Bring on the leather jacket for this weather

First, I will fire a warning shot to cheapskates: leather jackets do not come cheap. But here is the flipside: If you do your leather homework properly, your jacket will make you look like you just stepped out of a high-end fashion catalogue.

The operative sentence is “leather homework properly.” And that is because leather jackets come in a variety of styles, and it all depends on your chequebook and choice.

The weather is oscillating between rainy and cold — and we are heading into the chilliest months of the year — a leather jacket, or two, will help you fight the elements.

Let’s check out the most common types of leather jackets...

Bomber jackets are the real definition of masculinity. As the name suggests, these jackets are worn by crews of United States fighter aircraft. And which man has not, at one time, wanted to be behind the control of a fighter jet?

As long as a bomber jacket fits perfectly — remember, it is a short jacket — knock yourself out. For instance, pair it with fatigues and Chelsea boots if you want the aviator look.

The rocker leather jacket, with huge floppy collars, frontal zippers and studs, and others have buckle straps, should, ideally, fit well and not go past the waist.

Rocker jackets may look odd in the office, but will be right at home if your office is, for instance, a recording studio.

Primarily, rockers look great in black, and one can go goth, or wear it with ripped jean to give the rock star feel. If you are the safe type, wear it with a round-neck tee. But the risky types can wear the rocker with a super-low V-neck tee to flaunt some muscles or tattoo.

The college jacket will never go out of fashion, although leather ones are hard to find. But if you find that gem, make sure it fits, and it will look good with a plain-fitting jean. The over-size look with baggy jeans is passé.

(If your college jacket looks like a million bucks, and it should, your girl will most definitely hog it. These numbers are the new boyfriend jackets).

For petrol heads — and wannabes — a biker jacket, or two, is a must-have. Most are made with thick hide and padded on the shoulders and elbows to cushion riders from falls.

A biker jacket, sans the padding, but with mandarin collar can be worn with white shirt, Burberry tie, V-neck sweater, formal trousers and semi-brogues for a preppy appearance.

Even with leather jackets, the oldest dressing rule still applies: make sure it fits.

Do not be afraid to buy jackets of different colours. However, if it is your first time buying a leather jacket, start with black, grey and brown. These colours should work with every item in your wardrobe.

Leather Is Expensive

And about the serious business of caring for your leathers, leave that bit to experts. Dry-cleaning leather is expensive. Just to give you an estimate, rates at Lavage Laundrette and Dry Cleaners start at Sh2,700.

But that is better than, in an effort to save some loose change, doing irreparable damage to your expensive jacket.

Gikomba Market is the go-to place for the widest variety of “previously-owned” leather jackets. In this sprawling space, there is a trade term known as “camera.”

These are clothes from the bale, which, for whatever reason, the seller deems to be of a higher price.

Normally, there are buyers who go for “camera.” That is, they are given first priority to select and buy the items, at a slightly higher price.

However, at the leather stalls, the sellers hold auctions, and camera items are sold to the highest bidders. So, be ready to tough it out with seasoned buyers.

The best reason to go to the source is because, at times, some wily buyers, who hawk these items, modify the leather jackets. Other hawkers dye the jackets, then jack up their prices. Also, at the market, there is variety, which will spice up your wardrobe.

Leather jackets are once-in-a-lifetime purchases. Which is why, when buying, even though you are a sucker for one colour and style, vary them so you will not look like a one-trick pony.

If “previously-owned” is not your thing, there are shops in town that sell leather items. Visit the guys at House of Leather.

Still, wherever you shop, just be sure you are paying for real leather and not faux. Feel the leather in your fingers. Real leather should feel supple to the touch.