Cheap vs. Expensive Leather Jackets

SHOP THE VIDEO:

GUIDES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

VIDEO CREDITS:
→ Script: Tyler Domecq
→ Camera: Graham Zima
→ Editing: Chris Dummer
→ Visual Supervision: Preston Schlueter & Jack Collins
→ Nickelodeon
→ Paramount Pictures

IMAGE CREDITS:
→ Nordstrom
→ Blackkript
→ Weaver Leather Supply
→ ASOS
→ Leather Jacket Shop
→ Thurston Bros
→ SchottNYC
→ Himel Bros.
→ Wasted Leather Co.

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Gentleman's Gazette

00:00 Leather Jackets: Introduction

Leather jackets have long been a signature staple of classic casual menswear. And ever since the bomber jacket’s introduction as a military-issued garment during the early 1900s, few items have given off a casually cool aesthetic quite like they can.

We now see many brands marketing “cheap” leather jackets. And some of them might not even be made from leather! While it might be easier to spot a synthetic jacket when next to genuine leather, there are many leather jackets on offer at a fraction of the average price.

01:15 What is a “Cheap” or “Expensive” Jacket?

Based on our research, a “cheap” leather jacket is anything offered new below $300 and an “Expensive” leather jacket is anything over $800 new. Within this higher price point, you’re guaranteed to find leather jackets from high-end designer brands.

03:25 Defining Factors: 1. Leather Quality
07:00 2. Construction
08:48 3. Functionality
10:32 4. Styling

With all of these factors in mind, it’s clear that all leather jackets are not created equal. A company being able to claim that a jacket is “100% leather” simply doesn’t tell you enough about its actual quality. Instead, it takes a careful eye to truly understand what standards of quality go into an expensive leather jacket, and only then can you determine if it lives up to those qualities.

12:50 Outfit Rundown

#jackets #leather #notsponsored

[nerferothdrake]

Great video. About 15 years ago, being a student I saved up for a quality tailor-made biker leather jacket. It wasn't a bespoke jacket, of course, but it was handmade at a local factory which produces high-quality leather goods for bikers and metalheads. This jacket cost me a pretty penny, so I even had to borrow some cash from my elder sister, but is was more than worth its price. It will never go out of fashion and it looks even better after all these years. The factory even offers a lifetime warranty for all the studs and zippers, though I haven't had any problems with them so far. I only wish I won't get fatter with age so I will be able to wear it even when I'm seventy.

[aremel]

I bought my motorcycle jacket from The Alley Chicago in the early 90s. Thirty years on, and after two instances of road rash, it keeps looking better every year.

I live in Belgrade Serbia and here fine leather jackets are a real status symbol.
I have several favorites that are a blue leather pilot jacket from the Serbian Air Force. And my next favorite is modern take on a classic motorcycle jacket made using butter soft Italian leather.
When I travel to the USA I get compliments on my jackets but here they are normal to see

[theobaldlolworth]

Belstaff jackets whether leather or any other material, are great, design-wise, and yes: I also bought the Indy Jones jacket (from Raiders) by Wested in the late 90s, actually.

[thepianosarea]

Honey, wake up! Gentleman’s Gazette just posted a new video!

[KFCJones]

Like another poster. I got my Schott MC jacket 30 years ago. It's held up and looks great, even after a glorious wipeout! The only maintenance it's needed was a replacement of the pocket linings. It's also a good gage to let me know when I'm getting a little heavy.... most years I can zip it up & still breathe 😂

[scotts]

I have two Schott nyc jackets, one black the other tan.
Both have minimal hardware making them easy to
dress up or down.
The tan jacket has a casual look and is mostly
worn during the day.
Both are unlined and very breathable
however in the beginning they were hard to take on and off.
Over a short time (about 2 seasons)
that became less of an issue.
For maintenance I give each a
treatment with Bick 4 leather conditioner
once a year and they're good to go.

[bossman]

A nice leather jacket is my next big clothing piece to get. It’s just not in the cards for me at the moment, but sometime in the future I’ll be on the lookout for a nice leather jacket. This video will be a big help.

[MarcPagan]

Good stuff, thanks.
The prices noted here make me mourn for the bankrupt store, Syms.

Paid $220 during the early 90s for a classic cut long leather coat (above knee but below waist),
which sold for $500+ the previous season at other retail chains.

Still in fantastic shape post 250+ wears on the streets, subways, and buses of Manhattan :)

[ericservaes]

Great vid. I have 3 Schott perf ( two black, One brown) , 2 Aeroleather ( halfbelt and A2), and a Lewis Leather 391 Lightning. Love them all.

[HatLifeAdventures]

My goat skin Raiders jacket from Wested Leather was $300 custom cut and performs wonderfully. I highly recommend!

[patrickfitzwater]

Lewis Leathers in London is a very good place to find a leather jacket to match your lifestyle. I'm not a big fan of leather jackets as it's not my style but they have a great selection of top end leather jackets that will become heirlooms.

[ginoMiguel-iu]

I would love for you to consider reviewing the iconic lambskin leather Polo jacket. I am eager to hear your thoughts on this timeless piece. Although I am disappointed with the quality of the newer versions, I am a proud owner of a vintage black Polo leather jacket that remains in pristine condition.

It is one of my all-time favorite leather jackets, and I would greatly appreciate your expert review, especially given the various styles available. I have immense respect for your channel and expertise, and your opinion carries significant value.

[Andromahlius]

I own both cheap and expensive pieces. Some cheap pieces can actually be decent as long as you don't wear them too often. Real quality pieces will last a lifetime of daily wear. that wear will show, but its part of the character of your jacket. Cheap pieces will just tear.

[rdrvnce]

Had a very hard day today. So gentlemans gazette uploading a video after my french exam is truly a blessing.

[jons]

Great video! I invested in two Lewis Leathers (Bronx and Dominator) and a Langlitz 20 years ago and they’re still going strong. Just bought a custom Vanson and I’m sure it’s going to last me a lifetime as well. Nothing like a quality leather jacket.

[ericfallabel]

Great video overall, but I'm not sure that some of the terminology was quite right. "Full grain is more consistent in texture than top grain" - I wouldn't think so, as top grain by definition is full grain that has been sanded down to remove imperfections. Certainly still true that high quality full grain is better than top grain, of course.

Separately, and this is being pedantic, but shell cordovan is a membrane and not a "hide", right?

[viennapalace]

If you live in Australia, there is really only one place to go, that is Mars Leather in Melbourne.
I bought a leather motorcycle jacket there in 2009 & it still looks like new, even after daily use for many many years, including many days riding in the rain. Just rub in the Dubbin once in a while & it's good to go. The leather is the best available & the quality of construction is second to none. And they make any & every type of leather jacket known to mankind, either off the rack or tailor made.
I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Thanks for an interesting video.

[danielmedina]

A well made video I didn't know that synthetic liners made me sweat so I always thought it was the leather. Bravo sir great video!

[Leprechaun]

I would like to see an update or video on Navy peacoats