Leather jacket suggestions for those that don't ride

Matt1691 · Oct 7, 2020

Hello everyone,

I'm brand new to the world of leather jackets and was hoping to get some advice. I've been doing a bit of research over the last few days and stumbled upon this forum. I'm interested in buying a cafe racer style jacket, but I do not ride. This is going to be something that I can wear everyday when I go out. I'm looking for something that will last me as long as possible. My budget is between $500-$1000. Out of all the jackets I've seen, Vanson seems to be my favorite. They have a superb reputation, and plenty of styles to choose from. But is a Vanson recommended for someone like myself who does not ride? Do you believe there is something else that would better suit me? Thank you!

jacketjunkie · Oct 7, 2020

Depends more on the style than the particular brand imo. The Vanson Ike, the Enfield or The new Royale in Octagon leather all do for great casual jackets. Very heavy leather though, will certainly draw attention if that's an issue. For a purely casual jacket that blends in a bit better with current fashion, I would probably get the new Half-Belt style that Johnson Leathers recently released (check their instagram) or maybe a Schott, they bring lots of cool designs in quality Horween leather and other nice stuff lately.

El Marro · Oct 7, 2020

I don’t ride motorcycles and I own four Vanson jackets with another one on order. They are wonderfully made and I would highly recommend them to anyone. As jacketjunkie mentioned their comp weight leather is heavy stuff and breaking in a new jacket in this hide might more work than you want to take on. Welcome to the Lounge!

AeroFan_07 · Oct 7, 2020

Welcome to FL and a great hobby! Just take a look around - and dont forget to check out the classifieds on here. Often picking up a used jacket first and getting the Fit correct is the best first step. If you need ideas - just start reading through the pages of What Jacket are you Wearing Today? You'll get more than plenty....

Seb Lucas · Oct 7, 2020

Matt1691 said:
Hello everyone,

I'm brand new to the world of leather jackets and was hoping to get some advice. I've been doing a bit of research over the last few days and stumbled upon this forum. I'm interested in buying a cafe racer style jacket, but I do not ride. This is going to be something that I can wear everyday when I go out. I'm looking for something that will last me as long as possible. My budget is between $500-$1000. Out of all the jackets I've seen, Vanson seems to be my favorite. They have a superb reputation, and plenty of styles to choose from. But is a Vanson recommended for someone like myself who does not ride? Do you believe there is something else that would better suit me? Thank you!

Everyone is different and although people here seem to like heavy leather - in 35 years of buying jackets I have never got on with it. I find heavy jackets uncomfortable - I am six two and 185 pounds so it isn't about my size - I just find heavy clothing, of any kind, constrictive. You may not have this issue. I prefer lighter weight leather - 2.5oz rather that 3 or 3.5oz.

I have a Vanson in their Firenze hide - which is lighter than comp weight. I still find it too heavy for my taste, even in winter. I wear it a bit but it just never feels right.

I have an Aero Vicenza halfbelt which is easier to wear. I suspect they are around 2.5oz.

Just something to consider. Certainly a few people here have reported similar feelings.

Psant25 · Oct 7, 2020

I am always going back and forth with what I like and dislike at any given time. I will often get on a kick to get a cross zip or another vanson. I think in the end given my personality, profession, and comfort level wearing a louder jacket I tend to feel more comfort in a plainer looking classic jacket with smaller and more subdued hardware. Some jackets I just cannot pull off. My wife will be first to point out lol. It is a lot of fun to buy and sell and try out new things I think everyone should do that if they can. Hard for me to tell ya what to buy for jus one jacket

Matt1691 · Oct 7, 2020

Thank you everyone for the warm welcoming! I will definitely look into those suggestions mentioned above. Does Aero typically use leather that is a bit lighter than Vanson? If anyone can chime in on some more suggestions for leather that isn’t so heavy, I’d truly appreciate it.

Also, I notice that the company Thurston Bros carries both Vanson and Aero merchandise. Is there a difference between ordering through Thurston or directly through Vanson/Aero?

handymike · Oct 7, 2020

Yes, through Thurston you can take advantage of their “fit jacket” program and Carrie’s excellent fit advice.

Seb Lucas · Oct 7, 2020

Matt1691 said:
Thank you everyone for the warm welcoming! I will definitely look into those suggestions mentioned above. Does Aero typically use leather that is a bit lighter than Vanson? If anyone can chime in on some more suggestions for leather that isn’t so heavy, I’d truly appreciate it.

Also, I notice that the company Thurston Bros carries both Vanson and Aero merchandise. Is there a difference between ordering through Thurston or directly through Vanson/Aero?

The Aero and Thurston pages will list their hide qualities. You are looking for medium weight there. But medium is some places means 3oz which to me is heavy hide.

Remember some people report not noticing the weight of a jacket when they are wearing it. I can never understand that. You may not notice it trying it on - but I sure feel it an hour later.

