Effortless Cool: Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Leather Jacket

The leather jacket has originated a long way in the last
70 years.
Once a hallmark of
the rebellion, this rock 'n' roll favorite has made a name for itself among the
coolest outerwear in menswear. In the 1950s, Marlon Brando and James Dean made
it famous, but today you don't have to be a heavy smoking motorcyclist with a
Brylcreem pompadour to pull off one.
With that said, don't think for a second that the leather
jacket has lost its attitude over the years. It may boast the same level of
versatility as good jeans or well-made boots, but this cowhide classic is still
as tough as ever.
While this is definitely one of the best clothing purchases
you can make, it can also be one of the most complicated. So before you get on,
here's everything you need to know about fashion's favorite bad boy icon.
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Choosing the correct style of leather jacket.
Not all leather jackets are the same. Different styles can be
better or worse for certain wardrobes. Below are the most mutual types of
leather jackets that you are likely to come across and how you can tell them
apart.
Motorcyclist
If you stood to look up the term "pelt jacket" in
an illustrated encyclopedia, it would probably be the illustrated style.
Immortalized by Marlon Brando in the flagship movie The Wild One (above), this
classic motorcycle jacket features a slanted front zipper, wide lapels, and
plenty of buckles and zippers. Best worn with black skinny jeans and Chelsea
boots.
Bombing
Of all the styles of leather jackets, the bomber is probably
the most casual. This makes it a great entry point for those who may feel a bit
shy when it comes to venturing into the world of leather. Pair it with selvage
jeans and white sneakers for a simple everyday outfit.
cafe corridor
Supposedly due to its connection to motorcycle racing, the
cafe racer is on the more minimalist end of the spectrum for leather jacket
styles. With a stand-up collar, front zip, and an overall clean design, this
clean-cut classic pairs perfectly with wool pants, knits, and derby shoes.
Travel by plane
Although very similar to the Bomber in terms of appearance,
the Flight Jacket has the added benefit of a sheepskin collar that was
originally designed to keep WWII pilots warm when flying overhead in open
cockpits. Be careful though, the addition of a thick sheepskin and lined
interior make this a mostly winter coat. If you are looking for rather that you
can wear year-round, you'd better go for something a little less bulky.
Utility
The main difference among the utility or "fatigue"
jacket is its greater length and its front pockets. It's a country classic that
is as timeless as it is functional. A casual all-rounder that can take you from
fall to summer and beyond.
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The best brands of leather jackets
When it comes to leather, you want to buy from a pedigree
brand. It is far from being one of the cheapest purchases you can make, but if
you choose your jacket wisely, it will be one of your most profitable
investments.
All Saints
The dirty and moody aesthetic of AllSaints fits perfectly
with the leather jacket. This he felt shouldn't be all that surprising that the
London-born brand is known for producing some of the most stylish and elegant
options out there. Look for cropped cuts, worn finishes, and lots of attitude.
Buy now from AllSaints
Reiss
At the top of Main Street is Reiss, a British clothing chain
with the ability to strike the right balance between fashion and timelessness.
This makes it a solid option when it comes to buying a reasonably priced
leather jacket that doesn't compromise on style or build quality. Expect
minimal designs, flattering cuts, and premium materials as standard.
Buy now from Reiss
The jacket maker
The Jacket Maker is a direct-to-consumer brand that combines
old-fashioned and bespoke tailoring techniques with the best raw materials to
make ready-to-wear, bespoke leather jackets. The elimination of middlemen
allows the brand to offer a premium product at an affordable price, with each
style being handcrafted with full grain leather and f