Why Should I Buy Leather Jackets or Products Made of Leather, Such As Leather Lingerie or Leather Vests? Because it IS fashion!
Leather is one of the most sensual fabrics you can wear. It also happens to be a HOT fashion trend! Both men and women enjoy leather's durabilty, comfort and oh so sensuous feel. Leather jackets and leather vests and all leather products come in a variety of finishes, colors, and textures. You will fully appreciate your genuine leather garment armed with the knowledge you gain from reading this page. Your satisfaction is very important to us. We are offering you this advice on selecting leather garments to suit your lifestyle. If you are new to wearing leather or are worried that you are not sure how to take care of it, read our Leather Care Guide. We also have a leather terminology glossary here at Leather Lollipop.
Practical is another good reason for wearing leather! Many people do not realize that leather can be worn year round. It does not matter if you live in Sunny Florida, Southern California, or in the deserts of Nevada, you can wear your leather. Leather is well known for keeping your toasty warm in the winter time but the various leather garments available today, like leather shorts, leather skirts, leather vests, leather lingerie, & leather halter tops.
- Leather is a fabric that breathes and will keep you cool and very comfortable.
- Leather does not wrinkle easily, great for wearing for long periods. Put your leather garment on in the morning and still look great at the end of a long day.
- Leather is a very durable material. The fibers also make it quite wind-resistant.
- Leather is great for layering also. You can wear a leather blazer or lightweight jacket over your shirts and blouses.
A general rule for your leather garments is that the softer the feel, the "hand", the higher quality and more expensive it is.
There are numerous factors that affect the appearance and quality of your leather garment. Genetics play a factor, environmental conditions, etc. Nature's creations are never duplicated as in a factory. Each one is very unique and your leather garment will not be exactly like another. There will be variations and surface imperfections which add to the natural beauty of your new leather garment.
The history of making leather garments is over 5,000 years old. making is more than 5,000 years old. Manufacturers today make leather for your leather garments in much the same way as they used to.
Leather Terminology |
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- Analine Finish
- Hides are drum-dyed for a soft, smooth feel. They are usually coated with protein, resin, or lacquer, or can be waxed.
- Distressed
- Buffing surface to create uneven coloration and markings for a weathered look.
- Embossed
- Prints, commonly reptile, are heat-pressed onto surface.
- Glazed Finish
- Surface is polished to a high luster by pressurized glass or steel rollers.
- Grain
- Refers to the outer surface or to the markings or the patterns on the leather?s surface.
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- Leather
- A generic term used for all kinds of tanned animal hides or skins.
- Napa
- Commonly refers to the surface or top grain of any soft leather hide.
- Nubuck
- Lightly buffed top grain to a very fine nap that appears smoother than suede.
- Patent
- Heavily finished to give a highly lustrous, baked-enamel type appearance.
- Pearlized
- Spray-on finish giving pearlized effect.
- Pigskin
- From pigs or hogs, commonly used for suede.
- Shearling
- Natural lamb pelts with the leather side often sueded and worn on the outside.
- Split
- When a thick hide is split, the term refers to the top surface which looks like suede but is not as soft.
- Suede
- Leathers that are finished by buffing the underside of a hide to produce a velvet-like nap.
Leather Care Tips |
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Leather ages gracefully and can last a lifetime with proper care right from the start.
- Always hang leather garments on wide or padded hangers to maintain their shape. Use shoetrees in footwear and stuff empty handbags with tissue to help retain their shape.
- Never store leather goods in plastic or other non-breathable covers. This will cause leather to become dry.
- Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any heat source. Leather can be treated with a conditioner to restore flexibility while suede can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look.
- In winter, promptly remove salt deposits from garments and footwear by sponging with clear water, then follow with the above treatment for wet or damp leather.
- Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight.
- Do not use waxes, silicone products or other leather preparations that impair a garment's ability to breathe.
- Wrinkles should hang out. If ironing is desired, set iron on rayon setting, use heavy brown wrapping paper as a pressing cloth on right side of the garment and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine.
- Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment and do not apply pins, adhesive badges or tape. Wearing a scarf at the neckline will help keep hair and body oil away from the collar.
- Hems may be fixed with a tiny amount of rubber cement. For best results see a leather care professional.
- All products designed to be used at home should be tested on an inconspicuous part of the garment.
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