Buying your first leather jacket is a memorable moment in your sartorial life. It is a step away from quick fashion to something more elegant – adult, even. Maybe you are a leather jacket aficionado with a whole collection of leather jackets for men for every style and occasion. But do you really know your leather jackets? Take this quiz and find out!
- Which came first – (a) the Biker or (b) the Bomber?
- Who wore it better – (a) Johnny Strabler or (b) Indian Jones?
If you answered 1 with “(a)” and 2 with the unprovided option “(c) can’t decide”, welcome to the true-blue leather jacket lovers club! Read on to know how to care for your favourites and make sure they stay true for a long time to come.
What is the right fit for your leather jacket?
There are two factors to keep in mind while shopping for your leather jacket – firstly, they are meant to be worn over other garments, maybe even a sweater, so they should be roomy enough and secondly, leather jackets stretch with age so they should not be too large in the first place. Keeping that in mind, here are the key points to find the perfect fit:
- Shoulders can hang an inch or two onto the upper arm. This is to ensure room for your inner layers.
- The sleeve should rest at the top of your wrist – just enough so inner layers don’t peep through and the sleeve is not awkwardly covering half your palm.
- Leather jackets are meant to be snug around the chest. Make sure to zip it all the way up, factoring in a sweater underneath, to make sure the fit is right.
- The hem should end at your belt and no longer. Leather jackets are meant to sport a cropped style and also, the shorter hem adds the illusion of height to the wearer.
How should you clean your leather jackets?
Pro tip? Get them professionally cleaned! But if you just need to give it a quick freshening or remove a stain, wipe gently with just enough water and detergent to remove the stain. Do not machine wash. After cleaning, be sure to apply a leather conditioner to keep the material soft and supple.
How should you store your leather jackets?
Depending on the make and material, you may have all-weather leather jackets and ones that are strictly for colder climates. Both need loving care and here is how.
- Hang, don’t fold: Use wide and preferably padded hangers to retain shape and texture.
- Stuff to keep safe and supple: Use acid-free paper on the insides and within pockets to protect the material from dust and moisture.
- Drape to protect: Throw an old cotton sheet over the leather jackets to make sure the leather does not dry out. Never use plastic covers to store your leather jackets.
Enjoy your ally to style and rebellion.
