New Member! New to leather jackets!

[cnjackson]

Hello, everyone! I am a newcomer to leather jackets, but I think a part of me has wanted to try them for a long time. I am also a new member here, and have already learned a lot. Someone recommended reading through the giant thread on what jacket you are wearing, and I've started to make my way through it.

I hope it's ok that I am also starting a thread here. I am looking to get a first leather jacket--but the huge range of choices has left me a bit overwhelmed. I wonder if you might provide some starting places for me.

In case it helps, here are some of my measurements:
height: 5'9"
weight: 150 pounds
37.5" chest
shorter torso, longer legs.

Also: based on my limited knowledge, here are some of the jacket styles that have caught my eye--as the sort of thing I'd like.
- Rainbow country Hercules
- Aero Premier Highwayman
- Aero 1930s Half Belt

These are more expensive than I'd like to pay for a first jacket--but I think they look great. I prefer a slim, clean look that's not too long.

I guess I'd like to stay under $1000.

I would welcome any advice you might offer!
Thank you!
Chris

 

[Aloysius]

Vanson Enfield and Vanson Oxford deliver what you're after within your price point and I don't even consider them a compromise quality wise compared to your more expensive options.

 

[Pandemic]

Most people who come through here buy and sell a few jackets before they figure out what they want. So going gently used is a good idea.

You are lucky to be able to wear smaller sizes more common in Japan. I’m sure you could pick up a RC Hercules in your budget (I actually just sold mine for around that number).

 

[cnjackson]

Vanson Enfield and Vanson Oxford deliver what you're after within your price point and I don't even consider them a compromise quality wise compared to your more expensive options.

Hi Aloysius, Thank you for these suggestions! The Oxford looks really good!

 

[cnjackson]

Most people who come through here buy and sell a few jackets before they figure out what they want. So going gently used is a good idea.

You are lucky to be able to wear smaller sizes more common in Japan. I’m sure you could pick up a RC Hercules in your budget (I actually just sold mine for around that number).

Thank you, Pandemic! That makes sense--about needing to try a few jackets to figure out what I want.

I really like some of the Japanese brands that I have come across. I'll keep my eyes open for an RC Hercules in the classifieds here. Would you recommend other places to look for a gently used one?

Thanks again!
C

 

[cnjackson]

I currently only own one leather jacket, a Rainbow Country Speedstr. I would very much like to own a Vanson or Lost Worlds next, They both make great jackets.

I really like the FQHH CXL that Aero uses, but I am not really drawn to their patterns.

The RC Speedster looks so good. I had to look up Lost Worlds: very good looking jackets. I'll look more closely at the FQHH CXL--though I'm not sure what that is.

Thanks for your reply!

 

[cnjackson]

Most people who come through here buy and sell a few jackets before they figure out what they want. So going gently used is a good idea.

You are lucky to be able to wear smaller sizes more common in Japan. I’m sure you could pick up a RC Hercules in your budget (I actually just sold mine for around that number).

I think I just found the thread where you sold your RC Hercules. Wow! That is a beautiful jacket. Still my top choice, I think. Maybe I just need to be patient!

 

[imbaray]

We have very similar measurements, I find that most Japanese made jackets (McCoys, Buzz Rickson, The Flat Head, etc) in size 38-40 tend to fit me well.

 

[cnjackson]

Thanks, imbaray! I've never heard of Buzz Rickson--I'll check them out!

 

[Vaggg1]

I recently bought a rainbow country Hercules and it’s amazing jacket, great quality and it fits pretty decent although I’m a tad heavier than you, from what I understand you are looking only at single riders type jackets?

 

[Peacoat]

Welcome to the Club. As many members here have determined, these jackets can be addictive. Tread carefully.

 

[cnjackson]

I recently bought a rainbow country Hercules and it’s amazing jacket, great quality and it fits pretty decent although I’m a tad heavier than you, from what I understand you are looking only at single riders type jackets?

Hi Vaggg1: Thanks for your reply, and congratulations on the RC Hercules. I think this is one of the best looking jackets out there. Yes--I think I am most interested in single rider jackets (I don't think I could pull off a double rider!).

What color Hercules did you get? (And, if I can ask, what size did you get?)

 

[cnjackson]

Welcome to the Club. As many members here have determined, these jackets can be addictive. Tread carefully.

Haha! I can see that--even as a total newbie!

I ordered my first jacket from Rugged West about a month ago, and just got notification that it is on its way. Very excited. Nevertheless, I've been exploring possibilities for the next one.

 

[cnjackson]

For your build and taste, you’re already on the right track with those styles. At 5'9" and 150 lbs with a shorter torso, you should lean toward slim, slightly cropped jackets with clean lines. That rules out the standard Highwayman, which is more relaxed and can look bulky on a smaller frame. The Premier version is better if you like that style, but still not the most balanced for your proportions. The safest first pick is a 1930s or 50s Half Belt style, ideally a more modern slim cut version. It gives you structure without drowning your torso and works well both zipped and open. Schott-style café racers are another solid entry point if you want something even cleaner and simpler. Your instincts are good, just prioritize fit in the shoulders and a shorter body length over the specific model name.

Thanks so much, Joykrissa! This is really helpful advice--especially the emphasis on shoulders and length. I ended up ordering my first jacket from Rugged West--one of their Sentinels. Leilah was so helpful in finding the right size (long conversation) that I felt pretty confident ordering through her. I was sure to draw attention to my long arms and shorter torso. I think it should arrive in the next week or so. Very excited, and fingers crossed that it fits!

 

[Vaggg1]

Hi Vaggg1: Thanks for your reply, and congratulations on the RC Hercules. I think this is one of the best looking jackets out there. Yes--I think I am most interested in single rider jackets (I don't think I could pull off a double rider!).

What color Hercules did you get? (And, if I can ask, what size did you get?)

I got the black one in size 46 I’m like 176 cm and around 45 inch chest and it fits almost perfect even with a light sweater, just the sleeves are like an inch longer than I’d like and the length is pretty good to my liking some people would probably prefer it an inch shorter too

 

[cnjackson]

I got the black one in size 46 I’m like 176 cm and around 45 inch chest and it fits almost perfect even with a light sweater, just the sleeves are like an inch longer than I’d like and the length is pretty good to my liking some people would probably prefer it an inch shorter too

The black one is so sharp! and it's helpful to know that your size choice lines up with your chest measurement. (That's been something I'm still trying to navigate--making good sense of the jacket sizes.) Have you posted pics to the what jacket are you wearing thread? If so, I'll pop over and look. I'll bet it looks great!

 

[SteveOneMoreAero]

Run now before you're hooked and have to attend leather jackets anonymous meetings.

 

[cnjackson]

Run now before you're hooked and have to attend leather jackets anonymous meetings.

hahaha! too late!!

 

[jacketjunkie]

hahaha! too late!!

Vanson makesvery rugged and durable jackets, excellent quality. Schott is a good entry point as well, more pricey than Vanson, more casual non biker styles and leather that is thinner yet still plenty thick.

Johnson Leather has two nice non-bijer styles, the Del-66 and the Barneveld-Remix (spelling?), excellent quality at very fair price point too.

 

[cnjackson]

Vanson makesvery rugged and durable jackets, excellent quality. Schott is a good entry point as well, more pricey than Vanson, more casual non biker styles and leather that is thinner yet still plenty thick.

Johnson Leather has two nice non-bijer styles, the Del-66 and the Barneveld-Remix (spelling?), excellent quality at very fair price point too.

Thank you, Jacket Junkie! I hadn't heard of Johnson Leather: their Del-66 looks great.