Would you like a leather jacket but you don't know how to choose it? You are in the right place. Here are three things to look for before buying a leather jacket.
You are considering buying a leather jacket. But first, it is important to remember that a leather jacket - a real, quality one - is an investment. This means that you will surely spend several hundred euros (at least) for a single jacket. This one should last you several years, of course, but it's still a substantial purchase of which you must be sure. It would be too bad to spend 400 euros (or more) on a jacket that you won't wear often, or that you won't like in a year and will become old-fashioned in your eyes.
If you really dream of a leather jacket and if you have budgeted for it, then here you go. Here are 3 things to consider before deciding on a leather jacket.
Like other jackets, there are many cuts of leather jackets:the biker jacket (fitted, with a funnel neck), the perfecto (fitted, with crossover closure), the teddy (also called “varsity” since it is inspired by American university jackets), the bomber jacket (with pockets and a ribbed collar). If you are looking for a "slim" jacket, opt for a perfecto or a biker jacket. If, on the contrary, you are looking for a looser model, then the teddy and the aviator jacket will please you more.
Whichever model you choose, be sure to select the right size. The jacket must not fall below your belt, the shoulder seams must touch the end of your shoulders and the sleeves must not exceed the birth of your thumbs.
Once you have decided on the cut, you will have to choose a leather, because yes, there are several different leathers and they all have a particular grain:sheepskin or lambskin (the most common and everywhere), cowhide (resistant, with a very uniform grain), pigskin (with an almost grainy grain), horse leather (with an almost smooth grain), buffalo leather (very rigid), goat leather (fine but robust), and suede (also called “suede”).
If you need a leather jacket that adapts to all looks, then sheepskin or lambskin is to be preferred. Flexible, it follows the shape of the body and gives an elegant finish. If you want a thick jacket, cowhide and buffalo leather would be more appropriate. And if you want a subtly original jacket, consider suede which brings texture and softness to the jacket.
Finally, once you have decided on a cut and a material, all you have to do is choose the color of your leather jacket. Black and brown are the two most popular colors because they go with everything and when you invest in a quality leather jacket, you want to be able to wear it as much as possible.
If it's not your first jacket, or if you're sure you can match it with your entire wardrobe, then you can go for a less ordinary color:dark blue, burgundy, grey, bottle green... Note that dark colors are to be favored because they will hold up better over time, and they produce better effects with wear.
To find inspiration, discover our top 10 of the most legendary jackets.
