Buying a leather jacket could be a time-consuming and confusing task considering the amount of variety we have got out there and the amount of knowledge one needs to possess before buying a leather jacket. You need to be aware of what materials to look for or if you are indeed purchasing the one you want to purchase, or if you are being misled due to your understanding of leather jackets (or lack of it).

After all, a leather jacket is a long-term investment, one that comes in a hefty amount but lasts a lifetime and proves to be an essential piece of clothing in anyone's wardrobe. This is because once you possess a leather jacket, you somehow find a way to style it with any and everything. And you won't be able to resist wearing it every day.

As every jacket is different, possessing certain signature qualities and contrasting features, you would thank us for this unconventional guide to leather jackets. So, don't waste your time; get on board for this navigational guide to your ultimate leather jacket.

Leather Classifications and Quality

Before making any purchase decision, the first thing we ascertain is its quality and type. The same applies to leather jackets but in a more fundamental and crucial way because of the amount of money you spend while getting yourself a leather jacket.


Leather jackets come in all different sorts of materials and forms. Before anything else, the leather itself is what makes a leather jacket "a leather jacket," and you need all the information required to choose between genuine leather and faux leather and finally meet your dazzling perfect match.


Here is a simplified difference between natural leather and faux leather:

Real Leather

Natural leather is made from animal hide after processing and tanning. The three main types of hides used in leather making are:

Cow Hide

Comes from cows and is one of the most widely used skins to create leather goods and jackets. Cowhide weighs heavier and bulkier, so hands-down is an excellent material choice for leather jackets because of its capacity and depth.

Sheepskin

Generated from sheep, sheepskin is the second most widely used hide. Tanned with fleece on, sheepskin leather is malleable and more flexible, rendering the jacket’s easy draping quality. 

Calfskin

leather made from calf hide is a superior form of leather. Due to its velvety appearance and feel, calfskin is a luxurious leather type.

Other types of leather come from snakes, goats, kangaroos and other species.


Apart from the types, these leathers come in different qualities termed as "grading." We have full-grain leather, top-grain leather, genuine leather, and corrected leather to specify the grading variants.


And then, the third and last part of determining leather is its finishing. Finishing is basically the final appearance and texture of leather. It could be classified into two versions: First is aniline, second is semi-aniline. Aniline and semi-aniline are two different stages to treat blemishes and markings on the leather. Markings or not, it could have a varying effect and can majorly give appeal and appearance to the leather.

Faux Leather

Faux leather, like the name, suggests; is made from artificial means. Also known as synthetic leather, faux leather is widely used for leather goods and sometimes even for genuine leather jackets' lining, hemline and collars.


Faux leather undergoes various stages to be made into a leather material. However, faux leather is an imitation of natural leather. The process starts with polyester, and then the material is given finishing strokes with dye, wax and polyurethane or PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

Genuine leather or faux leather are widely used to create jackets and as the imitation almost resembles the real deal, it is often difficult to know what is what and to choose. But you can recognize genuine leather through:

  • Genuine leather has a distinctive smell, which reeks of "originality." It is hard not to notice the pugnacious smell when you go near leather after being aware of this quality of natural leather.
  • Another quality of genuine leather is its malleability. Natural leather does not crack or flake.
  • Its shine - real leather shines brighter and more prominently in comparison to faux leather. Put faux leather and real leather together and you would most certainly recognize the fake from real from its pristine shine.

Panels

Panels are those extra patches and cuts, which are used to construct a leather jacket. Panels play a significant role in creating the perfect mapping of the leather jacket. They say the lesser, the better, but more panels meant the extra amount of hard work and crafting. Hence, prices could vary, and it is debatable whether jackets with more panels are more expensive or less expensive, but it wouldn't be wrong to say it differs from jacket to jacket.

Stitching and Crafting

Stitching and crafting are also the two most fundamental components of a leather jacket. The kind of thread has been used while compiling a leather jacket, or if the crafting of it has been done by an expert hand or a novice, all these things could be scrutinized only if the person going to buy a leather jacket knows beforehand.

Accessories and Ornamental Additions

While adornments and accessories are not uncommon in leather jackets, there are all sorts of different types - some basics, while some extravagant.


Leather jackets could have decorative features such as patches, studs, embedded or embroidered designs and embellishments. These extra features might or might not be needed; however, such extra hard work put into a leather jacket says a lot about the brand in general or the variety being offered.

Panels

Panels are those extra patches and cuts, which are used to construct a leather jacket. Panels play a significant role in creating the perfect mapping of the leather jacket. They say the lesser, the better, but more panels meant the extra amount of hard work and crafting. Hence, prices could vary, and it is debatable whether jackets with more panels are more expensive or less expensive, but it wouldn't be wrong to say it differs from jacket to jacket.

Stitching and Crafting

Stitching and crafting are also the two most fundamental components of a leather jacket. The kind of thread has been used while compiling a leather jacket, or if the crafting of it has been done by an expert hand or a novice, all these things could be scrutinized only if the person going to buy a leather jacket knows beforehand.

