A leather jacket is a classic choice of outerwear that’s prized for its superior comfort and stylish appearance. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, you can’t go wrong with a leather jacket. There are many different types of leather jackets, however, including stretch leather jackets. Stretch leather jackets are still made of leather. After all, that’s what distinguishes them from traditional coats and jackets. Nonetheless, stretch leather jackets have a unique construction that many men and women prefer.
What Is a Stretch Leather Jacket?
To determine whether a stretch leather jacket is right for you, you must first understand the meaning of the term “stretch leather.” Leather is a type of material that’s made from animal hide, such as cowhide or sheepskin. The hide is tanned and processed, resulting in an ultra-strong yet soft material that’s ideal for use in jackets and other garments. Stretch leather still consists primarily of animal hide, but it’s lined with an elastic material on the back.
If you feel the interior surface of a stretch leather jacket, you’ll probably notice that it’s more elastic than the jacket’s exterior surface. Stretch leather jackets are comprised mostly of traditional, genuine leather. On the interior surface, though, is a layer of an elastic material. Some stretch leather jackets have a layer of polyester on the interior, whereas others have a layer of lycra. Regardless, all stretch leather jackets are made with an elastic -material lining that covers the interior surface.
Leather Jacket vs Stretch Leather Jacket
The only difference between a traditional leather jacket and a stretch leather jacket is that the former consists entirely of leather, whereas the latter is made primarily of leather but has an added layer of an elastic material on the interior surface.
Traditional leather jackets don’t have an elastic lining. Rather, they are made entirely of leather. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a traditional leather jacket. If you’re hoping for an elastic lining, though, you’ll need to choose a stretch leather jacket. Only stretch leather jackets are made with an elastic lining on the interior surface. The elastic lining is what separates them from traditional leather jackets.
Benefits of Wearing a Stretch Leather Jacket
Because they are made of real leather, stretch leather jackets feature a naturally stylish appearance. Leather jackets have been around for nearly a century. During that time, they’ve become a popular choice of outerwear among men and women alike. Stretch leather jackets look like all other leather jackets, with the only difference being that they feature an elastic lining.
With their elastic lining, you’ll probably discover that a stretch leather jacket is soft and comfortable. You can wear a stretch leather jacket all day long without fear of it causing discomfort. The elastic lining allows the jacket to stretch when you move. Therefore, it won’t tug, pull or constrict your body.
You can wear a stretch leather jacket while exercising or working outdoors — something that’s not particularly easy to do with a regular leather jacket. All stretch leather jackets have an elastic lining on the interior surface. And thanks to this elastic lining, they are able to stretch, which is why they are called “stretch leather jackets.” The end result is a higher level of comfort when exercising or working outdoors.
How to Choose a Stretch Leather Jacket
Now that you know the benefits of stretch leather jackets, you might be wondering how to choose one. First and foremost, you should check to make sure that it’s made of real leather. Some stores attempt to cut corners by selling faux stretch leather jackets. These low-quality jackets still have an elastic lining, but they are made of an artificial material rather than real leather. Unfortunately, faux stretch leather jackets don’t offer the same attractive qualities as their genuine counterparts.
Stretch leather jackets are available in a plethora of attractive colors. Maybe you prefer the classic style associated with black leather jackets, or perhaps you want to take a different approach by choosing a red or yellow leather jacket. No matter what color you prefer, there’s a probably a stretch leather jacket available that features it.
You should choose a stretch leather jacket in an appropriate size. If it doesn’t fit, it won’t be comfortable to wear. Some people end up buying an oversized stretch leather jacket, while others end up buying an undersized stretch leather jacket. Regardless, the wrong size will prevent you from fully enjoying your new stretch leather jacket.
How to Clean a Stretch Leather Jacket
If you’re going to buy a stretch leather jacket, you’ll need to know how to clean it. Not all stretch leather jackets are the same, so it’s recommended that you refer to the care tag for instructions on how to clean them. If you look inside the collar or back of your stretch leather jacket, you should see a label. Known as a care tag, it provides tips on how to safely clean the jacket without damaging it in the process.
Most stretch leather jackets shouldn’t be cleaned in the washing machine. Leather is naturally moisture resistant, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to submerge in water. If you clean your stretch leather jacket in the washing machine, it may develop mildew. As a result, you should keep it out of the washing machine. To clean your stretch leather jacket, check the care tag. Most stretch leather jackets require spot cleaning with a washcloth and gentle soap. Of course, the care tag will reveal the best way to clean, as well as care for, your stretch leather jacket, so follow the included instructions.
In Conclusion
A stretch leather jacket is a form of outerwear that’s made of leather with an elastic lining. The interior surface is covered in a layer of an elastic material, which is responsible for giving the jacket it’s stretchy characteristics.