Expertise at Your Fingertips
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying, styling, and caring for your handcrafted leather. Can't find your answer? Contact our artisans directly.
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Leather Quality & Materials
What is the difference between full-grain leather and genuine leather?
Full-grain leather is the highest quality grade available. It retains the entire grain surface with natural markings, providing superior durability that develops a beautiful patina over decades. 'Genuine leather,' despite its name, is actually a lower grade — it's the bottom split of the hide with an artificial surface applied. At IndiFash, every jacket is crafted exclusively from full-grain or top-grain hides sourced from premium tanneries, ensuring your investment appreciates in character with every wear.
How can I tell if a leather jacket is real or fake?
Authentic leather has three unmistakable identifiers: (1) Scent — real leather has a rich, organic aroma that synthetic materials cannot replicate. (2) Texture — genuine hides have natural imperfections, pore patterns, and a warm feel, while faux leather feels uniformly smooth and plastic-like. (3) Edge test — real leather has rough, fibrous edges, while synthetic has clean, melted edges. All IndiFash products come with a Certificate of Authenticity and a grain-pattern verification card.
Is lambskin better than cowhide for leather jackets?
They serve different purposes. Lambskin is ultra-soft, lightweight (0.5–0.7mm thick), and drapes beautifully — ideal for fashion-forward silhouettes and evening wear. Cowhide is thicker (1.0–1.4mm), more rugged, and offers superior abrasion resistance — perfect for moto jackets and everyday wear. IndiFash offers both options, and our artisans can recommend the ideal hide based on your intended use, climate, and style preference.
What is vegetable-tanned leather and why is it more expensive?
Vegetable tanning is a centuries-old process using natural tannins from tree bark (oak, chestnut, mimosa) instead of industrial chemicals like chromium. It takes 30–60 days versus 1 day for chrome tanning. The result is a firmer, more characterful leather that develops a rich, deep patina over time. It's more expensive because of the artisanal time investment and the premium quality of the finished hide. IndiFash uses vegetable-tanned leather in our Heritage Collection.
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Sizing, Fit & Customization
How do I find my perfect leather jacket size?
We recommend measuring your chest (around the fullest part), shoulders (seam to seam across the back), sleeve length (shoulder to wrist), and torso length (base of neck to waist). Compare these to our detailed Size Guide. Our jackets are designed with a slim, tailored fit. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up for layering comfort. For a guaranteed perfect fit, use our Custom Sizing option at checkout.
Can I get a custom-made leather jacket with my measurements?
Absolutely. IndiFash specializes in bespoke leather tailoring. During checkout, select 'Custom Size' and provide your measurements. Our artisans will hand-cut and construct your jacket to your exact specifications. Custom orders typically ship within 10–15 business days. You can also request specific modifications like additional pockets, embossed initials, custom lining colors, or unique hardware finishes.
Do leather jackets stretch over time?
Yes, genuine leather naturally molds to your body within the first 10–15 wears. Full-grain leather stretches approximately 0.5–1 inch across the chest and shoulders through the break-in process. This is why a slightly snug fit initially is ideal — it ensures a personalized, glove-like fit after the leather adapts to your body geometry. We design our jackets with this natural stretch factored into the fit.
What sizes do you offer for plus-size leather jackets?
IndiFash believes luxury has no size limit. We offer standard sizes from XS to 5XL, and our custom sizing option means we can create a jacket for any body type. Our plus-size range uses the same premium full-grain leather and hardware as our standard range — no compromises. Many customers use our Custom Sizing service for a truly bespoke plus-size leather jacket experience.
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Care, Maintenance & Longevity
How do I clean and maintain a leather jacket?
For routine care: (1) Wipe with a damp, lint-free cloth after each wear to remove dust. (2) Apply a pH-neutral leather conditioner every 3–6 months to prevent drying and cracking. (3) Store on a wide, padded hanger in a breathable garment bag — never plastic. (4) Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. For stains, use a specialized leather cleaner. For deep cleaning or restoration, we recommend professional leather care services. Visit our Care Guide section for detailed protocols.
How long does a quality leather jacket last?
A well-maintained full-grain leather jacket can last 20–50+ years, often becoming an heirloom piece. The leather's natural oils and fiber structure actually improve with age, developing a unique patina that tells the story of your life. Fast-fashion faux leather typically degrades within 2–3 years through peeling and cracking. An IndiFash jacket represents a generational investment.
Can a damaged leather jacket be repaired or restored?
In most cases, yes. Surface scratches can often be buffed out with leather conditioner. Deeper cuts, tears, or faded areas can be professionally repaired by a leather restoration specialist. IndiFash offers a Lifetime Repair Program for all our jackets — simply contact us, and our artisans will assess whether your piece can be restored in-house. Leather's natural resilience means most damage is reversible.
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Ordering, Shipping & Returns
Do you offer free shipping on leather jackets?
Yes. IndiFash offers complimentary worldwide shipping on all orders. Standard Shipping takes 12–15 business days. We also offer Express Shipping (7–10 business days) at a nominal fee. Every package is fully insured and includes real-time tracking.
What is your return and exchange policy?
We offer a 7-day return and exchange policy. If your jacket doesn't meet your expectations, simply contact us within 7 days of delivery for a full refund or exchange. The jacket must be unworn, with all original tags attached. Custom-sized orders are final sale due to their bespoke nature. Visit our Refund Policy page for complete details.
How long does it take to receive my order?
Production Time: Approximately 3–5 business days (custom orders may vary). Shipping Time: Standard Shipping: 12–15 business days. Express Shipping: 7–10 business days. You'll receive tracking information via email the moment your order ships.
Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing for leather jackets?
Yes! IndiFash partners with boutiques, stylists, film productions, and corporate clients worldwide. We offer tiered wholesale pricing starting at 10+ units with custom branding options including embossed logos, custom labels, and bespoke designs. Contact our wholesale team for a personalized quote and lookbook access.
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Style & Fashion Guidance
What color leather jacket is most versatile?
A classic black leather jacket remains the most versatile — it pairs with everything from jeans and t-shirts to cocktail dresses. However, cognac brown and deep burgundy are rapidly becoming wardrobe essentials for their warm, sophisticated appeal. For a fashion-forward choice, consider muted earth tones like olive or taupe. IndiFash offers each style in 8+ colorways, so you can find the exact shade for your aesthetic.
Can women wear men's leather jackets?
Absolutely — the oversized silhouette is a major trend in contemporary fashion. However, key differences exist: men's jackets have wider shoulders, longer sleeves, and a straighter torso cut. For a deliberate oversized look, sizing down by 1–2 sizes in men's creates the perfect relaxed drape. For a tailored fit, we recommend our dedicated women's leather jacket collection, designed with feminine proportions and style lines.
How should I style a leather jacket for a formal event?
Layer a fitted leather blazer or a sleek moto jacket over a silk blouse or cashmere turtleneck. Pair with tailored trousers or a midi skirt, and elevate with minimalist jewelry and pointed-toe heels. The key is choosing a jacket with clean lines and minimal hardware. Our IndiFash Luxe Collection features lambskin jackets specifically designed for evening and semi-formal occasions.
Are leather jackets good for winter?
Leather is an exceptional wind barrier but a poor insulator on its own. The secret to winter wear is the Modular Layering System: wear a thermal base layer, a wool or cashmere mid-layer for warmth, and your leather jacket as the outer shell to block wind chill. Leather naturally blocks 95% of wind, making it far superior to most synthetic outerwear when properly layered. Read our Winter Styling Guide for detailed protocols.
Still Have Questions?
Our team of leather artisans and style consultants is ready to help you find the perfect piece.