Five Star Leather Jackets

[jeepTj98]

I would absolutely love to find a used/vintage jacket of top-tier quality that fits my odd proportions. Anything that fits my waist is ridiculously tight at my chest. Anything that fits my chest tends to be far too loose around the middle, with the exceptions of short hemmed jackets (again, I'm 6' and a 26" length is pretty much a car coat on me) with a tapered middle. And having rediscovered the joy of pleated, high waist trousers, the jacket options for those on a budget are scant. And since I realize education costs, I'm willing to take the 'F' for trying a new class with which I was unfamiliar, though electives are costly. At this point, the tuition gamble is worth it. We'll see come midterms

So once again, there are comments about the awful smell of 5* jackets.

Please read about the toxic chemicals contained in cheaper clothing products. Especially those from China, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Clothing such as trousers or T-shirts can be washed several times, and this is always recommended to get rid of chemical residues, but you cannot put leather or nylon jackets in the washing machine. Firstly, it may simply be toxic and be absorbed into your body through your skin. Secondly, these substances affect the body's endocrine and cardiovascular systems and are carcinogenic.

In addition, it is not difficult to find information about the conditions in which these items are produced, without any regard for worker safety or the environment. Children are employed to work with leather and dyeing materials.

Is it worth saving a little money?

Everyone has their own opinions and priorities and I as you can imagine I can mention far more pressing issues in this world than purchasing a jacket in Pakistan. I’m not going to get into all that right now but I wanted to mention to you that I have washed many leather jackets in the washing machine. I was hesitant and careful, but it can be done without ruining the jacket.

 

[barnabus]

So once again, there are comments about the awful smell of 5* jackets.

Please read about the toxic chemicals contained in cheaper clothing products. Especially those from China, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Clothing such as trousers or T-shirts can be washed several times, and this is always recommended to get rid of chemical residues, but you cannot put leather or nylon jackets in the washing machine. Firstly, it may simply be toxic and be absorbed into your body through your skin. Secondly, these substances affect the body's endocrine and cardiovascular systems and are carcinogenic.

In addition, it is not difficult to find information about the conditions in which these items are produced, without any regard for worker safety or the environment. Children are employed to work with leather and dyeing materials.

Is it worth saving a little money?

What chemicals exactly?

 

[El Marro]

Everyone has their own opinions and priorities and I as you can imagine I can mention far more pressing issues in this world than purchasing a jacket in Pakistan

True, but I would think not buying a jacket that poisoned its owner would be pretty high on everyone’s priority list.

 

[jeepTj98]

True, but I would think not buying a jacket that poisoned its owner would be pretty high on everyone’s priority list.

True!

 

[psykx]

I'm very happy with my 5* black horsehide trucker jacket. It fits better than I thought possible and the leather feels great to me, soft and thick. There are some slight variations (up to a cm) from the exact measurements I provided so perhaps I got lucky. I did also provide accurate body measurements along with measurements from a jacket I liked. I don't have a rack of aero or himmel bros jackets so maybe those that do will see something I don't. There is no real smell on my jacket, but it doesn't smell as lush and as sweet new leathery as nudie leather belts.

I do wish they offered some darker brown pull up leathers.

 

[baldipino]

Hello All,

I purchased a 5* custom-made Indy jacket in buffalo hide, 1 week before they started offering that same design (including my request for more screen-accurate patch pockets). I went into this after reading (far too) many posts. Ignoring many warnings, I decided the risk was worth it and that education costs. I was ready to write it off as 'tuition' in learning to navigate this new world of collectible jackets.
That tuition was painful.
The jacket looked gorgeous, truly. It started out of the bag with a strong chemical odor that dissipated after a day or so later, replaced with a game-y leather smell. I started wearing it around the house, in the car to start breaking it in.
Then I noticed that "leather smell" was sticking to everything it touched-- my clothes, my chair at work, my car seat.
"That shouldn't happen" I thought to myself. I noticed my neck, wrist and hands started itching. The next day my wife noticed what she said looked like warts on the back of my neck. I then checked my hands and, sure enough, they appeared there as well. Everywhere my skin touched the jacket had an allergic reaction. I didn't want to believe it was the jacket, so stopped wearing it for a few days. The rashes began receding after 3 days, so to be sure, I started wearing it again. Within 2 days of wearing it the rashes returned.

