Article: Jakett Leather & Suede Jackets: How to Choose, Wear and Care for Yours
Jakett Leather & Suede Jackets: How to Choose, Wear and Care for Yours
Every woman needs one jacket that goes with absolutely everything. Kate calls it the "odd jacket." I call it the piece that saves you on the days when you have ten minutes to get out the door and nothing feels right. Throw it over a tee and jeans, a silk dress or even your workout clothes, and suddenly you look like you have it all together.
For me, that jacket is leather. And lately, the leather everyone asks about when they walk into the boutique is Jakett.
I understand why. These jackets look like you've owned them for twenty years, in the best possible way. Soft, a little imperfect, full of character. But with so many leathers, finishes and shapes, women are often unsure where to start. So let's walk through it together.
Who Is Jakett?
Jakett was founded in New York City in 2008 by designer Joseph Greco, who set out to make an effortless leather jacket that feels like a second skin. That's exactly how they wear. Many of their pieces are unlined, so the leather molds to you instead of sitting stiffly on top of you.
It's what I'd call "classic cool." Not trendy, not fussy. Just a really good jacket that gets better every time you wear it.
Jakett Vintage Leather: The Forever Jacket
If you are buying your first Jakett, start here. Their vintage leather has that broken-in softness right off the hanger, and it only gets better with time.
The Grace Vintage Leather Blazer in Walnut is the one I'd grab first. It's a single-breasted blazer with long, lean lines and a fitted waist, and it's lined, so it slips on beautifully over a sweater. Wear it with trousers to a meeting, then with jeans to dinner. That's what I mean by a smart investment.
Want something softer in color? The Peyton in Butter is a dream with cream and camel. And if you have a little rock and roll in your heart (I hope you do!), the Vespa is a sleek black moto inspired by the sixties mods who rode the scooter it's named for.
Jakett Wrinkled and Patina Leather: Texture With Personality
This is where Jakett gets really fun. Their wrinkled and patina leathers have a lived-in texture that makes even the simplest outfit look interesting. And here's my secret: texture is far more forgiving than a smooth, shiny leather. It doesn't show every crease, and it doesn't cling.
The Harper Patina Leather Jacket in Fawn is a perfect neutral. The Loretta in Apricot is for the woman who's ready to try color. And the Moira in Juniper, a deep green vegetable-dyed leather with a corduroy collar, is one of my favorite pieces in the store right now.
Jakett Washed Suede: Soft, Warm and Perfect for Alabama
Let's be honest. We don't get many truly cold days here in Alabama. Washed suede is lighter and softer than you'd expect, which makes it ideal for our in-between weather, when it's chilly in the morning and seventy by lunch.
The Demi in Quarry, a soft blue-grey, is pretty with denim. The Gemma in Mocha is slightly cropped with a self-tie waist, which is wonderful if you want to define your waist without anything tight. And for a little Western drama, the Shania in Twilight has fringe that moves with you. Wear it to a concert, wear it to the grocery store, I won't judge!
Jakett doesn't stop at jackets, either. The Diana Washed Suede Car Coat in Beechwood is a longer layer that looks so polished over a sweater dress, and the Stella Washed Suede Pant is a high-rise, relaxed bootcut that feels like butter.
How to Choose Your Jakett Jacket
You want one jacket for everything: a vintage leather blazer like the Grace.
You want something easy and forgiving: a wrinkled or patina leather like the Harper or Moira.
You run warm or live in Alabama (same thing): washed suede like the Demi or Gemma.
You want to make an entrance: the fringed Shania.
Fit varies from style to style, from tailored blazers to boxier, cropped shapes. That's exactly why I love having women try them on. A quarter inch in the shoulder makes all the difference in a leather jacket.
Your Jakett Questions, Answered
How should a leather jacket fit?
The shoulder seam should sit right at the edge of your shoulder, and you should be able to move your arms comfortably with a light sweater underneath. Unlined leather will soften and relax as you wear it.
How do I take care of suede?
Hang it on a wide, padded hanger, keep it out of the rain when you can, and use a soft suede brush to lift the nap. Always check the care label, since each piece can differ.
Is a Jakett jacket worth the investment?
Think about price per wear. A jacket you reach for three days a week for the next ten years is one of the smartest things you can buy.
Where can I buy Jakett in Alabama?
Right here at Carriage House in historic downtown Decatur. Not local? We ship nationwide, and you can try pieces at home with a ShopBox.
Go Ahead, Be a Little Bit Cool
So many women tell me they're "not a leather jacket person." I've heard it for years, and I've watched almost every one of them change her mind in the dressing room. A great leather jacket isn't about being edgy. It's about feeling confident and pulled together, no matter what's underneath.
As Yves Saint Laurent said, "Fashions fade, style is eternal." A well-made leather jacket is proof. Come see us in Decatur, or let us send you a ShopBox, and let's find the one that feels like it was made for you.
