The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Do leather jackets keep you warm?
snorepez
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Will a standard 100% real leather jacket keep me warm during the winter in, say, New York weather?
Would I need to be wearing any extra garment in addition to the jacket (thermal lining, overcoat, wool hoodie, etc)? If so, suggestions?
Thank you!
Would I need to be wearing any extra garment in addition to the jacket (thermal lining, overcoat, wool hoodie, etc)? If so, suggestions?
Thank you!
snorepez on
+1
This discussion has been closed.
Posts
But yeah leather alone will be great for trapping some body heat and keeping the elements at bay but you will be quite cold without added insulation.
Yeah, you need a lining in that jacket. I have a bomber jacket with a thick lining that does well, but I prefer a longer coat that I can layer underneath.
EDIT: Oh, New York wether... probably will do bugger all. im in Australia so our winters arent that cold
A leather coat will do well at keeping wind out, but it's not good insulation. Wear it over a couple of layers or a nice sweater and you should be good to go.
More important then the coat though, is keeping your head covered, and I've yet to see a leather coat that comes with a hood. Probably because of the above "lousy insulation" thing...
I plan on buying a leather jacket from this ebay listing, but from the looks of it, there is no lining. From everyone's posts, I need to get this guy lined up proper.
Would a tailor/people who work with clothes line a leather jacket with wool/thermal? I've never heard of that, but I figure it isn't too out there. If this is indeed a possibility, what would you predict the charge to be, and what specific type of material should I asked to have it lined with?
If you find someone with the proper experience, it shouldnt be too big a deal. Its gonna be fucking expensive though, to the point id probably just go to a second hand store and find a properly lined jacket. Especially since youre already going to be paying, what, 140 bucks plus international shipping from england, so probably close to 200 bucks all in... For 200 bucks i imagine you can find that exact jacket but already lined at a shop near you.
Check out my band, click the banner.
A jacket like this has helped me get through freezing winter nights sleeping in my backseat.
If you're going for a leather jacket make the extra investment for a warm lining. I've dealt with the ohio winters with little discomfort because of mine. NY has pretty much the same unbearable chill.
Another option is to buy a leather jacket that is not specifically lined for winter, but has a heavy duty quality leather used. The key to leather in the winter is not the lining of the coat specifically, but the wind protection and heat trapping caused by the hide itself. To put sufficient lining in a leather jacket to make it winter appropriate would change the look of the coat if you are going for the tight fitting cafe racer style that you posted in the ebay link. Another added benefit to this is you can also use it nearly year round by foregoing the added layers of clothing and just wearing a t shirt underneath. I wear mine 3/4 of the year up here because I choose how warm its going to be.
Also keep in mind that the collar on the coat will affect what you can put underneath - and you will most likely want the ability to rock a hoodie to throw up when it gets really snowy/windy. The collar on the coat you listed is not a good choice for this - try picturing a hood popping out from under that coat... it will never sit properly. If you like the cafe racer style, look at one that is actually a cafe racer with a small collar (typically closed at the neck by a small strip of leather and a snap).
Good luck
After a few people have said that it'll be expensive to get this separately lined, I'm probably going to avoid that route. Instead, I'll go with layering. Because, as jthm said, I would like to wear the jacket year round, to avoid the wind during the other seasons.
During the NY winter, though, with layering in mind, I would like to alternate between two types.
1) Casual: Heavy hoodie
2) Moderately professional (I'm a public high school teacher): Lining w/o hood (a thick fleece/wool?)
What would you suggest I buy to satisfy the 2nd look? Suggestions on internet or in-person shops within the states would be great, too!
For instance, I just found this wool jacket. But, it looks a little thin...
The lining doesn't have to be thick, necessarily. Lots of jackets with thin linings are still plenty warm. Weather-treating it actually seems to make it warmer too. New York winter doesn't really impress me, but for a Chicago winter you're going to have to layer no matter what jacket you wear unless it's like four inches thick and full of down or something. I go t-shirt + a lightweight, close-fitting long-sleeve sweater or sweatshirt + scarf + leather jacket + gloves and I don't get cold in a Chicago winter.
The one thing that people overlook is warm shoes/boots, not as essential, but surprisingly effective.
Leather alone is not enough under truly extreme conditions as mentioned. I've found that really heavy wools are the ideal for that. The tactic of wearing a hoodie under the leather jacket is a good one, that works for the first part of winter up here. You need a scarf and a toque, though. And mittens? Fucking get some.
Also consider your shoes. If you can keep your head, face, hands and feet warm, you'll be in a good mood. I find that a good pair of work boots (I wear Terra brand boots) will in many circumstances work very well while still providing good comfort and mobility.
CUZ THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE AND IT'S GIVING ME A RASH
Currently painting: Slowly [flickr]
water spirals the wrong way out the sink
but since its a small jacket you probably need some layers, personally i think its a good idea to buy a jacket one size larger than you are and in the case of leather jackets, try to get somthing with nice thick leather on it. not that shaved down soft leather that the jacket you linked looks like.
But either way, a good wool sweater underneath will keep you toasty.
http://www.uswings.com/sigseries3.asp#LEVGG1
It is the single warmest jacket I have ever owned. Big thick liner and the furry collar is quite warm.
i would honestly avoid some random ebay "leather" jacket though... pictures don't really show quality well, and you really need to try a garment on before buying IMHO
go to a store like Century 21 or Marshalls and get a nice designer jacket for about $100-200, and i guarantee you'll be happier