My own favorite hide is goat which is indestructible and a medium weight. But some don't like the pebbly grain look of it.

Some of this is super subjective.

If you can borrow a jacket for bit or at least try one on you might be wiser.

My usual recommendation to a newbie is buy second hand. You could get a really great jacket for a cheap price and learn a lot about where you want to take this hobby. People's first two jackets are often moved on as they acquire knowledge and preference.

Getting sizing right (pit to pit and sleeve length) can take time. It took me about 10 jackets before the days of the internet to guide me. I used to buy overly large jackets as was the custom in 1980's.

My favorite jackets today are used, lighter weight jackets. I did a bunch of custom over the years but, like many others here, I always sold them on.

AeroFan_07 · Oct 7, 2020

Matt1691 said:
Thank you everyone for the warm welcoming! I will definitely look into those suggestions mentioned above. Does Aero typically use leather that is a bit lighter than Vanson? If anyone can chime in on some more suggestions for leather that isn’t so heavy, I’d truly appreciate it.

Also, I notice that the company Thurston Bros carries both Vanson and Aero merchandise. Is there a difference between ordering through Thurston or directly through Vanson/Aero?

If you are in the US - I would certainly go with Thurston Brothers (Carrie) for fit advice, etc. See thier thread here too: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/insurrection-thurston-bros-official-affiliate-thread.70770/

It's absolutley worth any negligable cost you may incur. I have two jackets on order with Carrie presently, supporting her and Aero's business.

jglf · Oct 7, 2020

Matt1691 said:
Hello everyone,

I'm brand new to the world of leather jackets and was hoping to get some advice. I've been doing a bit of research over the last few days and stumbled upon this forum. I'm interested in buying a cafe racer style jacket, but I do not ride. This is going to be something that I can wear everyday when I go out. I'm looking for something that will last me as long as possible. My budget is between $500-$1000. Out of all the jackets I've seen, Vanson seems to be my favorite. They have a superb reputation, and plenty of styles to choose from. But is a Vanson recommended for someone like myself who does not ride? Do you believe there is something else that would better suit me? Thank you!

I would probably start a little more conservative for your first jacket. You want to feel comfortable wearing it out and not self conscious. For me personally, I would wear a cafe racer collared jacket with regular non zippered sleeves, or if it had a regular collar, I wouldn’t mind the zippered sleeves. This is my personal preference as it would annoy me with people coming up to me asking if I ride.

Jedy617 · Oct 7, 2020

I got an aero from Carrie at Thurston, highly recommended for the try on process. For leathers, vicenza or goat would probably be best if you want mid weight. You can take a look at their stock, see some examples you like and ask for swatches with the try on jacket. Badalassi is also an option for mid weight and I went with it, but felt a tad heavier than the vicenza.

I will also note that weight can depend on batches. I have an aero and it's made with a midweight chromexcel hide and is very wearable and pliable, but it is broken in. Usually batches are relatively consistent, but when ordering you can ask Carrie to mark down that you'd prefer a lighter or heavier hide of what you order if possible. Might be more relevant to chromexcel though as I think it varies the most between super heavy, and more of a medium weight

Peacoat · Oct 7, 2020

I agree with @Seb Lucas about the weight. As you don't ride, there is no reason to go with a heavy leather. A 2.5 or 3.0 oz. leather should be all you need.

Even after break-in, a leather jacket will stiffen in cold weather. The heavier the leather, the more it will stiffen. Now don't get me wrong, I have heavy leather jackets, but use them for a specific purpose—riding a motorcycle. For street wear, I will always choose a lighter weight jacket.

Jin431 · Oct 8, 2020

Welcome to the lounge. Good luck with your first made to order purchase, may it be the first of many!

handymike · Oct 8, 2020

Through my jacket journey, I’ve come to love steerhide. Aero offers a few.

Jedy617 · Oct 8, 2020

People love the CXL steerhide, however aero marks it as "heavy" steerhide. Wonder how it compares to the horse in regards to weight. My next go around might be something in cordovan steer.

handymike · Oct 8, 2020

They also offer a softer mid-weight steer and battered steer that look great!
My love is currently for 1940s-1960s vintage steer.

Jedy617 · Oct 8, 2020

handymike said:
They also offer a softer mid-weight steer and battered steer that look great!
My love is currently for 1940s-1960s vintage steer.

Is the midweight steer cxl? Not a huge fan of the battered personally

SydneyCollectorGuy · Oct 8, 2020

I suggest goat.....it's near indestructible,has a nice pebbled look and breathes very well and yet resists water very well (there is a reason why the USN used it rather than equine or bovine leather in their jackets)

HoosierDaddy · Oct 8, 2020

Here's a photo of my Vanson Enfield in competition steer. Comfortable jacket and nice hide.....

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