The history of leather jackets

The leather jacket is a design classic. Most commonly available in black, brown or tan, the style of leather jacket you choose says a lot about you. Thoughout the years they have been associated with music subcultures, motorcycling and the military.

The first leather jackets were worn by pilots and Soldiers in the First and Second World War, were brown in color and known as Leather Bomber Jackets. Identifiable because of the wool ribbing around the hem and cuffs which helped to keep them warmer than other types of leather jacket.

After the war the leather jacket reached iconic status through film and music. Think back to Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones, Peter Fonda in Easy Rider and James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause. They all became identified in the public's mind through the leather jackets they wore. As a result they popularised leather jackets in America and the UK throughout the 1950's and 1960's.

The iconic status of the leather biker jacket continued through the 70's when it was worn by rock and then punk bands like The Clash and the Sex Pistols.

In fact the leather jacket has always been used to signify a rebellious ideal and an individuality that is often lacking in fashion.

Types of leather used in leather jackets

There are several different types of leather that are commonly used in leather jackets. Each has it's own characteristic look and feel.

Napa leather, or Nappa leather, is the softest and most supple type of leather and is commonly found in higher quality leather jackets, wallets and leather items. You will find it is the leather used in a high proportion of our leather jackets. It has a uniform finish, a soft sheen and a butter like handle.

Nubuck is top-grain leather that has been rubbed to give a soft velvety feel to the hide. It has more of a matt finish that allows the character of the leather jacket to emerge.

Top-Grain leather, is the top layer of the hide. this is where the hair and natural grain used to be. The leather is sanded and a grain stamped onto it. Top grain leather generally has a pigment applied to give different colour and shade options.

Suede is the layer of a leather hide that remains once the top grain has been removed. It has a pile finish to it that feels warmer to the touch than leather but is less hardwearing.

Full-Grain leather comes from hides which have been left to show the natural imperfection in the grain, the only thing removed is the hair. In this way the strength of the leather is maintained as well as making it breathable. It is more commonly used in footwear and furniture because cause of its thickness.

How to care for your leather jacket

Leather jackets really are easy care garment however there are a few tips you can use to make sure your jacket continues to look its best.

Make sure you hang your leather jacket on a wide hanger to help it maintain its shape around the shoulders.

Don't store the jacket in a plastic or non breathable container. As leather is a natural material it requires air to circulate around it.

If your jacket gets wet or damp then let it dry away from any direct heat source. Otherwise you could dry the hide out and cause it to crack.

If it gets dirty then simply sponge the jacket with clean water then follow with the drying procedure above to dry it. To stop mildew make sure the jacket is always adequately ventilated.

Do not use waxes, or silicone formulas or other leather preparations that impair the ability of the leather to "breathe".

Never use caustic household chemicals to clean leather. Also, avoid leather preparations that contain alcohol.

Avoid turpentine and mineral spirits as they can cause the colour to bleed.