If you’re looking to buy a leather vest, it’s important that you choose the right type. While all leather vests feature a sleeveless design in an all-leather construction, there are nuances between them that shouldn’t go unnoticed. To find the perfect leather vest, consider the 10 following things.
Zipper or Buttons
Do you want a leather vest with a zipper or buttons on the front? Although there are exceptions, most leather vests feature one of these two designs. Leather vests with a zipper on the front are arguably easier to use, but many people prefer the classic, stylish look of buttons on the front. You can’t go wrong with either style; just choose the one that best reflects your personal preference.
Type of Leather
Pay attention to the type of leather from which the vest is made. There are more than a half-dozen types of leather, each of which has its own properties. Split leather, for example, is a low-quality type of leather that’s inexpensive but also highly susceptible to damage. There’s also corrected-grain leather, which is a higher-quality type of leather that looks and feels better than split leather. The absolute best type of leather in which vests are made, however, is full grain. Also known as top-grain leather, it offers a superior level of softness that you won’t find elsewhere.
Color
The color of your leather vest will affect the garments and accessories with which you can wear it. If you purchase a leather vest in a bold color like purple — yes, leather vests are available in purple — you probably won’t be able to wear it with many other clothes or accessories. Therefore, it’s recommended that you choose a leather vest in a basic, traditional color like brown or black. Either of these colors will allow you to wear your new leather vest with a variety of other colors and styles.
Faded vs Non Faded
Some manufacturers have begun making leather vests with a pre-faded appearance. Also known as distressed, faded vests such as these feature an overall lighter tone than their counterparts, and some of them feature patches of discoloration for an additional level of authenticity. If you’re going to purchase a new leather vest, you need to decide whether you want a faded or non-faded vest. Faded vests offer a unique vintage style, whereas non-faded vests offer a more modern style.
Pockets
Look at the front of any leather vests you are considering buying to see how many pockets it has. Some leather vests don’t have any pockets on the front, but others have one, two, three or even four pockets. Of course, choosing a leather vest with pockets will provide you with additional storage space. You can use the pockets to store small items like your car keys, cash, smartphone, credit cards and other knickknacks. And many people prefer the look of leather vests with pockets over their pocketless counterparts.
Length
Check the length when shopping for a new leather vest. If it’s too short or too long, it may look awkward and unflattering. Ideally, your leather vest should stop right at your waistline. Not everyone has the same body size and shape, though, so finding a leather vest in the right length can be difficult. LeatherCult is here to help, however. We offer custom sizing on all leather jackets, vests and other garments at no additional charge. You provide us with your body measurements, and we’ll create a custom-fitted leather vest that’s designed just for you.
Quilted or Non Quilted
If you’re planning to wear your leather vest during the winter, you may want to choose a quilted style. What is a quilted leather vest exactly? A quilted leather vest is a type of sleeveless vest made of leather that features a padded interior. The interior is stitched together in a quilt-like fashion to create pockets of insulation for added warmth and a unique style. It’s a great choice if you live in area where the winters get brutally cold. But even if you live in an area with mild winters, wearing a quilted leather vest can help you achieve a unique look.
New or Used
You can find both new and used leather vests available for sale. Many consignments stores and auction websites sell used, secondhand leather vests, assuming they are in good condition. To get the most value out of your leather vest, though, you should probably stick with a new vest. Purchasing a new leather vest gives you peace of mind knowing that it hasn’t been worn, so there’s little or no risk of damage or defect.
#8) Single or Double Breasted
Just like suit jackets are available in single- and double-breasted styles, so are leather vests. Single-breasted leather vests offer a cleaner and more modern appearance than their double-breasted counterparts. With double-breasted leather vests, there’s a larger section of overlapping fabric on the front.
Collar
What type of collar does the leather vest feature? Some leather vests feature a plain, ordinary collar, whereas others feature intricate collars with embellishments and other aesthetic elements. Because the collar is worn right around your neck, it will affect the way in which a leather vest looks. Therefore, you should choose a leather vest with an attractive collar that flows cohesively with your personal style. If the collar looks awkward or unattractive, choose a different leather vest.
Overall Style
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when choosing a leather vest is its overall style. You can find leather vests available in countless styles, ranging from traditional biker-style vests to movie-inspired vests. Biker-style leather vests are characterized by a fairly basic design consisting of a black or black color with a single zipper or column of buttons on the front. Movie-inspired leather vests, on the other hand, are characterized by a design reflecting the movie in which it was worn. There’s the Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom Leather Vest, for example, that features the same design worn by Chris Pratt in the hit Blockbuster movie of its namesake.