There aren’t many clothing items for men that offer as much style, comfort, and protection as a quality leather jacket. Worn universally by men of all ages and fashion tastes, it has become a wardrobe staple across the world.
There is a good reason for this, as leather jackets are amazingly versatile and durable, while also having a distinctly cool vibe about them. While originally worn for practical reasons, mainly the elemental protection they offer and easy maintenance, what really made them popular are the people who wore them.
From the military pilots and officers of World War I and II to bikers and rock stars, leather jackets have continuously evolved and have made their way into numerous sub-cultures, thanks to their pioneers, as well as their qualities.
Read on to find out more about the most iconic leather jackets and why they are considered the classic menswear:
The Iconic Leather Jacket Styles
Leather jackets come in a variety of styles, and can be made from different types of leather. Below are some of the most common leather jacket types that have passed the test of time.
Flight Jacket
One of the most iconic leather jacket designs, the flight jacket was originally worn by pilots for its warmth and durability in adverse weather conditions. Apart from its recognizable look, the main feature of this jacket is the shearling lining, which makes it quite heavy and best suited for colder seasons.
Bomber Jacket
The rather minimalistic design of the bomber jacket or a camouflage bomber jacket men’s, featuring only a central zipper and fitted waist and cuffs, makes it the most versatile leather jacket when it comes to pairing it with other garments. It’s an ideal choice for people who are looking for leather outerwear that can be worn with almost anything.
You can pair it with jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt, or shoes and a casual shirt, as well as anything in between.
Biker Jacket
Made popular by bikers who wear them for protection against the wind and injury in case of a crash, the biker jacket was designed with their needs in mind. Hence, it’s usually made of thick leather and is shorter than most other designs, reaching to the belt of the wearer.
It comes almost exclusively in black and features studs and numerous zips, as well as overlapping lapels, allowing it to be zipped all the way up. Some designs even have a belt at the bottom, allowing the jacket to be fastened tightly around the body.
These are just some of the most recognizable leather jacket designs, and there is a plethora of different models of all shapes and sizes available both online and in specialized stores. One thing they all have in common, though, is that they are always a good investment.
Why Invest in a Leather Jacket?
Granted, a leather jacket has always been one of the most expensive items in a man’s wardrobe, so you might be asking yourself “Is it worth the investment?” The answer is a resounding “Yes” for several reasons.
A Leather Jacket is Always in Style
Leather jackets have been around long enough for us to be able to say that they will never go out of style. Whether you wear one for practical reasons, or you simply love the look and feel of leather, you don’t have to worry about looking anything less than awesome.
You Can Wear it Anywhere
Apart from being stylish, a leather jacket is very versatile. Whether you are going for a walk, to a pub, or out for dinner, a leather jacket can complement the rest of your outfit perfectly for virtually any occasion.
Durable and Easily Maintained
Genuine leather is a unique material in terms of what it has to offer: durability, protection, comfort, and style. While most other materials tend to lose their original appeal with time, if cared for properly, a leather jacket will maintain all of its qualities for years to come.
In addition, they are quite resistant to normal wear and tear, and you would have to try really hard to permanently ruin it. All it takes to make sure your leather jacket keeps looking a feeling great for a long time is conditioning it occasionally using a leather conditioner you can buy in most stores.
It Will Keep You Warm and Dry
A genuine leather jacket can be worn in all weather conditions, as the natural qualities of leather will keep you protected from wind, low temperatures, and moisture. Although it is inadvisable to wear one in heavy rain, a well-conditioned leather jacket will keep you dry without suffering permanent damage. If you expect a rainy day, you can always apply a waterproofing spray to your jacket to give it some extra protection.
However, even If you do get caught in heavy rain wearing a leather jacket, there is no need to panic. Just make sure you let it dry naturally, away from any heat source when you get home. Once it is almost completely dry, rub in a good amount of leather conditioner to prevent the leather from cracking or becoming brittle.
Finally, it’s important to note that buying a leather jacket is more than shopping for clothes – it is a long-term investment. With proper care, and depending on the quality of the leather, you will be able to enjoy wearing it for years.
So, if you are looking to add a new jacket to your wardrobe, consider investing in a quality leather jacket. It is the one purchase you are guaranteed never to regret.
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