Chinese leather jackets

[ton312]

These jackets are what they are. 5 Star, rugged west, chicka da china a Chinese chicken, mediocre leather jacket and brain starts tick’n. I love the defense. But it’s a factual fail. And the need to shout it out only serves to prove the point. Don’t get me wrong. I fell for it with junk star.


But reality IS reality. Like it or not.

 

[Warren Crone]

These jackets are what they are. 5 Star, rugged west, chicka da china a Chinese chicken, mediocre leather jacket and brain starts tick’n. I love the defense. But it’s a factual fail. And the need to shout it out only serves to prove the point. Don’t get me wrong. I fell for it with junk star.


But reality IS reality. Like it or not.

Sorry to hear you got burned!

 

[Johnthefrench]

There's no need to defend your preference, different strokes for different folks. Personally, I wear all my new jackets like I stole them. I only baby my 30s or 40s originals that are irreplaceable.

But why do we always need to compare these jackets to their more expensive alternatives? A Nissan is much cheaper than a Porsche even though they have the same number of wheels, doors and seats and they both bring us comfortably from a to b. What does that tell me? Nothing.

Well, I disagree

Compare what’s comparable and do not throw out a lazy analogy: A Nissan and a Porsche don’t have the same number of seats, doors, or even the same driving experience.

One doesn’t take you from A to B with the same comfort or thrill as the other.

It’s more like comparing a 911 (150k, brand new) to an Alpine A110 (60k, brand new): both are fun, handle great, look good, and they deliver same levels of performance and presence. Just like these jackets.

The Chinese maker I mentioned offers exceptional value and performance compared to overpriced “classic” brands:

And THAT is solid as a veg tan horsehide.

Thanks for playing, better luck next time

 

[marker2037]

Hey, I’m happy to buy some Bronson henleys, tees, the occasional trousers and wear them proudly. I think they are well made and priced appropriately, with some items even underpriced.

But I’m in no rush to spend money on some of these other new leather jacket brands “just because I can buy 5 jackets for the price of one Japanese jacket” or just because 5 menswear Instagram accounts all concurrently are styling these new jackets left and right. I would rather just buy the jacket I want if I’m already spending the same amount and I can tell you, these aren’t it. Not yet.

Until those makers reach 90s/00s Honda level, I’m putting my money elsewhere.

I think many of us here have that same mindset.

 

[Pandemic]

I only own one leather jacket (and one car). Instead of buying the $400 plus tariffs plus shipping Chinese ‘good enough’ jacket that seems to be a knocking-off Freewheelers, I’m willing to spend twice that for a used Japanese jacket, new Mister Freedom or whatever. Fewer, better things etc. There aren’t many cool things in this world (especially cars) where I can afford to own top quality, but leather jackets are one of them and I get some pleasure from having a good one.

If I was more of a collector or wanted to wear a different jacket every day of the month, I can imagine getting a few of these Chinese jackets to put into the rotation. For something like sport coats, I can see the appeal of a closet full of ‘cheap and cheerful’ Spier & McKay versus just one or two from London, Milan or wherever. But I’m happy wearing just one good leather jacket

 

[ton312]

The idea of “heritage” being produced in environmentally unsound conditions by what is essentially slave labor is wild. And while I find the entire cuffed jeans, engineer boot and leather jacket uniform hilariously done to death and the height of boredom….doing it this way, with inferior materials, mass produced and lesser quality pieces is the absolute height of irony.

No thanks.

 

[ABCD]

doing it this way, with inferior materials, mass produced and lesser quality pieces is the absolute height of irony.

We saw a similar phenomenon with the popularity of selvedge denim. Downmarket brands faking it by sewing on a piece of 'selvedge' tape. Looks the same from afar but the bones are still what they are: low quality, budget materials and construction.

These jackets might look good at first glance and I'm sure most of my friends would have a hard time telling the difference between the made in China budget jacket and a premium quality jacket, but that doesn't mean they're the same quality or nearly as good.

 

[zebedee]

I like to equate a lot of the current Chinese manufacturers (of any product) to Japanese automakers from the 60s-80s. Were they as well made or sought after as the main American or European brands? No, but they were still alternatives for more economical reasons. Did they eventually get equal to and even surpass those same makers in time? Yes, they did. And China can do the same thing, eventually, possibly.

