by Manuel Vintagoli
There are few styles that can be as edgy and fashion-forward as a leather jacket. But, as with all types of clothing, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, what you need, or what you can pull off, you can make some terrible mistakes of fashion. Do you want a brown or black coat? Do you want a classic 1950s style, one good for motorcycle use, a darker “Matrix” or goth look, a western one, or a subtle fashion-forward coat? There are myriad styles and brands to choose from. Leather jackets are both for fashion and utility, so it is important to know the history and purpose of leather jackets.
If you are not using the jacket for motorcycle riding, it is probably to your benefit that you do not wear a motorcycle jacket. Though these coats serve their purpose on a bike, bikers have never been known for being the most fashionable of sub-sects. Therefore, avoid jackets with a lot of zippers, especially if the zippers are uncovered. Short, boxy jackets with puffy sleeves and shoulders (to make room for large muscles) are unflattering to the silhouette. Do not wear any jackets with emblems or embroidery.
A leather jacket is a piece purchase and a major piece of clothing. You therefore do not need a lot of frills when it comes to a jacket. Often less is more. The simpler your coat, the more likely it will be in style for years to come. If you take the motorcycle jacket and get rid of the frills, though, you have a 1950s greaser coat. So getting rid of frills are a good place to start, but you have to think about the silhouette, too.
Bomber jackets are a classic style that has hung on for decades. They are called that due to the fact that bombers (as in pilots) wore them. You can define one of these coats by its color (almost always dark brown), its elastic (at waist, wrists, and sometimes collar), and its style (very baggy arms and torso–almost puffy). Though it isn’t the absolute best look, it will always be in style and you will never have to worry about getting a new one.
It is tempting to emulate the edgy coolness of a rock star and get a colored jacket. Leather can be dyed in any hue you like. These coats are longer and straighter and more fashionable, but the problem lies mostly in the color. A leather jacket should never be vibrant. These coats look great when they are photographed, but they are obnoxious in real life. You also want your coat to go with as much of your wardrobe as possible. For this reason, pick only dark browns or blacks. It just makes life simpler and keeps you from looking like a rock star wannabe.
The three-quarters leather jacket (the full-length one) should never be worn, for the sake of style. You run the risk of either looking like an extra in a Western or an extra from “The Matrix.” Unless you are spending a great deal of time outside where the coat could provide coverage, no one should even own these eye-sores. In fact, with the decent outdoor gear available, these coats should never be worn, outside or not.
If you are a man looking for a good coat, here are some principles: dark brown or black coats without a lot of sheen to them are best. It should be hip length with a straight arm–neither baggy nor tight. If the coat fits you as it is on the hangar, it is a good coat. Something that expensive should be professionally tailored or fit you right off the rack. None of this adjustable zipper or pulley nonsense.
For women, follow these same principles. Make sure all the zippers are covered. A corset top leather coat is posh and can even be worn for a top. The coats on women should end a little higher on the torso than a man’s. The arm should be more fitted. Above all, make sure the jacket has good structure to keep your curves in view. The coat should not be tight, but be very structured to your shape. Do not go for boxy coats! They look good on men but can add thirty pounds to a woman’s frame.
Looking for a new leather jacket? Find leather jackets for your entire family right now! Keep warm and be in style with beautiful leather jackets!
