Leather jackets make great presents, especially if you choose good quality leather. It’s perfectly possible to find cheap leather jackets of course, and if you’ve been thinking about buying someone a leather jacket or coat then you may just decide to go for one of the discount leather jackets you can find at almost any time of the year at those clothing stores you find on the high street.

Except that do you really think that giving someone you love a bit of a cow’s backside for Christmas really says the right thing? "Hello friend, merry rump!" Because in truth that’s what a lot of these cheap leather jackets are made of.

And you can tell, because wearing leather jackets made from cow’s rear ends is a little like wearing a suit of armour. They’re about as flexible as wearing a drainpipe on each arm, and with very little benefit in terms of keeping you warm. The good quality leather jackets aren’t made from cows, they’re made from the leather which comes from sheep, goats and even lambs.

This sort of leather is incredibly soft, and very flexible. It’s the sort of leather used to line the seats in luxury limousines, and as soon as you look at leather jackets made from this sort of leather, often called nappa leather or nubuck leather, you can tell it’s quality. It’s soft to the touch, hangs beautifully, is warm and comfortable to wear, and doesn’t restrict your movement so that you look like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz every time you try to walk in it.

There’s no doubt that this type of leather jacket makes a much better gift (for someone else, or even for yourself!) but of course normally the price is a little more than you might want to pay.

Which brings me back to Christmas. Because right now is a great time to grab yourself a real bargain. The reason is that as we are rapidly approaching September (shock horror!) the shops and retailers are getting ready to bring in their autumn range. But before they do this they first need to shift their existing stock, which is why there are so many products on clearance rails at the moment.

Picking up discount leather jackets right now means that you could be getting high quality nappa leather jackets or coats at around half the price they are normally. If you’re looking at getting one for Christmas then now is the perfect time to do just that, because in only a few weeks you’ll find the clearance stock gone, and the autumn range will be at full price. The only way then of saving money is to pay full price for something of much less quality. Merry Christmas, or Merry Rump? Now is the time to make your mind up.

But if you mention the idea of biker jackets or leather coats of any kind to people they generally think of heavy leather made from cow hide that’s thick, less flexible and can make you feel too warm. After all, it’s summer, not winter, and leather jackets should be flexible enough to cope with the cooler days as well as the frozen days.

Can leather be lightweight, comfortable, flexible and yet still provide enough protection? What is the best type of leather for the variable British summer?

The answer is something called either nappa leather or napa leather. It’s unmistakable, because nappa leather is considerably thinner than the heavy duty cow hide leather you see biker jackets made out of. Nappa leather is warm, soft and comfortable, as well as looking extremely stylish.

The difference is all down to where nappa leather comes from. Unlike most high street leather jackets nappa leather jackets are made from unsplit sheep skin, lamb skin or even kid skin. This type of leather is very soft, very flexible and is used to make a range of luxury items from furniture coverings to luxury car interior upholstery.

If you’re looking for a leather jacket for the summer, and well into the autumn, then look out for nappa leather – it’s the best way of combining comfort with style, whilst not losing out on the practical benefits of having a real, genuine leather coat.

But a quick word of warning, because you might have noticed the word ‘unsplit’ used just now. What does that mean?

Basically you may find that some manufacturers of leather jackets cheat a little, trying to make cow hide into something more like nappa leather. The way they do this is to use a laser to slice through the cow hide, peeling layers away to create a much thinner form of leather.

But although his method is sophisticated, it can never achieve the same level of comfort, style, feel or look as real nappa leather. It’s simply a cheaper alternative, and as with anything – you get what you pay for.

From the highest quality leather shooting accessories such as cartridge cases and gun slips to a gorgeous desk blotter or stationery tray, the words ‘England’, ‘craftsmen’ and ‘leather’ seem to evoke an innate sense of quality.

We almost expect to discover the kind of quality that makes you proud to own the luxury goods, to run your finger along the seams, to smell the leather and admire the way it looks.

If you have a beautiful wooden writing desk then a luxury leather desk blotter not only provides a very practical solution, protecting the surface of your desk and providing a convenient surface for writing or signing letters and documents, but by choosing a luxury leather desk blotter that’s
handmade in England by real craftsmen, then you know that the way it looks and feels is every bit as important and appreciated as how it works.

Hip flasks have long proven popular, whether by those setting off for a long country walk, a highland hike or a day shooting. But hip flasks serve a greater purpose than simply being a portable container for a refreshing drink, or a wee drop of the special Scottish water!

Hip flasks are stylish accessories, beautiful items in themselves, providing convenience, luxury and style all in an elegant, lightweight, durable package that can be carried or worn easily.

