Leather jackets have a timeless appeal. These are strong, they have personality and they look good. However, the experience of sourcing a real deal leather jacket is exhausting. When there are numerous options available, how are you supposed to know where to get a true leather jacket which is of premium quality? A perfect leather jacket is the one that fits your style and body perfectly. That’s why we present to you this blog which contains everything you need to know to find the right places. We need to make sure your next leather jacket buy is both savvy and fulfilling.
Why Choose Real Leather?
Before we tell you where to buy a leather jacket, here are the facts that prove why authentic leather is worth it. We agree, faux leather can look like a great option. More cost-effective and sometimes appears alright on camera. But real leather? It’s a different story.
Real leather jackets are super durable and can last you several years. They are capable of handling daily wear. They evolve and become even more useful, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. I also enjoy the feel of real leather — soft and breathable, contrary to the synthetic stuff that can hold in heat and make a lot of people sweat.
Yet another motive for opting for real leather is that they are fairly ecological. Leather is natural; this means that it is not a plastic product like the synthetic material. Which means it is actually biodegradable and never ends up sitting in a landfill for thousands of years. Those who are ecologically aware should buy a real leather jacket.
What to Look for in a Leather Jacket
Both types can never be the same. But how do you know what the best one is? The following are signs you should look out for:
Type of Leather: This is an absolute no-brainer. The main three types are cowhide, lambskin, and goatskin. Cowhide is dense and tough; lambskin, light and extravagant. Goatskin is in between.
Leather Grades: Leather grades are full grain, top grain, and corrected-grain. The best type of leather is full-grain leather which is the top layer of the hide. This is the toughest and ages beautifully. A good option for top-grain, it is somewhat thinner and less expensive. Processed to remove imperfections and less durable, corrected-grain leather
Details: Stitching and Workmanship: Good stitching at the seams in a well-crafted leather jacket. Red Flags: Any signs of loose threads or sloppy stitching.
Check the Zippers, Buttons, and Other Hardware: They should be durable and user-friendly. Also, look at the lining. A good lining will be easy to the touch and feel smooth instead of cheap, scratchy, or almost coarse.
Where to Buy a Real Leather Jacket
So now you understand what to watch for, let us walk through some of our top picks on where and whom to buy your leather jacket from. Never mind whether you want a luxury designer or something more budget-friendly – you will find what you need.
1. Luxury and Designer Brands
For exceptional leather outerwear, luxury brands truly capture the essence. These jackets are expensive, but they are high-end. Not only that, but you get to sport a chic accessory that has tons of longevity to boot! If you are seeking for luxury brands which are known with their leather jackets, most popular ones are AllSaints, Schott NYC, and Belstaff. Whereas AllSaints is more cutting-edge and contemporary in its approach, Schott NYC has literally been creating leather jacket design for over one hundred years. Best Rugged with a Dash of Luxury: Belstaff. They accomplish the best materials and are great in their work. Sure, you’ll pay more for a premium product, but then again, this is a jacket that should last years if not decades.
2. Mid-Range Retailers
Not everyone is prepared to drop designer prices on a leather jacket. Thankfully, mid-range retailers tend to have a better selection of decent quality leather jackets sans the destructive price tag. Levi’s, Zara, and Wilsons Leather. Levi’s is best known for its denim but the same quality sits within their leather jackets as well. Awesome quality and priced better than other high-end brands. Zara has affordable, of-the-moment leather jackets for those who are reluctant to spend more money and willing to sacrifice quality. Wilsons Leather is a one-stop shop for all kinds of leather goods. Mid-range retailers are a good trade-off: you get solid quality at a reasonable price. Now, these jackets may not last you as long as some of the higher-end luxury brands, but they will still give you a few years with good care, so ensure that you take care and keep them in great shape.
3. Specialty Leather Stores
Status Leather Although most items from this store are pre-made, those who like custom-made products can try their luck at Specialty Leather stores. LeatherCult, The Jacket Maker and Leather SCIN are some of the stores where you can design your own leather jacket. You can customize the color, type of leather, and even decide if you want a slim or classic fit. A fantastic opportunity to score a made-to-measure jacket that will be styled just how you like. It may be a little steep for the customization, but you have your own special jewelry! Not only that, they do leather exclusively so you know it’s some good stuff.
4. Artisan and Boutique Stores
Supporting the smaller entrepreneur is definitely a must when they strive to produce high-quality leather jackets. Local leather workers make the most beautiful hand-crafted jackets, each piece uniquely designed and meticulously assembled. There are also some cool, unique designs on Etsy where I have found a variety of artisans in different countries that make their own leather goods. They are, more times than not, made in small batches or handmade and curated with a taste level you are unlikely to find at your big-box store. Which is often top quality, and best of all you get to help support small business owners and artists.
Buying a Leather Jacket
Buying a leather jacket online can be confusing for most; these tips, however, provide insight into what to do right:
Reviews: Reading reviews is the surest form of feedback to truth. Check reviews detailing the quality, fit, and whether they’re genuine.
Return Policies: Just make sure they have a reasonable, if not good return policy. You will also need an availability to return or exchange the jacket if you find it does not fit or is not right for you.
Check Store Sizing: Online sizing can differ, always check the store size guide and take your measurements. Therefore, you do not want to end up with a jacket that is either too small or too big.
The Best Time to Buy a Leather Jacket
The right time to buy a leather jacket is during seasonal sales. There are a variety of discounts available from end-of-season sales to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You should also be able to grab good bargains in the spring and summer months because this is generally when retailers are trying to push out their winter stock. You could also go shop second-hand. It can be fun to score those amazing vintage leather jackets, and typically for a fraction of the price. Older jackets are some of the best wearing; they are a classic wear quality that doesn’t come easy.
Conclusion
Leather jackets aren’t only fashionable, but they can also be a wise choice. You get the luxury options and the budget alternatives. There are a lot of stores that sale original leather jackets. Quality and Work of a jacket should be always kept in mind while shopping. A quality leather jacket that is properly cared for can last you many, many years to come so the initial cost is well worth it. A good jacket can dress up any look while also keeping you warm. That is why it is important that you take your time in finding the right one that meets your style and budget.
