Good shearling jackets/makers?

[Ski4Ever]

Hey guys, I'm new to posting but have been to SF before to lurk a bit - thanks for all the good info so far.

I've been looking for a genuine shearling jacket for a while. I looked at some of the old threads on SF, but most seem to be pre-2010 - aka prehistoric times. My biggest issue is that I want a hood on it, and most manufacturers leave that bit off, so there seems to be little choice in what's left. So far, I've found (and liked):

• https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=197
• https://www.schottnyc.com/products/shearling-hoodie.htm?color=2&catID=5#tab-overview
• https://cockpitusa.com/collections/men/products/the-dakota-hooded-b3-coat
• https://cockpitusa.com/collections/men/products/b-7-aleutian-wwii-sheepskin-parka

I find it hard to believe that there are only this many hooded, longer-length shearling jackets/coats out there. Am I looking in the wrong places? Any other makers I should look at? Or is this it for the genuine, high-quality ones?

Thanks

 

[johng70]

You don't see a lot of hooded leather coats. Leather isn't the most ideal fabric for cold/wet conditions. That's where parkas become much more prominent with synthetic shells. So, yes, your options are going to be somewhat limited when you're looking at leather, shearling lined and hooded. I can't wrap my head around a jacket with a hood though - so the Schott seems an odd combination. If conditions are such that you want a hood, I would think you also want a longer coat - again, the idea of a parka. I'm a big fan of Aero leather (I have 2 jackets) - but NOT a fan of that parka - I don't like those patch pockets.

 

[Ski4Ever]

Leather isn't the most ideal fabric for cold/wet conditions.

Why? I see a lot of leather jackets being marketed to bikers. Granted, those aren't shearling, but I'd still assume that they'd be treated to protect from water (both those and shearlings).

Also, are you not a fan of the parka's construction/quality or just the styling? Because I'm OK with the styling.

P.S. Do you know anything about Cockpit/Schott quality compared to Aero, or just Aero?

Thanks

 

[johng70]

Can't comment on Cockpit at all. From my research, but not first-hand knowledge, Schott is considered slightly below Aero but still high quality.
Do you know any bikers? Ask them how the leather does when they're caught in weather. Most people I know that ride have no desire to ride in the rain and certainly not snow. Leather is a wind break and offers slight protection for a spill - it's more durable than fabrics commonly used in snow and water repellent coats. Considering bikers try to avoid that weather, it makes sense to go durable over water repellent.
Regarding what I don't like about the 2 I mentioned - I don't like the styling of the Aero and I don't like the length of the Schott - a short jacket with a hood looks very odd.

 

[maxalex]

I've been riding motorcycles for more than four decades. Sooner or later you get caught in the rain which is why you keep a waterproof parka in your bike gear at all times. Leather will repel light rain, briefly, walking down the street--but not at speed on a moto when it's coming at you horizontally. Leather is meant to protect your skin from peeling off in an accident, not to keep it dry--although today there are better manmade fabrics for that too, such as Kevlar.

I once had a vintage shearling-lined leather jacket, French-made and purchased on eBay, with a removable hood. I never used the hood.

 

[dieworkwear]

I think it would be better if you start with the style, rather than the material or even notions of quality. Would choose a maker that complements the style of your wardrobe.

I have a shearling from James Grose, but it's more of an SWD brand that goes with things such as raw denim jeans and olive fatigues. Would be harder to wear if your style leans "heritage."

 

[Ski4Ever]

Longer length “jackets” may be marketed as coats. Did you search for coats instead of jackets?

Yes, I have. I found some really long ones (think down to the knees), but that's too long for my tastes. Kind of just looking for something like the links I posted. Thanks for the thought, though.