The stylish leather jackets that are in vogue now were originally known as bomber jackets and were worn by army guys during the Second World War. In the 1950s, famous American actors wore leather jackets on and off the screen. Marlon Brando, James Dean and Steve McQueen popularized and created a huge fan base for this article of clothing. Almost seventy years later, people are still crazy about this unique jacket that is practical in cold weather and fashionable at the same time.

Leather jackets are synonymous with bikes. One cannot separate the two. Bikers and racers are usually found wearing a leather jacket. It seems to have become a uniform for them.  Leather jackets and bikes go back a long way. The first-ever motorcycle jacket was designed in 1928 and sold at a Harley Davidson store in New York City. An additional benefit of these jackets, to bikers, is that it provides safety. This craze started by Americans soon spread across colder and even not so colder countries.

All genders and almost all age groups can be seen sporting a leather jacket during the season. Women have more options for styling it as compared to men. It goes with virtually anything and everything. Be it a dress (long or short), a skirt, or a pair of jeans. It helps one gain an edge and attracts eyeballs. It also looks effortless and chick. It can just glam up any outfit and create a perfect street style look giving major OOTD (outfit of the day) goals.

These leather jackets loved by all can also burn a hole in your pocket. The cost of a leather jacket can range from a few hundred pounds to millions. The most expensive leather jacket in the world was worn by Michael Jackson in the music video of “Thriller”. It was sold at an auction for 1.8 million dollars. Gucci, Hermes, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, and Saint Laurent are some of the brands that create the most exquisite and unaffordable leather jackets in the world.

Leather jackets cost a lot more than just money. This dressy item of clothing has been looked down upon by organizations and people who fight for animals’ rights as the fabric used to create these jackets comes from animals. Not many people who buy these jackets are aware that in order to make leather animals’ skins are removed after killing them and then processed in a tannery. Cowhide, deerskin, bison, goatskin, lambskin, and calfskin are some of the common leathers used to make jackets. So these jackets that are worn by millions across the globe are actually made from dead animals’ skin. Leather has been termed as a “global killer” by PETA. I bet, the leather jacket does not seem fancy now.

To resolve this problem, leather jackets are now being made using alternatives such as PVC. These jackets are cruelty-free as well as economical. One can look stylish even while pursuing a vegan lifestyle.  It’s a win-win situation for all.