by Leather | Fashion, Leather Accessories
Let me rephrase that: you shouldn’t pair leather with black if the leather is tan or brown-colored. Going back to the basics of style 101, black and brown are two colors that do NOT mix. Attempting to wear a traditional tan-colored leather jacket with a pair of black pants, for instance, will create a clashing, unflattering appearance that does you no justice. If you’re going to wear leather, make sure it flows cohesively with the rest of your outfit. Accessorize One of the perks of wearing leather is its ability to emphasize your accessories. In order to take advantage of this perk, however, you need to wear the right accessories. For instance, a leather jacket would naturally draw attention to a leather handbag. Assuming the two items have a similar style/color of leather, they will enhance your overall appearance to create a stunning and complete look. Of course, there are literally dozens of other accessories from which to choose, so don’t limit yourself to only using a leather handbag. Don’t Overdo It An all-too-common mistake that people make when wearing leather is overdoing it. They may attempt to pile on too many layers and/or accessories in an effort to create an even greater level of complexion. In doing so, it takes away from the sole beauty of leather, hurting their efforts in the process. Leather is a truly stunning and unique fabric that’s perfect for garments and accessories, but you need to use caution to avoid overdoing it. Condition Your Leather When was the last time that you conditioned your leather garment? The truth is that most people rarely,...
by Leather | Fashion
If not, it should. As the saying goes, you only get once chance to make a first impression, holds true. Whether you are going to an important job interview or just heading into town to run errands, you want to present yourself in the best manner possible. Even if you don’t speak to people whom you encounter, they will still instinctively judge you based on your appearance, which is why it’s important to wear the right clothes. What’s Your Style? You can’t expect to present yourself in the most appealing manner possible without first identifying your own personal style. Each and every person has their own style, so you should embrace yours by having it reflected in your wardrobe. Sure, it might be easier to throw together a pair of jeans and button-up t-shirt without paying attention to the details, but this won’t reflect your style. Ask yourself, what type of fashion style do you prefer? The great thing about fashion is that there’s really no wrong choice. As long as your style is unique, comfortable, and reflective of your personality, then it’s safe to wear. Be Unique As mentioned above, the key thing to remember when creating your wardrobe is be unique. If everyone wore the same thing without ever venturing into the unknown, we wouldn’t have fashion trends, and people would continue to wear the same uninspired clothes year after year. Thankfully, though, this isn’t the case, as most people prefer to wear unique outfits that stand out from the rest. Express Your Personality The clothes you wear should reflect your personality. I know this probably sounds...
by Leather | Leather Care, Leather Jackets
So you want to make your leather jacket look old and distressed? Leather jackets remain a popular choice of outerwear among both men and women, offering a unique combination of timeless style and durability. However, many people prefer the look of aged leather, as it’s softer, lighter in color, and has other distinguishable characteristics that set it apart. Ideally, the safest and most effective way to make a leather jacket look old and distressed is to wait patiently for it to happen naturally over time. This isn’t a fast process by any means, as it often takes years before any noticeable change can be seen. Assuming you aren’t in any rush to make your leather jacket look distressed, this is the best way to do it. But if you plan on wearing the jacket in the near future, you’ll have to come up with some alternative means. How sunlight affects leather If you want to make your leather jacket look old, you should expose it to moderate amounts of sunlight. The sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays will cause it to fade, turning its “new” looking color into a lighter, more “aged” look. Keep in mind, however, that sunlight can damage leather, causing it to dry out and even crack in extreme cases. To prevent damage from occurring to your leather jacket, try to limit sun exposure to no more than a couple of hours per day. As time progresses, you’ll see exactly how the sunlight is affecting it. Another helpful tip to make a leather jacket look old and distressed is to place it in the dryer for a...
by Leather | Fashion
No two women (or men for that matter) have the same body. Everyone has a unique shape and size, which is why it’s important to choose clothes that are tailored to fit YOUR body. If a shirt is too large, for instance, it will create the dreaded “clothes hanger” effect, creating the perception that your body is a clothes hanger, with the shirt draped over it. Always try on new garments in the mirror to ensure they fit before wearing them out in public. Don’t Forget the Accessories! Of course, the right accessories can make a world of difference in your appearance. Far too many people underestimate the importance of accessories, assuming it is nothing more than a novelty addition to their outfit that doesn’t offer any real benefit. This couldn’t be further from the truth, however, as accessories will enhance your appearance while drawing attention to your outfit. Avoid Boring Colors I know this probably sounds like common sense to most fashionistas, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should avoid wearing boring, uninspired colors. Colors can make or break an outfit, with boring colors bringing down the aesthetics and overall “mood” of an outfit. So, what exactly is a boring color? This may include gray, taupe, and similar neutral colors. Keep in mind that you can still wear these colors, but you should sprinkle in some other, more lively colors to keep your outfit attractive and relevant. Watch the Wrinkles! We’ve talked about this before on the Leather Cult blog, but it’s worth mentioning again that wearing wrinkled garments is a big no-no in the fashion world,...