To say I feel disappointed/angry/stupid would be a gross understatement. $240 plus $60 shipping to finally learn the lesson of "you get what you pay for" is worth it IF I'm smart enough to learn from this. But F@#< I'm angry at myself. I can't in good conscience even donate it, much less try and re-sell it. That would be morally wrong.

So, in conclusion, I promised updates on my purchase; I didn't think it would be articulated through a mouthful of crow. And the jacket went into the trash this morning. I truly hope everyone who chooses to purchase one of their jackets has a better outcome than mine. But I certainly will never recommend FiveStar Leather again. So, let the "I told you so"s fly. I'm not defensive about learning, and I earned what I got. Hopefully, flaming me will serve as a warning to others.

 

[herculance]

The next day my wife noticed what she said looked like warts on the back of my neck.

Getting warts from a jacket is wild, so sorry you had to go through that. That is some serious bad luck, mine took around a month for the smell to subside although I didn't get any skin irritations even a year in.

To say I feel disappointed/angry/stupid would be a gross understatement. $240 plus $60 shipping to finally learn the lesson of "you get what you pay for" is worth it IF I'm smart enough to learn from this. But F@#< I'm angry at myself. I can't in good conscience even donate it, much less try and re-sell it. That would be morally wrong.

The good thing is you’re learning from it, just like many of us did. That’s why the vets here give their “steer clear” advice. and don't take it personally. It can sound condescending at first maybe, but it really does come from experience; for me I don't assume anything malicious until it's explicit.

You're not alone, I also get what you mean about balancing this hobby with personal finances. I’ve had to make those same trade-offs myself. That $300 could have been a solid step toward something better down the line. Resources are limited and buying cheap is an opportunity cost lost for saving up for something better. There is no rush in this hobby. Right now I am slowly saving up for a custom CXL jacket, and I know it will take a while, but I am fine with that because I know it will be worth it when it finally arrives. Or if it's not, there's plenty of evidence here to know there's a good secondhand market for it and my risk is somewhat hedged.

Thank you for sharing your experience and honesty, this will definitely help others consider the risks more.

 

[MrProper]

Hello All,

I purchased a 5* custom-made Indy jacket in buffalo hide, 1 week before they started offering that same design (including my request for more screen-accurate patch pockets). I went into this after reading (far too) many posts. Ignoring many warnings, I decided the risk was worth it and that education costs. I was ready to write it off as 'tuition' in learning to navigate this new world of collectible jackets.
That tuition was painful.
The jacket looked gorgeous, truly. It started out of the bag with a strong chemical odor that dissipated after a day or so later, replaced with a game-y leather smell. I started wearing it around the house, in the car to start breaking it in.
Then I noticed that "leather smell" was sticking to everything it touched-- my clothes, my chair at work, my car seat.
"That shouldn't happen" I thought to myself. I noticed my neck, wrist and hands started itching. The next day my wife noticed what she said looked like warts on the back of my neck. I then checked my hands and, sure enough, they appeared there as well. Everywhere my skin touched the jacket had an allergic reaction. I didn't want to believe it was the jacket, so stopped wearing it for a few days. The rashes began receding after 3 days, so to be sure, I started wearing it again. Within 2 days of wearing it the rashes returned.

To say I feel disappointed/angry/stupid would be a gross understatement. $240 plus $60 shipping to finally learn the lesson of "you get what you pay for" is worth it IF I'm smart enough to learn from this. But F@#< I'm angry at myself. I can't in good conscience even donate it, much less try and re-sell it. That would be morally wrong.

So, in conclusion, I promised updates on my purchase; I didn't think it would be articulated through a mouthful of crow. And the jacket went into the trash this morning. I truly hope everyone who chooses to purchase one of their jackets has a better outcome than mine. But I certainly will never recommend FiveStar Leather again. So, let the "I told you so"s fly. I'm not defensive about learning, and I earned what I got. Hopefully, flaming me will serve as a warning to others.

I'm sorry for you. Before you dispose of them, you could have tried washing them with detergent and drying them without heat. Maybe it would have made a difference. But who knows, maybe not.

