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Besides leather jackets being a cool fashion statement, they can also keep you safe on the road and serve as a “skin” between you and the road. A riding jacket of any kind is essential for keeping you not only safe, but warm and dry. Most riders choose leather jackets to keep them safe on the road. Understanding the different types of leather will help you in your purchase for the perfect riding jacket.

Leather obviously comes from the skin of an animal, usually either cattle or water buffalo. Tanning the hides turns the material into durable, strong leather than can be used in a variety of ways. The material can be tanned with a variety of different chemicals to produce various types of leather including vegetable-tanned leather (used for armor and book binding), aldehyde-tanned leather (producing a white leather used in children’s shoes), or rawhide (used for lacing and dog chews).

Leather is typically sold in three forms:

Split Leather
This leather uses the middle or lower section of a hide has been split into two or more layers. Split leather has an chemical layer applied to make it look similar to grain leather. This type of leather can also be used to make suede. Split leather, while it may look good, is not usually considered good for riding.

Corrected Grain
This leather has been sanded to remove any scars, insect bites or brands. Corrected grain leather is made from top grain, though referred to as corrected grain since the surface has been corrected. While corrected grain is good leather, and imperfections are corrected, it is still not the top of the line. This type of leather is typically about 2mm makes this leather very durable and good for riding.

Full-Grain/Top Grain
This type of leather is made from the upper section of the hide and has not gone through any sanding or corrections. Full grain leather remains natural, resulting in the highest strength and durability. This leather will wear well and will actually improve over time. As this is the ultimate leather, used for many purposes, it is the most expensive.

If you plan on buying a leather jacket, consider weather conditions in your area. Leather will definitely keep you warm on cold days, but may be too hot for some in warmer climates. Also, leather is not meant to get wet, so if you live in wet weather, you may want to consider another alternative.

Besides leather being fashionable, durable and protective, a good leather jacket will last a long time as well. While leather can be expensive, most of the time you will certainly get your money’s worth if you take care of it.

Leather jackets can be purchased online at www.rockheadbikes.com.

- Julie