4.6 out of 5
A leather jacket is one of the few pieces of inspiration to menswear that exudes attitude, tradition, and raw masculinity. The leather jacket style aesthetic is high-testosterone clothing, but it's also a surprisingly flexible classic. It's synonymous with punks and pilots, motorbikes, and Marlon Brando. Without one, no well-curated wardrobe is complete.
Men have worn hides and skins since our knuckles stopped brushing the floor, but the leather jacket as we know it today emerged in the early 1900s. Early aviators and military personnel, particularly the German Air Force during World War One, used brown leather flying jackets.
In 1928, the first modern-looking style appeared. Irving Schott, a Manhattan raincoat maker, developed a Harley Davidson motorcycle jacket. This old fashioned leather jacket, dubbed the "Perfecto" after his favorite cigar, was designed to protect riders from the elements and mishaps. Known as the bomber during WWII, the flying jacket was coveted for its warmth, having been intended for use in open cockpits.
Leather jackets have featured in a variety of places since then, and have been an inspiration, including the cult film The Wild One and the Sex Pistols' backs. For mavericks, scoundrels, and sex icons, it's standard issue.
Nowadays, the garment is likely to be one of the best expensive pieces to a wardrobe, so don't be a naïve rebel - buy wisely. A nice leather jacket is one of the few long-term partnerships you'll have in fashion, if for no other reason. They're made to last, to age with you, and to go with more things than you would think.
5 COMMON TYPES OF LEATHER JACKET
THE BIKER JACKET
The cropped form of the biker jacket was initially created for motorcyclists, letting them to bend over their bikes without the fasteners biting into their bodies. Simply putting this jacket on will give you a boost in confidence. Biker jackets are more eye-catching because they have more elements, such as buckles, zips, poppers, and more.
They nearly always have a collar with big lapels that fold over each other or snap down. Whether you're hitting the streets or going out for a drink, the jacket looks great day or night.
Wear a biker jacket with black torn jeans and Dr. Martins high top sneakers adding that old fashioned look. You could also go for a more street-style appearance by wearing skate sneakers. You may use a black basic tee or perhaps a band t-shirt as a top.
THE BOMBER JACKET
Back in the day, the bomber jacket was the first flying jacket for pilots. They're usually fairly basic so that the form, which is cinched tighter at the waist and wrists, is the major focus. These are ideal for attending to a baseball game with your friends or going out for lunch throughout the day. This type of jacket may be used with a variety of items to produce a variety of styles. It's become a really popular look in recent years, and we can understand why.
If you want to keep things simple and old fashioned, here's how to wear a leather bomber jacket. Pair with dark wash jeans, a crewneck sweater or t-shirt, and sneakers or boots. I'd combine it with a white collared shirt, black tie, and wool pants to make it more formal.
THE RACER JACKET
The racer jacket was designed specifically for racing. For a bit of fun after WWII, several men began racing motorcycles between local taverns and caf & eacute. This necessitated the creation of a simple leather jacket with a robust front zipper and enough weight in the rear to give adequate protection. Racer jackets are often thinner in shape and feature minimal detailing, such as the front zip. They have a more 'minimalist' look and tend to flatter the figure, especially if you have larger shoulders.
Leather jackets look best with t-shirts, but a café racer type jacket may be dressed up with shirts for formal or semi-formal situations. To complete your vintage formal outfit, put a black leather jacket over a white shirt that is tucked into your black slacks and a black tie. Or you can just put a turtleneck sweater and jeans with you racer jacket.
THE FLIGHT JACKET
Flight jackets were initially designed with a shearling inside to keep pilots warm. The jacket is now worn by both pilots and everyday men, making it both functional and stylish. They're a must-have for the winter since they'll keep you warm while still looking great.
Make sure you don't go crazy with the layers to keep cool in more ways than one. Plain pants with a light gauge knit or T-shirt are basic and modern. Make sure the remainder of your clothing is slim-fit and tailored to counteract the jacket's weight.
If you're worried about seeming like you're going to a Blitz-themed fancy dress party, go for a version that doesn't have the sheepskin collar. That looks a lot like the Indiana Jones costume worn by Harrison Ford.
THE BLAZER JACKET
A leather blazer for men is an excellent complement to any man's wardrobe. It may give a touch of class to any outfit and is a fantastic way to show off your personality. Leather blazers are available in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. A leather blazer may be worn by men of all ages, whether for a dress casual appearance or a weekends outing.
A leather blazer is similar to a sport coat but is more relaxed. It is not necessary to wear it with a shirt and tie. It looks fantastic with a pair of jeans and may be worn with a turtleneck or shirt beneath to achieve that style aesthetic.
When worn with matching leather pants, a leather blazer makes quite a statement. Blazers, unlike other leather coats, do not shut completely-they may just have one or two buttons-and so do not keep you as warm.
These are the five finest leather jacket and vintage-inspired styles for you to pick from, and now it's up to you to decide which one is right for you. But, before you buy them, make sure they're constructed of real leather so they'll endure a long time. Always opt for Italian leather because it is a long-lasting and well-crafted material. Italian leather, when compared to other varieties of leather, is the most durable. It is resistant to ordinary wear and tear, and most nicks and scratches are readily removed.