The leather jacket is an iconic bit of article of clothing. It’s a garment so compelling and versatile that it has relevance for people who from punks to policeman. That’s because the naturally ductile, breathable cloth can be designed in an enormous number of ways to befit the needs of the person putting on it. Leather jackets reached fully fledged icon status during the 20th century in part through their counterculture image portrayed in motion picture and television. The leather jacket is an iconic piece of clothing. It’s a garment so compelling and versatile that it has relevance for everyone from punks to police officers. That’s because the naturally malleable, breathable material can be styled in an infinite number of ways to suit the needs of the person wearing it. Leather jackets achieved full-fledged icon status during the 20th century in part through their counterculture image portrayed in film and television. Marlon Brandos appearance as leather-bound biker Johnny Strabler in the 1953 film The Wild One, followed by the greaser looks of Happy Days Fonzie and John Travolta in Grease, all contributed to the discussion on the leather jacket. Later translations during the 1980s riveted more on the rocker jacket with stud detailing, definitive belt-buckle style bottoms (which was actually invented four decades earlier) and slenderly oversize flappy collars. But leather jackets aren’t just for brazen youth on rockerses. European air forces began assuming long leather coats as early as 1915, and the style caught on stateside when leather bomber jackets were made for the U.S.A. Air Force. The leather kept pilots warm during a time when cockpits were not shut in. With a bunch of unruly men facing out leather jackets, it isn’t hard to see how they ask a sturdy image. But that impression is more skin deep. Leather jackets were worked up to last for lifetime or to survive an accident i.e. a motorcycle accident. The elaborate leather jackets were constructed to act as a second tegument and protect the body from major cuts and contusions. While later translations, like the rocker, are lighter and more fashion-friendly, any good leather jacket will deal to endure whatever plugs life confuses at you. Leather jackets today are all based, more or less, on the biker-bombers of old. Look for modern, integrated silhouettes like a racer jacket with a standing button-tab neckband or a bomber with epaulet detailing on the shoulders. Either way, the jacket should have a tailored, fit look and not create excess bulk. The closer it rides to the body and the thicker the lining, the more the jacket will work its conjuration to keep you warm.  Deconstructed versions of heavier winter leathers are also available for warmer climates to capture that bad boy style without packing in the unnecessary heat. Also, keep an eye out for soft, rugged leathers. Supple leathers are more comfortable and a little distressing shows that a jacket can withstand standard wear-and-tear in style.