In praise of leather patches

The purpose of the leather patch on the elbows of jackets was to strengthen these areas which might otherwise wear thin due to contact with desks when writing. It is for this reason that they became synonymous with the world of academia. I’m pleased that the leather patch is being seen frequently on Gent’s clothing again and that it has been further popularised recently in the latest series of The Mighty Boosch; as whereas their purpose is primarily practical, I feel they add a certain masculinity and other-worldliness to a jacket. You can see in the jacket I am wearing today a slight and subtle contrast between the brown herringbone of the wool, and the dark tan of the leather patch. This jacket, worn with jeans and a plain white shirt provide an intriguing mix between old fashioned and modern.