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Tips on Buying a High-Quality Leather Jacket
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight, fashion-forward
leather jacket or a rugged leather coat, knowing which style is
right for you can be a daunting task. Here are some helpful
guidelines to help you find that perfect leather jacket to last
you many years to come.
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Durability:
One of the outstanding features of a high-quality leather jacket is its durability.
While a leather jacket purchased at a discount store may seem like a bargain, it
won’t look as good nor last nearly as long as a premium one. The investment is
well worth it: when quality leather jackets are properly cared for, they can last a
lifetime. Overland has heard back from many customers who have been wearing their
leather jackets for decades and still going strong!
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Fashion, Fit, & Extras:
Another indicator of quality in a leather jacket is its cut. The care taken in
constructing a beautiful, well-fitting, figure-flattering coat should be apparent.
Does it fit well in the sleeves when you move your arms around? Do the zippers seem
sturdy and move smoothly? Are the cutlines complementary to your shape? Overland
carefully hand-selects the finest-crafted coats so that you’ll look and feel
your best, year after year.
Many of our top-of-the-line leather jackets feature luxurious linings and trims that
offer extra warmth and durability. For example, the
Men’s Jack Frost Leather Coat
is made of French goatskin and features plush sheepskin lining, lending wonderful insulation.
Many of our bestselling women’s leather jackets boast fur trim for added elegance and
luxurious warmth. It’s not only impeccable quality, but these added touches that make
Overland stand out from the rest when it comes to leather coats.
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Quality Workmanship:
Overland only works with the top leather tanneries and manufacturers in the world.
After 38 years in the business, we pride ourselves on delivering only the very best.
Our premium leather jackets are typically made in the USA and Canada, where the fit
and quality of construction is extremely high.
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Types of Leather:
The type of leather is a huge determining factor in a coat’s function and feel.
There is no “best type” of leather; rather, each has its own unique
characteristics and strengths. Generally speaking, the larger the animal, the more
substantial the leather will be, both in thickness and in weight. Here’s a
breakdown of the types of leather you’ll find at Overland:
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Cowhide: Cowhide is the most common leather used in leather jackets, not just because of its
wide availability and low cost, but because of its toughness, durability, and
resistance to water and dirt. It offers great protection – most motorcycle
jackets are crafted from cowhide, for example – but can take some time to wear
in due to its stiff texture. With its versatile matte finish and casual appeal,
cowhide is widely accepted as the go-to leather for affordable leather jackets.
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Bison: Bison leather is very similar to cowhide in terms of its ruggedness and durability, but it
also boasts a beautiful natural grain patterning that cowhide generally doesn’t
have, lending a rich, earthy look and texture. This thick grain also makes bison leather
great for protective motorcycle gear.
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Deerskin: Dense and incredibly durable, deerskin is not only ideal for
leather jackets, but is also commonly used to make leather gloves and handbags.
It’s wonderfully supple and gets softer and softer the more you wear it.
Deerskin is perfect for someone who wants the same toughness and durability as a
cowhide jacket, but with a softer, more elegant feel.
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Goatskin: Goatskin is a great all-around leather that, like
deerskin, is softer, lighter, and more flexible than cowhide. Also very durable,
goatskin jackets often look even better after years of wear than when new. The Navy
and Air Force use goatskin for their G-1 and A-2 flight jackets, respectively.
Goatskin is quite supple and has a pleasing pebble grain.
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Lambskin: Lambskin is the crème de la crème of
leather in terms of softness, suppleness, and wearability. It has a luxurious
texture and is quite versatile, working equally as well in an elegant,
full-length coat or a chic, cropped leather jacket. Naturally very lightweight,
leather jackets made from lambskin can be worn comfortably year-round.
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When making an investment in a high-quality leather jacket, it’s essential that
you be able to trust the source. Overland has made a name for itself by only offering
the finest leather products for over 37 years, and is committed to providing its
customers with a range of stylish, well-crafted, and durable leather jackets at
every price point.
So which leather jacket or coat is right for you? It depends! We're incredibly
proud of the quality and workmanship in all of our coats, and every single one of
them is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. As you browse through the various
styles, keep these factors in mind and decide which look and type of coat is best
for you.
And if you have any questions, our friendly and knowledgeable product experts are
available 7 days a week at 1-800-OVERLAND (683-7526) and will be happy to assist you.
Happy shopping!
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