leather jackets really became popular. This was due to the fact that Air Force crew members were given leather jackets to help stay warm at high altitudes. Known as “bomber jackets,” they played a pivotal role in keeping pilots and other crew members warm during long flights at high altitudes. Even after the war was over, however, these leather bomber jackets remained popular and iconic garment in the world of fashion. Today, the bomber jacket continues to top the list as being one of the most popular styles of men’s jackets.
Specialty Motorcycle Leather Jackets
You might be surprised to learn that there are leather jackets designed specifically for motorcycle riders. Although they look similar to regular leather jackets, there are a few major differences that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Leather jackets for motorcycle riders are typically heavier and made with a thicker leather material than their counterpart. Some of them are even equipped with actual armor for added protection. The purpose of the thicker leather and added armor is to protect the rider from injury in the event of a crash or collision. Thousands of people die each year from motorcycle accidents in the United States. But wearing a protective leather jacket such as this can mitigate the risk of serious injury associated with a crash.
Leather Jackets in Movies
It wasn’t just the bomber jacket during World War II that made leather jackets such a popular choice of men’s outwear. This fashion trend was also attributed to leather jackets being worn by actors and actresses in big-name movies. Some notable titles in which leather jackets have been presented include The Terminator, The Matrix, and Fight Club just to name a few. Hollywood directly influences the world of fashion, more so than most people realize. With the leather jacket being presented in so many blockbuster titles, it’s no wonder why this garment is the preferred choice among men and women alike.
More than Brown
When most people think of a traditional leather jacket, the color brown is probably the first color that comes to mind. But that isn’t to say that leather jackets are not available in other colors. Brown has long been the standard choice of color for this garment, but there’s been a growing trend towards the use of other colors. Today, you can find leather jackets in wide variety of colors, ranging from brown and black to blue, yellow and even red. Opting for one of these alternative colors is a great way to differentiate yourself from the rest, although you’ll need to choose a color that matches and flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit. A red leather jacket, for instance, restricts your choice of clothing to similar, matching colors.
Not All Leather Jackets are Made Equal
Don’t assume that all leather jackets are made the same. Even if two leather jacket appear to look the same, there’s probably subtle nuances in the construction and overall quality. Some companies, for instance, cut corners by using cheap, low-quality hide when constructing their leather jackets. Unfortunately for the consumer, this reduces the average lifespan of the jacket, as elements like wind, UV sunlight and moisture degrade the jacket. But not all companies are out to make a quick buck. Some companies emphasize quality when constructing their leather jackets. By ordering your leather jacket here at LeatherCult, you can rest assured knowing that you are getting the highest quality leather on the market. Best of all, you can specify your own measurements during checkout, meaning your jacket will fit your body perfectly.
Steer Clear of Faux Leather
Another problem associated with low-quality leather jackets is the potential for faux (fake) leather. Faux leather typically consists of one or more synthetic materials that resembles the appearance and characteristics of real leather. But ask any seasoned leather worker and he or she will agree: there’s no substitution for the real thing. Faux leather lacks the softness, comfort, strength, and style of real leather. The bottom line is that you should stick with a 100% genuine leather jacket if you’re going to buy one.
Leather Jackets are Low Maintenance
It’s a common assumption that leather requires extensive work to clean and maintain, but this statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Being that it’s made of animal hide, leather is naturally resistant to dirt and dust. In the event that it does become dirty, you can usually clean it simply by wiping the surface with a damp washcloth. In terms of maintenance, the only steps needed to maintain a leather jacket is conditioning it once every couple of months. A conditioning product like Saddle Soap moisturizes leather, keeping it soft and supple. Be warned, though, overuse of conditioning products may do more harm than good, as too much moisture saturates leather while contributing to mold and mildew.
As you can see, there’s more to the leather jacket than meets the eye. This classic and equally versatile garment has origins dating back more than hundred years. It was even worn by World War II pilots and crew members to keep warm at high altitudes.