The Absolute Right Way to Wear a Leather Jacket
We’re spotlighting ways to fall in love with the thematic material
Given my recent unofficially official appointment to Wondercade Style Guru (which I unilaterally decided happened last week at HQ, when Neil complimented me on a jaunty neckerchief I was wearing), I’m here to lend my services. Much like my colleague Neil — we’re birds of an impeccably tailored feather, he and I — I’ve got a strong appreciation for the finer things in life, and strong opinions when it comes to the sartorial dabblings of folk at large.
Better yet, I’ve come prepared. Skinny jeans? Pass. Funny socks? In the trash! Leather jackets…now we’re cooking with gas. The universal symbol of badassery remains your strongest option for layering as the weather turns, and, given Wondercade’s three-year anniversary — traditionally celebrated with leather gifts — it feels appropriate to offer up all the tips and tricks you’ll need to pull one off. It’ll take a bit of wherewithal (and some serious guts) on your part to avoid looking like you just stepped off the set of West Side Story, but I have faith. Just follow the 5 rules below, and reap the rewards.
1. Know Your Style
The leather river runneth deep. From slick leather bombers to moto-style biker zips, the wealth of leather jackets available is astronomical in both variety and vibe, with the implication being that no matter which way your personal style leans, there’s a way to incorporate one into your look. Color, cut, contour — it’s all endlessly customizable.
2. You Get What You Pay For
There are plenty of sufficiently solid dupes for most apparel. Unfortunately, these simply don’t exist when it comes to leather. The material is undeniably expensive, and can be tricky to care for…but it’s considered a premium product for a reason. Good leather will age beautifully, last a lifetime and develop a beautiful patina unlike anything else you own. Fall for faux at your own risk.
3. Coordinate Your Casts
We’ll be the first to admit that most “style rules” are complete B.S. (Not these ones, though. These ones are proper dictum.) No white in the winter? Give us a break. That being said, the old admonishment of not mixing brown and black actually rings true, at least when it comes to leather. Mixing different shades can often lead to a disjointed look that highlights discrepancies and flaws in both hues. Do yourself a favor and stick to one tone.
4. When in Doubt, Layer It Out
Throwing on a leather jacket can feel like an occasion, which, unfortunately, often compels the wearer to opt for a completely ridiculous outfit underneath. Remember the sartorial credo: simple is always better. A white tee and jeans, or dark sweater and pleated trousers will always look better than whatever obtuse outfit you’ve dreamt up. Can’t quite nail down a mental image of what you should be aiming for? Just imagine you’re Jerry Seinfeld waltzing through the airport circa 1994.
5. Don’t Fear the Blazer
If leather already feels challenging, the idea of a crispy, crinkly, sheeny blazer should be more than enough to send you spiraling. At the expense of pushing you out of your comfort zone, know that you can pull off a leather blazer! Provided that you take heed of these necessary precautions: A well-fitting number is great, something oversized can be swaggy, but shy away from too short or, worse, too tight.
