When The Leather Jacket I Now Love

Like many people I know, I used to have a semi-serious aversion to leather jackets. I’m not sure why really, I just grew up not liking the look of a leather jacket or the look of almost anyone that wore a leather jacket. All that changed recently, however, when I decided to get a motorcycle. As much as I had always hated the look of a leather jacket, I had still always wanted to get a motorcycle. It seems like a contradiction, and I guess it was. Anyway, the opportunity to buy a used motorcycle recently fell into my lap and I took up the offer. I knew that having a motorcycle would change a lot more than just the way I got to work. It took me only a few days of owning a motorcycle and a few conversations with friends to realize that I really did need a leather jacket for my new ride. I needed a new leather jacket they said, not just because every motorcyclist should have one, but also because a leather jacket, is the safest thing to wear in case of an accident. I got thinking about having an accident on my motorcycle, and that was the only form of convincing I needed before I went out and began shopping for a leather jacket of my very own. I brought a couple of more experienced friends with me who gave me, their opinions of where to find the right leather jacket and how to decide what style fit me best. I felt a little funny shopping for a leather jacket. I felt like one of the biker kids that I made fun of in high school was going to come in to the store and totally make fun of me for becoming one of them. I tried to put those thoughts behind me and just accomplish the task at hand: getting the perfect leather jacket. I must have tried on about twenty leather jackets, and I carefully debated the details of each one. Decisions about purchases have never come easily for me, and buying a leather jacket was no exception. Once I found the perfect leather jacket for my new style and my motorcycle riding needs, I got the opinions of a couple of friends for confirmation and then bought the leather jacket. I have owned my leather jacket for a few months now. I have worn it nearly every day, whether I have needed it for a motorcycle ride or not. I never thought I’d become someone who really loves a leather jacket, but I fear I’ve fallen hopelessly into that category of people, and I love it. Leather is not meant to get wet, as that tends to deplete the natural oils, and it is advisable to wear a rain suit over your leathers in inclement weather. However, if they do get wet, allow them to dry naturally away from extreme heat. If the leather seems to be losing its luster, it can be oiled to improve its appearance. This supplements the natural oils in the leather itself, which can be washed out through repeated exposure to water. Frequent oiling of leather with mink oil or other commercially available products will keep your leathers supple and improve their lifespan dramatically.