A leather jacket is a smart investment that will offer countless years of use and enjoyment. And with winter right around the corner, there's no better time than the present to update your wardrobe with a genuine leather jacket. While a basic leather jacket is sure to turn heads while creating a stylish look, there are other steps you can take to improve its appearance. So whether you're looking to buy a new leather jacket or simply enhance your existing leather jacket, we have some tips to help. Following these tips will allow you to get the most bang for your buck.

Choose a Genuine Leather Jacket

Let's first go ahead and discuss the importance of choosing a genuine leather jacket as opposed to fake/faux leather jackets. Although they look similar, faux leather jackets lack the stylish look and comfortable elements of the real thing. The only good thing about faux leather jackets is the cost. You can typically buy them for less than a genuine leather jacket. As the saying goes, though, you get what you pay for, holds true when speaking about leather jackets. Faux leather jackets are typically made with synthetic materials that break down more quickly than actual leather, making them a poor choice. So if you want a leather jacket that's going to last, spend a couple more dollars and get a genuine leather jacket. Trust me, it's well worth the cost.

Embrace the Fade

Like most materials, genuine leather has a tendency to fade over time. This doesn't happen overnight. Rather, it takes months or even years before you'll notice any real difference in the color or tone. Some people go to great strides to protect their leather jackets from this phenomenon, applying protectant products while minimizing their jackets exposure to the sunlight. You really shouldn't worry about this natural fading, however, as it gives your jacket a unique look. Instead of trying to prevent this phenomenon from occurring, embrace it. A slightly faded and aged leather jacket looks amazing -- and it's something you can't achieve in regular store-bought jackets. If your leather jacket had faded, embrace the look rather than trying to conceal or otherwise cover it up.

Condition it

While it's generally best to embrace the fade with a leather jacket, you should still condition it on a regular basis. We've talked about this before on our blog, but it's worth mentioning again that leather products, including jackets, are constantly absorbing and releasing moisture from and into the surrounding environment. Much like wood, genuine leather contains countless holes, known as pores, that require a proper amount of moisture level to retain its attractive qualities. When you store a leather jacket in an environment that's particularly humid, excess moisture will saturate its pores, causing mold and mildew. On the other hand, storing a leather jacket in a dry environment will cause the moisture within its pores to release, which can also damage the material. This is why it's a good idea to condition your leather jacket on a regular basis, using a leather conditioning product like Saddle Soap.

Don't Mix Brown and Black

Going back to the basics of fashion 101, you should never mix brown and black together in the same outfit. So if you plan on wearing a traditional brown leather jacket, double-check your outfit to make sure it does NOT contain any black. While seemingly harmless, mixing brown and black will ultimately hurt your efforts to create a stylish look. You can still wear other colors, but don't make the mistake of mixing brown and black. Wear one or the other but not these two colors together in the same outfit.

Check the Fit

In addition to making sure the leather is genuine and not fake, you should also check the fit when shopping for a new leather jacket. If it's too big, it will create something known as the "clothes hanger effect," which essentially makes it look like the leather jacket hangs off your body like a clothes hanger. On the other hand, wearing a leather jacket that's too small is equally as bad, as it may restrict your movement while offering nothing in terms of aesthetics or visual style. This is why you should take the time to find a leather jacket that fits just right. By ordering here at LeatherCult, you can specify your own measurements, eliminating the otherwise time-consuming and tedious process of finding a leather jacket that fits just right.

Leave it Unbuttoned

You can create a stylish layered look by wearing your leather jacket with the zipper or buttons undone. Assuming you have an undershirt that compliments your outfit, this is a simple yet effective way to enhance your appearance. If you are wearing a black leather jacket, for instance, perhaps you could wear a plain white t-shirt underneath. The white-on-black layered look is simple yet also attractive. And best of all, it's a classic combination that's next-to-impossible to mess up. Of course, there are dozens of other color combinations that can work when wearing a leather jacket, so don't limit yourself to only using black and white. One of the great things about leather jackets is the near-limitless level of freedom they offer.

Keep it Clean

I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it's still worth mentioning that you should clean your leather jacket on a regular basis. You can't expect to achieve a stylish, fashion-forward look if your leather jacket is dingy and dirty. Thankfully, leather is resistant to dust, dirt and debris -- but that doesn't mean it's immune to dirt. Cleaning your leather jacket with a damp washcloth can remove dirt, preserving its pristine appearance. These are just a few tips to enhance the look of your leather jacket. Above all else, though, choose a high-quality jacket that's made of genuine, not faux/fake, leather. A high-quality leather jacket will offer countless years of use and enjoyment, all while enhancing your appearance. Head over to our store and begin shopping for a leather jacket today.