The Leather Jacket Thread

[Max Power]

Fcl 

 

[mpukas]

um... pls be nice... or not... any opinions about Taylor Stitch's Moto jacket made by Golden Bear? 

[peter1]

1 hour ago, mpukas said:

um... pls be nice... or not... any opinions about Taylor Stitch's Moto jacket made by Golden Bear? 

I have it in whiskey. Great cut, quite warm. I paid just over 700 for it with first time buyers discount. TBH it’s not quite on par with Aero or even the best Schotts, let alone the top end jackets, nor should it be for the price. But it definitely holds its own in the price range,and it’s offered in some interesting colors. 

[dudewuttheheck]

Golden Bear is not bad. That price though is just too much for what you get IMO. Aero is not much more as is Thedi Leathers and for the same price as the Taylor Stitch, Schott is  better as is Vanson. In fact, Vanson can get you something better for less money.

Edited February 4, 2020 by dudewuttheheck

[peter1]

6 hours ago, dudewuttheheck said:

Golden Bear is not bad. That price though is just too much for what you get IMO. Aero is not much more as is Thedi Leathers and for the same price as the Taylor Stitch, Schott is  better as is Vanson. In fact, Vanson can get you something better for less money.

I think it depends on what you pay. I was able to get the TS model for $700 plus shipping, but would I pay the $1075 list price? Probably not unless I really wanted a navy or whiskey colored jacket. 

TS has the advantage of free shipping, I think. Regarding the fit, it's very TTS. I.E. I'm 5'11, 160 lbs, 39-40 chest and a M is perfect all around, with room to layer a flannel shirt underneath.

 

[mpukas]

I just took delivery of one in espresso yesterday. Ordered it in October, and used the 20% first time buyer discount, so with shipping it was $706. I've been eyeing the jacket for a couple of years, since TS introduced it. I have 0 f's to give about stories and nostalgia, but I did like the back story behind this jacket. I liked the basic design of it. It looked great in pics, especially the father's original jacket. I've wanted a good leather jacket for a long time. I've always had a leather jacket of some sort, but previously didn't know better and have had shite. I knew this wouldn't be something on the level of FW, FCL, TFH, etc., but I thought it would be a good quality jacket for the price, maybe on par with Aero, Simmons Bilt, etc. I'm not in a position for a FW, FWL, TFH, etc. right now, as tempting as it is... 

However I'm not very impressed with it. The fit is spot on for me - 5'11, 195, 42-44" chest, and I got a size 44. The basic design is good, and mostly what I was looking for in a moto jacket with a  collar that doesn't scream moto. I couple of small details I'd alter if I could. The leather is just meh to me. It's thick, but very soft and doesn't feel durable. No pull up, not heavily oiled, not shrunken to dense the grain. For a moto jacket, I expected a heavy, stiff, dense, tough leather that would withstand abuse. This reminds me of cheap leather jackets I've had in the past that have ripped when a dog jumped on me, etc. It's supposedly 3.5oz chrome-tanned full grain steerhide. The lining is poly/cotton, stiff but not in a good way, kinda strange. It has a cheap, scratchy feel and sound of synthetic fabrics. This feels like a jacket made for desk jockeys (which I am) that want to run around in the woods cosplaying on small vintage dirt bikes on the weekends (which I don't) while being comfortable and moving freely, and stroll into the local craft brewery in the revitalized, formerly industrial part of town (gentrified) for a flight of this months offerings made from grain grown on a local bio-dynamic farm. 

Overall it's good jacket for $700. What really gets me a little hot under the collar is TS retail of $1,075. No f'g way is this jacket worth that when compared to other offerings. FFS, you can get an Aero or Simmons Bilt horsehide for $1,100-$1,200 with a wool lining. I don't think I'm gonna keep it. I'll sit on it for a couple of days, but initial impression is I'd rather either not have a leather jacket for now, or spend another $500-600 +/- for an Aero HH with a wool lining. 

