Naturally, if you’re buying a custom-made leather jacket then you’ll want one that suits your personal style. But with such a wide range of jackets to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which type is right for you. A good way to figure this out is to consider every part of the jacket: the style, yes, but also the material and the fit.
When it comes to classic leather jackets, we at Aero Leather Clothing are the experts. If you’re able to visit our workshop in the Scottish Borders, we’ll happily book you in for an appointment to discuss the different options we offer and take your measurements in person. However, this buyer’s guide is a great backup option – read on and we’ll help you to order your leather jacket with confidence.
What Style of Leather Jacket Should I Buy?
Deciding on a style of leather jacket can be intimidating when there are so many different options available. The best way to get started is to browse our best-selling jacket styles and consider which of them might suit your own aesthetic. For example, if you’re a fan of clothes from a particular era (be they the closely-fitted garments of the 1930s or the looser, wilder styles of the ‘50s) then you may be interested in a recreation of a jacket from that same era.
You should also think about how you will use the jacket. For example, if you live somewhere chilly and you’re planning to take your jacket out and about on cold days, you may want to go with one of our winter jackets, or upgrade a ‘three season’ style with a warm sheepskin lining.
To get a feel for the details that distinguish one leather jacket style from another, check out these three popular choices:
- Highwayman is our best seller. It’s an Americanised homage to the ‘rocker’ jackets that were a common sight in Britain in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Note the relaxed fit and handwarmer pockets.
- Board Racer is a comfortable and practical motorcycle jacket with a sleek, form-fitting cut. Compared to the Highwayman, this jacket has a slimmer fit and more of a 1930s look.
- RAF: Pre War is part of our military range. It’s a near-perfect replica of the ‘Irvin’ jacket that was worn by RAF pilots in the early days of the Second World War (later designs would become more complex; see our RAF: Battle of Britain and RAF: Late WW2 jackets to see how the ‘Irvin’ style progressed over the years). The high collar and sheepskin lining make this jacket ideal for winter wear.
What Material Should I Choose for My Leather Jacket?
There are many different types of leather, and two jackets that are made from two different leathers will look and feel very different even if the style is exactly the same.
If you’re buying a made-to-order jacket from Aero, you can choose from a wide range of quality leathers (as well as picking your preferred fabric for the jacket’s lining). This is one of the most interesting parts of buying a real leather jacket: the part where it goes from being just another piece of clothing to your very own.
The skilled artisans here at Aero only work with the very best full-grain leathers, so there’s no wrong choice when you order a leather jacket from us. That said, here are some things to consider when you’re selecting your leather:
- Horsehide, steerhide or goatskin? Each kind of leather has its own unique benefits. Horsehide has a denser structure than steerhide, offering a durable but tough composition that takes a little while to break in. Steerhide is very versatile and often takes less time to break in, making it a particularly popular choice for jackets. Goatskin is usually considered the toughest of the three hides relative to its weight, and it has some of the best natural water resistance of any hide. Despite this, it is soft to the touch and barely needs to be broken in. Choose the hide that suits your needs best.
- From where? We source high-quality leathers from across the globe. For example, our Vincenza and Badalassi leathers are both from the Tuscany region of Italy – an area with a rich history of leather crafting which still produces some of the world’s finest leathers. We also source leathers like Pinnacle and Chromexcel from the world-famous Horween Leather Company in Chicago.
- Vegetable tanned or chrome tanned? Tanning is the method used to turn animal hides into usable leather. Vegetable tanned leather is usually stiffer, more eco-friendly, and more likely to develop a unique patina. Chrome tanned leather is softer and more flexible, and it offers a wider range of initial characteristics. You might also find it to be more weather resistant than vegetable tanned leather. We work with both kinds of leather, so choose the version that is most suitable for your jacket.
- Weight / thickness? At Aero, we offer leathers in a range of weights, like Horween’s Chromexcel leather which is particularly heavy. We also have several midweight and lighter options, though these are still heavier and more substantial than the often-flimsy leather jackets you’ll find on the high street. Select your leather weight based on your requirements; for example, our midweight leathers can be easier to wear in warmer climates, whereas our thicker leathers are better suited to cold weather and motorbiking.
- What colour? Depending on which kind of leather you choose, you’ll have access to a different selection of colours. We offer many classic colours for leather jackets, like black, navy, and several beautiful shades of brown. These range from deep, dark hues to lighter tan leathers.
For the lining, you should choose an option that you know will be comfortable for everyday wear. As an example, we have alpaca wool linings available for a soft and luxurious experience.
How Should a Leather Jacket Fit?
It’s important to buy a leather jacket that fits well without causing discomfort. Though there may be some exceptions for specific styles, a good leather jacket will usually fit well across your shoulders, and the sleeves will usually end comfortably at your wrists.
A good fit for a vintage jacket may be different from the fit of a modern jacket. You’ll need to decide if you’d rather go with a modern fit, or a more historically accurate fit. At Aero, we are accustomed to working with vintage styles and we are always happy to discuss your jacket fit with you.
To learn more about buying a leather jacket with the right fit, read our sizing FAQ.
Summing Up
You should buy a leather jacket whose style, material and fit are entirely customised to you. Leather jackets are a comfortable and timeless way to make a fashion statement, but they look best when they are personalised for the wearer’s unique style.
Here at Aero Leathers, we offer a huge range of made-to-order leather jackets. You can buy a jacket in your chosen style, material and fit, and our expert team will make it just for you.
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