So, you’ve made the decision to buy a new leather jacket, but now you’re faced with the task of trying to choose the right one. There’s no denying the fact that leather jackets are stylish. Ever since they were first invented more than a century ago, they’ve been the go-to choice of outerwear among countless men and women alike. Leather jackets are soft, supple, comfortable, durable and stylish — a unique combination that’s not found in other coats or jackets. But with so many different types of leather jackets, you may struggle to choose one. Thankfully, there are a few things you can look for to identify a high-quality leather jacket, some of which we’re going to explore in this blog post.
Genuine Leather
Perhaps the most important sign of a high-quality leather jacket is a genuine leather construction. Don’t assume that a jacket is made of real leather just because it looks real. We’ve talked about this before on our blog, but it’s worth mentioning again that some jackets are made of faux leather. Faux leather isn’t real leather at all. Instead, it’s made of synthetic materials in an attempt to mimic the characteristics of its genuine counterpart. Unfortunately, faux leather jackets lack the style, comfort and durability of genuine leather jackets. For these reasons, it’s recommended that you stick with genuine leather when buying a new jacket.
Functioning Zippers and Buttons
Whether a leather jacket has zippers or buttons (or both), they should work in a seamless and flawless manner. If a leather jacket has a zipper on the front, for instance, take a moment to ensure it works by zipping it up and back down. The zipper should run smooth down the tracks without getting caught. If it gets caught, it’s usually a sign of poor craftsmanship, in which case you should consider an alternative leather jacket. This also applies to leather jackets with buttons. Check to make sure the buttons fasten and unfasten properly, as this can help you determine the overall quality of a leather jacket.
It’s Soft
Of course, a high-quality leather jacket will also feel soft, very soft. During its production, leather is exposed to various chemicals to remove moisture and inhibit the growth of bacteria and germs. If the wrong chemicals are used — or the wrong ratio or amount of chemicals are used — the leather may feel rough and tough. Being that you’ll be wearing it on your body, you probably want a soft leather jacket. So, try feeling the jacket to see if it’s soft. A high-quality leather jacket should be soft and smooth, whereas a low-quality leather jacket will be rough and tough.
Nappa Leather
Think all leather is made equal? Think again. Different companies use different types of leather in the construction of their jackets and other products. Among the highest quality types of leather is Napa. Originally pioneered by Emanual Manasse in the late 1800s, Napa leather is characterized by its superior level of comfort. Whether it’s made of cow, lamb, calf or other animal hide, Nappa leather is incredibly soft, pliable and super comfortable to wear. So, while it may cost slightly more than traditional leather, investing in a genuine Napa leather jacket is usually well worth the cost.
Pure Leather
Just because a jacket is labeled as “made with genuine leather” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s only made of leather. Some jackets contain a combination of both leather and other materials, such as polyester. Adding other materials to a leather jacket changes its properties — and usually not in a good way. Instead of boasting a soft and supple texture, for instance, the jacket may now feel abrasive. This is why it’s a good idea to stick with jackets made of 100% genuine leather. You can see what materials were used in the jacket’s construction by reading the tag, which is usually found inside the collar. If you’re looking for a high-quality leather jacket, choose one that’s made of 100% leather and not a combination of other materials.
The Fit is Right
You can also tell if a leather jacket is high quality by trying it on. Does it bunch up in the shoulders? Do the sleeves end before reaching your wrists? Does it prevent you from twisting your body from side to side? These are all indicative of a low-quality leather jacket. A high-quality leather jacket should be designed so it fits properly on your body without experiencing these problems. Being that no two people have the exact same body, however, finding the perfect size isn’t always easy. The good news is that you don’t have to visit countless retail stores trying to find a leather jacket that fits. LeatherCult offers custom sizing on all leather jackets at no additional charge.
Reputable Brand
Consider the brand when choosing a leather jacket. In recent years, countless fly-by-night brands have popped up. Normally, these lesser-known brands offer leather jackets of sub-par quality at premium prices. Therefore, it’s best to stick with a reputable brand that you know and trust.
Even, Uniform Color
Check the color of the leather jacket to ensure it’s even and uniform throughout. A high-quality leather jacket should feature a consistent color without patches if discoloration. On the other hand, a low-quality leather jacket may feature areas of dark and light color. If the jacket is dark on the front torso but light on the sleeves, it could be a sign of poor craftsmanship.
It’s Backed by a Warranty
Finally, a high-quality leather jacket should be backed by a warranty. Whether it’s the manufacturer’s warranty or a store warranty, this gives you peace of mind knowing that you can either return or replace the jacket if it’s defective. However, you probably won’t ever use the warranty, as only high-quality leather jackets are backed by such warranties. And if a jacket is high quality, it’s probably not defective.