How to buy a leather jacket?

I'm completely new to leather jackets, but I think they can be paired for the casual (jeans) look or the business casual (slacks) look. So I'm thinking of getting a black leather jacket, but I don't know anything about them.

What's the difference between a $75 leather jacket at an outlet store and a $300 designer brand name jacket - is it just the name brand? Are the ones by Marc Jacobs any good? Are any leather jackets water resistant or should I avoid rain at all costs? And do I need to use some sort of leather conditioner on it every few months? Thanks.

I would imagine that somewhere in between those two price points there is (hopefully) a difference in the quality of leather and worksmanship

I typed out a response, but somehow accidentally closed the window. I will summarize.

IMO, you should plan to spend a good amount on a good, classic leather jacket that will last you a long time, rather than trying to get a good deal on one that will come apart or go out of fashion and will never look as good in the first place.

You can maximise economy by going to a leathergoods company rather than a designer/marketing company. You will get better quality and much better backing of the product if something should go wrong down the road. Also, some of these companies will custom make the jacket to your size or details at little or no extra cost up front, which I think adds considerably to the enjoyment of a garment.

Companies like this include Schott, Vanson, Aero, Eastman, Lost Worlds Inc. and others. If you have an idea of the style you're looking for I could be more specific.

Many jackets are water resistant, especially ones designed for actual motorcycle use etc., but the care required depends on the specific one you choose. This is another reason going to a real leather company will help as they can tell you about your specific jacket.

Lastly, I would personally recommend looking into colors other than black. I have a black jacket, and it's great, but if I could get all the money back I paid for it I'd add a bit more and get a dark brown jacket (probably in horsehide). The patina they gain over the years of wear adds a lot of character that black will just never have IMO.

^^ Totally agree.

I bought an A2 from Aero leather last year and it is superb, great attention to detail and heavy horsehide leather. You've just got to look at some of the original WW2 survivors to see how tought these jackets are. Paired with vintage cut jeans its a classic look.

I contacted Aero a few times before purchase and they were very helpful and friendly, advising on sizing and material.

Now these jackets are pretty expensive but I plan having for the rest of my life so how long you envisage wearing it is another consideration you need to make.

Black is a good staple, but there will be nights you're out when everyone with a leather jacket is wearing a black one as well. Those times will make you wish you had brown.

What kind of leather jacket looks best in brown? Bomber/aviator-style jackets?

Originally Posted by josepidal

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What kind of leather jacket looks best in brown? Bomber/aviator-style jackets?
I don't think there is a style of leather jacket that looks particularly bad in brown versus its black counterpart. I personally don't like mid browns in pea coat, trench, or car coat form, I just find no matter how expensive the leather the jacket looks "cheap." A really dark brown or a light tan motorcycle jacket is where it's at for me. J's suggestion to buy something from someone like http://lostworldsinc.com/ is your best bet IMO.

Originally Posted by josepidal

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What kind of leather jacket looks best in brown? Bomber/aviator-style jackets?
Yes I love those by alpha industries in the vintage brown colors ! Like Aaron said the lighter browns look "fake", they need to break in and be worn for a while. in my opinion they look better the longer you own them.

Originally Posted by Aaron

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I don't think there is a style of leather jacket that looks particularly bad in brown versus its black counterpart. I personally don't like mid browns in pea coat, trench, or car coat form, I just find no matter how expensive the leather the jacket looks "cheap." A really dark brown or a light tan motorcycle jacket is where it's at for me. J's suggestion to buy something from someone like http://lostworldsinc.com/ is your best bet IMO.

You have just screwed my bank account. The Suburban sheepskin is incredible.

For A2 style jackets you should also check...

http://www.eastmanleather.com/
http://www.realmccoys.co.nz
and check out the Buzz Rickson jackets on Rakuten

And for more info about the history of the A2 - sorry I got really sucked into this stuff a while ago, this is probably more detail than you need - http://www.acmedepot.com/a2jacket/

Something to remember goatskin (veg tanned)
And horsehide also veg tanned

You will peobably pay more than $300 for either of these leathers. Most of the great motorsycle jackets in the 30s 40s and 50s were made from horsehide as were A-2 flight jackets some were made of goat and G-1s were made of goat.