Luxury English leather goods can include a range of hip flasks, or containers for hip flasks, enabling you to face nature with a bracing determination and a beautiful hip flask of which you’ll be as pleased with the exterior as much as the interior! Plastic bottles are for students. For the perfect English gentleman, luxury leather hip flasks are the order of the day.

When it comes to choosing gun slips and cartridge cases, leather shooting accessories are head and shoulders above plastic alternatives, providing both the look and style that is the mark of quality. But it’s more than that, because leather is soft, malleable and durable, providing protection from the elements, and ensuring your shooting equipment remains in excellent condition, removing any possible excuse for missing that brace on Sunday!

In order to preserve the look of the leather blazer or leather jacket, there are a few important points that you will need to consider. If you have an open wardrobe with lots of sunlight, you will need to find an alternative storage area for your blazer. It is best to avoid areas with sunlight, or those areas that are very hot or humid. This will help to maintain the colour of the leather and will stop it from possible damage due to fading colours. The area will need to be cool, but it will also need to be dry. Areas that are damp or receive excessive amounts of moisture, such as a garage, should be avoided as a storage area. Damp conditions could possibly cause mould and mildew to build up and this will be hard to rectify once the damage is done.

As leather is a natural product, it needs to breath, and this is something you need to consider when looking for suitable storage solutions. With the changing seasons and weather conditions, many people tend to store the clothing they don’t need in plastic. When it comes to leather garments, this is definitely not a good idea, as the leather can’t breath in plastic and it will sweat, which will create damp and moist conditions. Hang your leather blazer or classic leather jacket on a strong and well-padded hanger with plenty of room either side to allow the clean dry air to circulate. If you are worried about moths in your wardrobe, consider using mothballs or other alternatives to alleviate this concern.

Once you know how to look after your leather garments, you will find that they look fresh and new every time you wear them. If your current blazer or jacket needs updating, it would be a good idea to have a look online to purchase one. You can take advantage of online sales, but you will also have access to a greater variety of styles, colours and sizes. Men’s blazers and leather jackets are in abundance online and the quality of the leather used is exceptional. Make sure you look for a reputable dealer and find a site that also offers a sizing guide so that you will end up with a blazer that is the perfect fit for you in regards to width and height.

Once you have your new leather blazer or jacket, look after it properly, and you will be able to step out in classic style every time.

Leather jackets are considered a staple fashion item for every wardrobe. The look of leather is timeless and the range of styles available means that a leather jacket can make a bold fashion statement while at the same time is a wise investment. Since leather is a product that will ensure longevity of a garment, choosing the right styles for the right occasions will mean that you will add to your wardrobe a fashion item that will last for many seasons.

There is a huge range of leather jackets on the market today for both men and women. If you are in the market for a leather jacket it may be wise to opt for a classic design. Since any leather jacket can be a costly fashion item, choose a style that is timeless to guarantee that the style will last as long as the jacket itself. When selecting a classic design it is important to remember that medium length jackets will offer more versatility and black, the colour of choice, will never date.

If you want to splurge on a fashion item that is sure to make a statement, designer leather jackets can certainly guarantee this. Many of the major fashion labels have a selection of men’s and women’s designer leather jackets available and offer some of the hottest trends in leather that are very flattering. You may also consider leathers other than the basic types. Patent leather, suede, distressed leather and colourful leathers can allow you to dress to suit your personality. Jackets with fur trims can add an elegant touch or, for a sportier look, you may consider a hooded design.

The many styles of leather jackets available mean that there is sure to be a look that suits you and your lifestyle. Leather blazers are a perfect option for both men and women. Team them with a tailored shirt, skirt or trousers to achieve a stylish business look, or for a more casual, weekend style, add a pair of jeans to the mix. If it’s a cool edgy look or rock chic that you after then a biker jacket may be more your thing, these are also available in classic chic designs also. They offer a sleek look that’s fitted to the waist and are sure to make an impression.

When considering a major fashion purchase one thing is for sure, you can’t go past leather. The styles and quality of these garments ensures that whatever your lifestyle, personality or fashion needs this spring, a leather jacket is a must have for every wardrobe.

Luckily, you can get around this, should it ever happen to you. If you’re shopping for leather jackets online, and find that what you want is no longer available, you can email us, and hand over your vital measurements. We’ll not only check that there’s really, truly no more in stock, we’ll check what we do have to make sure there’s nothing else that will suit your measurements.

