So, you've made the decision to buy a leather jacket and now you're faced with the task of trying to wear it. Let me first congratulate you on your decision to buy a leather jacket. This classic garment will offer countless years of enjoyment, assuming you take the necessary steps to care for it. With that said, however, many men and women feel lost when trying to wear one for the first time. Because of its unique style, a leather jacket requires a different approach than other jackets and coats. In this post, we're going to reveal some helpful tips on how to look your best when sporting a leather jacket.

Choose the Right Style

First and foremost, it's important that you choose the right style. Leather jackets are available in countless styles, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The moto style, for instance, features a snug fit with a zipper on the front and optional pockets on the side. Also known as cafe racer jackets, they offer a basic style with limited details. Some people prefer the simplicity of the moto style, but others want a more unique and visually appealing style. If you fall under the latter category, you may want to choose the double rider motorcycle style leather jacket.  It features more buttons, zippers, pockets, and sometimes even a built-in belt. Of course, the most popular style in which leather jackets are made is the bomber style. This was the original style worn by aviation pilots more than a century ago. And since then, little has changed. The bomber jacket features a snug but comfortable fit, two pockets on the front, and a fur-lined interior for increased warmth.

Match Jacket with Shoes

Regardless of which style leather jacket you prefer, a good rule of thumb is to match the color of your jacket with your shoes (or other footwear). In other words, if you're wearing a black leather jacket, for instance, you should also wear black shoes. Or if you're wearing a brown leather jacket, you should wear brown shoes. Doing so ensures a cohesive appearance in which your outfit flows together. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however, one of which being the use of bright colors. While brown and black are the most common colors in which leather jackets are made, you can find leather jackets available in nearly every color under the sun. If you plan on wearing a bright color like yellow, you may have trouble finding a pair of yellow shoes -- and that's okay. Just remember to choose a color that matches with the rest of your outfit, even if it differs from the color of your leather jacket.

Leave it Unzipped (or Unbuttoned)

If you're looking to create a stylish appearance, you should leave your leather jacket unzipped or unbuttoned. Doing so will provide more options to customize your appearance. For instance, you can wear a shirt or top that contrasts with the color of your leather jacket. Wearing a black leather jacket with a white shirt is a common and popular outfit sported by both men and women alike. The white shirt is emphasized against the dark black jacket, creating a stunning appearance that's sure to turn heads. The only time when you should zip/button your leather jacket is when you are cold and want added warmth. Whether your jacket has a zipper or buttons on the front, securing it will insulate your body from the outside elements and reduce the rate at which your body loses heat. Technical jargon aside, it will keep you warmer and more comfortable.

Dress it Up

Don't be afraid to dress up your leather jacket. Some people assume that leather jackets are strictly for casual wear and cannot be worn with more formal outfits. While leather jackets are certainly acceptable for casual wear, they can also be dressed up to create a more formal appearance. Women, for instance, can wear them with a dress and high-heeled shoes, while men can wear leather jackets with trousers, a button-up dress shirt and even a necktie. This versatility is something that you won't find in many other types of jackets and coats.

Accessorize It

You can enhance the appearance of your leather jacket by accessorizing it with other leather items. Women can accessorize their outfit with a leather handbag and leather jewelry, while men can accessorize their outfit with a leather wristwatch and briefcase. These otherwise simple accessories will play a big role in defining your appearance and complimenting the look of your leather jacket.

Denim Jeans

You really can't go wrong when wearing a leather jacket with denim jeans. Denim is a classic fabric that's been around for countless years. And even after all of these years, it remains the go-to choice for the construction of jeans. Denim jeans are comfortable, durable, strong and versatile. When worn in conjunction with a leather jacket, it brings the best of both worlds together. Furthermore, you can find denim jeans available in countless styles, allowing you to choose a specific style that best matches your leather jacket.

Fitted Leather Jackets

Perhaps the most important style tip to follow when wearing a leather jacket is to choose the right fit. If your leather jacket is too small, it will look awkward while also restricting your movement. But if it's too big, it will look baggy while offering a limited level of protection from the cold and elements. This is why it's important to choose the right size leather jacket. You may get lucky and find the perfect size when shopping at a local retail store, but let's face it: this rarely happens. Thankfully, you can find the perfect fit by ordering a custom leather jacket here at MakeYourOwnLeather. These are just a few tips to look your best when wearing a leather jacket.