Leather jackets have been a stylish addition to men’s
wardrobes for a long time. They can
range from high fashion, high dollar leather coats to lower cost leather
motorcycle jackets. There are few men
who don’t look great dressed in leather.
When shopping for a new leather jacket, there are many
things to consider. First, of course,
like anything else you purchase, you have to determine how much you are willing
to spend to get what you want. If
price is no object, you can find a $1400 leather jacket at Nordstrom. Most of us can’t afford to spend that
much. If you are a good shopper, you can
find a really nice leather motorcycle jacket on line for anywhere from $100 to
$150. Or you can find a decent classic
motorcycle jacket for between $70 and $90.
There are many decisions to be made about style. There are leather bomber jackets, classic
motorcycle jackets, classic motorcycle jackets with zipout liners. There are leather blazers, leather scooter
jackets, leather sleeveless jackets.
It’s up to you to decide what feels comfortable for you, what looks best
on you and what jacket best serves your purpose.
In this day and age,
many of us prefer to shop on line.
It can be difficult to decide from a picture and you have to be sure
that the online store you buy from is reputable and carries good quality
merchandise. Most leather jackets sold
in this country are not made in America.
It’s sad but true. But the
quality of the leather can vary from brand to brand. The thickest leather jackets (and probably
the most expensive) are made from nappa leather and vary greatly in thickness
between 1.1 and 1.5 mils. If it is too
thick, the break-in period is probably longer than most of us want to
wait. But if you buy a leather jacket
that is made from the cheapest cowhide and it feels thin and kind of brittle,
you can be pretty sure that it won’t last long. My grandfather used to say “cheap is cheap”
and it’s good to keep that in mind when buying a nice leather jacket.
A leather motorcycle jacket is an investment. It is protection when you are riding, as well
as warmth and a place to display motorcycle patches. Most motorcycle riders take pride in their
bikes and spare no expense in keeping them tricked out. You would be wise to do the same when
purchasing your leather motorcycle jacket.
A decent leather jacket will last
a long time – even if you are rough with it.
They will last even longer if you take care of them and use leather care
products on them from time to time.
Another decision to make when purchasing a leather jacket is
color. Even though we most often think
of leather jackets – especially motorcycle jackets – as predominantly black,
they do come in various shades of brown that might be a good alternative for
people who don’t particularly care to wear black all the time.
Another option in leather jackets is the sleeveless leather motorcycle jacket. It provides the same
protection and style as the classic leather motorcycle jacket – just without
the sleeves. It can be a good option for
motorcycle riders in warmer climates.
If you are looking for a fashion leather jacket or blazer,
the same options apply. It is
important to find the style that looks best on your body style. Leather blazers can have two buttons or 3
buttons and they can be long or waist length.
Regardless of the style, it is important to know what you
like and find the leather jacket that suits your purpose. If you live where it is cold, you might want
to make sure you have a removable liner or a neck warmer. Some leather motorcycles jackets come with
hidden pockets inside for carrying a pistol.
Some have zippers and lots of pockets.
Some have fancy designs on the back, some are plain. You can find leather jackets with studs and
skulls or you can find a fine fashion jacket with a slim cut that will look
great with your dress slacks when you go to a fancy restaurant for dinner.
The classic leather motorcycle jacket became “cool” when
Happy Days was popular and The Fonz wore one. Younger guys wanted to be like him. Now, leather has taken its rightful place in
fashion so that anyone, regardless of age or background, can look great and
feel confident in a nice leather jacket.