[Aries]

Yep personally since feeling great leather over a decade ago visiting Real McCoys I could never go back to "meh" leather.

Meanwhile my FCL Leon 2mm is creasing quite spectacularly in the arms after 2 weeks of wear.

 

[Cold Summer]

Probably an unpopular opinion but I don't like how Fine Creek jackets look, the cut looks really skinny and reminds more more of "fashion" brands like Saint Laurent Paris than other Amekaji jacket makers. Something like Flat Head's half-belt rider just looks way better to me than their James jacket.

I'm sure the quality and materials are great, but I dunno, look's not for me.

[edmond]

LL custom cascade in goat skin circa 2013

[peter1]

23 hours ago, mpukas said:

I just took delivery of one in espresso yesterday. Ordered it in October, and used the 20% first time buyer discount, so with shipping it was $706. I've been eyeing the jacket for a couple of years, since TS introduced it. I have 0 f's to give about stories and nostalgia, but I did like the back story behind this jacket. I liked the basic design of it. It looked great in pics, especially the father's original jacket. I've wanted a good leather jacket for a long time. I've always had a leather jacket of some sort, but previously didn't know better and have had shite. I knew this wouldn't be something on the level of FW, FCL, TFH, etc., but I thought it would be a good quality jacket for the price, maybe on par with Aero, Simmons Bilt, etc. I'm not in a position for a FW, FWL, TFH, etc. right now, as tempting as it is... 

However I'm not very impressed with it. The fit is spot on for me - 5'11, 195, 42-44" chest, and I got a size 44. The basic design is good, and mostly what I was looking for in a moto jacket with a  collar that doesn't scream moto. I couple of small details I'd alter if I could. The leather is just meh to me. It's thick, but very soft and doesn't feel durable. No pull up, not heavily oiled, not shrunken to dense the grain. For a moto jacket, I expected a heavy, stiff, dense, tough leather that would withstand abuse. This reminds me of cheap leather jackets I've had in the past that have ripped when a dog jumped on me, etc. It's supposedly 3.5oz chrome-tanned full grain steerhide. The lining is poly/cotton, stiff but not in a good way, kinda strange. It has a cheap, scratchy feel and sound of synthetic fabrics. This feels like a jacket made for desk jockeys (which I am) that want to run around in the woods cosplaying on small vintage dirt bikes on the weekends (which I don't) while being comfortable and moving freely, and stroll into the local craft brewery in the revitalized, formerly industrial part of town (gentrified) for a flight of this months offerings made from grain grown on a local bio-dynamic farm. 

Overall it's good jacket for $700. What really gets me a little hot under the collar is TS retail of $1,075. No f'g way is this jacket worth that when compared to other offerings. FFS, you can get an Aero or Simmons Bilt horsehide for $1,100-$1,200 with a wool lining. I don't think I'm gonna keep it. I'll sit on it for a couple of days, but initial impression is I'd rather either not have a leather jacket for now, or spend another $500-600 +/- for an Aero HH with a wool lining. 

I won't disagree with your assessment. That's why I said it's a decent deal at $700. $1075 is nuts but I'm sure a bunch of Bay Area tech bros would pay that without flinching.

The whiskey color fills a need for me, which is a somewhat unusual but versatile (i.e. not black or brown) color that goes with biz-cash clothes that I have to wear 5 days a week...and it has a bi-swing back which is a must have for me and double zipper. It's definitely more of a safe dad-style than some of the Japanese specialists, for sure.

 

[mpukas]

A day later, and I think my statements may have been a little overkill and fueled by expectations not met. It is a nice jacket and nice leather for $700. It does look great it TS pics, in all colors. The bi-swing shoulders do improve range of motion and comfort which was also a must have for me. But after looking at it more, there are a couple details that I'm not thrilled with - the collar snaps may be practical for riding mini-bikes in the woods to keep it from blowing up into your pommade-laden beard, but for some reason to me it looks unnatural. And I don't care for the triangular reinforcements at the ends of the hand warmer pockets. The edges of the leather folding up detract from the overall simplicity. I know I'm OCD about little things like that. 

