Although most leather jackets are preconditioned, you should still apply a leather protector to keep the leather waterproof. Try to use products specifically designed for leather which do not contain waxes and oils. These additives can clog the leather and prevent it from breathing properly.

If your mens leather jacket or ladies leather jacket becomes wet, dry it in at room temperature away from sources of heat or fans. You may find that it will also dry better if it is placed on a towel to absorb water. When the leather is almost dry, add a leather conditioner or moisturiser to keep it supple, and when it has completely dried, add another coat. Caring for your leather jacket well when it gets wet is essential because if it is left the leather can be badly damaged by moisture and mildew.

Other measures that you should take to care for your leather jacket will depend upon the climate and conditions where you live. If you live in a dry location, you should make sure that you frequently apply leather conditioner to keep it from cracking. If you live in a wet location, make sure that you use products designed for waterproofing leather as well as conditioning it, to keep the jacket supple and dry. In snowy conditions, make sure to gently sponge salt off your leather jacket to keep it from damaging the material.

The best way to store your leather jacket is to hang it on a wide padded hanger. Do not wrap leather in plastic or other non-porous materials, because leather needs to breathe. If you must store a leather jacket in a plastic garment bag, leave it open slightly for ventilation. Never fold a leather jacket to store it.

A blazer is a jacket much like you’d see children wearing to a private school – they are smart, well cut and can be worn over a light blouse or a heavier shirt. In nice soft leather, a blazer would be great teamed with a pair of jeans, or even a skirt.

If you’ve seen an old war movie, then the jackets the men are wearing in the airplanes are called bombers – after the kinds of planes the pilots flew. Bomber jackets are functional, with pockets and zippers for storage and style.

Along the same lines, when you see a biker in traffic the jacket they’re likely to be wearing is known as a biker jacket. Often they are designed with a belt down over the hips. A biker jacket also boasts zippers and is functional – while at the same time ‘cool’ and timeless.

Men’s leather jackets come in all styles, but the ageless look is known as ‘classic’ – picture James Dean or Marlon Brando. Simple and straight cut but with modern additions such as iPod or mobile phone pockets, a classic leather jacket makes any male leading man material.

Although ladies could carry off the classic leather jacket look, they have the monopoly on the short leather jacket. Sitting just on the hips, a short leather jacket (usually fitted) can be worn to the movies or the theatre. Men, however, share their ownership of the long leather jacket – it can be worn by both sexes and to any occasion. It can be dressed up or down, and can range from a parka-style to a trench coat-style. For ladies, a long coat cut correctly and worn with jeans can be quite trimming – not to mention trendy.

If you want to spoil your lady, or you’re a lady who wants to spoil herself, then you can’t go past a lambskin jacket. With gorgeous soft fur trimming, this leather jacket won’t only keep you warm, but looking good as well.

Ladies’ leather jackets can’t really be worn by men, but ladies can indeed wear most men’s jackets. However, a reefer leather jacket is quite masculine in appearance and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

Waistcoats are traditionally a piece of men’s apparel that is now worn by women as well. A classic waistcoat looks great with a skirt or jeans (jeans for the men!) and a nice cut blouse or shirt under it. For the more sporty amongst you, a sports waistcoat can be worn fishing, hiking or just travelling in your 4WD.

Last but not least are larger leather jackets for plus-size people – in both men’s and ladies’ ranges, leather jackets can be ordered to ensure that they fit well and look great!