Just like a tailored suit or a nice pair of jeans, leather jackets are one of the few wardrobe essentials that require extensive research and careful selection in order to find the perfect fit. A high-quality leather jacket can range from $200 to $500, which makes it a rare purchase for the average shopper. With this type of investment, you will want to make sure the product lasts for years to come.

Some of the most common mistakes that people make when buying a leather jacket are choosing the wrong style, size, material, or color, buying from a low-end brand, and failing to consider utility. At Open Road Leather & Accessories, we offer an incredible selection of high-quality leather jackets and other goods from top brands such as Allstate. Our goal is to help first-time leather jacket buyers make a purchase that they will be happy with for years. Here we have provided a few tips that will help you find the right leather jacket for your needs.

Tips for Buying Your First Leather Jacket

• Know the difference between various materials

The wide price range of leather jackets often leaves buyers wondering what exactly constitutes a high-end jacket. One of the primary factors that affects the price of leather jackets is the specific type of leather that is used and how it is treated. The quality of the material can be classified partially by the grain of leather that is used. The outermost layer of the animal’s skin is called “full-grain” leather. This material sits on top of a layer called “top grain,” which is the highest grade of leather used for garments such as leather jackets. High-quality leather products will use top grain leather to achieve a soft, natural texture.

Many leather products are made with a lower-grade material, known as “split leather.” This material uses the tougher layers underneath the top grain skin to produce cheaper leather goods. To achieve the same soft texture and expensive appearance found in top grain products, manufacturers will often treat the material with various sprays and artificial grain coatings. However, the more a material is treated, the more likely it is to crack and wear down over time.

Top-rated brands use carefully selected leather hides to create their products. For example, Allstate leather jackets like the Racer Jacket AL2075 are made with premium buffalo leather for a naturally durable fabric with a soft feel.

• Consider utility before style

When shopping for a leather jacket, it is natural to gravitate towards the first jacket that suits your style. However, before picking out your favorite designs, we recommend speaking to a professional about what exactly you plan on using the jacket for. If you own a motorcycle and you are looking for a leather jacket that will keep you protected on the road, you will need to find an option with a thick, durable material like the Motorcycle Jacket AL2072. Conversely, if you are looking for a stylish jacket for everyday use, you may want to consider a more lightweight option that fits closer to the body such as the Lady’s Lightweight Leather Jacket 6537.GO made from goatskin.

Depending on how you plan on using your leather jacket, our experienced staff at Open Road Leather & Accessories will recommend certain materials, brands, lengths, and fits. Therefore, we recommend speaking to a professional about the most practical options for your purposes before exploring the various styles within that category.

• Consider a few different sizes

The size of your leather jacket does not only determine the way you look while wearing it, but it can also contribute to comfort while riding a motorcycle and the overall longevity of the garment. If you are buying a leather jacket for style, you will have more freedom to explore various jacket lengths depending on your preference. However, if you are shopping for a motorcycle jacket, we recommend opting for a shorter cut so that it does not bunch up while you are driving.

Leather jackets that are designed to fit close to the body such as Allstate’s Brown Buffalo Leather Blazer should line up with certain points on the body without restricting movement. We recommend considering a few different styles and sizes until you find a jacket that fits your measurements. Also, when you shop with us you can utilize our sizing charts to find the perfect fit.

• Look for a heavy-duty zipper

When shopping for a leather jacket, the zipper is often a good indicator of the fabric quality and durability of the garment. High-quality grains of leather are capable of withstanding more hardware, which is why top brands often use heavier zippers.

If you are buying a thick motorcycle jacket, you will want to look for one with a zipper that will not break when pulling on the heavy fabric. Larger zippers tend to last much longer on garments such as these. Additionally, you may want to look for a 2-way zipper so that you can adjust the jacket from each end when you are riding your motorcycle.

If you are looking for a product that will last you a long time but are concerned with the bulky appearance of large metal zippers, there are many other features that contribute to a delicate look on a leather jacket. For example, our Racer Jacket AL2081 comes with laces at the waist, which can be adjusted for a more fashion-forward appearance.

Shop Open Road Leather & Accessories for Your First Leather Jacket

Whether you are a seasoned biker or a fashion guru, we want to help you find your first high-quality leather jacket. Explore our extensive online selection or contact us today to learn more from our leather experts.