Ever since I first started appreciating fashion, the leather jacket is a piece that I’ve always had a lot of time for and place on the same pedestal as denim, ankle boots and woollen jumpers (being a very high pedestal). It has been around for over 50 years and never ages a day. 

To wear a jacket like this means you can feel edgy, or classic. Laid back because it feels as though you haven’t tried too hard yet noticeable: you look like you know what you’re doing. Overall when I bought my first leather jacket and put it on I remember just feeling cool. Simply cool.

So if you’re currently on the lookout for a new “statement piece”, “wardrobe essential”, or just something to keep your shoulder’s warm and your phone safe (as I did) then this is what I suggest you look for in order to get the most out of it:

1. The Feel

When trying different options on, do you want something light and breezy or a little heavier and able to keep you cosy after leaving the bar? Would you feel ok to carry this thing around with you all night or tie it around your waist if there was a “no coatroom” emergency? (and they do exist…). Even though all the other points are just as important, I placed this as number one because when you pick up a potential winner from its hanger, this is usually what you’ll notice first, so if it doesn’t feel that right take note.

2. The Colour

It doesn’t have to be black. Personally I love a black leather jacket because of the way in makes me feel when I wear it, hence I will promote it like an annoying know it all. But fashion has come too far and created too many dazzlingly new ideas and pieces for anyone to believe that it is the only or better option for everyone. During the autumn and winter seasons of 2017 Australian Clothing brand Dotti released biker jackets of all different colours including baby blue, pink, brown and maroon which all looked really fresh and unlike anything I had really seen before. So don’t feel pressure to have a certain image in your head about the fact that it has to be turquoise when a perfectly good teal option is there. Open your mind. 

3. Practicality

This is similar to the the coatroom thing, but you are investing your money into this piece so think about what you expect from it. Should it have pockets? Do you care about zips that are completely useless in terms of pocket space and are only there to look pretty? Would you prefer silver or gold coloured zippers/ buttons? Real leather or faux? I know its a lot of questions, but if you don’t care about all this stuff then sweet! Proceed to number 4.

4. The Fit

The fit is probably the ultimate decider for me, because at the end of the day it helps you decide if you look nice, then feel excited to wear it. Take note that 90 percent of leather jackets sit in the same way. They aren’t designed to cinch in the waist, but establish your shoulders then from there often make most body types look like the rectangle body type (straight up and down). Remember this isn’t a bad thing and depending on where the jacket ends can change how you look. (Side note hopefully we start to see different sleeve lengths for the same sized jacket a lot more because that is such a pain finding the jacket of your dreams and it not fitting in the arms!).

5. The Feels

Whilst the fit is the most important factor in the decision, it is the most important because it informs “The Feels”. This is a pretty easy one because all it requires is your instinct. If there is that spark when you realise deep down how nice you think you look then, in my opinion, it’s a done deal. When shopping with family members/ friends who mean well you must treat the things you try on and show them as though you’re wedding dress shopping. They can talk about how much they love or hate it on you, but you’re the one who has to own the thing and wear the thing down the aisle of life. So you need to like it, and it needs to make you happy and comfortable. It if doesn’t, then relax. You can try always try again tomorrow xxx