You don't have to be a professional fashion designer to know that leather is currently "in style." From leather jackets and skirts to leather pants and shorts, it offers a classic, timeless look that's perfect for men and women of all ages. Perhaps this is why leather jackets have changed very little throughout the years, offering the same stylish appearance today as they once did nearly a century ago. But leather isn't exactly lightweight. Being that it's made of animal hide (usually cow's hide), it's heavier than jackets and garments made of other materials. With this increased weight comes greater insulation, making leather jackets ideal for the cool fall and winter months. This begs the question however: can you still wear leather during the summer? The short answer to this question is YES, you can still wear leather during the summer. In fact, leather can be worn throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall and winter. It's a stylish, comfortable and durable material that's perfect for all occasions. With that said, however, there are a few things you should know about wearing leather during the summer.

Choose a Lightweight Leather Jacket

Most leather jackets are thicker than traditional jackets and outerwear made of other materials. However, the actual thickness varies depending on the type of leather jacket. Some are thicker and more insulated than others. And some leather jackets are thinner and lighter. You should choose the latter type if you intend to wear it during the spring and summer months, as lighter and thinner leather jackets offer the same attractive characteristics as any other leather jacket but it will keep you cooler in the process. As a side benefit, you may find thinner and lighter leather jackets to cost less than their counterpart, which is just one more reason to include them in your wardrobe. So when shopping for a leather jacket this summer, take a few moments to feel the material and its thickness. Is it thick and heavy? If so, look for a different one. You'll want to choose a thin, relatively lightweight leather jacket to keep you cool and comfortable this summer season. And when the winter months finally roll around, you can swap it out for a thicker and heavier leather jacket.

Go Beyond Jackets...

Leather is used to produce more than just jackets. Sure, leather jackets are probably the single most popular type of garment used with this material, but there are plenty of others from which to choose. One excellent alternative that's perfect for the summer season is a leather top, such as the ones found here on our website. If you're a fashion-forward woman who's looking to stand out from the crowd this summer season (and even later into the year), try sporting a genuine leather top. It's a fun, stylish alternative to traditional tops, many of which often lack any real sense of aesthetics or style. When choosing a leather top, though, you should consider the following:

• Does it have pockets?
• Is it made of genuine leather or fake/faux leather? (note: always choose genuine leather products)
• How long is the leather top?
• Who made the leather top?
• How does it fit on your body?
• Will it match my pants and shoes?
• What type of accessories can I wear with this leather top?
• Is it single-colored or multi-colored? If you click on the link above, you'll notice that leather tops are available in many different styles, including single colors, multiple colors and even animal print like zebra stripes. Choose a color or design that matches your style and personality. Or if you can't seem to choose a single one, buy several different styles of leather tops.

Choose a Brighter-Colored Leather

Not surprisingly, dark-colored leather garments are warmer than their light-colored counterpart. Going back to the basics of high school physics, dark colors like black absorb light; thus, making them warmer. But light colors have the opposite effect by actually reflecting light; thus, making them cooler. So if you're looking for a new leather jacket, top or any other leather garment to wear this summer season, stick with a bright color. You don't have to necessarily choose a yellow-colored leather garment (although that's always an option), but it's probably best to avoid wearing midnight-black leather. Light-colored leather will help keep you cool and comfortable during the otherwise hot and humid summer season.

Open-Back Leather Dress

Of course, another summer-friendly alternative to a leather jacket is an open-back leather dress. Featuring an open back (hence the name), it's a cool and stylish dress that's sure to turn heads. Although subtle, the open back provides greater comfort during the hot summer months. It's also a great way to enhance your tan.

The Bottom Line

Genuine leather is a highly prized material that's used extensively in the creation of jackets, tops, pants and accessories. While faux leather may mimic some of its attractive characteristics and properties, it ultimately falls short of the real thing. If you want to reap the benefits of leather and everything it has to offer, you must choose actual, genuine leather. But many people avoid wearing leather during the summer, fearing that it will make them uncomfortably hot. The truth is that many materials and fabrics, particularly "thick" ones, will increase your body temperature by retaining heat. However, there are still ways to comfortable sport leather throughout the otherwise hot summer season. Consider choosing a lightweight leather jacket, for instance, as it offers greater breathing than its thicker counterpart. You may also want to sport a leather top or open-back leather dress instead of an actual jacket. These are just a few of the many ways that you can comfortably wear leather this summer season and beyond. The bottom line is that you can still wear leather during the summer, but you'll need to choose the right garments. Avoid overly thick and heavy leather garments, opting for thinner and lighter leather garments instead. Following this simple rule will go a long ways in keeping you comfortable this summer season.