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What's The Story on Wilsons Leather?

OldStrummer

OldStrummer

Practically Family
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550
Location
Ashburn, Virginia USA
The general opinion here seems to be rather dismissive of Wilsons Leather. Why? I own three and they've all been terrific. Removable Thinsulate® linings, supple, and they fit me well.

I recently purchased an Aero A-2 for the cost of three Wilsons jackets, and it has no removable lining, no interior pockets, and needs a lot of wearing to break it in. I'm not knocking the Aero, it's made to order (mine!) and it's terrific, too.

So why are people down on Wilsons Leathers?
 
Skyhawk

Skyhawk

Vendor
Messages
358
Location
Portland, OR
It's all about the details with the high end jackets. The reproduction zippers, replica labels, exact fit, and leather that looks authentically antique. Wilson's is in a different category of jackets. They make a wide range of modern styles, but don't really spend the expense on reproduction parts or research to make reproduction jackets. It's not their market. Also generally the fit is much more modern and baggy, rather than the trim vintage style patterns of the higher end jackets.

Nothing wrong with making those types of jackets, and many people like them. But in a forum such as this, it's just not the style of jacket that most people like.
 
ton312

ton312

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17,151
Location
Chicago
Yeah I think if you hold your wilsons in one hand, and the Aero in the other...you've answered your own question. Then look at them closely and well, that's that.
They are they epitome of mall leather, trendy patterns and colors etc, questionable hide quality at best. For some folks that's fine and there's nothing wrong with that.
Around here though... you're in fetish country. Where the scrutiny is microscopic and the quality level of Wilsons/Bermans just isn't there and simply can't compete.
 
OldStrummer

OldStrummer

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550
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Ashburn, Virginia USA
ton312 said:
Yeah I think if you hold your wilsons in one hand, and the Aero in the other...you've answered your own question. Then look at them closely and well, that's that.
They are they epitome of mall leather, trendy patterns and colors etc, questionable hide quality at best. For some folks that's fine and there's nothing wrong with that.
Around here though... you're in fetish country. Where the scrutiny is microscopic and the quality level of Wilsons/Bermans just isn't there and simply can't compete.
Click to expand...

I get the "fetish country" remark. On the other hand, I wore one of my Wilsons Leather on a trip to St. Paul, MN a couple of years ago, when the low temperature one day was a -33°F wind chill. A beanie hat, gloves and wool scarf made going outside (admittedly for a short one block walk) bearable.

My oldest Wilsons, which is about twenty years old, has begun to fade in some areas. I've applied leather treatment to it, but that hasn't helped. Other than that, I'm happy with all my jackets!
 
K

Kuro

Practically Family
Messages
715
The story is that I have owned many. And I would in the future too if it strikes my fancy. I would not purchase for motorcycle use. Well, except that really nice vest I have from them. Heavy like a jacket, without sleeves...
 
Seb Lucas

Seb Lucas

I'll Lock Up
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7,562
Location
Australia
I wasn't sure if this post was for real.

Wilsons were ok for mall or mass produced jackets 20 years ago. Not so great today.

For jacket aficionados Wilsons often appear poorly patterned and shapeless. The leather is lacking character and the linings are synthetic and prone to wear.

While they often lack style and robustness some of them are nice as beaters.

I say this as someone who doesn't own an Aero or a Wilsons but I have owned both.

If you are after a warm jacket - a $20 used M65 from a thrift shop can't be beaten. But that's not what this site (or jacket fandom) is all about, is it?

What you lack in a Wilson's jacket is quality of detail, of pattern making, of materials used and overall design. That doesn't mean that Wilson's is bad, it just isn't amongst the high end stuff. Just as a Toyota Camry isn't a Mercedes. Plenty of people are happy enough with a Camry. Actually Wilsons may not get the job done as well as a Camry, but perhaps you get the basic point.

It's largely personal taste and what turns you on. My friend who wears a nylon coach style jacket says the nylon is way better than any leather because it can be folded up and stuffed in car glove box. So there you go.
 
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Atticus Finch

Atticus Finch

Call Me a Cab
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2,718
Location
Coastal North Carolina, USA
I totally agree with Seb Lucas.

I bought a used Wilson’s Open Road to see if I looked OK in a Buco style moto jacket. I really wanted a Schott Perfecto or an Aero Windward, but I bought the Wilson’s instead. It was a good choice. Turns out, I look like a dork in a Buco style moto jacket, no matter what the brand. The Wilson’s saved me from an expensive mistake. But I still sneak out in it when nobody’s looking.

AF
 
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Cyber Lip

Cyber Lip

Practically Family
Messages
739
Location
Seattle
I've owned two Wilsons. One in the early 80's when I was in high school, and another in the mid 90's LOL. Wore them both for several years each. The 90's one actually wasn't that bad

Speaking of Wilsons, I was thinking while watching the Walking Dead last night that Negan's jacket looked like one of their faux biker styles
 
Powerband

Powerband

Practically Family
Messages
840
If I were cold and cashless, I’d be happy and warm with a Wilson. If I were cold and cashless but had an Aero, I’d feel happy, lucky and motivated to make tons of cash. [emoji12]

Here’s a Wilson:

55096cdfe868cd72d9472333648bd8de.jpg



Here’s an Aero belonging to one of own esteemed members:

4260d2fa99e19df7c8ff9d39d8c79969.jpg






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
T

tropicalbob

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,954
Location
miami, fl
I've always wondered if it's the same Wilson's that made sporting equipment (particularly baseball gloves) when I was a kid. Does anybody know? They were top-of-the-line gloves.
 
ton312

ton312

Messages
17,151
Location
Chicago
tropicalbob said:
I've always wondered if it's the same Wilson's that made sporting equipment (particularly baseball gloves) when I was a kid. Does anybody know? They were top-of-the-line gloves.
Click to expand...
Good question...I don't think so but I'm not sure. Wilsons was Berman's in it's previous life, that I do know. Either way...
giphy.gif

I'll be honest I just needed to put this gif somewhere and this seemed a good enough spot.
 
Seb Lucas

Seb Lucas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,562
Location
Australia
One company is called Wilsons Leather the other Wilson Sporting Goods. Different name, different company.

Point of trivia - according to the IndyGear site it was Wilsons in LA who supplied the fist Indiana Jones jackets, not Peter Botwright (later to form the company Wested). The jackets (an A2 style) were so cheaply made, the surface tore to bits in the process of distressing the jacket to make them look worn. The result: Peter, who had a little company called Leather Consessionaires, was contacted to supply the jackets we now know.
 
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