Buying a fine leather jacket for your wardrobe can be the ultimate investment. A high-quality piece can be expensive, but it is one of the most long-term purchases anyone can indulge in. Leather jackets have managed to stay in style for more or less a century now and will continue to be so. Their versatile and timeless aura makes them a staple for your collection regardless of gender.
However, the decision to buy one can get confusing with the variety of options available in the market. That is precisely why our experts have created this guide to walk you through the steps of buying one. We will be highlighting all the factors that go into choosing perfect leather. Whether it is for yourself or to give as a present, with these instructions you will not regret your decision.
How to buy a perfect leather jacket?
Real leather jackets can cost from $200-$3000, and at times even higher. Therefore, how you evaluate a jacket is related to its price. You need to make certain that you are getting the best value for your money.
Assess the type and quality of the leather
The most important factor to consider is the quality of the material used in the jacket. It can be difficult for a person who is not familiar with leather to judge that. But that is where our information will come in handy.
The first thing to focus on is which animal skin is used in the making of the leather. The options you commonly have are cow, lamb, sheep, calf, and goatskin. And if you go for more exotic varieties then there is deer, kangaroo, crocodile, snake, etc.
Each of the skins has its own unique attributes. For example, biker jackets are mostly manufactured in cowhide because of their toughness and durability. While lambskin is rare and expensive it is also very supple and soft. The items produced from it often belong to the premium category. Calfskin is durable along with retaining softness hence it costs more than lambskin. The choice you make will depend on your use and the budget you can spend on the jacket.
Leather and grading type
Leather has different gradings or types: full-grain, top-grain, corrected, or genuine leather. Full-grain leather is made up of the whole hide and maintains its natural form. Any patterns, scars, and marks on the skin are kept the way they are. Garments made from it age well and are very expensive. Only the top-quality skins are used in this.
The type we call top-grain is the part separated from the bottom layer. It is much more flexible and thinner in comparison to full-grain leather. Apart from functionality, this grading is best for clothing fashion trends where appearance matters the most. The third type, corrected grain has the least quality but is processed to look more expensive.
Panels and joints
Jackets with fewer panels and joints cost more than ones with more joints and panels. But there can be exceptions, as sometimes the panels have embellishments and embroidery making them more costly. These details impact the production cost hence affecting the final price of the garment. Although single panel jackets are generally made of well-chosen skins it does not necessarily mean multiple panels reflect less quality.
Stitching and craftsmanship
Fine tailoring is a mark of quality in a jacket, reflecting attention to detail and an exceptional appearance. A flattering cut stitched together with strong polyester thread is what you need to look out for.
Jacket enthusiasts prefer details like decorative stitching and seams as well. Other types of accessories included in the design are motifs, patches, studs, buckles, and eyelets.
Although tiny details do make a huge difference on the entire look of the jacket. Zippers and buttons are multipurpose, giving both functionality and flair. The extra effort needed for these embellishments also contributes to a high price.
Styles
When purchasing a leather jacket there is a wide range of styles to pick from. The classic bikers, flight jackets, café racers, and bombers are very popular among the masses. In contemporary trends, there are leather trench coats and blazers, vests, and seasonal coats like sheepskin shearling jackets. There is also a fusion style that combines the features of classic and contemporary looks. These hybrids are also a great option for your unique styling needs. Both genders can wear them over various kinds of outfits and end up with a distinct look each time.
The fit
The cut and fit of the jacket are the final crucial thing that you should take into account. Regardless of the brand, a cut has the biggest influence on your buying decision. The way a jacket looks on you is majorly dependent on how well it fits you.
Buying from a good online store allows you to order customized fits. It is best to go down that route to ensure you get the best sizing. The sleeves, armholes, and shoulder seams should be just right for your figure. Also, the length of the jacket should be perfectly aligned with the waistband of your pants. So, make sure to give the exact measure of your torso.
Conclusion
The versatility and timeless appeal of leather jackets make them staple wear for your wardrobe. There is something transformative about them that changes your entire look. No matter what type of dresser you are, a leather jacket and Shearling leather jacket can upgrade your outfit. It gives a put-together, tough yet classy vibe to every ensemble.
With the tips we have provided we are sure you will choose your jacket like a leather expert. Just make sure that once you possess your dream piece, handle it with care. With the proper maintenance these jackets can last you a lifetime. Use cleaning products that are exclusive for leather to help prevent cracks and roughness. They also do not require regular or rigorous cleaning so store them carefully. You can keep your prized possession intact and ready to wear at all times by doing this.
