What Is a Leather Patina?

What Is a Leather Patina?

Leather jackets are known for ability to age gracefully over time. When made of genuine leather, jackets will develop subtle hints of aging. Known as a patina, it changes both the appearance and physical properties of leather jackets. A patina can make jackets softer while also featuring a lighter, more natural tone. What is a leather patina exactly? The Basics of a Leather Patina The term “patina” refers to naturally aged leather. Leather is a strong and durable material that’s prized for its physical properties. Like all materials, though, it’s not immune to hands of time. When properly cared for, leather won’t rip, tear or otherwise succumb to serious damage. It may, however, develop hints of aging. Leather is like fine wine in the sense that it gets better with age. When exposed to sunlight, as well as the general environment, leather will age. One of the most telltale signs of aging in leather jackets is a lighter tone. A dark brown leather jacket, for example, may gracefully fade to a lighter shade of brown. In comparison, a black leather jacket may fade to a light black or even a gray color. Regardless, leather jackets and other garments are known to develop visible signs of aging — a phenomenon that’s known as a patina. Some people assume that a leather patina is a specific type of leather, but this isn’t true. A leather patina is simply aged leather. Whether it’s a leather jacket, a leather shirt, a leather dress or any other garment made of genuine leather, it will likely age over time. This aging process is responsible for...
7 Leather Accessories to Wear With a Leather Jacket

7 Leather Accessories to Wear With a Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are known for their unmatched versatility. If you’re trying to take your outfit to the next level, though, you should consider accessorizing your leather jacket. There are several leather accessories that complement the natural appearance of a leather jacket when worn together in the same outfit. While you might be familiar with some of these leather accessories, others will likely surprise you. Here are seven leather accessories to consider wearing with your leather jacket. #1) Leather Cap A leather cap is a simple yet attractive accessory that looks great when worn in conjunction with a leather jacket. The leather cap sold here at LeatherCult, for instance, is made of 100% pure napa sheepskin leather, which is one of the softest and high-quality types of leather on the market. When it’s cold outside, a leather cap such as this will add an extra layer of thermal insulation to your head. And since it’s made of genuine leather, it will complement the appearance of your leather jacket. #2) Leather Wallet If you don’t already own one, you may want to invest in a leather wallet. There are bi-fold and tri-fold leather wallets available. The former consists of a single piece of high-quality leather that’s folded once in the middle, whereas the latter consists of a single piece of high-quality leather that’s folded twice in the middle. Regardless, all leather wallets are made of high-quality leather. Of course, most people won’t see your leather wallet since you’ll probably carry it in your pocket. When you do pull out your wallet to retrieve cash, however, your leather wallet will become noticeable....
The Complete Guide to Stretch Leather Jackets

The Complete Guide to Stretch Leather Jackets

A leather jacket is a classic choice of outerwear that’s prized for its superior comfort and stylish appearance. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, you can’t go wrong with a leather jacket. There are many different types of leather jackets, however, including stretch leather jackets. Stretch leather jackets are still made of leather. After all, that’s what distinguishes them from traditional coats and jackets. Nonetheless, stretch leather jackets have a unique construction that many men and women prefer. What Is a Stretch Leather Jacket? To determine whether a stretch leather jacket is right for you, you must first understand the meaning of the term “stretch leather.” Leather is a type of material that’s made from animal hide, such as cowhide or sheepskin. The hide is tanned and processed, resulting in an ultra-strong yet soft material that’s ideal for use in jackets and other garments. Stretch leather still consists primarily of animal hide, but it’s lined with an elastic material on the back. If you feel the interior surface of a stretch leather jacket, you’ll probably notice that it’s more elastic than the jacket’s exterior surface. Stretch leather jackets are comprised mostly of traditional, genuine leather. On the interior surface, though, is a layer of an elastic material. Some stretch leather jackets have a layer of polyester on the interior, whereas others have a layer of lycra. Regardless, all stretch leather jackets are made with an elastic -material lining that covers the interior surface. Leather Jacket vs Stretch Leather Jacket The only difference between a traditional leather jacket and a stretch leather jacket is that the former consists entirely...
Can You Wear a Leather Jacket in the Rain?

Can You Wear a Leather Jacket in the Rain?

Leather is one of the most durable and versatile clothing materials, and there are several leather jacket models suitable for every season. But what about rainy days? Can you wear a leather jacket in the rain? The short answer is – yes, but you will need to provide your jacket with some extra care to avoid water damage. Wearing Leather in the Rain Whether you live on the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in between, you are bound to experience rain at some point throughout the year.  Thankfully, most garments are designed to withstand moisture, which should come as no surprise if they are labeled as “machine washable”. But leather is unique in the sense that it’s strong, durable yet still susceptible to damage caused by moisture. Exposure to small amounts of moisture shouldn’t cause any major issues. However, when leather is exposed to significant amounts of moisture over a prolonged time period, it can (and will) cause damage. The moisture will settle into the pores, where it can contribute to the formation of mold and mildew — and when this occurs, it’s difficult to fix.  So, what do you need to do to make sure your leather garments are protected from water damage? How Do I Protect My Leather Jacket From The Rain? It’s important to note that, although it has some water-resistant qualities, leather can never be completely waterproof. Because of its permeable nature, when exposed to excessive amounts of water, leather will get wet, and if not dried properly, it can become stiff, or even rot. However, if you condition it properly, you can wear...
7 Reasons to Wear Leather Shorts This Summer

7 Reasons to Wear Leather Shorts This Summer

Summer is fast approaching, so there’s no better than now to update your closet with fashionable new clothes. As we transition from spring to summer, the weather will get warmer. Therefore, you’ll need to choose clothes that are appropriate for warm weather. While you can always wear traditional cloth-based shorts during the summer, though, you should consider sporting leather shorts for the seven following reasons. #1) Cool to the Touch Some people assume that leather shorts are too hot to wear during the summer, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Leather is actually cool to the touch, making it an excellent choice for both the spring and summer months. If you run your hands across the surface of genuine leather, you’ll discover that it feels cool. The naturally cool properties of genuine leather make it an excellent textile for summertime clothes and accessories. Regardless of which style you prefer, you can rest assured knowing that leather shorts are exceptionally cool. #2) Fragrant Aroma A benefit of leather shorts that’s often overlooked is their fragrant aroma. Unless you’ve owned or worn a genuine leather garment before, you might be surprised to discover just how nice it smells. Leather shorts feature this same distinct aroma that many people have come to love. It’s difficult to describe the aroma of leather without smelling it for yourself. It’s a mildly sweet and earthy aroma that’s pleasant yet not overbearing. Leather shorts, of course, feature this same fragrant aroma, which is one more reason to consider wearing them this summer. #3) Easy to Clean Leather shorts are also easy to clean. All...