As winter rears its head, the more fashion-conscious man might be considering his outerwear for the season. A stylish and timeless choice lies in the realm of leather jackets. These versatile pieces have been featured in dozens of hit movies, and pair equally well with a sweater and scarf as they do with a button down shirt and tie.
Leather jackets started inching into mainstream wardrobes in the 1900’s, when they were worn by pilots and military personnel, for protection and comfort. They were really popularized in the 1940’s by the men of the silver screen, and became a staple in the wardrobes of “greasers”. Now, they are a symbol of manliness and adventure, and can add a touch edge to any wardrobe.
When shopping for a leather jacket, quality is the primary concern. Since even the cheapest of these jackets are in the hundred dollar range, it is worth it to put a little more money into your jacket and get one that will stand the test of time. This rings particularly true if you are shopping for a protective jacket, such as one designed for motorcyclists. A high quality leather jacket for everyday wear should ideally be made of lambskin, and should have consistent coloration, a smooth surface, and seams that are the same color as the rest of the jacket. This indicates the jacket has been aniline-dyed, which is a deep treatment that brings out the natural beauty of the leather.
Your jacket should be soft and flexible, and smell like leather, not like chemicals. Be sure to steer clear of any leather that has been treated with Azo Dye. This is a toxic substance that has been shown to cause severe skin reactions. Hives and rashes certainly don’t go well with the fashionable image of a leather-clad man.
Once you have chosen your high quality jacket, you will want to find great outfits to pair with it. Nothing will ruin the allure of your new outerwear quite like paring it with shorts, tube socks, and sandals. A button down shirt or polo in a color which compliments your natural coloring, a pair of dark-wash jeans, and some dress shoes will create a suave image, while a tight black tee, black slacks or jeans and boots will form an attractive bad-boy look. Country boys can’t go wrong with a nice western-cut dress shirt, blue jeans, and cowboy boots.
Whatever look you decide to go for, try to ensure your colors match, things aren’t wrinkled, and your pants don’t hang too low. Enjoy your new jacket, and always remember that extra layers might be needed underneath if you live in a cold environment, such as Wyoming or North Dakota. Gloves, a hat, and a scarf are also wonderful ideas to help keep you warm in your stylish leather jacket.