Good things can come from China, no doubt. But I don’t think you can or should expect a jacket costing $300 to be the same level as one costing 5x that amount. So for that, there really is no reason to compare them.

The other issue is that there wouldn't be any call for the kind of jackets we consider to be of decades-long quality; there isn't a market for them, domestically, of any significance. Clothing is replaced often (each New Year it is customary to buy new clothing - even given the frequency with which Chinese can buy [very] affordable clothing, anyway).

A tailor I go to fairly often to get shirts for work and a shoemaker had interesting things to say about an Aero I took in to get a cuff button sewn on and a pair of William Lennons re-looped, respectively. Both were very positive, but neither saw the need for items that heavy. The shoemaker uses French calf leather and is exceptionally talented (he's about 75 and moved to HK from Shanghai at 15 - learnt the craft from his father - and will make you an outstanding pair of boots for 2400 HKD. There is a market for good business shoes in HK).

You'd have to wonder at the wisdom of a Chinese manufacturer turning out exacting horsehide or steerhide jackets for which there is no domestic market in the hope that foreign customers (who like Chinese items because they're cheaper) would buy them at a fair price when they'd also be predisposed to judge them as being lower quality because of their provenance, anyway. What you will get (and probably are getting) are a few quite skilled people making really quite good copies out of similar quality leather without the finer details. The Japanese approach is more exacting; in the Mainland the attitude, overridingly, is that a thing has to do its job well enough.

 

[Trippylongstocking]

​

After viewing many models on TaoBao, AE, COR, TB I found a specific model that isn't offered from COR or TB.
I ended up buying through AliExpress. The overall cost all in was $362 USD which is more on the higher end for many models but the overall cost is pretty low for what you're getting.

You see their posted pics but you still don't know if you're going to that.

AnnualRing Heavyweight 507 Plant Tanned Oil Free Wax Head Layer GeHorse Skin Coat Men's Motorcycle Short Denim Jacket - AliExpress 200000343

If the model, link and initial pics helps anybody that was on the fence, great. I would have loved to of seen this.

I will update the fit and provide pics as well as more info soon.

After consulting with their chart I decided to order size S. I'm 6ft' 155lbs.

Jacket came with a nice contrast stitching and is around 1.4mm hh.

Liner is Navajo'ish and is cotton.

Collar label is Veluokldly. Tag says made in China and something along the lines of fabric from Italy.


front length 24
back length 23
p2p 19.5
sleeve length 22 5/8
shoulder 17.5
Hem 18

Will provide fit pics soon

 

[Johnthefrench]

​

After viewing many models on TaoBao, AE, COR, TB I found a specific model that isn't offered from COR or TB.
I ended up buying through AliExpress. The overall cost all in was $362 USD which is more on the higher end for many models but the overall cost is pretty low for what you're getting.

You see their posted pics but you still don't know if you're going to that.

AnnualRing Heavyweight 507 Plant Tanned Oil Free Wax Head Layer GeHorse Skin Coat Men's Motorcycle Short Denim Jacket - AliExpress 200000343

If the model, link and initial pics helps anybody that was on the fence, great. I would have loved to of seen this.

I will update the fit and provide pics as well as more info soon.

After consulting with their chart I decided to order size S. I'm 6ft' 155lbs.

Jacket came with a nice contrast stitching and is around 1.4mm hh.

Liner is Navajo'ish and is cotton.

Collar label is Veluokldly. Tag says made in China and something along the lines of fabric from Italy.


front length 24
back length 23
p2p 19.5
sleeve length 22 5/8
shoulder 17.5
Hem 18

Will provide fit pics soon

View attachment 770834

View attachment 770835

View attachment 770836

it looks great, stitching look on point also! Can't wait to see the fit

 

[ton312]

​

After viewing many models on TaoBao, AE, COR, TB I found a specific model that isn't offered from COR or TB.
I ended up buying through AliExpress. The overall cost all in was $362 USD which is more on the higher end for many models but the overall cost is pretty low for what you're getting.

You see their posted pics but you still don't know if you're going to that.

