More recently, those who wanted to get a stylish leather jacket could choose only from two options - genuine leather or its substitute, which is called leatherette for short. Genuine leather goods are distinguished by their excellent appearance and excellent quality characteristics, but they are quite expensive. Jackets made of leatherette are much cheaper, but their appearance often leaves much to be desired, and they wear out very quickly.
Several years ago, another alternative to natural leather appeared - an innovative material, which was called “eco-leather”. About what it is, and about the features of eco-leather jackets, read in this article.
What is eco-leather?
Ecoskin, despite the name, has very little relation to genuine leather. This is a synthetic material that manufacturers have tried to impart to the quality of real leather: pleasant to the touch, warm surface, a high degree of thermal conductivity and wear resistance.
Eco-leather is a two-layer material consisting of a textile base and a polyurethane film. Due to the special production technology, the eco-leather has a porous structure, so the body can breathe in clothes made of this material (which cannot be said about leatherette things).
Due to the special production technology, the eco-leather has a porous structure, so the body can breathe in clothes made of this material (which cannot be said about leatherette things).
It is possible to apply patterns that imitate the pattern of natural leather to the source material by embossing, so it is difficult to distinguish eco-leather items at first glance from real leather goods.
What is different from eco leather leatherette?
As well as leatherette, eco-leather is a synthetic material. But, if the leatherette is 100% polyvinyl chloride, then eco-leather contains natural components: cotton, cellulose, or even a thin layer of real leather, taken as a base.
Externally, to the touch and according to some quality characteristics, eco-leather is more like a real one than leatherette. Both materials have in common only complete waterproofness and good elasticity.
pros
Eco-leather jackets have their advantages - both over real leather products and over leatherette items. The following items can be included in the list of the main advantages of jackets from this material:
- wide model range;
- large selection of colors;
- low price;
- ease of cut and sewing;
- external similarity with genuine leather;
- the ability to pass air;
- water tightness;
- hypoallergenic properties;
- pleasant tactile sensations.
In addition, for conservationists, the fact that the production of eco-leather is usually not used raw materials of animal origin.
Minuses
However, like any other synthetic material, eco-leather has drawbacks. The most significant negative qualities of eco-leather include:
- less durability than natural leather;
- the need to comply with basic rules of care;
- low hygroscopicity - such clothes absorb moisture worse than things from real leather.
As you can see, the disadvantages of eco-leather jackets are much less than advantages.
Models
Ecoskin is a material that can be processed very well, so there is a wide choice of eco-leather jackets in the assortment of stores. Consider some of the most interesting styles of fashion jackets from this material:
- leather jacket - Rocker-style jacket with an asymmetrical zipper and lots of metallic elements;
- pilot - a short, wide jacket with elastic bands on the hem and cuffs, has a large collar and patch pockets;
- jacket - a short, slightly fitted jacket, similar to a jacket, usually has a turn-down collar and pockets;
- motorcycle jacket - jacket semi-fit cut, designed for bikers, it has special elements that enhance the protection of the most vulnerable places.
Warm jackets for the winter
Ecoskin retains heat well and tolerates minus temperatures, so it is quite suitable material for sewing winter jackets. But by itself, it is not able to warm in the cold, so winter models of such jackets usually have a warmed, dense lining or filler. Faux fur, a synthetic winterizer, down, a feather and other materials possessing high heat-insulating properties are used as a heater for winter clothing from eco-leather.
Warm eco-leather jackets are usually longer than demi-season models. They may have a hood or fur collar; sleeves or sides of jackets can be trimmed with natural or artificial fur.
Demi jacket
Autumn and spring models of eco-leather jackets are a lightweight version of outerwear. They usually have a very thin lining and can be very short, covering only part of the back.
The choice of demi-season models, as a rule, differs a great variety. On the shop windows and on the pages of fashionable catalogs are presented as light jacket jackets and eco-leather parks, designed to protect from the weather.
Jackets designed for the off-season, can combine several different materials - so, on sale you can find models with denim inserts, thick knitwear, raincoats, etc.
Popular colors
Ecoskin perfectly gives in to coloring, therefore the choice of coloring of jackets from eco-leather is incredibly large. Manufacturers have long learned to give artificial materials shades characteristic of natural raw materials. You can easily pick up a jacket with imitation of snake, buffalo or ordinary pig skin.
Fans of bright colors will surely like multicolored models. This season you should pay attention to the leather things of deep, muted shades - wine, dark blue, coniferous, etc.
What to wear?
Rules of combination with other things for eco-leather jackets will be the same as for genuine leather jackets. In fact, this means the almost complete absence of rules, because modern fashion allows you to combine leather clothing with things in a variety of styles.
A jacket, favorite jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers are a win-win option for a casual look. More interesting is the combination of eco-leather jackets with feminine things - romantic dresses, long skirts, light blouses, etc.
Shoes can be any: from classic evening shoes to boots in a cowboy style or "military" shoes.
Reviews
Ecoskin appeared on the market not so long ago, but already managed to win many supporters. In this material, buyers are attracted, first of all, by an affordable price and external similarity with genuine leather. Of course, buying a jacket from eco-leather, you should not expect that in its qualities it will be similar to a real leather product. However, in comparison with things made of leatherette, completely made of PVC, eco-leather clothing seems to be a very good option.
Care
In order for products from eco-leather as long as possible to retain their original appearance and serve you for several seasons, you must follow simple rules for caring for this material:
- Contaminations are quite easily removed with warm water and soap. If there are difficulties, wipe the contaminated area with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol solution.
- It is strictly not recommended to wash things from eco-leather. For them, only dry cleaning is allowed.
- No need to try to quickly dry a wet jacket in the rain from eco-leather: hot air can damage the structure of the material. Just hang it on your hanger and let it dry at room temperature.
