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How to wear a Full length Leather Jacket ?

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
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How long is long? Hip length or thigh or knee? I think the hip length coats are pretty easy to wear in most occasions. 30" and under. Lots of classic designs from Harley's Townsman to basic long half belt to something with more western flare, or the classic chore coats. The 34"-42" longer ones are harder to pull off on a daily basis though, the thigh and knee length leather coats.
 

Trouser Bark

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Knickers, knee high boots, a monocle, and a riding crop.

Or not.

I've looked at them before and wondered. My impression has been that if you're going to give it a whirl the rest of what you're wearing must be very well chosen... like a white shirt and brightly colored tie kind of thing.

Careful dragging the hem on the floor when you get in a car or truck though and until it's broken in it might have a tendency to periscope your hat off when you get in that same vehicle. Which one you thinking about?
 

Doc 1

New in Town
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How long is long? Hip length or thigh or knee? I think the hip length coats are pretty easy to wear in most occasions. 30" and under. Lots of classic designs from Harley's Townsman to basic long half belt to something with more western flare, or the classic chore coats. The 34"-42" longer ones are harder to pull off on a daily basis though, the thigh and knee length leather coats.
It is actually below knee height , well below to the point of a couple of inches off the ground
 

Doc 1

New in Town
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7
Knickers, knee high boots, a monocle, and a riding crop.

Or not.

I've looked at them before and wondered. My impression has been that if you're going to give it a whirl the rest of what you're wearing must be very well chosen... like a white shirt and brightly colored tie kind of thing.

Careful dragging the hem on the floor when you get in a car or truck though and until it's broken in it might have a tendency to periscope your hat off when you get in that same vehicle. Which one you thinking about?
The problem being is it is a couple of inches off the ground. I have a hat that would go very well with it, but wearing a suit with looks Great., is there other things that would look good without being so formal ?
 
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It’s this way, or not at all.
IMG_4255.jpeg
 

Trouser Bark

One of the Regulars
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I exist in your head
The problem being is it is a couple of inches off the ground. I have a hat that would go very well with it, but wearing a suit with looks Great., is there other things that would look good without being so formal ?

There is one military group in particular amongst whom wearing a long leather coat was commonplace. They didn't wear them as long as the one you're considering and they also were known for being strikingly well dressed. None of them looked ratty and their leather overcoat was part of a formal ensemble. You will find it difficult to deviate from that formality w/out making the coat look out of place.

You will also find the length impractical.

I'm assuming this is black?
 

Edward

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There is one military group in particular amongst whom wearing a long leather coat was commonplace. They didn't wear them as long as the one you're considering and they also were known for being strikingly well dressed. None of them looked ratty and their leather overcoat was part of a formal ensemble. You will find it difficult to deviate from that formality w/out making the coat look out of place.

You will also find the length impractical.

I'm assuming this is black?

They carry that association for some. I'm not sure why; I've never been able to find evidence that the SS actually had any such issued item. Pop culture, I suppose. They were commonly worn by the Gestapo, who never had an issued uniform of their own (though in occupied territories they did I believe sometimes wear SS duds); civilian clothes which took on a fashion - cf Erich Hartmann's civilian leather jacket he wore flying. B&W photography also has a lot for which to answer: German long, leather coats in that period were as commonly brown as black, but as they all read black to most eyes in b&w photos, brown doesn't summon the same pop culture references nowadays.

I like a leather trench coat myself, though I don't currently have one. When I did, my experience was that it came with two associations. Anyone over 50 would reference Herr Flick (a Gestapo character, much mocked, from 1980s BBC sitcom Allo Allo), anyone younger The Matrix. Not unlike having peopke make cowboy / gangster / Indiana Jones comnents on seeing a fedora. All depends on whether the wearer is bothered, really. I can't say I've ever much cared, but that is a privilege of bring in central London. It was a lot harder to be 'different' in Belfast back in the 90s; even about ten years ago when I was over there in a long wool overcoat and a fedora I was followed by a group of middle aged men singing the Inspector Gadget theme. They got bored and wandered off when they got no reaction, but it could have turned nasty had I responded.

To OP's question, as @Aloysius said, just treat it like any other overcoat. If it's chrome tanned, you'll find little better for shedding rain. If you eant to soften the look of a black one, try a grey fedora or a cap.
 
Last edited:

Trouser Bark

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I exist in your head
I've never been able to find evidence that the SS actually had any such issued item.,
“The great coat was a standard item of uniform for all ranks in the German military. As officers were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and were given a clothing allowance, they were permitted to wear a leather version of the standard greatcoat. Shortages meant leather military greatcoats were not produced after April 1944, though it was not uncommon to find officers still wearing them when the war ended.

Made from 100% black leather with a black cotton lining, this reproduction WW2 German Officers features eight double-breasted style grey pebble buttons. The greatcoat features two outer pockets, an inner pocket, a black half-belt and deep French cuffs.”
https://www.epicmilitaria.com/german-officer-leather-great-coat.html

Note: for reference only. I am far from expert on military stuff.
 

Doc 1

New in Town
Messages
7
They carry that association for some. I'm not sure why; I've never been able to find evidence that the SS actually had any such issued item. Pop culture, I suppose. They were commonly worn by the Gestapo, who never had an issued uniform of their own (though in occupied territories they did I believe sometimes wear SS duds); civilian clothes which took on a fashion - cf Erich Hartmann's civilian leather jacket he wore flying. B&W photography also has a lot for which to answer: German long, leather coats in that period were as commonly brown as black, but as they all read black to most eyes in b&w photos, brown doesn't summon the same pop culture references nowadays.

I like a leather trench coat myself, though I don't currently have one. When I did, my experience was that it came with two associations. Anyone over 50 would reference Herr Flick (a Gestapo character, much mocked, from 1980s BBC sitcom Allo Allo), anyone younger The Matrix. Not unlike having peopke make cowboy / gangster / Indiana Jones comnents on seeing a fedora. All depends on whether the wearer is bothered, really. I can't say I've ever much cared, but that is a privilege of bring in central London. It was a lot harder to be 'different' in Belfast back in the 90s; even about ten years ago when I was over there in a long wool overcoat and a fedora I was followed by a group of middle aged men singing the Inspector Gadget theme. They got bored and wandered off when they got no reaction, but it could have turned nasty had I responded.

To OP's question, as @Aloysius said, just treat it like any other overcoat. If it's chrome tanned, you'll find little better for shedding rain. If you eant to soften the look of a black one, try a grey fedora or a cap.
Yes, I will attach a picture of a newer model Full length Trench I acquired. Fits perfectly except for the incredible length of it ? I do have the belt but need some belt loops installed on the jacket.
 

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