At this point in my life, I'm looking for a jacket that will literally last me the rest of my life - both in quality & durability, as well as liking it. This one certainly would last physically. Would I be happy with it for the rest of my life? Not sure... maybe I'd learn to love, maybe I'd regret it and always yearn for something else... I'm prolly not gonna collect multiple leather jackets. If at some point in the future I got something nicer, I'd never wear this again. 

[Cold Summer]

I felt the same way mpukas in regards to cheaper jackets, I just felt like I would've been compromising on some aspect of it. My McCoy's jacket was stupid expensive and probably at least $500 more than a leather jacket ought to cost - but at the same time, I'm 100% satisfied with it and love the look, feel, construction, fit, smell, everything. I don't mind paying more for something if I know I'm going to be happy with it. (Of course, in my case, I could only afford to buy this thing because I was able to use S&S's no interest multiple payment plan thingy.)

I think it's best to just save up and wait until you have enough money to get what you "really" want.

[dudewuttheheck]

I was the same way when I got my first 'decent' jacket that wasn't actually great. I tried for quite some time to convince myself that it was good enough when I knew deep down that it wasn't. 

Once I got my first truly great jacket (which was also a RMC A2), I could tell the difference immediately and I never had to convince myself to be happy with it.

[dylanbooth78]

Hi guys, Aero premier fit 30's half belt in brown FQHH... 

IMG_20200207_091621 by Ian Spry-Shute, on Flickr

IMG_20200207_091640 by Ian Spry-Shute, on Flickr

IMG_20200207_091658 by Ian Spry-Shute, on Flickr

IMG_20200207_091800 by Ian Spry-Shute, on Flickr

IMG_20200207_091806 by Ian Spry-Shute, on Flickr

IMG_20200207_091806 by Ian Spry-Shute, on Flickr

IMG_20200207_091832 by Ian Spry-Shute, on Flickr

IMG_20200207_091900 by Ian Spry-Shute, on Flickr

[JohnM]

^ That looks great dylanbooth78!

Happy with the jacket overall (e.g., construction quality and leather)?

I've heard the Premier jackets have higher armholes and trimmer arms than other Aero jackets -- fit is good?

[dylanbooth78]

Thanks johnm, I'm very happy with the construction and quality, this one was made by Julie Leich (probably spelling her name wrong!?) she is the Head machinist and is responsible for their film jackets! The hides are selected from the best that they have and I can confirm that they are fantastic. There is one stitch line that is slightly uneven on the right cuff, but i like that as this jacket is hand made from start to finish and this highlights that perfectly (I love that about handmade items!) 

The Premier jackets do have much higher arm holes and slimmer sleeves. The collars are also a different (slimmer) design and the shoulders are a bit neater fitting too. The fit is fantastic, I ended up adding a bit of length to the body and sleeves, I'm not that tall, about 5'11" but am a somewhat odd build so needed that extra length! I also had it lined in cotton drill instead of the wool tartan as I wanted to be able to wear this in warmer weather too. I also had them fit the standard aero label instead of the Premier one as it reminds me of a aero I used to own that I really regret selling! 

Sorry for the long text but I hope it answers your question. 

[JohnM]

Sounds like you really did your homework Dylan.  Glad you're happy with the result.  I know some of the folks at Aero (Derek and Chloé) -- both have been great to work with.  But I haven't bought a leather jacket from them (yet), just some LVC jeans.

So many jackets to choose from, it does take time to figure out what will work best.  The Premiers sound great in terms of leather quality and hardware, but I fear the high armholes and trim arms will not work for my build (average 6-footer, but slightly large chest and arms).  The Highwayman looks good, as do the A-2s.  The keys are to get a nice hide, good hardware, good fit, and solid construction.  Sounds like you've done all that!

