This Fall/Winter your wardrobe needs to be inspired by the myriad looks that only this fickle hide can provide. There is something for every mood, for every personality for every occasion. Buttery-soft leather jackets and skirts with elastic spider-web detailing reflect the mood of chic Parisian cafes and the classic bomber- style jackets makes a comeback this season, paying homage to the United States.

The different types of leather going around tend to confuse the buyerabout what suits him and what is the correct amount to be tendered for the same. Here, are a few shopping tips as well as general pointers which have been compiled merely to serve as a guide. Of course it would be difficult to be comprehensive on a topic which has become a field of study in itself.

The look and feel If you are like most people, the first thing you do when you look at a leather garment is to touch it to feel its softness and texture. The way leather feels to the touch is called its hand and the general rule is: the softer the hand, the higher the cost.

Texture

Blemishes are caused due to negligence during any of the procedures carried out on the leather to bring it to its present state like dyeing, tanning etc. On the other hand, several factors influence the general appearance and overall quality of a leather garment. The first is the raw material, which is a product of genetics. Every hide (a whole pelt from a cow or steer, etc.) and skin (the pelt of young or smaller animals) has sections that are inherently wrinkled, softer or thinner than other parts. Environmental conditions including climate and food supply are also a factor. Nature's creations are never uniform; these surfacevariations and imperfections impart a unique beauty to genuine leather garments.

Leather: Fall and Winter

Leather resists not only the ‘cold’ but also the ‘heat’. Apart from which leather is breathable and can actually wick away moisture. Now before you think of me as crazy for suggesting leather in the fall let me elaborate on a finer nuance. The thickness of the hide is another factor to be kept in mind when buying leather for a particular season. Hence, thin hides in fall season can be used effectively for clothing purposes contrary to the common trend of sporting it only in the winters. Since leather stretches and can mold to fit you, yet at the same time
retaining sufficient shape to provide support makes it a designers delight to use. No fabric gives a ‘fit and fall’ so great. After all this was designed by nature, and fabrics by man.

Types of Leather

Buckskin: Incredibly soft, water friendly, strong and stretchy deer hide. Feels nice on the skin and makes for great clothing.

Lambskin: Lighter, thinner leather which is often used in pants and fashion jackets because it is more easily handled (not stiff).Also, lambskin has fewer blemishes and a more uniform grain than other hides making it more attractive for fashion clothing.

Suede: Those warm hues which you want to envelope yourself in forever.Matter of factly what differentiates suede from the rest of the pack is that suede is the raw inner side of leather. The outer side can be used if a thin outer layer is removed first. However,that would not give the same rich look.

Big-Buck Leathers: Skins which cause a strain on the wallet are hides belonging to endangered species which are mostly reptilian. Like Snake,Lizard, Cobra and Crocodile skin to name a few. Ostrich and alligator are among the ‘most’ expensive types of leather.

Such leathers have well-defined markings and a distinct look giving the wearer a feeling of smug satisfaction drawn from the envious looks around.

Faux Leather: As the name suggests, it is fabric strengthened and toughened to feel like leather so that it can serve as a cheaperalternative to its more expensive counterpart. However, now it is has also found its niche. Underwired Bustiers with lace up backs and a lace up cinch, cut out pointed cones and patenty thongs. The flirtiest lingerie is created from faux leather. Now we can’t expect this to occupy the speciality counter at Victoria Secrets.You would have to hunt around for a younger shopping option for something as ‘street wearish’ as this.

Color Watch:

Black leather continues in importance, but watch for rich color to enhance leather garments. Warm neutrals - camel, saddle, caramel, cognac,russet, sienna and chocolate brown - add a rich dimension. Rich jeweled darks - burgundy, cordovan, garnet, plum, hunter - add an elegant touch.
Watch for leather in unexpected colorations such as white, pale pink and blue as well as classic red.

Leather Care

Don't clean if you can avoid it. If you must, try mild soap and cold water with a sponge. Make sure to dry the leather promptly with a soft towel. Do not rub on one spot, this will create a non-uniform appearance. Then use a commercial leather moisturizing product (we like lanolin based) on sealed leather to remoisten and make supple again. On Naked Leather do not to use any moisturizer that seals the grain.If you want a professional job, we recommend you take your item to a professional leather cleaner. They have the proper tools to clean and recondition leather to its utmost, but be warned that cleaners are inconsistent and your product may not look as good as it was.

Follow the instructions on the label for cleaning. Do not attempt to wash as a normal clothing item.

Avoid getting Leather overly Wet.
Do not store in sunlight.
Store it in a cool closet with low humidity.
Never Store in a Closed Plastic Bag.
Fold or use Wooden or Broad Plastic Hangers for your leather.

to 'Look great,Feel good' we feel the basics listed before should enable you to make your own decision.Nonetheless, we still enlist a few tips just as reminders ,before you open your wallet to dole out the cash for that oh!-so-scrumptious jacket.

Shopping tips

• Consider the cut, fit, quality of stitching, the lining and style that
suits your lifestyle
• Choose a garment priced right for you, noting that the price of leather
is greatly determined by the quality of the raw materials used and the
workmanship involved
• Notice details such as water-repellent treatments, lining and trimmings
on the garment.