The leather jacket shows up on virtually every wardrobe must-have list, and with good reason. It's a piece that comes in a variety of styles and shapes so it can suit many figures, it works for women of nearly all ages, and it is always, ALWAYS in style. A great leather jacket lends instant edge to any outfit, and only looks better as it ages.
But finding your personal perfect leather jacket can be challenging, especially if what appeals to your eye doesn't work for your body or budget.
So if you're on the hunt and striking out, here are some helpful hints that can lead you to your ideal leather jacket quicker.
Set a reasonable budget
When it comes to leather, you definitely get what you pay for, so don't expect to land a buttery soft, beautifully constructed one for $75. A well-made leather jacket purchased new from a department store will generally run you $250 to $300, while designer versions and specialty jackets can cost up to $3,000.
If you're in the market for a new leather jacket, make sure you can actually afford one.
If
you're lusting for leather but dead broke, there are workarounds. You
will always be able to find leather jackets in thrift and consignment
stores for less; Just be sure to check them for damage before
purchasing, and choose a style that looks current. eBay has some great prices on used and past-season jackets, and you can always hit up the outlet mall.
Also consider faux leather, which tends to be more affordable. There
are some gorgeous pleathers out there now that will pass for the real
thing, but you should still be prepared to spend about $100 on a decent
one.Consider style and shape
Motorcycle or biker style jackets - with asymmetric zippers and oversized lapels - may be eternally chic, but they're also heavy and boxy.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't buy one, it just
means you shouldn't expect it to show off your waistline. Drape-front
leather jackets are lovely to look at on their own, but tend to add bulk
to the wearer's figure. When you're envisioning your ideal jacket, ask
yourself how you want it to fit and if it should show off any specific
parts of your figure.
You want a style and shape that appeal to your eye but also work for your body.
Try on with layers
Leather jackets can be snug in the sleeves and shoulders on many women, and it can be tempting to tell yourself that you'll just wear that gorgeous cognac scuba jacket with tank tops so it doesn't squeeze your bits. But don't. Try on leather jackets wearing the type of layers you'd typically wear underneath a leather jacket in real life. If it's going to be a fall coat for you, that may mean sweaters. If you plan to wear it more like a blazer, you can stick to thinner tops. Just don't kid yourself into thinking a jacket fits you if it really only fits you naked.Understand fit
Speaking of fit, here's what to look for:- Shoulder seams should hit right where your shoulders begin to curve downward
- Sleeves should hit at the first joint of your thumb when you're standing up with arms at your sides
- You should be able to zip the jacket, regardless of what you're wearing underneath it
Go versatile and timeless
You can never go wrong with a moto, but leather blazers and quilted-detail scuba jackets will date eventually. If you want this jacket to last for decades, bypass grays, reds, and novelty colors for a versatile neutral like black or cognac. Select a relatively plain style with subtle hardware and a simple neckline. Remember that leather is always easier to care for than suede, and choose a design that works well with your wardrobe and lifestyle. (Meaning if you're a heels and retro dresses gal, a floor-sweeping Matrix-inspired coat might look a bit odd.)
Know where to shop
Nordstrom always has a great selection of leather and faux leather jackets, and they stock 'em year-round. Wilson's Leather has some odd ducks, but also sells good quality basic motos, scuba jackets, and trenches. Yoox has many spendy designer options, but also some gorgeous and affordable ones from relatively unknown European designers. Overstock usually has several dozen to choose from, Mango has both trendy and classic options, and, of course, Amazon has options both faux and real in every style you can imagine.- If you're petite: Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Macy's, ASOS
- If you're tall: Long Tall Sally, Eddie Bauer, ASOS, Dorothy Perkins
- If you're plus sized: Nordstrom, Macy's, Wilson's Leather, ASOS, Amazon, Violeta
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