by Leather | Fashion
Do you struggle to find the right clothes to wear when it’s raining outside? When it’s sunny and clear skies, you can wear pretty much whatever you want. Whether it’s a tea dress, jeans and shirt, etc., the possibilities are endless. But when mother nature throws you a curve ball by creating rain, you’ll have to a different approach to your choice of outfit. Beware of the Material! First and foremost, it’s important to note that some fabrics and materials are better equipped to handle rain than others. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics tend to work the best in rain, simply because they are water-resistant. Cotton, on the other hand, is naturally absorbent, meaning it will soak up the rain (note: wearing soaked clothes isn’t fun, so choose your garments wisely). And there are some materials that will become damaged or even ruined when exposed to rain, such as silk. The bottom line is that you need to remain conscious of the fabrics you wear when it’s raining. Raincoats Raincoats offer more than just protection against bad weather. They also add a stylish new element to your outfit. Rather than wearing just an “ordinary” raincoat, though, consider wearing one that’s stylish and fashionable. The great thing about raincoats is that they are available in hundreds of different styles. So regardless of the look you are trying to achieve, chances are there’s a raincoat to match. Umbrella In addition to a raincoat, you should also consider sporting an umbrella. Aside from its functional uses (e.g. block the rain), an umbrella can also double as a fashion accessory, assuming you choose...
by Leather | Uncategorized
Have some old clothes laying around your home that you no longer wear or intend to wear? Sure you do! I think everyone has been guilty of keeping certain shirts, jackets, pants, and accessories past their expiration date. Whether they are damaged or if you’ve simply outgrown them, there’s bound to be some clothes that fall under this category somewhere in your home. But what should you do with them? Sell them to a Consignment Shop One idea is to sell your old clothes to a consignment shop. In case this is your first time hearing about them and how they work, let me explain: a consignment shop is a special type of clothing store that sells “gently used” apparel. You bring them the clothes you no longer want and/or can no longer wear, and they’ll give you either cash or store credit (note: you’ll generally receive more if you opt for store credit). Donate them to Charity Another solution is to donate your old clothes to a charity organization like GoodWill. Doing so will give you peace of mind knowing that your clothes are being put to good use. Granted, you won’t receive cash or store credit as you would for a consignment shop, but this is a quick and easy solution nonetheless. Furthermore, most major charity organizations will give you a tax-deductible receipt, meaning you can write off the value of your clothes as a donation the next time you file your taxes. Talk with your accountant or tax professional for more information on which type of deductions are accepted and which ones are not. Give them...
by Leather | Leather Shorts
Think jackets are the only garment made of leather? Think again. While many people enjoy the classic, stylish look of leather jackets, there are dozens of other garments made of this material as well, including shorts. And with the hot summer season upon us, there’s no better time than now to rock a pair of leather shorts. Of course, there’s a right way and a wrong way to wear leather shorts. If you want to look your best (hint: you do!), you need to remain conscious of your body type as well as the different styles of leather shorts. Simply grabbing the first pair you come across at your preferred shopping mall isn’t going to work. Leather shorts are more classy than standard cotton shorts, and therefore they require a bit more effort to find the perfect pair. First and foremost, consider the size when choosing a pair of leather shorts. I know this probably sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised to learn just how many people attempt to wear leather shorts that are either too big or too small for their bodies. Wearing a pair of leather shorts that are too small will be uncomfortable and restricting, whereas leather shorts that are too big will look baggy and tacky. Choose your size carefully If you aren’t sure what size you need, I recommend visiting a local retail store and trying on a few different pairs of leather shorts. Even if you don’t buy them at the store, doing so will give you a better idea of which size is right for your body. Something else...
by Leather | Leather Care
Leather is arguably one of the most stylish and comfortable materials on the planet. The combination of its soft yet durable texture and classic appearance make it the perfect choice of material for clothes and accessories. Whether you are looking for a new jacket, skirt, belt or even a pair of shorts, you can’t go wrong with leather. But what happens when your leather becomes dirty and needs cleaning? It’s bound to happen sooner or later: you accidentally spill a cup of coffee on your new leather jacket, leaving behind a large and visible stain. It’s discouraging (to say the least) when incidents such as this occur, but the good news is that you CAN clean leather. All it takes is the right approach, which we’re going to explain in further detail in today’s blog post. Surface Cleaning The easiest way to prevent visible stains from developing on your leather jacket (or any leather garment/accessory for that matter), is to give it a good surface cleaning once in a while. Allowing dirt, dust and debris to accumulate on the surface can lead to damage later down the road. To “surface clean” leather, take a lint-free microfiber cloth and simply glide it across the surface. This should wipe away most dust and dirt, assuming it hasn’t settled into the pores. It’s recommended that you use a dry microfiber cloth when performing a surface clean, as adding cleaning solutions or even water may reduce the effectiveness of this technique. Dealing With Tougher Stains Using the aforementioned technique should make easy work of surface dust and debris on your leather garment. However,...
by Leather | Leather Questions
Just like wine — well, most wines at least — leather gets better with age. Don’t get me wrong, new leather is a brilliant, ultra-comfortable material that’s perfect for jackets, shirts, dresses, belts, shoes, and a countless number of other items as well. However, older, worn-in leather offers some unique advantages that many people prefer. Aesthetics One of the many ways in which leather gets better as it ages is its appearance. As it ages, leather will begin to develop natural markings. These markings are usually small but still noticeable nonetheless, covering the surface while adding another element to its look. If you are looking for a pristine leather garment, you’ll probably want new leather. But if you want a piece that’s truly unique and eye-catching, aged leather is the way to go. Smell Of course, old leather also has a certain smell to it (a good smell) that differs from its new counterpart. New leather generally smells stronger and more artificial — even if it’s 100% genuine leather. This is in stark contrast to aged leather, which has a softer, more subtle odor that many people prefer. It’s difficult to describe this odor without smelling it for yourself, but some people compare it to a mixture of cedar and cinnamon. Strength Both new and aged leather offers a superior level of strength when compared to many other materials (especially cotton). You can pull, tug and stretch leather without causing any damage to it. However, old leather is slightly stronger than its counterpart. This is due to the fact that it’s already been stretched and pulled on plenty of...
