Let's talk Leather Vests

[Hayes Nash]

Looking for a nice fitted, (ideally leather front and back with no collar) vest that can be worn as outerwear over a button down on warmer days and for wear under a leather jacket on the cooler days. Appreciate any recommendations and particular any that don't have long-lead times.

 

[Hayes Nash]

Not loving this design, but anyone have experience with 5star vests. Size looks to be pretty weird.

https://www.fivestarleather.us/prod...sh-leather-jerkin?_pos=2&_sid=6257e17d8&_ss=r

 

[Peacoat]

I'm just not a fan of leather vests. When I wear a vest, I am looking for a little warmth on mild winter days—say highs in the mid to upper 40s or above. A cotton lined vest, such as the one you linked to, provides little to no warmth. If it were lined with wool, or another warm liner, I might be more interested in it.

 

[Edward]

Are you looking for a specific set of features? i.e, something that has the look of a regular waistcoat, or something more like an MC, with the pockets and features of a trucker jacket, but absent the sleeves and collar? The latter style you'd definitely need a pretty boxy leather jacket to fit over it; something more akin a traditional waistcoat might be easier.

Another option would be Aero's Shackleton. https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=1515 . The standard / stock models have a wool back, but I'm aware of some folks ordering it in all-leather. I'd suggest something like goat here so it feels more like a vest than a sleeveless jacket...

SJC did sample a half-moon style hunting vest in goat, which would be superb, but as of yet no such thing in their range.

Not loving this design, but anyone have experience with 5star vests. Size looks to be pretty weird.

https://www.fivestarleather.us/prod...sh-leather-jerkin?_pos=2&_sid=6257e17d8&_ss=r

This looks like a cut-down version of the WW1/2 British jerkin:

More manageable in waistcoat length, though of limited practicality owing to the lack of pockets. For me, that would rule it out: the attraction of this sort of thing is a non-jacket jacket so that I have a place to stow stuff in warmer weather. Sort of thing I'd wear in an airport, when it's easier to have all my stuff that I need more to-hand than in a bag in the vest, then it gets dropped in the tray at security instead of taking forever to empty my trouser pockets!

 

[Hayes Nash]

Definitely more interested in a waistcoat type vest vs trucker style - but without lapel and minimal if any collar. The Shackleton is more inline for what I’m thinking, not sure about those huge buttons . Anyone have pics of the Shackleton in the wild? Most pics I’ve seen have just been the stock pictures. I’d love to hear someone with experience comment on fit as well.

 

[Edward]

Definitely more interested in a waistcoat type vest vs trucker style - but without lapel and minimal if any collar. The Shackleton is more inline for what I’m thinking, not sure about those huge buttons . Anyone have pics of the Shackleton in the wild? Most pics I’ve seen have just been the stock pictures. I’d love to hear someone with experience comment on fit as well.

A fair few pics of TFLers' Shackletons here: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/aero-shackleton-explored.72700/page-2

Buttons aren't unusually big in person, though some do prefer to go for flat, plastic buttons rather than the 'football button' type.

 

[Mrfrown]

Yeah the stock buttons on the Shackleton are made to be usable with gloves on

I have a Schott waistcoat style

Also an old Banana Republic vest with more buttons and pockets

 

[Hayes Nash]

That BR, looks great. Similar style to the Shackleton. Is that leather backed as well?

 

[Mrfrown]

That BR, looks great. Similar style to the Shackleton. Is that leather backed as well?

Its actually a thick moleskin. Very cozy. If I got one made would be torn between something flexible like wool or cotton vs the all leather back.