The measurements needed have to be exact – no fudging to hide that Christmas pudding you’re carrying. Remember to measure wearing what you’ll normally wear under the leather jacket – a t-shirt or jumper etc. The chest should be measured around the widest part, as too, the waist. Throwing in your shoe size will give an indication of how tall you are, and your frame. However, telling us how tall you are will help, too! Let us know your build (don’t be shy) – are you large, small, thin? What size do you normally take? And lastly, tell us how you want the jacket to fit: fitted is 1" larger than your chest, semi-fitted is 2", comfort is 3 and loose is 4. Oh, don’t forget the actual jacket you saw – the name of the style, the colour and the kind of leather you’d like it in.

By sending in these details we can see if there’s something that you might like, if we don’t have the actual jacket in stock. Bear in mind, however, that with sale stock it’s generally what we have at the time. Usually, there’s no more and so once that particular style, colour or whatever is sold out, that’s it. Having said all that, clearance and sale items are a great way of picking up cheap leather jackets that will boost your wardrobe with a piece that can be worn anywhere, with anything, and by anyone. Whether timeless and classic or modern and hip, a decent leather coat is something that everybody should own.

Some great bargain buys can be picked up in clearance sales. Cheap leather jackets are now being sported by the younger generation due to their versatility and low cost. They can be worn with anything, and their affordability makes them attractive to the younger crowd. They can be seen to and from work (and even some schools), in town with pals or out with families.

Leather blazers, on the other hand, scream expensive – but need not be. A well-cut leather coat can look like it cost a packet but actually cost very little; it all depends on where you source it. Of course, having one tailor-made might run up the price, but it’ll fit you like a glove and no doubt look like it cost far more than it actually did. And if you don’t put on too much weight as you get older, a leather jacket made to your measurements can be worn well into your twilight years!

Leather biker jackets are huge at the moment, especially with the current tattoo trend. It seems everyone these days is sporting ink somewhere on their bodies, and what better way to compliment the look than with chunky, belted, zippered, low-slung leather coats. Designed to be functional and practical, a biker jacket will ensure your back doesn’t get too cold while you’re motoring down the highway with your gal (or guy) riding shotgun. And slung over the bike when you pull up, you can still maintain the look as you show off your tatts.

Classic ladies’ leather jackets are indeed timeless. Whether made-to-measure or off-the-shelf, a women’s leather jacket can be teamed with jeans, a skirt, or trousers. In an emergency it can be worn over a formal outfit and not look too out of place. It is equally at home on a picnic or out at dinner.

Even the not-so-humble red leather jackets are still being seen (how can you miss them!). Can be worn to revive an old outfit or set alight a new one, a red coat can make you stand out in the crowd – it’s just up to you how much and how good you’ll look while doing it!

Europe leads the way in ethical skincare

In 2007, the UK, along with France, accounted for 74 per cent of all ethical beauty product launches proving that as a country, we are trying to align our environmental outlook with our shopping habits. Choosing to buy products that are produced using natural sustainable materials, that do not harm animals in the testing process, and are manufactured in a way that reduces the negative impact on the environment, shows the market is gradually being driven by the ‘green factor’ and not by profit margins alone.

What ethics do we look for in our beauty products?

The largest group of ethical beauty products bought in the UK is cruelty free goods i.e. not tested on animals. Over half of women in the UK say this is what they look for when buying skin and hair care products. That’s great progress given that within the space of twenty years, this has gone from being a niche market into a mainstream requirement.

More good news is that the fastest growth group is for products packaged in an eco-friendly way. This demand has led to manufacturers focusing on packaging that is made from recycled materials and can be recycled after use. The next stage is to reduce packaging to an absolute minimum.

Skin and hair care products that are termed ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ are also a huge growth area for ethical beauty and in France this is the top priority for female consumers. The ‘organic’ label is an interesting topic as some manufacturers have strayed into the grey areas of the term. To be sure, you should buy products that are certified by independent bodies such as ECOCERT or the Soil Association and don’t just rely on the manufacturer labelling the bottle ‘organic’.

While organic beauty is proving popular, there has been even bigger interest in the use of fair trade ingredients. Ensuring the planet’s survival is imperative, but the rights and fair treatment of people in impoverished communities who are affected by the cosmetics industry is equally important. Given that Fair Trade skin care is such a big growth area, it shows that as consumers we care about the people within the environment as much as the environment itself.

Buying your ethical beauty products

It’s not difficult to find ethical skin and hair care products these days because supply is now meeting demand. What you must be mindful of is the tactics employed by some of the less credible manufacturers and suppliers who will bend the rules to suit their needs. A good way to ensure the products you buy have met the right ethical standards is to use an online retailer that specialises in eco-friendly goods. Websites such as www.greentulip.co.uk stock a wide range of ethical beauty gifts.

