A Short Appreciation of the “Just Right”Jacket
Let's give it up for the jackets that don't want to be worn all the time.
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I have owned the perfect vintage leather biker jacket for about 10 years. When I wear it, it sits just above my waist, with a belt around the bottom that jingles loudly when I walk – I never actually cinch the waist (feels a little ‘80s to do so, I guess). I’m not one for loud clothing usually, but this jacket literally begs to be heard. It’s wide in the shoulders but tapered as you head down toward the waist. The leather is jet black but somehow still worn in.
Let’s just say that in my humble opinion, it’s a great jacket.
The problem is that in those ten years, I think I’ve only worn it about 20 times. It’s not because of anything trend related – although I’d argue that leather jackets had a real street style moment in 2010 when I got it. The reason is that the weather is never quite right, and I am a baby when it comes to temperature. If I wear it and end up cold, it will ruin whatever I’m doing. Even if it's just walking to the grocery store, I know that I’ll forget something as my brain sits on an endless loop of discomfort. “I’m cold. I’m cold. Tomatoes? I’m cold. I’m cold.”
Then of course, there is the day when I think it would be a great day for this type of coat, but by the time I get far enough from my apartment to turn around, I’m in the throes of a full-blown sweat. Instant regret is all over my face and so is my mascara, probably.
It may sound like a bad thing, but the aforementioned gripes are why this jacket is so special to me. True to its rebellious-nature, it fights back a little bit each time I try to pull it out of my closet. It doesn’t want me to wear it until the day is just right and of course, the outfit is just right. So when the perfect day comes when I pull it off the hanger that it sat on, waiting patiently for 11 months, I try to make a real moment of it. A vibe shift occurs for those few hours where I am perfectly comfortable in my cracked vintage leather.
I’m listening to music that only this jacket wants to hear, I’m wearing the black jeans that this jacket wants to complement, and I am walking down the street, loudly and presently. I know that tomorrow, things might be different. The jacket may go back to that hanger and I might not see her again for another year. But I’ll look forward to that moment until I can’t wear the jacket anymore for whatever reason, and then hopefully, someone else will do the same.
What's your just right jacket? Share below!