Accessories and Ornamental Additions

While adornments and accessories are not uncommon in leather jackets, there are all sorts of different types - some basics, while some extravagant.


Leather jackets could have decorative features such as patches, studs, embedded or embroidered designs and embellishments. These extra features might or might not be needed; however, such extra hard work put into a leather jacket says a lot about the brand in general or the variety being offered.

Hardware and Colors

Hardware, in other words, means zippers, buttons or other such elements in a leather jacket that could be termed as minor but plays an essential role. Whether the buttons used for your outer pocket are easily operatable or not or if the zipper is smooth and reliable, all these things are crucial to examine while getting yourself a leather jacket.


While most common leather jackets are black, brown and distressed brown or its other variants, leather jackets also come in more punk and bright colors these days and have more to offer in terms of colors. So don't be shy and be open to all the possibilities leather jacket shopping could provide you with.

Hardware and Colors

Hardware, in other words, means zippers, buttons or other such elements in a leather jacket that could be termed as minor but plays an essential role. Whether the buttons used for your outer pocket are easily operatable or not or if the zipper is smooth and reliable, all these things are crucial to examine while getting yourself a leather jacket.


While most common leather jackets are black, brown and distressed brown or its other variants, leather jackets also come in more punk and bright colors these days and have more to offer in terms of colors. So don't be shy and be open to all the possibilities leather jacket shopping could provide you with.

Types of Leather Jackets

After knowing about all the features, qualities of real and faux leather and detailing, you are good to go for your leather jacket shopping, but before that, one still needs to be aware of the different styles of leather jackets. To name a few, the following jackets should be kept in mind while getting one.

Bomber Jacket

Dating back to the WWII era, Bomber jackets have historical significance. Bomber jackets usually come in waist-length sizes with flapped shearling collars or polyester. The internal lining also is often made from faux shearling or viscose lining. It has matching cuffs and hemlines. Usually, a bomber jacket has four outer pockets and a zipper front. It can possess embellishments for extra effects. Bomber jackets are often made from sheepskin because of the sustainability they provide.

Cafe Racer

Cafe racers, also known as motorcycle jackets or biker jackets, are leather jackets designed and often worn by bikers and racers or motorcyclists. Cafe racer jackets are thick-skinned and reliable to protect racers from bruising and injuries. These jackets are made keeping the motorcyclists/ racers in consideration because of their association with them.


Cafe racers are often sleek in fitting and design, with snap-tab collars or no collar sometimes. These cafe racer jackets often have less spacing to avoid the wind from getting inside the jacket and flap; as they are made from a biker's perspective, it could be unpleasant. Cafe racer jackets usually have chest pockets and a seamless zipper front.

cafe racer
Flight Jacket

Flight Jacket

Flight jackets, like bomber jackets, have their origin from war times and were worn by military officials. In fact, the flight jacket is an earlier version of the bomber jacket, which was later modified, but both versions still exist side-by-side and are being chosen by leather jackets' lovers widely. As bomber jackets are an iteration of flight jackets, both have almost similar features, but flight jackets have more vintage resonance, with simpler ribbed collars and hemline and waist-length size.

Bomber Jacket

Dating back to the WWII era, Bomber jackets have historical significance. Bomber jackets usually come in waist-length sizes with flapped shearling collars or polyester. The internal lining also is often made from faux shearling or viscose lining. It has matching cuffs and hemlines. Usually, a bomber jacket has four outer pockets and a zipper front. It can possess embellishments for extra effects. Bomber jackets are often made from sheepskin because of the sustainability they provide.

Cafe Racer

Cafe racers, also known as motorcycle jackets or biker jackets, are leather jackets designed and often worn by bikers and racers or motorcyclists. Cafe racer jackets are thick-skinned and reliable to protect racers from bruising and injuries. These jackets are made keeping the motorcyclists/ racers in consideration because of their association with them.


Cafe racers are often sleek in fitting and design, with snap-tab collars or no collar sometimes. These cafe racer jackets often have less spacing to avoid the wind from getting inside the jacket and flap; as they are made from a biker's perspective, it could be unpleasant. Cafe racer jackets usually have chest pockets and a seamless zipper front.

Flight Jacket

Flight jackets, like bomber jackets, have their origin from war times and were worn by military officials. In fact, the flight jacket is an earlier version of the bomber jacket, which was later modified, but both versions still exist side-by-side and are being chosen by leather jackets' lovers widely. As bomber jackets are an iteration of flight jackets, both have almost similar features, but flight jackets have more vintage resonance, with simpler ribbed collars and hemline and waist-length size.

Apart from these types, there are vintage and retro-style leather jackets with a more subtle or stark punk quotient. On a concluding note: refer to this unconventional guide and find your best leather jacket match. This leather jackets' guide is complete to lead you on your path to your leather jacket.