How to Shop for Your First Real Leather Jacket

The thing about living in Singapore is that although it sure is hot as hell outdoors, it’s also crazily cold indoors. As we Singaporeans sometimes say, “The air con free one sia.” That literally means that the air conditioning is free-of-charge (not true), and figuratively – more exactly – means that it’s freezing cold.

If you’ve ever taken the public transport at 6 in the morning, like I used to do, you’ll know that outerwear is definitely a must. And since camel coats are quite ridiculous in the humid climate here, the next best thing is a black leather jacket. A cardigan is powerless against the blasting cold air, while a pullover rarely looks appropriate unless you’re a varsity kid. That black leather jacket I mentioned? You need it in your capsule wardrobe, pronto.

Leather Jacket: VERO MODA

Ring: TROUVÉE.CO SOHO BLACK ONYX BEZEL RING

Necklace: TROUVÉE.CO

Top: ASOS WOVEN CAMI TOP

Jeans: GUESS

I bought this jacket a couple of years ago while window shopping in Shanghai and did not expect at all to bring this baby home with me. The thing about buying leather jackets is that you have to personally try them all on until you find one that not only fits you nicely, but also gives you room to move about.

Some other things to consider include:

1. whether you want one with a collar – This is personal. I prefer a sleek collar that straps across the neck, but if not, then not having a collar is better.
2. whether your collar should be a button-up or zip-up type – For me, it’s always the latter.
3. whether the ends of the sleeves have knitted cuffs – Actually, no. Your leather jacket shouldn’t have knitted cuffs, unless you’re 18.
4. whether you’ll have enough breathing space when you wear it over your clothes – You should always have enough breathing space.
5. the type and colour of embellishments on your jacket – Some like their jackets with a bit of studs, some with metal buttons. I’m generally OK with these, as long as they’re not too distracting. I find metal finishings in a dark shade classier.

I generally like clean, structured lines in my outfits and when I tried this one on, I just knew I had to get it. To be honest, you can’t look bad in a black leather jacket if it’s a purchase you’ve put some thought into. If ever you come across one but aren’t really sure whether you should get it, my advice is always to NOT get it. Anything that goes into your collection of staples needs to be carefully curated and if it’s something that you don’t 100% like or need to have, save your money for one that won’t make you regret.

And when you already have a black leather jacket, your next one should be in maroon.

Hope this helps,

Roxanne