If you know someone who hasn’t yet altered their buying habits then a gift is a great way to get them started. How about some natural lotions and body creams, organic bath and shower products or natural soaps? Not only will they love receiving a gift, they’ll also see there are alternatives available which equal, if not better, what they already use, but with the minimum impact to people and the planet.

Why choose organic skin care products?

Firstly, who wouldn’t want to eliminate as many harmful toxins from their body as possible. Non-organic hair care products and skin care products are produced using chemicals which the body absorbs and consumes through the scalp, hair and skin. This can never be a good thing for your long-term health.

A common chemical found in beauty and personal hygiene products (shampoos, toothpaste etc.) is sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). This product boosts the amount of foam produced when in contact with water but has long been associated as a skin irritant. The chemical is similar to detergent and it removes natural oils from the skin. Daily use and prolonged exposure results in dryness and peeling.

Mineral oil is a commonly used alternative to more expensive skin care oils but it is in fact a by-product of petrol. The oil acts like a barrier preventing the hair and skin from absorbing other ingredients of the product and is a known cause of acne.

Preservatives called ‘parabens’ are used in deodorants and have been linked to breast cancer as well as being a known irritant to eczema sufferers. Another preservative called methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDGN), is also considered an irritant. There are many more ingredients that are potentially harmful not just as allergens but also as carcinogens (substances involved in the development of cancer).

Secondly, the manufacturing of organic products is a more environmentally friendly process which is kinder to the planet and without the inhumane animal testing methods used by the major health and beauty companies.

Many people are now switching to organic skin and hair care products to protect themselves from harmful chemicals and distance themselves from morally questionable production methods.

Where to buy organic beauty products

Due to a loophole in the law, health and beauty products can be described as ‘organic’ yet contain potentially harmful chemicals. With no certification, a product can have one ingredient from organic agriculture and promote itself as being ‘organic’ even if the remaining ingredients are synthetic. Even the aforementioned sodium lauryl sulphate is often labelled as being ‘derived from coconut’ but its properties are so far removed there is little resemblance.

So, find a retailer who only stocks and sells organic beauty products that are certified by a respected certification body or buys from a supplier that is working toward certification. In the UK, the Soil Association certify organic products using these criteria:

• If a product has 95% organic ingredients then it can be marked ‘organic’
• If it has 70-95% organic ingredients then it can be marked ‘made with organic ingredients’
• If less than 70% then the product does not receive certification

Find an online store selling organic beauty products as they will lay out their code of ethics in simple terms telling you exactly where their products are sourced from and what certification they look for from a supplier.

A blazer is a jacket much like you’d see children wearing to a private school – they are smart, well cut and can be worn over a light blouse or a heavier shirt. In nice soft leather, a blazer would be great teamed with a pair of jeans, or even a skirt.

If you’ve seen an old war movie, then the jackets the men are wearing in the airplanes are called bombers – after the kinds of planes the pilots flew. Bomber jackets are functional, with pockets and zippers for storage and style.

Along the same lines, when you see a biker in traffic the jacket they’re likely to be wearing is known as a biker jacket. Often they are designed with a belt down over the hips. A biker jacket also boasts zippers and is functional – while at the same time ‘cool’ and timeless.

Men’s leather jackets come in all styles, but the ageless look is known as ‘classic’ – picture James Dean or Marlon Brando. Simple and straight cut but with modern additions such as iPod or mobile phone pockets, a classic leather jacket makes any male leading man material.

Although ladies could carry off the classic leather jacket look, they have the monopoly on the short leather jacket. Sitting just on the hips, a short leather jacket (usually fitted) can be worn to the movies or the theatre. Men, however, share their ownership of the long leather jacket – it can be worn by both sexes and to any occasion. It can be dressed up or down, and can range from a parka-style to a trench coat-style. For ladies, a long coat cut correctly and worn with jeans can be quite trimming – not to mention trendy.

If you want to spoil your lady, or you’re a lady who wants to spoil herself, then you can’t go past a lambskin jacket. With gorgeous soft fur trimming, this leather jacket won’t only keep you warm, but looking good as well.

Ladies’ leather jackets can’t really be worn by men, but ladies can indeed wear most men’s jackets. However, a reefer leather jacket is quite masculine in appearance and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

Waistcoats are traditionally a piece of men’s apparel that is now worn by women as well. A classic waistcoat looks great with a skirt or jeans (jeans for the men!) and a nice cut blouse or shirt under it. For the more sporty amongst you, a sports waistcoat can be worn fishing, hiking or just travelling in your 4WD.

Last but not least are larger leather jackets for plus-size people – in both men’s and ladies’ ranges, leather jackets can be ordered to ensure that they fit well and look great!