Leather jackets are popular in part because they go with almost anything – and because they transcend fashion cycles as a timeless look. Unfortunately, that’s not a guarantee that any old leather jacket is going to look good on you.

How can you make sure you and your leather jacket look your best?

Tips for Choosing the Right Leather Jacket

First, you need to make sure you get the best leather jacket available to you.

Know your purpose. There are many different types of leather jackets available, serving different purposes. If you’re looking for something to keep you warm in winter, you’ll need something different than someone who wants protective gear for motorcycle riding. Make sure you know your goals and intentions going into the search.

Get the right fit. The better your leather jacket fits you, the better it will look. Ideally, the jacket should be snug, but not tight, with no ripples or creases forming when you wear it. Keep in mind that the jacket should hang a bit loose, even if you’re wearing something under it.

Pay for real leather. Many jackets are marketed as leather jackets, even though they’re made from faux leather. In nearly all cases, you’re better off paying for genuine leather. It looks better, feels better, and lasts longer.

Invest in quality. Similarly, you should be prepared to invest in quality. If you want access to better materials and better craftsmanship, you’re going to have to spend a bit more money. If you’re not sure what differentiates good leather from bad leather, do some research and compare different types of leather jackets in person so you can get a better feel for the differences.

Cater to your personal style. Because there are so many different colors, finishes, and general styles to choose from, there’s a leather jacket out there for almost everybody. For the most part, you should cater to your own personal style and sensibilities. Find something that suits your personality and manner of dress.

Err on the side of minimalism. When in doubt, err on the side of minimalism. In other words, look for something more straightforward. This will allow you to find a jacket more suitable for a wider range of applications and events – and will mitigate the risk of mistakes you regret later.

Tips for Wearing Your Leather Jacket

Once you have the perfect leather jacket in hand, you can focus on wearing it in a way that accentuates its unique style. These are some of the best tips to help you do it:

Avoid mixing brown and black. Brown and black isn’t the most egregious color combination, and in some contexts, it can work quite well. However, you should generally avoid mixing brown and black leathers. If you have a black leather jacket, don’t wear it with a brown leather belt or similar accessory.

Leave your jacket at home on hot days. Because of leather’s flexible formality and classic style, you can wear it almost any time for almost any occasion. However, leather is a very insulative, warm material, making it ideal for winter and cold weather. It’s possible to wear it in summer, but you’re going to be very hot and look out of place doing it. You’re better off leaving your jacket at home on hot days.

Tailor if necessary. It’s hard to overstate just how important it is to have the perfect fit for your leather jacket. Accordingly, you should get it custom-tailored if you find it doesn’t fit you as well as you thought when you bought it. This is especially important if you have an unusual body type.

Pay attention to the event. While good leather jackets rarely look too informal or “bad,” paying attention to the dynamics of whatever event you’re attending is still important. Read the dress code carefully, and if you’re even slightly concerned about the appropriateness of a leather jacket, find an alternative.

Experiment with layers. Leather jackets can look amazing with the right layers, so experiment with different layering techniques and different types of underlying clothing. There are practically infinite possibilities.

Take good care of your leather. Leather requires proper care to achieve its maximum durability and lifespan. If you want to keep your leather jacket looking its best, you must regularly clean and condition it – and repair it if it sustains any damage.

With these steps, you can find the perfect leather jacket for your fashion taste and needs and wear it with grace and style. Quality leather jackets look good with almost anything and in a wide variety of contexts, so you shouldn’t have to work too hard to pull off this look.