Leather jackets are classic cool. Motorcyclists use them to help minimize injuries, so you know they’re as tough as they look, but what about warmth? Our ancestors used fur and leather for clothing during an ice age. Was all the heat from the fur, or will leather help keep you toasty too? Well sealed leather is not great for rain. It can definitely keep you from getting wet for a short time, but the leather will absorb water after a few minutes. However, by creating a layer between you and the outside air, a leather jacket can hold a layer of warm air near your skin. Moreover, some excellent lined leather jackets provide even more warmth. I’ll walk you through the basics of choosing leather as a winter layer and how to dress it up and down for different weather.
Does a leather jacket keep you warm? A leather jacket can keep you warm. Depending on how you wear them and what style, your either can be cool and breathable or warm and great for staying toasty when it’s cold. Choosing the right layers can make a big difference, and you need a lined jacket for winter.
What Temperature Range to Wear a Leather Jacket
Leather jackets are versatile enough to be both cool in summer and warm in the winter. When it comes to survival gear, there’s nothing quite like it. Not only can your leather protect you from a fall, skid, or sharp brush, but it will work in variable temperatures. Plus, they’re easier to clean than most fabrics.
You can add leather over a thin t-shirt or tanktop when it’s hot outside. Choose a lighter, less thick leather with a very thin liner, in a light color when it’s warm. Look for vents along the sides and open up the zippers along the sleeve cuffs if you have them.
Also, make sure you leave the front open when it’s hot. Unless you are on a motorcycle or doing something physically dangerous, you can keep it fashionable and let the air inside. However, it would be best if you did not tie a leather jacket around your waist since the sleeves will fold, and over time it will damage the material.
Leather jackets do have limits. If the outdoor temperature is above seventy to eighty degrees, or below freezing, you probably need more or a lot less than a leather jacket. For heat, wear breathable cotton, linen, or rayon over shirts. Meanwhile, subzero temperatures require special equipment, but for the rest of the year, leather is fantastic.
Cooler Temperatures
In the spring and fall, you’ll want more underneath your light or medium weight leather. Plus, you may need a denser liner to help keep you warm. Zip it up when things get cooler or open your coat when it’s a little too warm. You can also remove under-layers if things are just too warm. The thicker your leather, the more insulation it provides.
Leather in winter means a heavy-duty liner. There are plenty of styles with plush interiors made to look stylish while being bulky enough to keep a lot more heat inside. Look for padded liners with a layer of down or cotton, and thicker material than the standard thin polyester or synthetic fabrics.
Leather jackets take a while to warm up. When you first put one on in the winter, you’ll probably feel a bit colder. However, after a little while, the leather will warm up from the body heat you’re generating as it traps heat inside.
To avoid this problem, you can keep your leather jacket somewhere warmer, so it’s holding a little heat when you put it on. Unfortunately, you can’t just toss it in the dryer with your jeans and socks. Instead, keep your coat at a safe distance from a fireplace or heating vent.
If you’re roughing it, leather can help provide a buffer for sleeping on the ground. When you have camping gear, or you’re in a vehicle, place your leather coat between your blankets to help keep the jacket and your body warmer.
An RSH Leathercraft Men’s B3 Bomber Aviator Jacket from Amazon comes with a healing sheep wool liner to help you stay warmer from the moment you put it on. This classic Napa leather jacket is supple and moves with you even in the most strenuous conditions. Moreover, there’s a hundred percent money-back guarantee the first month and an easy return and exchange program if you need a different size. Learn more by clicking here.
Caring for Your Leather Jacket
There are a few simple steps to caring for your leather jacket. It’s essential to take care of the gear that keeps you warm and safe. Otherwise, when an emergency hits, your clothing and other equipment will fall apart.
When the world is ‘normal,’ if it ever is, then you can take your leather in to be professionally cared for. However, you need to know how to maintain your leather jacket in an emergency properly. When the world breaks down around you, the last thing you need is your warm coat falling apart with it. Follow these tips to keep your jacket in good condition.
- Don’t wear leather in the rain. The porous nature of the fabric means it will eventually absorb and hold water.
- Get a good leather conditioner. If you wear the jacket infrequently or plan to store it with other emergency equipment, condition the outside once or twice a year. However, when you wear leather regularly, it needs to be conditioned no less than once per season or every three months.
- Avoid heat and fire. It is okay to warm up your coat by placing it in the vicinity of a heat source, or between blankets, as you sleep, but don’t let it get too hot or the material will crack and deteriorate.
- If you need to clean the jacket, wipe it with a damp cloth. However, it’s vital to dry it completely when you’re done. Never leave your leather wet.
- Hang your jacket correctly on a padded hangar, or store it flat. Folding anywhere that is not the seams will create permanent creases and damage the fabric.
Leather Jacket Liners
Many leather jackets have a simple polyester or polycotton liner. Some companies use satin when they are of higher quality, but that won’t keep you warm in winter. Layers will help, but it’s not enough to combat the cold if your leather is exceptionally thin with a lightweight liner.
You need to find a coat that has a quilted or heavy liner if you plan to stay warm in the wintertime. Fortunately, there are plenty of good options.
The Flavor Men’s Brown Leather Motorcycle Jacket with Removable Hood has a nice quilted liner to keep you warmer. The hip-length brown leather has a sleek fit and flexible trim on the sleeves and bottom to help seal in your body heat even when you’re on the move. Plus, the cotton hood comes off in warmer weather, or you can use it to keep your head warm as well. Get yours from Amazon when you click here.
Layering With Leather Jacket to Stay Warm
In addition to getting a good winter weight leather jacket, you need the right layers to stay warm. Because each layer creates an additional buffer and more layers of warm air are trapped inside, you remain toasty. The effect is similar to animal fur or wool.
The biggest trick is to have enough layers to stay warm without packing in too many because that will impede free motion. In a survival situation, the ability to move smoothly and quickly can make a huge difference. Plus, you’ll want mostly cotton, rayon, or wool because it doesn’t wrinkle.
A long, looser fitting Hardy Winter Shearling Long Distressed Brown Sheepskin Leather Coat from Amazon will help you layer smartly. The drape is form-fitting enough that you may need to size up if you live somewhere, especially cold. The distressed appeal of the buttery leather looks great anywhere. Plus, the soft brown leather can help you blend into nature. Have yours delivered to your door when you click here.
Start with a smart thermal under layer. Skip the tank tops in cold weather and opt for a long-sleeved, high-tech, moisture-wicking shirt instead. Over that, a looser layer like a cotton t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt is ideal. This technique gives you an additional option if the weather warms up.
Next, you can add a flannel shirt for an easily removable layer to tie around your waist if necessary. Moreover, flannel is relatively lightweight and easy to pack in a bug out bag. Finally, add a sweater or hoodie under your leather jacket if you need it for additional warmth. In extreme cold, you could choose a light fleece zipper jacket.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a leather jacket for cold weather can undoubtedly help keep you warm. By selecting an excellent lined jacket and the right layers, you can protect your skin, look great, and avoid getting too cold. The versatility of leather is too often underestimated.
In addition to the right liner, you need to think about the style. Long, medium, or short, all leather jackets are nice, but you probably want one that hangs at or even below your waist. A lengthier winter layer will keep more warm air near your body.
Keep in mind that leather often feels cold for longer than other materials. It takes time to absorb heat from your body, so put your coat somewhere to warm up before you wear it out this winter, and you’ll be more comfortable.
