Western Leather Jackets for Men
Posted on: August 9, 2011
When deciding on a men's western leather jacket to buy, whether it's for yourself or for a gift, there are a couple of basic choices that need to be made. Firstly, do you want the jacket to be suede or leather? Suede definitely takes a bit more care, and can be damaged more easily. As a tradeoff, you can get some very elegant styles in suede jackets, and it offers a tactile experience to which leather simply can't compare. To check prices and selection on all of your western leather jackets, simply click here.
Leather, on the other hand, wears very well, though the more soft and supple kinds of leather, such as deer skin and pig skin, are not quite as tough. Again, it's all about tradeoffs! If you're looking for a western leather jacket to give you protection, such as from the elements or even road rash (should you ride a motorcycle), you'll want to go with a tougher cowhide jacket. If your purpose is entirely fashionable, and you don't mind babying your jacket a bit, then you can get years of service from even the most delicate of leather garments. Of course, if you're looking more for a jacket that can take wear and tear than a fashion statement, then you might want to consider the western-styled Carhartt Santa Fe Jacket.
The other main choice to make is on the length. If the gentlemen for whom you're buying is on the short side (5'8" or below), you'll probably want to go with a short, waist-length jacket, unless he's specifically looking for a western duster or something similar. There are long western leather coats made for guys of shorter stature, but they can be hard to fit when shopping online; having your exact measurements handy (as taken by a tailor) would probably be best in this case.
For most guys, though, the length of the jacket will be solely a matter of personal taste. And once that decision is made, it's all about the details. Let's examine a few of those details.
Color is generally an easy detail decision. Either you're trying to match a specific outfit, in which case you're looking for a specific color, or you're trying to find a jacket to go with most or all of your outfits, in which case you'll want to stick with neutral black or brown. Zippers vs. buttons is another detail choice; while a vast majority of leather jackets in all styles have zippers, there are some definite diversions from that rule when it comes to western leather jackets. Buttons are a popular detailing item on almost all western wear, so jackets are no different.
Fringe is another detail element, and again it's usually a very easy choice. Guys either love it or hate it, and there's rarely any way to sway them in one direction or the other. If you don't know into which camp your guy falls, be sure to ask. While you may think he'd look great in a jacket with fringe, if he flat-out refuses to wear it then you'll have wasted all the time and care you put into selecting it for him - not to mention the purchase price!
Western leather jackets for men often feature buttons, rather than the zippers used to close most other types of men's leather jackets. Some guys prefer this, as it definitely lends the jacket a more stylish appearance. Still, there are many who prefer the zipper's speed and ease, so it's a detail which should be weighed when making a final purchase decision. Essentially it boils down to this: are you making a trade-off of fashion over convenience, or are buttons easy to accept? While not as polarizing an issue as fringe, for some men this may be a very important factor.
Of course, as you browse our large selection of western leather jackets, you will see that there are a thousand other tiny details to consider - piping trim or plain seams, for example. But selecting the best western leather jacket for your man (or yourself!) should come easily if you keep these basics in mind, and go where your tastes lead you!