AnnualRing Heavyweight 507 Plant Tanned Oil Free Wax Head Layer GeHorse Skin Coat Men's Motorcycle Short Denim Jacket - AliExpress 200000343

If the model, link and initial pics helps anybody that was on the fence, great. I would have loved to of seen this.

I will update the fit and provide pics as well as more info soon.

After consulting with their chart I decided to order size S. I'm 6ft' 155lbs.

Jacket came with a nice contrast stitching and is around 1.4mm hh.

Liner is Navajo'ish and is cotton.

Collar label is Veluokldly. Tag says made in China and something along the lines of fabric from Italy.


front length 24
back length 23
p2p 19.5
sleeve length 22 5/8
shoulder 17.5
Hem 18

Will provide fit pics soon

View attachment 770834

View attachment 770835

View attachment 770836

The button hole machine though. This same jacket has carried at least a dozen “labels”. I recall a Cidu labeled version. These jackets have no provenance. They are fake Rolex. They always will be fake Rolex. Which is fine so long as people understand there is a quantum leap between these jackets and what they wish to emulate.

 

[Trippylongstocking]

They are fake Rolex. They always will be fake Rolex.

You're in the Chinese leather jacket thread and you just insulted everyone that has bought one. Your above analogous comment is such an awful and foolish take as well.

 

[Warren Crone]

​

After viewing many models on TaoBao, AE, COR, TB I found a specific model that isn't offered from COR or TB.
I ended up buying through AliExpress. The overall cost all in was $362 USD which is more on the higher end for many models but the overall cost is pretty low for what you're getting.

You see their posted pics but you still don't know if you're going to that.

AnnualRing Heavyweight 507 Plant Tanned Oil Free Wax Head Layer GeHorse Skin Coat Men's Motorcycle Short Denim Jacket - AliExpress 200000343

If the model, link and initial pics helps anybody that was on the fence, great. I would have loved to of seen this.

I will update the fit and provide pics as well as more info soon.

After consulting with their chart I decided to order size S. I'm 6ft' 155lbs.

Jacket came with a nice contrast stitching and is around 1.4mm hh.

Liner is Navajo'ish and is cotton.

Collar label is Veluokldly. Tag says made in China and something along the lines of fabric from Italy.


front length 24
back length 23
p2p 19.5
sleeve length 22 5/8
shoulder 17.5
Hem 18

Will provide fit pics soon

View attachment 770834

View attachment 770835

View attachment 770836

Looks awesome, the Veluokldly jacket I just got is amazing.

 

[Pandemic]

You're in the Chinese leather jacket thread and you just insulted everyone that has bought one. Your above analogous comment is such an awful and foolish take as well.

There are some good fake Rolexes using Seiko and Swiss movements. They look good, function well and require a trained eye to know that they are replicas. A lot of guys like them, while others would rather buy a legit Seiko for the same price than a fake Rolex. It’s actually a much better analogy than the cars above.

 

[Trippylongstocking]

There are some good fake Rolexes using Seiko and Swiss movements. They look good, function well and require a trained eye to know that they are replicas. A lot of guys like them, while others would rather buy a legit Seiko for the same price than a fake Rolex. It’s actually a much better analogy than the cars above.

What the frig are you even talking about? This is a leather jacket. These jackets aren't being made from a great dane and passed off as as being from a prized piece of cattle.

The Car vs Rolex comp is not only incorrect and quick tempered it's in very poor taste from two of the FL heavy hitters. Both should know better and both should even be held to a higher standard as their advice is often sought after.

 

[Boulderunner]

Random question relevant to this thread. Can I as an American order and buy a leather jacket from a retail store in China directly? And if so anybody care to weigh in on how much tariff extra I will pay? I know today they struck them down but I guess maybe an extra 10%?

 

[Warren Crone]

Random question relevant to this thread. Can I as an American order and buy a leather jacket from a retail store in China directly? And if so anybody care to weigh in on how much tariff extra I will pay? I know today they struck them down but I guess maybe an extra 10%?

No idea but when I bought from Crush on Retro shipping and taxes and everything was included, no idea how they do that but the price I paid on their site was fully inclusive, which really surprised me. Takes about two weeks to arrive.