 

[baldipino]

I'm sorry for you. Before you dispose of them, you could have tried washing them with detergent and drying them without heat. Maybe it would have made a difference. But who knows, maybe not.

Thank you for the kind words. I'm unsure if you're referring to wash the jacket...? Or my clothes? I've washed 2 of my favorite shirts I wore under the jacket in hot water 2x, and they still smell like the jacket, which is a bit disturbing. But the weekly trash pickup isn't for a few days yet. Were you in fact referring to the jacket?

I have enjoyed and appreciated your posts on this thread, btw.

 

[baldipino]

Getting warts from a jacket is wild, so sorry you had to go through that. That is some serious bad luck, mine took around a month for the smell to subside although I didn't get any skin irritations even a year in.




The good thing is you’re learning from it, just like many of us did. That’s why the vets here give their “steer clear” advice. and don't take it personally. It can sound condescending at first maybe, but it really does come from experience; for me I don't assume anything malicious until it's explicit.

You're not alone, I also get what you mean about balancing this hobby with personal finances. I’ve had to make those same trade-offs myself. That $300 could have been a solid step toward something better down the line. Resources are limited and buying cheap is an opportunity cost lost for saving up for something better. There is no rush in this hobby. Right now I am slowly saving up for a custom CXL jacket, and I know it will take a while, but I am fine with that because I know it will be worth it when it finally arrives. Or if it's not, there's plenty of evidence here to know there's a good secondhand market for it and my risk is somewhat hedged.

Thank you for sharing your experience and honesty, this will definitely help others consider the risks more.

Agreed, and after this debacle, my wife and I have put together a savings plan to invest in a truly premium jacket. Sadly the jacket I started really vibing on, the Aero Dustbowl, is now discontinued...? Though after this experience, I'm happy to wait and take my time.

 

[MrProper]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm unsure if you're referring to wash the jacket...? Or my clothes? I've washed 2 of my favorite shirts I wore under the jacket in hot water 2x, and they still smell like the jacket, which is a bit disturbing. But the weekly trash pickup isn't for a few days yet. Were you in fact referring to the jacket?

I have enjoyed and appreciated your posts on this thread, btw.

I meant the jacket Since it's for the rubbish anyway, you can also experiment. Just like Tony, who has given some 5* jackets an acetone treatment

 

[MrProper]

Agreed, and after this debacle, my wife and I have put together a savings plan to invest in a truly premium jacket. Sadly the jacket I started really vibing on, the Aero Dustbowl, is now discontinued...? Though after this experience, I'm happy to wait and take my time.

I would ask Aero if they can make them for you. The children's version is still available and they should still have the patterns.

 

[baldipino]

I would ask Aero if they can make them for you. The children's version is still available and they should still have the patterns.

A fair point-- I thank you!

 

[baldipino]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies! I look forward to learning from the mistakes of others here on this forum as well as giving much more weight to the advice from those more experienced than I. Cheers, all!

 

[LucherB78]

Happy to finally add something to this thread and hopefully give a little insight to anyone on the fence. EVERYTHING that can be said about Five Star has been said in this thread already. I'm just throwing my two cents in the pile so I can get my post total high enough to post some jackets in the Classifieds lol.

I finally had the chance to wear my Five Star A2 RW in pull-up horsehide last night and I got more compliments on it than I ever got in an Aero or Schott. Is the leather quality up there with Aero, Rainbow Country, etc? Not even in the same universe. But is it 1000x better than All Saints, Thursday, etc? Totally. In other words, it does the job. And for the price, I'm happy with my A2. The leather is breaking in well, showing some creases, and I like knowing it was replicated from an actual RW contract that they had in their hands.

Like it's been said before, order something that they were able to make a direct copy of and you'll probably be OK. Don't get too crazy with requests or ideas. Use them as a tailor and not a designer. Don't expect too much out of it and keep in mind you're getting a decent custom-fitted jacket for a relatively affordable price. This was the kicker for me as I've always been between sizes and always have a really hard time finding a leather jacket off the rack that fits me the way I like (40" chest, 20" shoulders, 5'7", 195 lbs, long arms and short torso. I'm all over the place lol)

My only advice is that if you're not going for total historical accuracy, add some inside pockets to your A2. I was trying to replicate the originals so bad that I did not change or add anything and I regret it.