Edited February 7, 2020 by JohnM

[dylanbooth78]

47 minutes ago, JohnM said:

Sounds like you really did your homework Dylan.  Glad you're happy with the result.  I know some of the folks at Aero (Derek and Chloé) -- both have been great to work with.  But I haven't bought a leather jacket from them (yet), just some LVC jeans.

So many jackets to choose from, it does take time to figure out what will work best.  The Premiers sound great in terms of leather quality and hardware, but I fear the high armholes and trim arms will not work for my build (average 6-footer, but slightly large chest and arms).  The Highwayman looks good, as do the A-2s.  The keys are to get a nice hide, good hardware, good fit, and solid construction.  Sounds like you've done all that!

I would highly advise you email Holly (Ken Calder's daughter) who is in charge of dealing with customers orders at aero if you era thinking of ordering one, she was a great help to me when I ordered. They will completely customise the jacket to your measurements if need be, and if you have fit problems they will deal with it quickly. 

[mpukas]

Has anyone ordered an Aero through Thurston Brothers?

I've been eyeing the Sheene, which I do not see on Aero's own website. It's a Cafe Racer w/ a Highwayman collar. I'd prolly have 1" added to length and sleeves shortened by 1" to be more normal. I'd also ask if they can do 2 vertical Napoleon pockets instead of horizontal. I'm thinking blackened brown/tea core. 

[mpukas]

Anyone familiar with Silvet? 

 

 

[JDelage]

9 hours ago, mpukas said:

Has anyone ordered an Aero through Thurston Brothers?

I did. They provided me with a great service and I endorse them without reservation. I got a CXL FQHH 1920's Premier Work Coat with a customized back and 3/4" added to each side panel. The fit is perfect; you can find it on WAYWT thread here. To be fair my main residence is in Seattle, where Thurston is located, so we were able to do the fittings "live".

Now, Aero (not Thurston) did screw up one thing, which is that the order had a request for hand warmer pockets instead of the model's straight pockets, and I have to say I would really, really, really like the coat better with hand warmers. On the other hand, I have found Aero's CS very good. For example, it only cost 25 GBP to re-sew all the buttons, which is a bargain given the fact that they had to open the side panels to do that.

 

[mpukas]

@JDelage Thx for info. The Premier Work coat is a close 2nd choice. Love it, especially the way the back yoke seam ties into the sleeve seams. I was thinking that lined w/ alpaca for a warm winter coat. 

[JDelage]

14 minutes ago, mpukas said:

@JDelage Thx for info. The Premier Work coat is a close 2nd choice. Love it, especially the way the back yoke seam ties into the sleeve seams. I was thinking that lined w/ alpaca for a warm winter coat. 

If I were to do it again, I would get a zipper (2-way if available), and definitely some hand warmers. This being said, I'm very happy with it and I get tons of compliments on the fit.

[mpukas]

Yeah, agree, I'd do a zipper <on a winter coat> as well. Keep the front flap to cover the zipper, and maybe swap the buttons for snaps to keep the clean look and make it easy to fasten w/ gloves. Or eliminate the front flap all together, add a storm flap behind the zipper, and make sure the welt covers the zipper when closed. I'm not really a fan of buttons of jackets. They work and are fine for classic denim jackets, and it's s good look for this style of work coat / car coat. 

[the shivman]

Here are a few shots of my FW A-1. I got it off of YJ a couple of months ago. It's Tatanka brown, but it's much darker than my Brakeman coat, which is also Tatanka brown. 

 

[dudewuttheheck]

That jacket is so good @the shivman .The leather is especially gorgeous. I love the color variation and grain.

[Geeman]

Looks great 

[Duke Mantee]

Bootleggers Reunion ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ in goatskin

[Double 0 Soul]

7 hours ago, the shivman said:

Here are a few shots of my FW A-1. I got it off of YJ a couple of months ago. It's Tatanka brown, but it's much darker than my Brakeman coat, which is also Tatanka brown.

Nice jacket Shiv, has it been soaked or are they always this^ crinkly?

[SLAB]

@the shivman pretty sure I was looking at the same auction  if i believe correctly it went for a very reasonable price