Year in and year out, leather jackets remain the single most popular style of outerwear. There’s a good reason for this popularity: they are stylish, comfortable, classic, and available in a countless number of colors and fashion designs. Perhaps this is why millions of people continue to sport a leather jacket, even with a countless number of other jacket and outwear garments from which to choose.
But leather jackets have gone through a number of evolutionary changes over the years, introducing new concepts to this otherwise classic garment. One of these changes is the use of quilted lining, which adds a new dimension to this classic choice of outwear.
The Early Days of the Leather Jacket
Before we reveal the nuances of quilted leather jackets and why they are taking the fashion world by storm, let’s first take a few steps back to discuss the origins of the leather jacket. While most people are familiar with the general concept behind leather jackets, they do not know when or where this garment came from.
The leather jacket has origins dating back to the early 1900s, a time during which United States Air Force pilots and their crewmen wore brown leather “bomber” jackets during World War II flights. Back then, airplanes lacked the advanced heating systems of modern-day aircraft, forcing pilots and their crew to wear thick leather jackets in an effort to stay warm. Some of these bomber jackets were insulated with fleece, sheepskin or similar materials for added warmth, protecting pilots and crewmen from extreme temperatures at high flight altitudes.
Enter the Quilted Leather Jacket
The modern-day quilted leather jacket is much like the bomber jackets worn by Air Force pilots during WWII. They are made with genuine leather materials, featuring an insulated padding that’s made through quilting. The quilted interior serves as an extra layer of insulation, helping to protect the wearer from cold temperatures. But even if you have no plans on flying, wearing a quilted leather jacket will most certainly prove useful, especially during the cold winter and fall months.
Quilted lining is a simple yet beneficial feature that really adds value to a leather jacket. The vast majority of leather jackets are made without any additional fabric or material. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as some men and women prefer the look of a classic, 100% leather jacket. Others, however, prefer a softer and warmer jacket, much like the characteristics found in quilted leather jackets. If you fall under the latter category, you should check out our store to browse through some of the high-end quilted leather jackets that we offer.
Sold exclusively here at LeatherCult, the Retro Quilted Leather Jacket is one of the many quilted leather jackets that we offer. It’s made with genuine Napa sheep skin soft leather and features antique brass zippers for an added level of visual style. And if you’re worried about the Retro Quilted Leather Jacket not fitting, you can always specify your measurements for a custom design. There’s no easier or better way to purchase a quilted leather jacket.
How Quilted Leather Jackets are Made
Quilted leather jackets are made using a variety of different techniques, materials and craftsmanship processes. While there are subtle nuances between the different jackets, however, they are all typically made using the same basic quilting process: quilting involves the sewing of two or more layers to create a single, thicker layer. Two pieces of leather are “quilted” together, containing some other type of fabric or insulating material sandwiched in between. Once the upper and bottom leather layers are sewn together, it creates a thick piece of fabric that’s heavier and more insulating than just a single piece of leather.
Quilting isn’t a new process by any means. The practice has been around for literally centuries, dating all the way back to the Egyptian First Dynasty of 3400 B.C. However, it wasn’t until the 21st century when leather jackets were made using quilting techniques. This opened the doors to a whole new world of options, as quilted leather jackets combined all of the attractive elements of the classic leather jacket with quilting and its respective benefits.
Add Quilted Lining to Your Leather Jacket
You might be surprised to learn that you can add quilted lining to any leather jacket purchased here at LeatherCult. Even if a leather jacket isn’t labeled as “quilted,” you’ll still have the option of adding quilted lining to it during the checkout.
Still not convinced that a quilted leather jacket is worth the investment? Check out some of the benefits they offer.
- Quilted leather jackets offer greater warmth and protection from the elements, making them ideal for cold weather.
- The presence of quilted fabric/material adds a new visual dynamic to this classic choice of outerwear.
- Quilted leather jackets may also offer greater physical protection for motorcycle riders.
- Some people prefer the softer and more supple texture of quilted leather as opposed to non-quilted leather.
- Let’s face it, quilted leather jackets are currently trending, with men and women alike seeking to wear them.
If you’re in the market for a new quilted leather jacket, you should first consider the color. Do you prefer a brown or black quilted leather jacket? Brown has long been the preferred choice, as it’s easy to match, goes with a variety of different colors and styles, and is an all-around great choice. However, black quilted leather jackets are an excellent alternative, particularly for men and women who are trying to create a more formal look. Regardless, though, you really can’t go wrong with either a black or brown quilted leather jacket. Think about when and how you’ll be wearing your new jacket and choose the most appropriate color. If you typically wear black dress shoes on a daily basis, opting for a black quilted leather jacket is probably the best choice. On the other hand, if you normally wear brown shoes, stick with a brown quilted leather jacket — you get the idea. Maintaining cohesion throughout your outfit is essential to creating an attractive look.