 

[herculance]

Happy to finally add something to this thread and hopefully give a little insight to anyone on the fence. EVERYTHING that can be said about Five Star has been said in this thread already. I'm just throwing my two cents in the pile so I can get my post total high enough to post some jackets in the Classifieds lol.

I finally had the chance to wear my Five Star A2 RW in pull-up horsehide last night and I got more compliments on it than I ever got in an Aero or Schott. Is the leather quality up there with Aero, Rainbow Country, etc? Not even in the same universe. But is it 1000x better than All Saints, Thursday, etc? Totally. In other words, it does the job. And for the price, I'm happy with my A2. The leather is breaking in well, showing some creases, and I like knowing it was replicated from an actual RW contract that they had in their hands.

View attachment 728663

Like it's been said before, order something that they were able to make a direct copy of and you'll probably be OK. Don't get too crazy with requests or ideas. Use them as a tailor and not a designer. Don't expect too much out of it and keep in mind you're getting a decent custom-fitted jacket for a relatively affordable price. This was the kicker for me as I've always been between sizes and always have a really hard time finding a leather jacket off the rack that fits me the way I like (40" chest, 20" shoulders, 5'7", 195 lbs, long arms and short torso. I'm all over the place lol)

View attachment 728662

My only advice is that if you're not going for total historical accuracy, add some inside pockets to your A2. I was trying to replicate the originals so bad that I did not change or add anything and I regret it.

Looks really good. How does it smell?

 

[LucherB78]

Looks really good. How does it smell?

I DID notice a faintly chemical smell when I first recieved it but airing it out in the bathroom, wearing it on a really sweaty day and giving the lining a Fabreeze spray really solved that for me. I must have gotten lucky as I'm seeing the smell is the main issue lately. Mine is from early spring 2025. Now it just smells (and kind of looks) like a couch cushion.

 

[herculance]

I DID notice a faintly chemical smell when I first recieved it but airing it out the bathroom, wearing it on a really sweaty day and giving the lining a Fabreeze spray really solved that for me. I must have gotten lucky as I'm seeing the smell is the main issue lately. Mine is from early spring 2025. Now it just smells (and kind of looks) like a couch cushion.

Thanks, I guess it smelled the same as my steerhide from them lol it's okay now but wouldn't wanna go through that again and at this point I really wanna try out different leathers.

 

[baldipino]

Happy to finally add something to this thread and hopefully give a little insight to anyone on the fence. EVERYTHING that can be said about Five Star has been said in this thread already. I'm just throwing my two cents in the pile so I can get my post total high enough to post some jackets in the Classifieds lol.

I finally had the chance to wear my Five Star A2 RW in pull-up horsehide last night and I got more compliments on it than I ever got in an Aero or Schott. Is the leather quality up there with Aero, Rainbow Country, etc? Not even in the same universe. But is it 1000x better than All Saints, Thursday, etc? Totally. In other words, it does the job. And for the price, I'm happy with my A2. The leather is breaking in well, showing some creases, and I like knowing it was replicated from an actual RW contract that they had in their hands.

View attachment 728663

Like it's been said before, order something that they were able to make a direct copy of and you'll probably be OK. Don't get too crazy with requests or ideas. Use them as a tailor and not a designer. Don't expect too much out of it and keep in mind you're getting a decent custom-fitted jacket for a relatively affordable price. This was the kicker for me as I've always been between sizes and always have a really hard time finding a leather jacket off the rack that fits me the way I like (40" chest, 20" shoulders, 5'7", 195 lbs, long arms and short torso. I'm all over the place lol)

View attachment 728662

My only advice is that if you're not going for total historical accuracy, add some inside pockets to your A2. I was trying to replicate the originals so bad that I did not change or add anything and I regret it.

I'm legit happy it worked out for you! I must be an outlier in my skin reaction. Shawn has not responded to me yet-- it's been since Saturday

 

[baldipino]

Thanks, I guess it smelled the same as my steerhide from them lol it's okay now but wouldn't wanna go through that again and at this point I really wanna try out different leathers.

Are you referring to different leather types from FiveStar, or leathers from different makers?