Leather Jacket Style Guide for Men

A leather jacket can convey luxury and warmth, comfort and cool. Guys who can't get enough of its masculine look, comfortable feel and distinctive smell can wear one virtually year 'round if the style is right. A small leather jacket collection of different designs can cover a range of occasions, from hanging out with friends to a romantic date.

The Power Blazer

For when you want to be most polished, the leather blazer is the dressiest leather jacket option and is suitable for cooler months. It can take you to the office in creative and design professions such as architecture and advertising and to a club or restaurant for a date after work. Black is a wise first choice, working well with gray wool pants and a black turtleneck sweater or black pants and a crisp white shirt. For a second leather blazer, one in rich golden brown or chocolate is handsome with deep greens and earth tones, while a medium gray style is elegant with navy pants and a burgundy sweater. Unlike cloth blazers and sport coats, which can be worn buttoned or open, a leather blazer looks best open. For greatest versatility, choose one with a notched lapel and a clean finish free of trendy surface embellishment.

The Essential Bomber

The leather bomber, adapted from the flight jacket worn by pilots, is the most common and versatile style. The bomber is distinctive because of its fabric cuffs, waistline and collar. Brown is the most classic and traditional color, but black is also common. Edgy colors such as navy and winter white can be dapper, but give you less mileage. The bomber hits its best sartorial stride in middle-of-the-road ensembles such as a sweater and jeans or khakis with a polo shirt. The bomber doesn't work as well if it is dressed down or up too much, because it looks equally rugged and authoritative..

The Edgy Biker

The biker jacket is the edgiest of the three looks and remains basically unchanged since young Hollywood rebels such as James Dean and Marlon Brando began rocking it a half-century ago, elevating it to icon status. Also referred to as a motorcycle jacket, the biker is the shortest cut of the three styles and usually has snaps and zippers that give a macho rocker vibe. Although occasionally seen in a distressed brown hue, the biker is almost always black; no other color projects a tough-guy image better. It naturally tops off faded jeans, a tee shirt and boots or sneakers. It's totally casual and not to be worn for anything remotely dressy.

Buy and Care

A leather jacket can serve you well for many years; it can be an expensive wardrobe investment, but you don't have to spend a mint for quality. Softer, more supple leather is usually a sign of better quality. Shop sales and during off-season for price deals. Second-hand, consignment and vintage stores often have bargains. Before buying any leather jacket, try it on with clothing that you would normally wear with it. It should fit snugly at the shoulders and have armholes cut high, with no excess bagging of leather under the arms. You typically can spot-clean a leather jacket, but have it professionally cleaned before storing it. Getting your leather jacket waterproofed is a smart move, since water can discolor some untreated leathers.

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