Leather Jacket Buying Guide
Determine What You Want to Wear?
Buying a leather jacket may seem to be easy but there are several aspects that should be kept in mind when you buy your jacket. First of all is style, If you are fond of classic style then no doubt classic leather jackets which are conventionally seen is your hunt. Though these kinds of jackets are classic there are still in the moving trend. One the other hand, if you desire to do something in contrast to classic jackets then modern leather jackets can be your treat. These jackets are based on latest trend and efficiently exhibit current fashion style, pattern and color.
Leather Jacket Fitting
Leather Jacket Fitting is an essential factor that should be kept in mind while you select your best jacket. It is evident that you may come across various fit for jackets. Hence, you need to make sure that the jacket that you buy should complement your body well. Normally jackets are available in two types of fitting, vintage and regular. Vintage is referred to tight fitted jackets and regular fitting refers to a jackets with a bit loose fitting.
Leather Jackets for Summer
If you desire to wear captivating leather jackets which is also suitable for summer as well as winter. Then removable lining jackets are something to serve the purpose. These jackets have detachable lining which can be removed during summer and attached during winter. However, if you want a jacket specially to don during summer, then obviously especially designed Spring Fall leather jackets are your treat. These jackets are designed out of suitable materials which are ideal for summer season, as they make the attire look chic and at the same time keep the wearer fresh.
Leather Types
The most common question we come across is “What leather will be best for my jacket”, Different types of leather suits different types of jackets styles. This is an important point and worth remembering. The type of leather used is always dependent on the style and purpose of the leather garment. Beware of retailers who only use one type of leather in all their jackets. It suggests they don’t fully understand the subtleties and characteristics of the material.
The main difference between leather types is the animal from which it’s taken. It goes like this “Larger the animal, the thicker and heavier the leather”.
Cow Hide
The toughest of the hides and used in jackets. Strong heavy flexible whip usually made of braided leather. The leather is on the stiff side and offers excellent resistance and protection but at the expense of weight. You will often find it used in motorcycle protective gear. And biker styles where toughness is the prime consideration. Jackets made of cow hide can take a long time to “wear in”.
Buffalo Hide
Most of the characteristics of buffalo hide are same as cow hide. The main difference between these two is that buffalo hide has more visible grains then cow hide.
Sheep and lamb
Grains are very fine, suppler than buffalo & cow but still tough and durable and light weight. This leather gives nice buttery feel. Sheep hides offer a good balance between comfort, style and strength. They particularly suits jacket styles where suppleness is important such as bomber jackets, blazers and reefers, especially in women leather jackets.
Leather Finishes
After establishing the leather type you require next step is to look for the processes that have been applied to hides. Different tanning processes produce distinct finished leather which affects the appearance of the leather
Top grained (protected and coated)
Top grain leather is used in all applications- car upholstery, jackets and clothing. This is the easiest to maintain and also the most durable. It has that finished look and somewhat heavier. If a drop of water is spilled, it will bead up and cause no darkening of the spot and is easily wiped away.
Nappa / Napa
Nappa leather is full-grain leather made from an unsplit skin and noted for softness and durability. Velvety to the touch, nappa leather is among one of the highest qualities of leathers and the most lightweight and soft. It is used in high-quality leather products. This quality leather offers great protection against the wind along with being resistant and warm.
Aniline
Aniline leather is a type of leather in which high quality hides have been treated with anilin as a dye. This produces delicate, soft, supple leather.
Typically, leather is colored both for aesthetic reasons and to conceal blemishes. Aniline dye colors leather without producing the uniform coloring of pigmented leather. Any visible variations on the surface of the un-dyed leather such as natural blemishes will remain visible.
Full aniline leather utilizes aniline dye to achieve a natural look, without any other finish. Semi-aniline leather also utilizes aniline dye and then adds a protective transparent topcoat finish that the full aniline leather lacks.
Nubuck
Nubuck is a type of high quality rawhide leather that is sanded to achieve a bit of a nap. This creates a velvety like texture that is similar to suede but with a very distinctive difference. Both have been sanded to give them a soft feel. The difference is that Nubuck leather is sanded on the inside part of the leather, whereas suede is sanded on the outside.
Suede
Its type of Leather that is finished by buffing the flesh side (opposite the grain side) to produce a nap. Term refers to the napping process, and is unrelated to the type of skin used.
