Leather jackets have been around for over a century, with some of the earliest examples dating back to early aviation bomber jackets. While pilots and crew members no longer wear them for warmth, leather jackets remain a popular choice among the general public -- and for good reason. There are certain occasions that are perfect for wearing a leather jacket, some of which we're going to explore in this blog post.

Riding a Motorcycle

Why is a leather jacket the perfect choice of outerwear when riding a motorcycle? Well, they offer several key benefits, one of which is warmth. Without any central heating -- such as that found in cars and trucks -- riding a motorcycle can leave you feeling cold during the fall and winter months. A thick all-natural leather jacket, however, insulates your body to keep you warm and comfortable. Additionally, leather jackets also provide protection from injury. Hopefully, this doesn't happen, but if you crash while riding your motorcycle, a leather jacket may protect your skin from road rash. Because it's made of animal hide, leather jackets are able to withstand significant force, more so than jackets made of other material. This makes it an excellent choice for motorcycle "body armor."

Business Casual Look

Another perfect occasion for wearing a leather jacket is when you want to create a business casual look. As the name suggests, business casual falls somewhere between formal and casual wear. It's less dressy than formal attire, giving you more freedom over choosing the clothes YOU want to wear. Instead of wearing a suit jacket, for instance, you can wear a leather jacket. The combination of a genuine leather jacket with a button-up dress shirt and trousers is a simple yet stunning combination that's sure to turn heads. And best of all, leather jackets are typically softer and more comfortable than suit jackets, making this the perfect choice of outerwear for men seeking a business casual look.

Physical Labor

If you work outside, you should consider wearing a leather jacket. Granted, a leather jacket isn't necessary in the hot summer months. As long as the temperature is comfortable, you probably don't need any type of jacket, coat or outerwear. However, if it's cold outside, you should definitely wear a jacket, in which case leather is the perfect choice. A leather jacket will allow you to move around and work freely while keeping you warm and comfortable in the process.  All jackets offer some protection from the cold and elements, though this is an area in which leather shines. Leather jackets are warmer, softer and less restricting than other jackets. For these reasons and others, you should wear a leather jacket when performing physical labor outdoors in the cold weather.

Leather Accessories

If you're wearing other leather accessories in your outfit -- belt, shoes, watch, etc. -- perhaps you should also wear a leather jacket. Pairing a leather jacket with matching leather accessories will enhance your appearance by creating a more complete and cohesive style. The key thing to remember is to choose leather accessories in the same color as your jacket. For instance, if you're wearing a black leather jacket, you should choose accessories that are also made of black leather. Or if you are wearing a brown leather jacket, make sure your accessories are made of brown leather. Mixing brown and black together is a serious fashion faux pas that will take away from your outfit. So, avoid this common mistake by wearing leather accessories in the same color as your jacket.

Parties

Of course, a leather jacket is also the perfect choice of outerwear when attending parties. Again, this is because they balance classic style with casual comfort. With the exception of black-tie parties, you really don't want to wear a formal suit jacket. Aside from being too formal, suit jackets can also be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. A leather jacket, on the other hand, is the perfect alternative that offers a balanced combination of comfort, style and durability. So, if you've been invited to a party, consider wearing a leather jacket instead of a traditional suit jacket.

Dates

In addition to parties, you should also consider wearing a leather jacket when going on a date. It's no secret that wearing the right clothes are essential when going on dates. If you dress poorly, the person whom you are dating will take notice; thus, lowering your chances of winning a follow-up date. On the other hand, however, wearing the right clothes will help you win the heart of your partner. If you wear a leather jacket on your date, she will view you as being more stylish and confident.

Business Meetings

Assuming it's allowed by your company's dress code, another occasion in which a leather jacket is perfect to wear is business meetings. When attending a business meeting, you really can't go wrong with a leather jacket. Business meetings require a professional yet clean appearance, in which case a leather jacket is the ideal choice of outerwear. As long as you choose a high-quality genuine leather jacket, you can rest assured knowing that it will keep you looking professional and clean. In turn, this reflects positively upon your own work ethics, showing your employers and colleagues that you care about your style and how others perceive you.

Layered Look

Finally, you can always wear a leather jacket when seeking a layered look. What is a layered look exactly? As the name suggests, this style is characterized by the use of multiple layers, such as a shirt with an added jacket. Layered looks have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they allow greater versatility over your comfort. If you wear a layered look with a leather jacket, for instance, you can always remove the jacket if you get cold and put it back on when you get hot.