Leather jackets remain one of the world's most popular choices of outerwear. Originally invented more than a century ago, they are designed with natural animal hide (usually cow or sheep), offering a truly unique, one-of-a-kind appearance. If you're planning to invest in a leather jacket, though, there are a few things you should know. For nine fashion tips on how to look your best when wearing a leather jacket, keep reading.

Genuine Leather

Don't make the mistake of wearing a faux leather jacket. Some people assume that faux leather is just a different type of leather. In reality, though, it's a completely different material with no direct relationship to the real thing. Faux leather is essentially fake leather that's made of one or more synthetic materials. While it looks similar to real leather from afar, a close inspection will reveal some stark differences between the two. Faux leather is rough, hard and has an unusual chemical-like odor to it. For these reasons and others, it's recommended that you only wear a genuine leather jacket, not faux leather.

The Size Is Right

You should also choose a leather jacket that's sized specifically for your body. Unfortunately, finding the perfect size isn't always easy. You can visit a dozen retail and department stores, only to walk away empty-handed. Well, we make the process a little easier by offering custom sizing on all leather jackets at no additional charge. When ordering a leather jacket here at LeatherCult, you'll have the option to specify your size, which we'll use to customize your jacket so it fits just right. Finding a leather jacket in the perfect size doesn't get any easier than this!

Choose a Style That Matches Your Personality

Of course, you should choose a leather jacket style that matches your personality. Some guys assume that leather jackets are only available in a few basic styles, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Granted, styles of leather jackets were somewhat limited in the past, with companies only offering a few traditional styles. Today, however, there are countless options available when choosing a leather jacket. If you prefer the biker look, for instance, you may want the Pure Leather Biker Jacket #2 offered here at LeatherCult. Alternatively, if you prefer the movie star look, you may want the Leather Fighter T-Shirt Jacket, which is designed after the leather jacket worn by Brat Pitt in the 1990s action movie Fight Club. Regardless, it's a good idea to choose a style that matches your personality, as this will allow you to get the most use out of your new jacket.

Keep It Open

Unless you are cold and need the additional warmth, it's best to leave the front of your leather jacket open. Doing so creates a more dynamic appearance by revealing the colors and styles of your shirt. If you zip or button up the front of your leather jacket, your shirt will remain hidden; thus, offering little-to-no benefit for your appearance. So, try to get into the habit of leaving the front of your leather jacket open. The only exception is when you are cold or otherwise need protection from the elements, in which case it's perfectly fine to button or zip it up.

Condition It

One of the many perks of wearing a leather jacket is the simple fact that it requires minimal maintenance. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you can completely ignore your leather jacket. Assuming it's made of genuine leather -- as it should be -- you'll need to condition it on a regular basis to preserve its appearance and integrity. Conditioning a leather jacket involves the application of a special leather conditioning product like saddle soap. The general idea is to moisturize the leather so it doesn't dry out and crack. Leather conditioning products are designed to protect leather jackets, as well as other leather items, from dryness. By applying it to your leather jacket once every few months, your jacket will remain protected from common forms of damage associated with dryness.

Consider Quilted Leather for Winter

Leather jackets are exceptionally warm and comfortable when compared to other coats and jackets. But if you want an even higher level of warmth, you should consider wearing a quilted leather jacket. Quilted leather is characterized by a unique construction process in which the leather material is sewn into a quilt-like fashion. In addition to its stylish appearance, quilted leather is also exceptionally warm. This makes it ideal for the otherwise cold winter season.

Match Your Shoes

A good rule of thumb to follow when wearing a leather jacket is to pair it with matching shoes. If your leather jacket is brown, for instance, stick with brown shoes. If it's black, wear black shoes -- you get the idea. By matching your leather jacket with your shoes, you'll create a more cohesive appearance in which your outfit naturally flows together.

Jeans or Khakis

What type of pants should you wear with a leather jacket? Well, you really can't go wrong with either jeans or khakis. A pair of high-quality denim jeans are arguably the most versatile choice of pants to wear with a leather jacket. You can dress them up or dress them down, depending on how they are worn. Alternatively, khakis offer a slightly different appearance, though still an excellent choice. The key thing to remember is that your pants should flow cohesively with the rest of your outfit, including your leather jacket.

Choose an Appropriate Length

In addition to choosing a leather jacket that fits your specific body, you should also choose one with an appropriate length. When shopping for a new leather jacket, you'll probably discover that different styles feature different lengths. Some leather jackets are short and stop right at the waist, whereas others extend all the way down to the knees. Normally, it's best to stick with a traditional length jacket that stops around your waist, as this offers the greatest level of versatility.