If you're searching for a new jacket, you can't go wrong with black leather. It's been around for many decades, consistently ranking as one of the most popular choices of outerwear among men and women alike. The semi-formal black color combined with the premium look of genuine leather offers an unparalleled level of versatility. But if you're planning to wear a black leather jacket, there are a few fashion dos and don'ts you should follow. Doing so will help you create the most complete, cohesive and attractive look possible -- and that's something everyone should strive for when getting dressed in the morning.

Do Choose Genuine Leather

Leather jackets of all colors look better when they are made of genuine leather rather than fake or faux leather. However, this is particularly true when speaking about black leather jackets. If a black leather jacket is made of faux leather, it will look artificially shiny and almost glossy. This is an unnatural look that reflects poorly upon your appearance. Therefore, it's recommended that you choose a black leather jacket made of genuine, authentic leather.

Don't Wear Brown in Your Outfit

Because it's a neutral color, many people assume that brown is okay to include in their outfit when wearing a black leather jacket. The problem with wearing brown garments or accessories, however, is that they clash with black. Even small amounts of brown in your outfit will clash with your black leather jacket. Whether it's in your pants, shirt, shoes, belt, wristwatch, etc., avoid wearing brown in your outfit if you are wearing a black leather jacket.

Do Get the Right Fit

In addition to genuine leather, you should also choose a black leather jacket that fits right. I know this probably sounds like common sense, but choosing a jacket in the right size is essential to creating an attractive and comfortable outfit. If your black leather jacket is too small, it may be comfortable to wear. Undersized jackets restrict you from moving while creating an awkward appearance in the process. You avoid these headaches by getting the right fit. Here at LeatherCult, we offer custom sizing on all leather jackets, including black, at no additional charge. You tell us your measurements, and we'll create a custom-fitted black leather jacket designed specifically for you.

Don't Damage It

While easier said than done for many people, you should try to avoid damaging your black leather jacket. Accidentally spilling soda or coffee on it, for instance, may stain it. Granted, black conceals stains more than other colors do, but stains can and will show on a black leather jacket. And when your jacket gets stained, you might have trouble removing it without further damaging the leather. The bottom line is that you should use caution when wearing your black leather jacket to avoid accidentally damaging it.

Do Follow Manufacturer's Recommendations

Don't Wear All Black

Unless you're trying to achieve an all-black look for a specific purpose, such as dressing for a motorcycle club, it's best to include other colors in your outfit. Wearing all black doesn't exactly create a complex appearance. On the contrary, it creates an overly simple appearance that offers little terms of aesthetic value. By including colors other than black in your outfit, you'll offset the appearance of your black leather jacket while enhancing the aesthetics of your outfit in the process.

Do Wear Contrasting Colors

A good rule of thumb is to wear colors in your outfit that contrasts with the color of your jacket or coat. When wearing a black leather jacket, for example, consider wearing white, red or other bright colors. Wearing a white shirt with a black leather jacket is a classic combination that's perfect for everyone. It's easy to create, yet it looks amazing. But white is just one of many colors that contrasts to black. Any bright color will essentially contrast to color, so don't limit yourself to only wearing white clothes and accessories.

Don't Wear the Wrong Shoes

It's important that you wear the right shoes with a black leather jacket. A pair of worn brown athletic shoes will only hurt your ability to create a cohesive outfit in which everything flows. For men, a better choice of footwear is a pair of black chukka boots. For women, a better choice if a pair of black high-heel shoes or ballet flats. Notice a pattern? Black shoes are an excellent choice of footwear for a black leather jacket because they compliment each other. And if you wear contrasting colors in your outfit, this will improve the appearance of your shoes as well. Just remember to consider your overall outfit, including your garments and accessories, and choose the right footwear to match.

Do Wear It Year-Round

Some people assume that black leather jackets can only be worn in the winter. They believe that leather jackets are too hot to wear during other months, and that black absorbs too much heat. A black leather jacket, however, is the perfect choice of outerwear to wear year-round. You can choose a lightweight variety that will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the seasons.

Don't Neglect Conditioning

Maintaining a black leather jacket doesn't require much work -- but there is one thing that you'll need to do: condition it. All leather jackets should be conditioned to protect against dryness and related damage, and leather jackets are no exception. If you don't condition your black leather jacket, it will eventually develop cracks. This is due to the loss of moisture within the leather's pores. As this moisture is released. the textile contracts, eventually pulling itself apart and cracking open. To prevent this from happening to your black leather jacket, apply a leather conditioning product like saddle soap to your leather jacket once every few months.