All Leather Jackets Are Not Created Equally

You know in your gut that some leather jackets are better than others. Some just look cheap. Others cost a fortune. But what happens in between? What are the qualities that distinguish bad leather jackets from good?

OK deal with it. Leather is animal hide – usually cow

A cow is pretty big and so is its hide. What is called “full grain” leather is considered the highest quality and comes from the uppermost layer of the cow’s back. Inferior leather is often pieced together with hide from the legs and other parts. To save money, garment manufacturers may use full grain leather for the main part of the jacket and inferior leather in less noticeable places like inside the collar or around the zipper. Look for the highest quality, A-1 grade full grain leather for your leather jacket.

Take a Tip from bikers

Biker jackets are usually made from aniline leather. That’s a type of leather in which high quality hides have been dyed with aniline, a transparent chemical that allows the leather to breathe better, making the leather more comfortable in both hot and cold weather. Aniline leather is pigmented to add consistent color and reduce natural imperfections. The process also helps the leather resist fading and soiling. Even though it doesn’t look as tough as milled leather, which is slightly pebbly in appearance, aniline is a higher quality and will wear better than milled leather which tends to be stiff and uncomfortable. No surprise that bikers who need freedom of movement as well as protection on the open road, outfit themselves in motorcycle jackets cut from aniline leather.

True Motorcycle vs. Motorcycle Style

So why not get a biker jacket? True motorcycle jackets are designed to wear while riding but are usually too bulky to wear indoors. They often have “armor” in the elbows and the chest for extra protection in case of an accident. If you like the look of motorcycle jackets but don’t need the protection, try a motorcycle style jacket.

Don’t go too soft

On the other end of the spectrum, some leather, such as napa leather, can be too soft and thin for a good leather jacket. Leather that is super soft lacks durability and easily loses its shape, particularly in the jacket shoulders and arms. Ideally, a leather jacket is well-constructed of high quality, long-lasting leather, not too thick, not too thin, fits well and looks great.

So now you know

A high quality leather jacket is like a good-looking, long-wearing second skin that provides a layer of warmth outdoors but is comfortable enough to wear indoors. Check out leather jackets for men and women from Soul Revolver for a classic leather jacket that is an investment in your style.

About the Author:

Yvette is the author of this article on Buying leather jackets. Find more information about Vintage leather jackets here.