Leather Jackets: Post Pictures of the Best You've Seen/Owned?

[Distorbiant]

There's a Real McCoy's horsehide A2 on "that site" for only $500. Size 40/Medium.

 

[RXS09]

I always feel like the fits just a little off whenever someone posts on here. Except @RXS09. His was on point. The fit above looks alright but still kinda off. Probably in part due to robo pose and jacket stiffness. But still.

Thanks man! You're right 100% about jacket stiffness when these things are new. As Patrick said, they're definitely a bit more comfortable OFT but they still have that horsehide stiffness. Only on rare occasions are they going to look really good off the bat, so I think that's why so many people come in here questioning the fit.

Anyway, as far as in the wild goes:

 

[Benesyed]

Thanks man! You're right 100% about jacket stiffness when these things are new. As Patrick said, they're definitely a bit more comfortable OFT but they still have that horsehide stiffness. Only on rare occasions are they going to look really good off the bat, so I think that's why so many people come in here questioning the fit.

Anyway, as far as in the wild goes:
View attachment 1338688

The only leather I'm still about is my zam. I just need to bring it in to zam. And a 5 zip.

 

[ShoeWho]

So many people with fit problems...why not get made to measure? None of the popular designs are trademarked, so you can get all your favourite features copied. It'll cost three times as much but you'll wear it more than the six jackets you already have. (Or sixteen. Or twenty six.) You buy direct from the tailor, so you're paying just for expertise and materials, not for the margins and overheads hidden in the distribution chain. The materials are less likely to come from Pakistan or Turkey, so better quality and a smaller environmental cost. No sweatshop labour, or people and rivers being poisoned by tanning. It doesn't matter if nobody's heard of the tailor - a brand name really has no intrinsic value for a leather jacket.

 

[sinnedk]

Something about that new 3sixteen x Schott collab really tickles my gooch.

It's interesting how this thread has moved to more traditional or heritage styles. A few years back everyone was all about avant garde high collars and unusual horse hides.

I think as people get older they tend to go for the more classic styles at least that’s the case for me. I prefer a timeless piece to something avant-garde because I don’t need to build an outfit around it.

 

[patrick_b]

So many people with fit problems...why not get made to measure? None of the popular designs are trademarked, so you can get all your favourite features copied. It'll cost three times as much but you'll wear it more than the six jackets you already have. (Or sixteen. Or twenty six.) You buy direct from the tailor, so you're paying just for expertise and materials, not for the margins and overheads hidden in the distribution chain. The materials are less likely to come from Pakistan or Turkey, so better quality and a smaller environmental cost. No sweatshop labour, or people and rivers being poisoned by tanning. It doesn't matter if nobody's heard of the tailor - a brand name really has no intrinsic value for a leather jacket.

There’s no guarantee that custom will fit perfectly. Lots of second hand Aero jackets on sale for that reason. You can’t return or exchange a custom jacket and there’s the wait. Many folks prefer OTR for the ability to return.

 

[Nader393]

I just snagged this ('90's?) Vanson for $90. Not sure I love it, yet. Maybe if I were 40lbs heavier to fill out the '90's oversize fit. It's the usual oppressively heavy Vanson competition weight leather, but at least it's already broken-in. I appreciate that giant #10 Talon zipper. I'll keep this jacket for when I'm older and fatter.

 

[ShoeWho]

There’s no guarantee that custom will fit perfectly. Lots of second hand Aero jackets on sale for that reason. You can’t return or exchange a custom jacket and there’s the wait. Many folks prefer OTR for the ability to return.

I don't mean filling in a form, I mean visiting the tailor. And it will fit, guaranteed. If it doesn't, he alters it.

 

[Benesyed]

So many people with fit problems...why not get made to measure? None of the popular designs are trademarked, so you can get all your favourite features copied. It'll cost three times as much but you'll wear it more than the six jackets you already have. (Or sixteen. Or twenty six.) You buy direct from the tailor, so you're paying just for expertise and materials, not for the margins and overheads hidden in the distribution chain. The materials are less likely to come from Pakistan or Turkey, so better quality and a smaller environmental cost. No sweatshop labour, or people and rivers being poisoned by tanning. It doesn't matter if nobody's heard of the tailor - a brand name really has no intrinsic value for a leather jacket.

Somewhat true. Some brands have access to much better hides and tanneries so the leather is much better. But that's up to a point.

Mtm stuff even at a a tailor, unless they are really gifted, ends up looking bad. I think there are enough examples of that online. Also the price starts going up a lot for a truly craft product.

 

[LA Guy]

I don't mean filling in a form, I mean visiting the tailor. And it will fit, guaranteed. If it doesn't, he alters it.

A tailor can’t always make a good leather jacket. It’s a specialized skill and also requires a specialized design language.

 

[ShoeWho]

If they're not gifted they're in the wrong job! I've been to two, both in the UK, both specialising in bike gear. Faultless work.

 

[LA Guy]

If they're not gifted they're in the wrong job! I've been to two, both in the UK, both specialising in bike gear. Faultless work.

Those are specialists. Most tailors don’t do that type of work. OTR usually fits me well because I have a boring body type. However, a lot of guys today just don’t really know their size. Without trying things on in person, from a brand with which you are unfamiliar, of course you are going to possibly get things wrong a few times. At the store, does everything you try on fit well? Of course not. Online is the same.

 

[dhoff10]

If they're not gifted they're in the wrong job! I've been to two, both in the UK, both specialising in bike gear. Faultless work.

Did you get your hands on that bespoke jacket you were working on a few weeks back? I've got a feeling it will be something we don't see too often.

 

[AriGold]

3Sixteen/Schott A2 has arrived and it is glorious.
View attachment 1330541
View attachment 1330542

Looks great on you @rsx09 - what’s your height and weight out of curiosity and do you have any fit pics of the Side/back? Amazing jacket.

 

[ShoeWho]

Did you get your hands on that bespoke jacket you were working on a few weeks back? I've got a feeling it will be something we don't see too often.

I only finalised the details last week. With the airbag, back protector and armour, and the emphasis on a sitting-on-a-bike cut, I'm not counting on it having a fashionable look when I'm walking around, especially when it's new and stiff. And it will have perforated leather, which spoils the finish somewhat. So I'm not expecting good reviews here. I got a suit from the same guy 20+ years ago, and it did get great reviews from non-bikers, especially women, but it didn't have the airbag malarkey or the perforations.

P.S. It will also have a bunch of symbols, in lieu of sponsors' logos, which will make no sense to anyone but me!