Leather jackets are worn most commonly during the winter months. When fall ends and the cold winter weather begins to emerge, many men and women start wearing their leather jacket to stay warm. The thick, heavy-duty construction offers a superior level of warmth when compared to other coats, jackets and outerwear. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't wear a leather jacket during other times of the year. On the contrary, you can wear a leather jacket during spring, summer, fall and winter -- but you'll need to choose the right type. To find a leather jacket that you can wear year-round, follow the tips outlined below.

Avoid Long Coats

If you're hoping to wear your leather jacket year-round, avoid choosing a long coat-style jacket. Leather long coats are characterized by a long length, typically running down to your thighs or knees. They are great to wear during the winter because the longer length offers greater protection from the elements. But many people find them to be too warm for the late spring and summer months. You can still experiment with a leather long coat, but you'll probably find a traditional, medium length offers the highest level of versatility, allowing you to comfortably wear it year-round.

Go Genuine

When shopping for a leather jacket that you can wear year-round, pay attention to the type of leather from which it's made. You can usually identify the materials used in a leather jacket's construction by checking the care label or tag. If it says "faux leather," put it back on the rack and choose a different leather jacket instead. Faux leather jackets, while affordable, aren't as comfortable as genuine leather jacket, especially during the warmer months. They have a waxy texture that's harsh and irritating on your skin. To get the most use out of your new leather jacket, make sure it's made of genuine leather and not fake or faux leather.

Zipper or Buttons on the Front

Not all leather jackets are designed with a zipper or buttons on the front. Some are designed with an open front that you can't close. Unfortunately, these open-front leather jackets offer minimal protection from the elements. When the weather begins to cool, you'll probably want to zip or button up the front of your leather jacket to stay warm. But this isn't possible if your leather jacket doesn't feature a zipper or buttons on the front. You can still wear this style of jacket when it's cold outside. However, don't expect it to keep you warm and comfortable. This is why it's recommended that you choose a leather jacket with a zipper or buttons on the front. During hot weather, you can leave the front open. And during cold weather, you can zip or button up the front.

Medium Thickness

The thickness of a leather jacket will vary depending on how it's made. In order to comfortably wear a leather jacket year-round, it should feature a medium thickness. If it's too thin, it may lack the insulation properties needed to keep you warm and comfortable during the winter months. If it's too thick, on the other hand, you may discover that it's hot to wear to during the summer months. For maximum versatility, choose a medium-thickness leather jacket. It should feature just the right thickness to keep you warm during the winter months yet cool during the summer months.

Custom Fit

You'll be able to wear your leather jacket more comfortably, regardless of the season, if it fits right. The problem is that most retail stores and apparel outlets sell leather jackets in standard sizes, such as small, medium, large and extra large. You may get lucky and find a leather jacket in one of these predetermined sizes that fits just right. Because no two people have the same body size or shape, though, this rarely happens. But the good news is that you can order a leather jacket in a custom size here at LeatherCult. Unlike other stores, we offer custom sizing on all leather jackets at no additional charge. You provide us with your exact body measurements, which we'll use to design a versatile leather jacket that's sized to fit your body.

Add a Hood

When shopping for a leather jacket, you may discover that some feature a hood. Known as hooded leather jacket, it's a great choice if you're hoping to wear it year-round. Hoods usually aren't made of leather. Instead, they are made of a soft fabric like cotton or wool. It's a highly useful feature that will protect your ears and face from the cold weather, rain and other elements. If the weather is bad, just place the hood over your head. And when the weather is nice, you can remove the hood from your head.

Black or Brown

The color of your leather jacket will affect the clothes and accessories with which you can wear it. Leather jackets are available in countless colors, but black and brown are undoubtedly the most versatile choices. Both colors have been traditionally used to make leather jackets for over a century, so it's safe to say that they remain in style for many more years to come. If you choose an alternative color like red, you may struggle to find clothes and accessories to match it.

Quality Matters

High-quality leather jackets are designed to withstand harsh environments, including rain, humidity, sleet and snow. You may save money by purchasing a low-quality leather jacket, but this could prevent you from wearing it during bad weather. To wear a leather jacket year-round, it must feature a high-quality construction. Don't try to save a few bucks by purchasing a cheap, low-quality leather jacket. Invest in a premium, high-quality leather jacket so that you can comfortably wear it year-round. Along with the other tips outlined here, this will offer a higher level of versatility, allowing you to get even more bang for your buck.