I think it’s time to accept the sad fact that summer in the UK decided to check out early. We may just be heading straight into fall now, but fall fashion has already arrived in the shops. Personally, I’m excited to start wearing new designer jeans and riding boots, but particularly overjoyed to wear a new black leather jacket.

There’s some information you should have if you too would like a black leather jacket. As I’m sure you’re aware, there are different types of leather from different animals.

Cow and Buffalo

These hides are suitable for protective apparel for motorcycles and biker styles where toughness and abrasion resistance are desirable. Cow hide jackets will take a great deal of time to “break in”.

Sheep and Lamb

These hides are very supple, finer-grained and more lightweight, but still quite durable. You’ll often hear these types of leather described as having a “buttery” feel, so they’re particularly ideal for jacket styles such as blazers, bomber jackets and reefers.

There is also pig hide, but you can basically disregard this one because the leather made from pig skin is thin, looks similar to plastic and has poor durability. Be suspicious of a black leather jacket retailing for less than £100 as pig skin may have been used.

You will also come into contact with different styles of leather jackets, but most fall into these four categories.

Biker

These jackets are characterised by a slim fit across the body and arms, adjustable collars and cuffs, zip fastenings, epaulets and shoulder and elbow panels for added protection of vulnerable points on the body.

Bomber

This style is characterised by a looser fit around the body and arms, which allows for more insulation, and a longer length than the biker style. It also features a ribbed knit at the collars, cuffs and hem and a large patch or bellows pockets.

Blazer

You can recognise this style by its button front, usually single-breasted with notched lapels. It also usually has inset pockets with flaps, buttons at the cuffs and rear vents.

Reefer

This style is characterised by four or more button fastenings, wider lapels, slanted hip pockets and plain backs.

There are also a few simple ways to spot quality straight away. Look for YKK zips, panels that match in colour and tone, an absence of loose threads and internal pockets. These features are evidence of high quality invested throughout the garment.

Did you know?

Leather jackets were commonly worn by Russian Bolsheviks and almost became a uniform for the Commissars during the Russian Civil War, and later for members of the Cheka.

-Tari

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