What’s one thing common between you and your favourite style icons, Hollywood or otherwise? A good investment of leather pieces — be it a leather bomber or varsity leather jacket. The runways of 2022 saw head-to-toe leather pieces donned with crisp details and styled neatly. Everyone from Gucci, Raf Simons, Balenciaga, Rick Owens, Versace, Loewe, and Prada are keen on experimenting with leather overcoats, trousers, biker jackets, and shackets, which adds to our options to pick from this season.

“A leather bag accessory and a leather jacket are a must-have for any man on the cusp of manhood. Although parts of India are tropical, the nights in many parts often get nippy, hence a jacket can always be worn, and while parts are tropical, much of North India has four seasons, which requires warm clothing. Furthermore, lots of research has gone into leather. Using leather accessories is the best option if someone values durability and longevity. It can be winter or summer, but a good leather wallet will look good and will last long, something every man values,” believes Saahil Nandrajog, founder of the brand Tiger Marrón, which specialises in luxury leather accessories and goods.

Apart from leather jackets, accessories are equally important. In 2022, every man should have five leather items: a duffle bag so he can travel in style, a laptop bag for a corporate king, a backpack for a multifunctional casual king, a laptop cover for an easy-tocarry protective accessory, and lastly, a cardholder or wallet.

Designer Nachiket Barve believes opting for faux leather and plant-based leather is the best to go forward. Sharing style tips, he says, “While layering, it depends on how your whole look is. So, you can do it like a classic motorcycle jacket with rugged denim and boots. Another option is you can do a subtle day leather style with khakis and chinos. You can also do leather on leather if you have the confidence to pull it off, and if you are in great shape. The simplest way to include leather is by adding a trench coat with wool. For example, a woollen sweater and tailored pants along with the jacket. Either monochrome or multi-hued is the best way to work leather.”

Speaking of taking care of your leather accessories and goods, Nandrajog opines that leather can handle water and can be used aggressively. However, when it’s used well, it becomes the person using it. “If you give the two people the same bag, they will wither differently after a year and pick up different characteristics. Invest in quality first, and then style. Quality can be expensive but it will never become a regrettable disaster. Quality is inexpensive in the long run. Full grain or top grain, milled or semi-snuffed leather is a great option,” he says.

To help you pick your pieces this year, we curated a list:

Marks & Spencer

With the utility trend back, this classic leather jacket from Mark & Spencer’s Autograph collection makes a comfy regular fit with a funnel neck. The exterior pockets are perfect for keeping hands warm and can be fastened with a zip up the front and a popper at the neck.

Gucci

With an undeniable ‘70s style influence, this leather jacket from the Gucci Love Parade collection boasts classic vintage elements that bring the House’s aesthetic. Blending seamlessly with the contemporary for an updated yet never-out-of-style wardrobe, this reversible jacket has a vintage vibe in shiny leather and GG jacquard nylon, making it an ideal winter staple to your 2022 wardrobe.

Tod’s

Crafted in soft leather with a handcrafted vintage effect, Tod’s bomber jacket interprets a truly timeless bold style with a heavy vintage touch. Featuring a silkscreen print on the back with a ’60s-inspired theme, it comes with light padding and a wool and silk bouclé fleece collar.

Louis Vuitton

This Louis Vuitton motor blouson has a unique patina that comes in pale blue LWG-certified bull leather, which has been given a black-brown top finish with a slightly crackled effect. This piece is distinguished by an embossed monogram patch across the chest and comes with its simple zip closure and contrast lining.

Images: Getty