Are Real Leather Jackets Warm enough for cold? LeatherBlues overview
Leather is the ideal material for making jackets of any kind but when there are some limitations also just like any other material has. Well, in this article we will discuss about leather jackets and their winter worthiness. In addition, we will also discuss some modifications that can be done to leather jackets to make them suitable for extremely cold weather and some alternative materials to choose from.
Table of Contents
Are Real Leather Jackets Warm enough for cold?
Leather jackets were first developed for military men and aviators to save them from extreme environmental factors which is not only cold but also to protect them from cuts and burns, which real leather material can handle very well. Aviators were exposed to extreme cold in the cockpits of World War era aircraft as there was no climate control technology available then so they used to wear shearling skin jackets which has real animal fur inside of the jacket and that heavy fur would keep them cozy enough to work in those conditions.
Now leather jackets are worn as more of a style statement contrary to some people who think leather jackets are only suitable for winter months as it can be worn throughout the year as it is a breathable material.
Leather can feel warm in mild winter seasons as most of the cold we feel is due to the winds and leather can stop those chilling winds very well.
Leather is even good for snow also only if taken care of properly. Some kinds of leather that can resist moisture like wax pull up can be used to make jackets meant for snow. But being a natural material, leather needs good care.
But if you ask me if a jacket made only out of leather is good for cold? Then the answer would be a big no! Jacket made out of only leather is not suitable to wear in extreme cold. Only that it can block winds so it seems cozy in mild winters but in order to use a leather jacket in colder weather, it has to have an insulating lining and right thickness.
Insulation properties of leather
Insulation is the process of reducing heat transfer between two objects and it is one of the most significant factors to keep you warm when it comes to clothing. The insulation properties of leather depend on the type of leather and its thickness. As real leather is porous, it has some air pockets that can trap the air, and that air would work as an insulator. But sadly, this insulation is not enough to bear the extreme cold and you will need to have a warm lining inside the leather jacket. For instance, buffalo leather is known for its insulation and it is one of the best leathers to use in colder weather.
Choosing the right leather jacket for cold whether
When it comes to choosing a leather jacket for winter then not only the type and thickness of the leather is enough but also the lining inside the leather should be according to the cold. There are various linings that can be used in leather jackets to make them winter ready, some of them which are widely used are discussed below:
Woolen lining
Leather jackets with woolen lining is only suitable for temperature ranges from 50 to 54 °F (10 to 12 °C) that is not that cold. I do not recommend woolen lining in leather jackets as according to my personal experience, jackets with woolen lining are too warm to wear in the summer but they are not cozy enough to wear in winter which makes it even less practical. In addition, woolen lining tends to wear out earlier than most other types of jacket linings. Instead of wool, you should opt for the cotton lining as you can wear it comfortably in winter and it won’t wear out that easily.
Sheep leather lining
Sheepskin leather is a thin and lightweight type of leather and it’s mostly used as a lining in leather jackets. However, it can also be used to make lightweight leather garments but it is not that desirable to make a whole leather jacket out of it because of its delicate nature. Jackets lined with sheep skin is suitable for the warm or slightly cold season when temperature ranges from 71.6- 77 °F (22 to 25 °C) as it can easily block the cold winds.
Alpaca lining
Alpaca is a thin fleece like lining and it can be only used in mildly warm seasons like fall or early spring season when temperature ranges from 35-50 °F (2 to 10 °C). It is unsuitable for colder months when the temperature can be much lower. However, you can wear it over a thick sweater or a pullover when the temperature is around 35 °F (2 °C) or you can club it with a cozy winter shirt.
Shearling fur
One of the warmest leather linings to use is the shearling fur lining which is actually the sheep skin with furs intact. Shearling jackets were used by the aircraft crew of B2 bomber in second world war and it is also known by the name B2 jacket. The animal fur makes the inner side of jackets and outside it is suede. Shearling jackets are the most desirable choice when it comes to biting cold winters. It can be suitable for temperature ranges from 35.6 to -22 °F (2 to -30 °C).
Sherpa fur
You can also explore the option that is Sherpa fur which is a substitute for a shearling fur jacket. Leather jackets lined with Sherpa fur can be really comfortable to wear in biting cold weather. In addition, unlike shearling leather, Sherpa fur jacket can be made using the grained leather lining which is even more resistant to elements than suede. I have personally used many jackets lined with Sherpa fur and they work absolutely fine in freezing cold winters. You can visit our shop section to check out our Sherpa fur jackets made using buffalo leather which is a perfect combination for sub-zero-temperature clothing.
Comparison with other types of jackets
When it comes to warmth, leather seems to be the perfect choice but there are other options that can provide better warmth than leather such as down, wool, and synthetic materials. A jacket made out of polyester and down feather can be really cozy in those nerve wrecking cold months and some leather puffer jackets are also available with down feathers which can be a boon for the chilling winters but leather as we all know needs much much care and maintenance than the synthetic material but it can be really hard to convince a real leather fan like me and you! Ain’t it? We love wearing leather cause why not:)
Are faux leather jackets warm?
Faux leather jackets such as polyurethane leather or PVC leather jackets doesn’t have pores like real leather so they can feel like quite suffocating to wear in summer and they can provide some warmth in the winter. It’s like you are wearing a plastic bag that can make you warm in winters. I must tell you that PVC leather jackets however has long gone out of fashion if you planning to buy one as they would look more like a plastic bag.
Final words
In conclusion, If you ask me if real leather has any alternative, I would say that real leather holds a special charm that cannot be replicated by any artificial material. Leather’s natural essence and the uniqueness of each skin give it an irreplaceable character. While some cheaper options like bonded leather and faux leather are available, can they replace real leather? In my view, nothing can replace the authenticity of natural leather.
If you have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comment section, and for more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
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