If you are a fan of Sergio Leone’s westerns, you are probably more than familiar with duster coats. Originally worn as an overcoat to protect the clothing of a rider from dust and dirt during long days on horseback, the leather duster made a comeback thanks to the popularity of the western genre a few decades ago, and it is here to stay.
A duster is a coat designed for comfort and protection. It usually covers the entire body, reaching to just above the ankle, although there are shorter variants as well. The second distinctive trait of a duster is the slit on the backside (from the bottom up to hip level) which allows riders to straddle a horse or get on a bike without the coat limiting their range of movement.
Another feature added for practical reasons is the recognizable flap on the shoulders of the duster. The purpose of this extra layer is to provide the wearer with extra protection from wind and moisture.
So, in short, a duster is a loose-fitting leather overcoat, with a rich history, designed to be practical and protect the wearer from the elements.
Leather Duster vs Leather Trench Coat: The Differences
You may have noticed that there are a lot of similarities between a trench coat and a duster, and because of them, many people tend to confuse the two or refer to a duster as a trench coat. However, there are certain distinctive differences between them both in their history and design.
First of all, the term trench coat originates from; you guessed it; the trenches of World War I, where it was made popular by British military officers. Although the two are similar in terms of the protection they offer, one was made for trench warfare, while the other was intended for open fields and roads. Hence, there are several noticeable differences in their design, if you know what to look for.
A duster has a no-lapel collar, which can be clasped shut to completely cover the neck of the wearer when necessary, and a recognizable flap over the shoulders. Also, a trench coat features a smaller slit, compared to a leather duster, reaching only to the back of the knees.
Another obvious difference is in their shape. A trench coat is usually tailored for a snugger fit, especially in the waist, and often features a belt, while a duster has a looser design, and is often worn unbuttoned.
Finally, most leather dusters have leg straps on the inside. These are used to fasten the lower part of the coat to your legs, which helps to keep it in place when you are on a bike or horseback.
Now that we have covered the differences between the two, read on about what makes a duster an amazing and versatile garment.
Why Opt for a Duster?
Like most leather garments, leather dusters will never go out of style, especially considering their origins. They are a top choice for anyone who loves leather and is looking to invest in a quality garment for when the temperature starts to drop.Unlike most other jackets and coats, our duster offers protection of the entire body and is fairly easy to maintain, as well as resistant to wear and tear, since it is made of genuine leather.
Who Wears Leather Dusters?
The duster overcoat has come a long way since the time of cowboys and has become a fashionable piece of clothing while retaining all the practical characteristics that have made it popular. While it is still the choice overcoat of horsemen who wear it both for its features and what it stands for, the leather duster has also found its way into the wardrobes of many other people.
Bikers are also very fond of the duster for obvious reasons. It is comfortable and provides protection from the wind and rain, as well as injury in case of a crash, which makes it perfect for long rides in less than perfect weather conditions.
Others simply wear duster coats for their appearance, durability, and versatility. Whether it’s just cold outside, raining, or snowing, a quality duster will keep you warm, dry, and looking great from head to toe.
How to Clean and Maintain a Leather Duster?
Cleaning and conditioning your leather duster every once in a while is the best way to ensure it remains in top condition for a long time. If not conditioned properly, the weather and other factors will slowly start taking a toll on the look and feel of the leather. On the other hand, a well-maintained leather garment will only look better with time, while keeping all its important qualities.
You can read our blog on how to use leather soap for more information on cleaning and maintaining all your leather garments.
What Can I Wear With a Leather Duster?
Being a classic in itself, you can wear almost anything with a duster, depending on the weather.
For example, you can nod to the classic cowboy look with a pair of jeans, a casual shirt, and cowboy boots with a matching belt, wearing your leather duster unbuttoned. On the other hand, bikers usually wear their dusters with leather boots and pants and closed all the way to their neck.
What you wear with your duster overcoat will probably be dictated by the weather conditions. However, whatever clothes you decide to wear, you can rest assured that they will remain dry and clean under a duster.
LeatherCult Custom-made Leather Duster
Our leather duster is made of pure napa sheepskin with a removable cape and leg straps and is fully customizable in terms of your measurements. It is also available in more than 60 different colors, so you can choose the one that matches your personality and wardrobe.
If you like practical clothing, you will love wearing a LeatherCult duster whenever you get the chance.