Making Your Wardrobe Work for You - Leather Goods
Leather Goods
When it comes to leather, there are often various camps - those who love it, those who loathe it or those that refrain from fear! Setting aside those who loathe it on the basis of it being an animal product, we often hear leather items described as difficult to style and a material that has a harshness to it.
Of course when we talk about leather in general, we are often referring to both the real deal as well as fabrics designed to look like leather. That's the beauty with fashion these days - it's ability to harness tech and innovation to create high quality, durable look-alikes such as faux leather and faux fur. Regarding any harshness, we would argue that you just haven't found the right piece for you, so let's look at which leather items we would miss if they were missing from our capsule wardrobe.
1. Leather Trousers
Something we used to reserve for a night out, good quality leather trousers have been sneaking into our daily wear for quite a while now. Gone are those suffocating and uncomfortable skinnies, we have been living for the more relaxed leather goods.
From joggers to wide and cropped fits, a neutral leather trouser works well in our rotation. Pairing effortlessly with oversized shirting, pretty blouses and chic knitwear, they also look fantastic with heels or flats.
Thinking of investing? Here are our top tips:
- Start with a simple style like a tapered leg in black - it will go with most items in your wardrobe and once used to them, you can branch out to more colourful options or unique fits.
- Material & Fit - It really isn't the time to opt for the cheapest option, when buying real leather, its all about the quality.
- Be aware that leather stretches over time - if you are looking for a closer fit, it's not the time to size up, this could result in baggy leather of time.
- Take care of your purchase - you have invested, its now time to protect your asset. Find a cleaner who specialises in leather cleaning - you don't want to over wash your trousers but when you do need them cleaned, make sure its by someone who knows what they are doing.
2. Leather Blazer
We've already established the blazer as a defining wardrobe favourite, but have you considered a leather blazer? Slightly more under the radar, but nevertheless a chic alternative, a well cut leather blazer elevates your look in a way a wool one never could!
As with all leather, we think cut and colour is key here - you want this to work with as many items as possible in your wardrobe. It isn't your standard leather biker (more on that in a minute...), a leather blazer should have a refined, tailored cut and as such, fit you well.
Don't overlook the importance of a good fit - there is nothing worse than straining buttons and ill fitting shoulders. Follow our top tips as with all tailoring :
- Blazer cuff should fall to the wrist bone so that watches and bracelets are just visible to the eye
- Blazers should fit snug but not tight across the back with the top of the sleeve starting where the shoulder naturally ends
- The waist should be tailored to taper in slightly and softly hug the body
- When fastened, there should be no straining at the buttons.
3. Leather Biker Jacket
Most clothing wears out over time and needs replacing, however a good quality biker jacket is the exception to this rule. An investment which can last a lifetime and beyond, and often looks even better down the line than the day it was bought.
Fabulous paired with just about anything - from leggings and a hoodie, to a silk dress and heels - there are few pieces that remain as versatile throughout the seasons.
So how do you go about choosing one? First settle on the style; the bomber is made for warmth and practicality, the moto is more fitted and thus less accommodating of layers worn beneath, and if you want something a little longer, opt for a fatigue or duster style jacket. You may also want to consider the kind of leather you want, from faux to calfskin or lambskin. As a rule of thumb - the lighter the hide, the more prone to tearing!
In terms of fit, it depends on the overall style you want, or should we say, how oversized a fit you are looking for. Traditionally, the saying goes that if it doesn't fit like a glove, it doesn't fit at all. But here are some things to keep in mind:
- Enough “play” that it does not pinch or bind
- Should hang close to the body, snug but not tight, and with room for a sweater underneath if you’ll need the warmth of additional layers.
- If you plan to wear a hoodie under the jacket, wear a hoodie when you try it on.
