A leather jacket is a smart investment that will offer countless years of use and enjoyment. Made from high-quality, tanned animal hide, it's the perfect choice of outerwear for fashion-conscious men and women. However, it's important to choose the right type of leather jacket. There are dozens of different types of leather jackets, each of which has its own unique characteristics. If you're planning to buy a new leather jacket, you should avoid the following mistakes.

Choosing the Wrong Color

What color jacket do you plan on buying? Black and brown are the most popular colors in which leather jackets are made, but they are available in countless other colors as well. When shopping for a new leather jacket, you should consider when and how you'll wear it. If you normally wear brown shoes, for instance, it's probably a good idea to stick with a similar brown-colored leather jacket. If you buy a black leather jacket, you won't be able to wear it with brown shoes (not without looking awkward, at least).

Choosing a Button Front When You Want Warmth

If you want a leather jacket that's going to offer the highest level of warmth possible, you should avoid models with a button front. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing necessarily wrong with buttons on the front of a leather jacket. In fact, many men and women prefer this style. However, it lacks the warmth and insulation properties of leather jackets with a zipper front. If a leather jacket has a zipper on the front, you can close it for maximum warmth and protection from the elements.

Overlooking the Quality of Leather

Just because two jackets are made of 100% leather doesn't mean they feature the same quality leather. Some jackets are made with cheaper, lower quality leather than others -- and these are the ones you want to avoid. Napa sheep skin leather is arguably the highest quality leather on the planet. It's characterized by an exceptionally soft texture that's simply not found in other types of leather. You can expect to pay more for a jacket made of Napa sheep skin leather, but most people will agree that it's well worth the price.

Choosing a Jacket That's Too Short

What's wrong with choosing a short leather jacket? If it's too short, it will look awkward while restricting your ability to move freely. Ideally, a leather jacket should extend at least to your waist, preferably a few inches longer. Of course, you can always buy a leather long coat instead of a standard-length leather jacket. As the name suggests, leather long coats are characterized by their elongated design. Normally, leather jackets stop at or around the waist, but a leather long coat extends all the way to the knees. Because of their elongated design, many people prefer wearing them during the winter. The additional length offers extra warmth and protection from the elements.

Buying From the Wrong Company

Don't make the mistake of buying a leather jacket from the wrong company. Unfortunately, not all companies are honest and upfront about the products they sell. There have been countless cases in which consumers have been tricked into buying leather jackets that were actually made of other, non-leather materials. To prevent this from happening to you, only purchase leather jackets from a trusted, reputable vendor like LeatherCult.

Overlooking Pockets

When choosing a leather jacket, check to see whether it contains pockets, and if so, where there pockets are located. This is particularly important if you don't have other pockets in your outfit. Women who wear skirts, for instance, will benefit from wearing a leather jacket with pockets. While a subtle feature, pockets offer functional benefits. You can store small items like car keys, cash, your smartphone and business cards in the pockets of your jacket. To take advantage of this feature, though, you must choose a leather jacket with pockets.

Overlooking Hoods

Something else to consider when choosing a leather jacket is whether it features a hood. The majority of leather jackets on the market don't have a hood -- and that's okay. Not everyone wants a hooded jacket, nor do they need it. On the other hand, though, a hooded leather jacket can prove useful if you're frequently outdoors. When it's raining or snowing, for instance, a hood will protect you from the elements while keeping your head comfortable and dry in the process.

Buying a Used Leather Jacket

Why shouldn't you buy a used leather jacket? Well, used jackets can be hit or miss. You might find a stylish, high-quality leather jacket that was barely used by the previous owner for a fraction of the original price. However, you may also end up with heavily worn, damaged leather jacket. This is why it's best to err on the side of caution by purchasing a new leather jacket.

Choosing a Leather Jacket Based Strictly on Aesthetics

Don't make the mistake of choosing a leather jacket based strictly on how it looks. The appearance of a leather jacket is certainly important, but it's not the only thing you should consider when choosing one. The way in which a leather jacket fits is equally if not more important. Thankfully, we make finding the right size a breeze. Here at LeatherCult, you can specify your own body measurements. You tell us your size, and we'll create a custom-fitted leather jacket specifically for you.

Too Many Colors

Finally, you shouldn't choose a leather jacket with too many colors in it. This doesn't apply only to leather jackets; it applies to all forms of outerwear. When a jacket has too many colors, it can limit your choices when creating an outfit. So, how many colors is too many? In most cases, a leather jacket shouldn't feature more than three colors. Single-colored jackets offer the highest level of versatility, though some people prefer the dynamic appearance of two-tone jackets. Regardless, avoid leather jackets with three or more colors.