Every man should own a jacket made of leather. Though there have been many subcultures that have made the leather jacket part of their uniform, it truly can be worn by anybody and with many different styles. There are few articles of clothing that are simultaneously so functional, durable, versatile and undeniably cool.

Leather has been used to make clothing for thousands of years, but the leather jacket as we know it started with the United States Air Force in the early 1900s. There was a need to keep pilots warm as they flew, because the cock pit was open to the air. From this need came the bomber jacket style that is popular to this day.

Bomber jackets tend to be cut short, approximately waist level, and fit close to the body. This was originally to keep the cold wind away from a pilot’s core, but convenient ly matches the men’s clothing trend of being more form-fitting. This style of jacket is available in many colors, but brown is the most common, followed closely by black.

This type of jacket is prob ably the most versatile in terms of style. It can be worn with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to slacks and a button-down. This is because they tend to have minimal frills — the bomber jacket is classy in its simplicity.

It also tends to be the warmest style, often featuring fur or fleece lining, making it best for winter.

Very similar in fit and func tion is the “moto”, or motor cycle jacket. Also sometimes called a racing jacket, this style was made specifically for high-speed motorcycle racing. It protects the rider from wind and, should an ac cident occur, abrasions from concrete.

Moto jackets are usually thinner and lighter than bomber jackets, which makes them perfect for a spring or fall jacket or as a top layer in the colder winter months.

Then there is the other side of the moto jacket — the biker jacket. Typically more of a fashion statement than anything, these feature more zippers, buckles and buttons than their more subdued counterparts. Due to this, biker jackets have a more intimidating quality about them.

Another key feature that distinguishes biker jackets from moto jackets is the exag gerated lapel. Typically, these fold down and leave the neck open, but can be zipped up for more coverage when rid ing a motorcycle. These have long been a favorite of greas ers, metal heads and other bad boys throughout recent history.

Whatever style of leather jacket fits your personality, each serves the same purpose. By its nature, leather doesn’t breathe like cotton, wool or other fibrous materials. This means it protects against wind as well as a windbreaker made of synthetic materials and looks better doing it.

A leather jacket can also protect from rain and snow, though excess moisture can damage it without proper treatment and maintenance. Water is about the only thing that should worry you, though. Leather is a rugged material and actually tends to look better when broken in.

There is a reason that the leather jacket has been a favorite of so many men throughout the years. It is classic, iconic and can give any wardrobe a needed dose of charisma. A well-worn leather jacket has character that is hard to find in other pieces of clothing.