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Motorcycle Leather Jackets: Real Leather, Faux Leather and Imitation Leather – Which is the Best?

In the summertime, you can resume exciting activities like motorcycle riding and traveling. It is the right time to explore your passion. Every time you get on your bike, there are some risks involved. The good news is that you can considerably reduce those risks by wearing the right clothing. One of the most important pieces of gear that you can own is a motorcycle jacket. It significantly reduces the amount of harm that is coming your way. So, if you are thrown off your bike or crash into another vehicle, you will be protected from the impact.

There are two main types of motorcycle jackets: leather and textile made. When you are looking to buy a motorcycle leather jacket, you will discover that there are several versions of this timeless piece. You can go for real leather, faux leather, or imitation leather. Which will it be? If you have a hard time deciding, maybe you would like to learn more about each option.

Real Leather

Leather is a long-lasting and flexible material which is obtained from the skins of animals such as goats, cows, and sheep. It is one of the most common words in the fashion world, yet it is one of the most deceptive ones. Many companies sell garments which are labeled as “genuine leather”. What they are actually selling are moto jackets which are made from faux leather. if you are not in the habit of making inquiries about the things that you purchase, there is no better time than now to start.

How to Spot Faux Leather?

If you want a motorcycle jacket of the highest quality, learn how to spot the difference between real and fake. There is no point in checking the label, as sellers can write whatever they want. It is recommended to check the product up close. The surface structure is not perfect. Far from that. It presents blemishes and imperfections. Real leather is smooth to the touch. It the garment feels more like plastic, you can be sure it is not made from genuine leather.

Advantages

  • Never Goes Out of Fashion – Genuine leather is a timeless material. So, do not hide your love for your newly-bought garment. Real leather flatters the body at any age. While a moto jacket bought at a discount store may look like a bargain, it will not look just as good on you as the real deal. If timeless styling is what you want, check out the Oscar By AlpineStars lineup.
  • Lasts Forever – A motorcycle jacket made from real leather will last you a lifetime. It is like a fine wine, the only difference being that it does not get better with time. If you are willing to make an investment, it is best to buy a motorcycle jacket that is made from genuine leather. This piece of menswear will last a long, long time.

Disadvantages

  • Environmental Impact – More often than not, real leather is chrome-tanned, which is considered hazardous.
  • The Smell – real leather can be difficult to handle. The material has a very specific scent that you might not like.

Faux Leather

Faux leather, commonly referred to as synthetic or artificial leather, is manufactured from artificial materials. Chemicals, dyes, and waxes are normally used in the process. The product is man-made and it is meant to look just like real leather. Attention needs to be paid to the fact that there are numerous types of faux leather and subtypes of synthetic leather. Motorcycle jackets are made from high-quality materials such as 1000 denier Cordura, which can resist abrasions. They look as you would expect them to. The garments last long enough and fit closely to the body.

Advantages

  • Economical – Faux leather is much more affordable, so if you are on a shoestring budget, this can come in handy. You do not have to dig deep into your pockets after your budget has let you down. But do you really need a leather jacket? No, but every guy should have one. It is one of those pieces that should not be missing from your closet.
  • Very Little Effort to Look After It – The material can be wiped clean with a sponge and warm water. You do not have to worry about spills or stains because you can clean them as they appear. When you are cleaning an article of clothing, you need to let it dry. Make sure not to touch the jacket until it is completely dry.

Disadvantages

  • Harmful To The Planet – Faux leather is made from plastic, which is imported from China. As you know, plastic does not decompose in the same way as organic materials. The point is that the material can last forever in the environment. If you are eco-friendly, real leather is the better choice.
  • Quite Uncomfortable – Faux leather does not stretch, so it can be a little bit uncomfortable. It drapes and forms creases in the most uncomfortable places. Take into account the long-term value of your purchase.

Imitation Leather

As the name clearly suggests, imitation leather is a material that is similar to leather but cannot be classified as such. We are not talking about synthetic leather. It is a completely different story. Imitation leather can be made by resorting to various methods, such as bonding. It is like making paper. Imitation leather contains animal hide and is given an artificial coating. The quality of the end product depends on the quality of the materials used during the manufacturing process. We will not list the advantages and disadvantages of imitation leather because they coincide with the advantages and disadvantages of faux leather.

Final Considerations

A low-price tag is indeed alluring. Nevertheless, if you want to be safe on the road, you should invest in a genuine leather jacket. You can buy an Oscar by AlpineStars leather jacket. Not only does it look great, but also the moto jacket offers specific safety features. This piece of gear has all the functionality that motorcyclists need. Think about it.

What do you think?

Written by Mark Greene

Mark Greene is writer and life coach dedicated to helping men to perform at peak level. He shares dating advice, style tips and strategies for building wealth and success.