Real leather. You feel it the moment you put it on.
Every leather jacket we sell is made from real leather, never PU or plastic. Here is what goes into one, and how to choose the right leather for you.
It is a skin, not a coating.
Faux and PU "leather" is a plastic layer bonded onto fabric. It can look fine on day one, but it does not breathe, it does not age, and once the surface starts to crack or peel there is nothing you can do to bring it back.
Real leather works the other way. It breathes, it softens and shapes itself to you, and it picks up its own character as you wear it. Look after it and it keeps getting better.
NSM real leather
- Breathes, so it is comfortable for longer
- Softens and moulds to your shape
- Develops a natural patina with wear
- Can be cleaned, conditioned and repaired
- Natural leather smell and feel
Faux / PU leather
- Plastic surface traps heat
- Stays the same shape, or stiffens
- Surface can crack and peel over time
- Hard to restore once damaged
- Synthetic smell and feel
Lambskin
Lambskin is what most of our jackets are made from. It is soft from the first wear, light on the shoulders and drapes well, which is why it suits bikers, bombers and blazers alike. If you want a jacket that feels easy every day, start here.
Most of our styles
Suede
Suede is the inner side of the hide, brushed until it feels like velvet. It has a soft matte look that dresses down a shirt or dresses up a T-shirt. It needs a little more care than smooth leather, mainly keeping it out of heavy rain.
Trucker & casual styles
Shearling-lined
A real leather outer with a thick, plush shearling lining in the body, collar and cuffs. This is our warmest construction, made for real winters rather than mild evenings.
Cold-weather styles
Cowhide
Cowhide is thicker and more structured than lambskin. It feels firmer at first and breaks in with wear, so it suits people who want a jacket that stands up to daily use.
Select stylesSame leather, different character
- Smooth
Clean, even colour with a soft sheen. The classic look.
- Waxed
A light wax finish that gives a richer colour and a slightly firmer hand.
- Washed
Washed and softened for a lived-in, vintage look from day one.
- Rub-off
Colour is worked back on the edges and seams, so the leather looks worn in.
The parts you don't see first
Most of our jackets have a soft viscose lining that feels smooth over a shirt or knit and lets the jacket slide on easily. Shearling styles are lined with shearling instead.
Zips, snaps and buckles get used every day, so we pick hardware that holds up. Many of our styles use YKK zips.
Seams are sewn by people who stitch leather for a living, and every jacket is checked before it ships. We send you a photo first.
The exact leather, lining and hardware for each jacket is listed under Specifications on its product page.
A little care goes a long way
- Hang it on a wide, padded hanger, away from direct sun.
- Wipe it with a soft dry cloth, and condition smooth leather a few times a year.
- If it gets wet, let it dry naturally. Never use a heater or hair dryer.
- For suede, use a suede brush and keep it out of heavy rain.
Questions about our leather
Is it really 100% real leather?
Yes. Every leather jacket we sell is made from real leather. The exact type, such as lambskin, suede or cowhide, is written under Specifications on each product page.
Will a new jacket smell of leather?
Yes, real leather has a natural smell. It is strongest when the jacket is new and fades over the first few weeks of wear.
Will it soften with time?
Lambskin is soft from the first day. Cowhide and waxed finishes start firmer and soften as you wear them.
Can I wear it in the rain?
Smooth leather handles light rain. Wipe it down and let it dry naturally. Suede is more delicate, so keep it out of heavy rain.
Feel the difference for yourself
Try it at home. If it isn't right, you have 30 days to return it.
Our Materials
NSM Jackets works with three core materials: real leather (mainly lambskin and cowhide), genuine suede, and shearling (fur-lined leather), each chosen for a specific look, feel, and level of warmth.
Lambskin leather is our most common material, offering durability and a grain that develops character with age. Suede uses the same hide with a brushed nap finish for a softer look, though it needs a bit more care around moisture. Shearling pairs a leather shell with a warm fur lining for our coldest-weather pieces.
Not sure which material suits your climate or style? See Leather Jackets, Suede Jackets, or Shearling Jackets to compare, or read our Care & Maintenance guide for upkeep tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leather has a smooth, finished surface, while suede is the same hide brushed to a soft, napped texture. Suede needs slightly more care around moisture than smooth leather.
Yes, our shearling jackets use genuine shearling (fur) lining paired with a genuine leather shell.
Real leather - mainly lambskin and cowhide, plus genuine suede and shearling on selected styles. We never use PU or faux leather; if a listing uses another material (such as wool), it says so clearly.
Shearling is our warmest option thanks to the fur lining, followed by standard leather, with suede sitting closer to leather in insulation.
Each product page lists the exact material used; the collection name (Leather, Suede, or Shearling) is also a quick guide.