Leather is one of nature’s most practical yet sensuous materials. Leather apparel can be made of stingray, crocodile, alligator, ostrich or snakeskins. Leather is known for its aesthetic appeal and durability. Varied textures and wide range of colors enhance the appeal of the leather apparel. New techniques have led to lighter skins that can be used round the year. The snake apparel could act as a gift on many occasions. The leather apparel could be made with the customer’s logo or the customer’s favorite brand. The personal leather goods include small articles carried by a person in his handbag.
Leather Apparel
Leather apparel does not easily wrinkle and is comfortable for extended wear. The structure of leather apparel fibers makes it wind -resistant and is ideal as motorcycle apparel. Leather apparel is ideal for layering. Choosing good leather apparel requires good understanding of its various features. Leather apparel is a hot fashion trend as man apparel as well as women's apparel. Man leather apparel extends to lambskin leather pants and leather jackets. Motorcycle apparel like motorcycle leather chaps and biker jackets are available too.
Leather is a luxurious material and its value is dependent on its softness and texture. The appearance of the leather apparel is influenced by raw materials, the skin of the animals and environmental conditions. The surface of the leather garments depends on the uniqueness of each animal. The genetic make-up of the animal has a bearing on the final quality of any leather apparel. Experienced craftsmen select the leather hides that are then tanned, dyed and finished. The process of leather making is nearly 5000 years old and dates back to 12th century England. The curing process involves adding a protective treatment to the hide or pelt. At the tannery, chemical processes render the leather soft and pliable and also adjust the thickness of the skin. Then, the leather hides are cut to patterns that represent the sleeves, collar and the other portions of the garment. Leather apparel has a large and distinguished clientele.
Guidelines For Purchasing Leather Apparel
* Feel the softness and the texture of the leather apparel before buying a garment. A softer garment with a richer feel is generally more expensive.
* The cut, quality of stitching along with the line and style distinguishes a classic leather garment from the rest.
* The price of the leather apparel is determined by the quality of the leather and the labor involved in creating the apparel.
Leather apparel stretches to provide comfort to the individual yet retains its’ shape. The leather is also breathable.
Increasing the Life of the Leather Apparel
* The apparel should be stored on a broad hanger to maintain its’ shape.
* The dust and dirt should be wiped with a soft sponge or cloth.
* The leather apparel should not be stored in a plastic bag or a heated area.
* The wet leather garment should be allowed to dry naturally and it should not be exposed to humidity.
* Perfumes and hairspray should not be applied while wearing the garment.
* Tapes and pins should not be applied to the leather garment.
* Water and strain repellants should be used to preserve the leather apparel.
* The leather apparel should be covered with a heavy paper before ironing it. It should be ensured that the leather garment is dry before ironing it.
Professional methods should be used for the cleaning of leather apparel and the traditional dry cleaning method should not be used. The traditional cleaning method destroys the leather apparel as it removes the natural oil from the leather. So, harmful chemicals should not be used to clean leather apparel. The hides are transformed into leather by pre-tanning, tanning and finishing.
Leather Apparel Fashion
Leather never goes out of style. Black leather apparel and leather apparel in rich colors can make you stand out in a crowd. Rich colors such as burgundy, plum or cordovan or warm neutral shades such as caramel, russet or chocolate brown are all time favorites. Teflon coating makes the leather apparel water-resistant. Sandblasting adds a vintage feel or glazed look to the leather garments. Suede is a popular leather fabric – an enzyme washed and softer version of leather. The suede is made from a piece of cowhide and is considered very popular. Suede has now been making its’ presence felt in all kinds of clothing and it could be used in every season. Suede can also be tailored as sports wear. Suede is also expensive and soft leather apparel. Suede could also be used with jeans, pants or skirts.
Leather Fashions
* Vintage: The antiqued leathers and shearlings reflect the growing attraction towards vintage. Its’ antique finish; notch collar and self-belt increases its appeal.
* Matrix: This leather apparel is made for the fall season. It has bold colorations and a notch collar adds to its’ appeal.
* Utility: These leather jackets are multi-pocketed and multi-zippered. It is a biker-inspired jacket.
* Retro: It is modeled after the 50’s styling and is comparatively less flashy. The old jacket shapes are updated with colorations and fabrications.
* Fine Tuned: It has welt pockets and sleek zipper closure. This design has a new appeal and a slimming vertical quilting.
PETA (People for the ethical treatment of animals) is an organization, which is opposed to the killing of animals for leather. PETA feels that the animals should not be abused in the name of fashion. Zebras, boars, elephants, alligators, walruses, turtles and snakes are sometimes hunted for their skins alone. Exotic animals are even factory-farmed for their skin.
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