Gentlemen, if you choose well, a leather jacket is a classic staple that will last forever; it can be timeless. In the 50's, Brando, McQueen, and James Dean made the leather jacket cool, and it has since grown even more prevalent and popular for men. When deciding on a leather jacket, take into consideration that it has the potential to outlive you – so choose carefully.

Successfully wearing a leather jacket requires confidence, and the key to buying the timeless leather jacket is finding one that fits your personality and style. Consider the cut, type of leather, and color. Then focus on details, selecting how many zips, buttons, and metal things you want – or none at all. Keep in mind that you can choose a rough, grungy style statement or a clean-cut, classy look. Avoid gimmicky tassels or fringing and anything that looks even remotely cowboy – unless, of course, you are a cowboy and that's the look you're after.

The fit of a leather jacket – like a suit – is paramount. The jacket should cling to the contours of the body, with shoulders cutting sharp and square – like a blazer. A leather jacket isn’t really designed for wearing over bulky layers – more a fine-gauge sweater or tee – so buy the smallest size that fits, allowing for a bit of stretch to occur. Your arms should be able to move freely, however, and not feel tight and uncomfortable. Sleeves should skim the wrist, and the bottom jacket hem should be right at the belt line.

If you are on the slim side, opt for a tight or elasticated waistband, tapering the body section and accentuating the shoulders. For the bigger man (including those muscle-bound gentlemen), go for a straight cut, avoiding anything that clings.

The type of leather affects the coat’s function and feel. Cowhide is the most common leather. It’s slightly cheaper and tougher and is resilient in the face of water and dirt. It’s a great protector because of its thickness, but it can take time to break in. Similar to cowhide’s rugged feel and durability, bison/buffalo skin differentiates itself with a natural graininess on the skin, which adds texture to the jacket and gives it a raw, earthy aesthetic.

Goatskin is a popular choice for most luxury brands, and is recognized by its pebbly grain. Goatskin is softer, lighter, and more flexible than cowhide. It is durable and breaks-in well, becoming more supple and better looking as the years roll on. Lambskin is known for its softness, suppleness, and wear-ability. It is one of the most luxurious of the leathers. It has a rich texture and is very versatile. It’s lightweight and creates a jacket that can be worn year-round.

How to wear the leather jacket and its timelessness also depend on what color of leather you choose. A neutral color, style-wise, is going to outlive its flashier counterparts, for instance. Like suits, neutral colors are best.

At Jonval, we have a Denver showroom full of leather, as well as make all our custom leather jackets by hand right here in our shop. With virtually hundreds of leather samples to choose from in every color imaginable, the only limitation you have is your own imagination. So to get the exact fit, cut and style that is right for you, call us today:  720-377-1555.