What should I buy?

[ajay]

I am looking for a very well made casual leather jacket/coat for eastern Pennsylvania spring/fall/mild winter day wear. I am not sure I want an A2 since I am not partial to a fabric waistband. I am not terribly fussy about 100% authentic. I am leaning towards horsehide, and would like a garment that allows me the flexibility to gain/lose 10-15 pounds without looking too tight or loose. I once had a G-8 jacket, liked it, but it wasn't great leather and eventually gave it to a friend's son. I wear a 43 or 44 suit jacket - am 5'8", weigh 189 (as heavy as I get, drop to 175 when I train in the spring). What garment and manufacturer should I check out?
Thank You

 

[Fletch]

You might want to investigate a leather car coat - just a little longer than a flight jacket and looser fitting, without knit cuffs or waistband. It will just cover your suit coattail, adding to its versatility. I got mine from Brooks Brothers, about $275 on sale just after last Xmas.

Horsehide is a less common choice for these than lambskin, however. The typical buyer wears it for dress or dress casual. Vanson carries a horsehide car coat at about $795 - don't know the quality of make though. It has a nice "biplane" look, I think.