 

[zebedee]

You're in the Chinese leather jacket thread and you just insulted everyone that has bought one. Your above analogous comment is such an awful and foolish take as well.

It comes down to whether or not a Chinese manufacturer is trying to claim that a Chinese copy is the brand it's imitating. If it's simply the outer look that's been copied, it gets murkier (every vintage repro maker is going for a look as similar as possible to 30s or 40s (etc.) jackets, but the high-end companies are likely to develop their own techniques (cuts, stitching - the inner workings). Jackets taken apart are likely to be fairly different to each other under a professional lens, although even minor variations to both inner and outer will likely keep a manufacturer safe in terms of 'originality' or rather, just not outright infringement).

Then there is copyright law in China. For a very long time, copyright law was unenforceable to the extent that it was irrelevant. If it could be made more cheaply and sell, it was. This applied to anything and everything - watches, jeans, sneakers, books, CDs, DVDs, any variety of alcohol - even brands of fabric. It's less the case now, but cost-cutting isn't.

Jackets made in China are likely to be of a fair-to-good quality if you're paying more than a couple of hundred dollars for them. They may exceed the quality of some jackets made in Pakistan or India. They may or may not be made in factories and passed off as 'handmade'. The leather may or may not be cut by one person and then stitched by one more person from start to finish. There is a maker of bags in Shanghai who makes leather bags as good as any you can buy who does everything himself from start to finish and prides himself on how much better and cheaper his bags are than those of major brands (whose bags are often partially produced in China, anyway) and there may be equivalents to him in the jacket market here. His bags do, however, look a heck of a lot like branded bags which are triple the price.

The thing is, though - and I think this is important - you don't really have to include these 'mays' and 'mights' with the Japanese makers or the U.S./European makers on TFL. This is not to say that Chinese goods/jackets/tools are bad, but I would claim with the confidence of a bloke who has lived in the Mainland and Hong Kong for more than half his life that a Chinese-made leather jacket is unlikely to have been produced with the same degree of precision or the same quality of hides as the brands regularly on here. Would I buy a Chinese horsehide jacket for 400 US? I might do. Would I think it was produced in a sweat shop? No, not these days. Would I expect it to 'be' an Aero or Flat Head? No.

 

[Johnthefrench]

There are some good fake Rolexes using Seiko and Swiss movements. They look good, function well and require a trained eye to know that they are replicas. A lot of guys like them, while others would rather buy a legit Seiko for the same price than a fake Rolex. It’s actually a much better analogy than the cars above.

not really, very rare to see new leather jacket going up in value, the watch market is inflated (I know it's crisis right now) because of the resell value (rolex, ap, patek), in the brand new leather jacket one, only freewheeler keeps its value or goes up in value, cars are a better comparison

 

[Johnthefrench]

Japanese and American brands are great, but what I wanna say is that chinese jackets offer better deal for your bucks, obviously, it's not the same and rmc, aero, or other "Classic" brands are better, but I you want 80% of the "brand new product" experience (horsehide, nice design, great patina, good durability (still to prove)) without paying 1500, 2500, 4000 usd, buy cheap one

Just look at this : 2 grizzly jackets, same colors:

Left : Real Simmons Grizzly, Veg tan 1.3mm Horsehide from Poland, lamb from Poland also, 550$ shipped/taxes paid

Right : Real Mccoy, Shinki 1.6mm Veg tan Horsehide, 4000$ brand new + 200 usd shipping

Real Simmons


Does the mccoy look better, yes, slightly, does it cost 8 times the price new ? Yes

Real mccoy


Does it really look at least twice better ? Never

It it the same material? Yes and no, they are same animals, similar tanning, but obviously, there is a big difference in the process (the craftsmanship, time and cost of it), but overall it's pretty similar, we're far from a plastic or fake (or ****ty) leather/furr complete fast fashion sh*t.

This topic is to discuss about chinese jacket, doing reviews, showing pictures and giving advice.

In conclusion, let people do whatever they want to do, some have big budgets, others haven't, let's just enjoy our jackets, cheap or expensive and our passion, it doesn't matter if you wear a 50$ nice looking old jacket and or 5000 one, no one gives a f*ck, it doesn't change anything in your life

Don't be a d0rk or a geek, just enjoy your life bro.