In the market for a new leather jacket? There’s no denying the fact that genuine leather jackets are an excellent all-around choice for men and women alike. They’ve been worn for over a century, and even today they remain one of the world’s most popular jacket styles. But fashion designers are now including subtle features and accessories in their leather jackets to make their products stand out. So before purchasing a new jacket, consider the following features.
Quilting
What in the world is quilting and why you should you choose a leather jacket with this feature? Quilting is a construction process that involves the combination of two or more layers of cloth, often separated by a third layer of padded material like cotton or wool. The purpose of quilting is to make the jacket both thicker and softer, which is particularly useful for those cold winter months. When the mercury drops and you need a thick jacket to stay warm, there’s no better choice than a quilted leather jacket. The additional layer of material will insulate your body from the cold weather, keeping you warm and comfortable. Of course, quilted leather jackets aren’t for everyone. If you ride a motorcycle, for instance, you may prefer a traditional leather jacket without quilting since it’s thinner and offers greater mobility.
Hood
A second feature to look for when choosing a leather jacket is a hood. Like quilting, hoods are best suited for cold weather environments. When mother nature throws you a curve ball with sub-freezing temperatures, a hooded leather jacket can prove invaluable in keeping you warm. It will cover your ears, neck and face, protecting you from the elements. It’s also worth noting that hoods are usually made of a different material instead of leather. This is actually beneficial, as cotton or other traditional fabrics are better suited for moisture, allowing them to withstand the elements without succumbing to damage. If you’re looking for a leather jacket that’s going to keep your warm and comfortable all year round, consider a hooded leather jacket for this very reason.
Buttons or Zipper?
Most leather jackets feature buttons or a zipper as closing mechanism. While they both serve the same basic purpose — to close the jacket and insulate the wearer — there are subtle nuances between them that shouldn’t be ignored. Zippers, for instance, are often easier to use and provide greater protection from the elements. However, some of the cheap, low-quality leather jackets on the market may use equally cheap zippers in their construction. And chances are you’ve used a jacket with a cheap zipper at some point in your life. They are not only difficult to zip up and down, but they can become stuck. The good news is that you can rest assured knowing that all of the zipper jackets sold here at LeatherCult are made with the highest quality zippers and craftsmanship, eliminating this otherwise problematic headache from occurring.
Wool Sleeves
If you really want to venture away from the norm, consider choosing a leather jacket with wool sleeves. Some people assume that leather jackets are only made of leather, but this isn’t necessarily true. Traditionally, leather jackets have been made with 100% leather, but fashion designers have since begun to experiment with other materials in their construction. One such material is wool, which is often used as lining for the sleeves of a leather jacket. Not surprisingly, wool-lined sleeves provide greater warmth and comfort for the wearer. Is a leather jacket with wool-lined sleeves the right choice for you? I guess it depends on your personal style and preference, although many people enjoy the ultra-soft texture of this material.
Collar
Pay close attention to the collar when choosing a leather jacket. How big is the collar? Does it contour to the shape of your neck? From what material is it made? These are all questions that you should try to answer. Leather jackets are made with a variety of different collar styles, some traditional and some not. This is a rather small feature when compared to others like the sleeves, but it’s still an essential component in a leather jacket. A good collar will have a positive impact on both the appearance and comfort of the jacket.
Built-in Belt
You might be surprised to learn that some leather jackets feature a built-in belt. As shown in the image above, these belts are located around the waist to provide greater security and strength. Bikers in particular will benefit from the use of a leather jacket with a built-in belt. Whether you are a biker or not, though, this is one innovative feature that you should keep your eyes peeled for.
Pockets
Of course, you should also consider both the quantity and placement of pockets that a leather jacket has before buying it. It’s frustrating when you need to store something, only to realize that your jacket doesn’t have pockets. The good news is that many leather jackets are designed with multiple pockets. These pockets may be located on the left and right side, just above the waist. Or in some cases, they are found in the breast area. Regardless, check to see how many pockets the leather jacket has, and where these pockets are located.
These are just a few features to look for when choosing a leather jacket. Most importantly, though, make sure you choose a genuine leather jacket and not a fake/faux leather jacket. Genuine leather is softer, more supple, and has a certain shiny appearance that cannot be reproduced with synthetic materials. It’s also more comfortable to wear, making it the preferred choice among fashion-conscious men and women. All of the leather jackets sold here at LeatherCult are made with genuine leather, so you don’t have to worry about faux leather materials being used in their construction.
To recap, you some of the features to consider in a leather jacket include quilting, hoods, zippers or buttons, collars, built-in belts, wool sleeves and pockets. Check for all of these features to help find the perfect jacket for your needs.