Leather is a stylish, comfortable and durable alternative to traditional textiles like cotton and wool. Whether it’s cow’s hide or sheepskin, you can rest assured knowing that leather is a superior textile. But if you’re planning to wear leather, there are a few things you should know. Today, we’re going to reveal 10 important do’s and don’ts of leather fashion. Following the tips outlined here will help you create a more attractive and stylish appearance with leather.
Do Learn the Different Leather Jacket Styles
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different leather jacket styles on the market. Most men’s leather jackets, however, fall under a few basic categories, including the bomber jacket, motorcycle jacket, racer jacket, duster, cattleman and fatigue. If you’re a man, familiarize yourself with these different styles to determine which one is right for you. Some men prefer the classic style of a leather bomber jacket, whereas others prefer the clean look of a fatigue jacket.
Don’t Wear a Faux Leather Jacket
What’s wrong with wearing a faux leather jacket? As we’ve previously discussed, faux leather jackets aren’t made of leather at all. Instead, they are made of synthetic materials that have been heavily processed. As a result, faux leather jackets lack the attractive qualities and characteristics of its genuine counterpart. So, if you’re going to invest in a new leather jacket, make sure it’s made of 100% genuine leather and not some fake/faux material. Genuine leather costs more, but it’s a smart investment that will offer you countless years of use and enjoyment in return.
Do Consider Leather Pants
If you keep up with fashion trends, you’re probably well aware that leather pants are making a comeback. While they pale in comparison to the popularity surrounding jeans, many fashion-forward individuals are updating their wardrobe with leather pants. Featuring the same high-end leather materials that are used in jackets, leather pants offer the perfect combination of style, comfort and durability. The shiny texture of leather creates a stunning appearance that’s simply not found elsewhere. Leather, of course, is also smooth yet durable, making it the perfect choice of pants for individuals looking to differentiate themselves from the crowd.
Don’t Wash Leather in the Washing Machine
Whether it’s a jacket, pants, shirt or accessories, it’s generally recommended that you not wash leather in the washing machine. You can refer to the care label for specific cleaning instructions, but leather garments and accessories typically should not be washed in the washing machine. This is because excess water will saturate leather to the point where it becomes damaged. Wearing a leather jacket for a short period when it’s raining outside isn’t going to cause any problems, but if you leave it submerged in the washing machine, the material may become damaged.
Do Choose the Right Color
It’s important to choose the right color when shopping for a leather jacket or other garments. Black and brown are undoubtedly the two most popular color choices for leather. If you plan on wearing black shoes and a black belt frequently, consider black leather. Or if you plan on wear brown accessories, choose brown. Alternatively, you can experiment with an entirely different color, such as red, white, green or even blue. Manufacturers of leather jackets and goods now offer their products in a wide range of colors, giving consumers such as yourself greater freedom over their selection.
Don’t Wear an Oversized Leather Jacket
When shopping for a leather jacket, make sure it isn’t too big. Some people have a tendency to choose jackets in a size bigger than what they actually need, believing this gives them a little “growing” room. Leather jackets, however, don’t shrink, and unless you’re a teenager, you probably won’t be doing much growing. Therefore, you should choose a leather jacket that fits your body. If it’s too big, it look awkward and actually hurt your appearance. The same goes for leather jackets that are too small. The bottom line is that you need to choose a leather jacket that’s designed to fit your body size and shape.
Do Accessorize
You can further enhance your appearance by pairing your leather jacket with other leather accessories. You don’t have to wear a dozen different accessories, as just a few basic pieces will suffice. Women, for instance, can enhance their appearance by wearing a leather belt and handbag with a leather jacket. Assuming the accessories are the same color leather as the jacket, this otherwise simple combination will make a world of difference in your appearance. Men can also accessorize their appearance by wearing a leather wristwatch and a belt.
Don’t Leave Leather Exposed to the Sun
The sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) light can damage leather over time, so try to avoid storing or otherwise exposing your leather to the sun for a prolonged length of time. With that said, you don’t have to worry about any serious damage occurring from sunlight. At most, it may cause your leather to fade to a lighter color. Furthermore, this usually only happens when leaving leather exposed to direct sunlight for weeks on end. As long as you store your leather in a covered, climate-controlled area like your closet, this really isn’t a problem.
Do Check for Pockets
Whether you’re buying a leather jacket or pants, check to see if they contain pockets. And if so, where those pockets are located. It should go without saying that pockets are great for storing small items like keys, cash and phones. Thankfully, most leather jackets and pants are made with built-in pockets.
Don’t Limit Your Leather Fashion to Jackets
Finally, try to not limit your selection of leather fashion only to jackets. As you can see from our website, there are also leather shirts, pants, vests, skirts and other garments from which to choose.