New Member! New to leather jackets!

[RHSleigh]

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

Have you considered the Cockpit A-2 jacket. I believe they can be had for under $1000

 

[Sloan1874]

I'm roughly your dimensions. My first jacket was an Aero long half-belt in brown horse hide. That was 12 years ago, and it looks better with every passing winter.
My advice, whatever your decision is, would be: keep it simple, avoid black - far less flexible than brown, go for a light wool lining and make sure it fits close enough so that you're not swimming in it but you can still wear a jumper under it. The 'shirt-fit' jacket has gained popularity in recent years, but to me it's impractical as a first jacket, and will most likely chafe after a while. I had an A-2 that looked great but it was a little short, which meant the arm holes were too high and the result was that not matter what I did to stretch them, they sawed away at my armpits, and I was forced to move it on.
I personally don't think that your first jacket will inevitably be one you sell on. You just need to do as much reading as you can, but above all else, speak to the company who make the jacket you've got in mind and ask them about dimensions and most importantly fit. If they're half-way decent, they should be able to guide you on both.

 

[cnjackson]

Have you considered the Cockpit A-2 jacket. I believe they can be had for under $1000

Hi RHSleigh--Thank you for this suggestion! I just took a look--very cool!

 

[cnjackson]

I'm roughly your dimensions. My first jacket was an Aero long half-belt in brown horse hide. That was 12 years ago, and it looks better with every passing winter.
My advice, whatever your decision is, would be: keep it simple, avoid black - far less flexible than brown, go for a light wool lining and make sure it fits close enough so that you're not swimming in it but you can still wear a jumper under it. The 'shirt-fit' jacket has gained popularity in recent years, but to me it's impractical as a first jacket, and will most likely chafe after a while. I had an A-2 that looked great but it was a little short, which meant the arm holes were too high and the result was that not matter what I did to stretch them, they sawed away at my armpits, and I was forced to move it on.
I personally don't think that your first jacket will inevitably be one you sell on. You just need to do as much reading as you can, but above all else, speak to the company who make the jacket you've got in mind and ask them about dimensions and most importantly fit. If they're half-way decent, they should be able to guide you on both.

Hi Sloan! Thanks so much for this thoughtful reply. This is all great advice!

I actually did make a purchase, which arrived last week: I ordered a Sentinel from Leilah at Rugged West Co--in teacore black. I'm still learning to wear a leather jacket (and am still breaking it in)--but I love it! Now, of course, it has gotten hot/warm in Virginia. I'll post pics soon!

 

[Sloan1874]

Hi Sloan! Thanks so much for this thoughtful reply. This is all great advice!

I actually did make a purchase, which arrived last week: I ordered a Sentinel from Leilah at Rugged West Co--in teacore black. I'm still learning to wear a leather jacket (and am still breaking it in)--but I love it! Now, of course, it has gotten hot/warm in Virginia. I'll post pics soon!

Hope it works out for you. I have a tea core shinki jacket in very dark, verging on black, seal. It's taken a while, but the light brown tone has begun to show through nicely.

 

[cnjackson]

Hope it works out for you. I have a tea core shinki jacket in very dark, verging on black, seal. It's taken a while, but the light brown tone has begun to show through nicely.

That sounds fantastic! I'm also trying to figure out when to wear the jacket. For example, because it's not yet broken in, it's not super comfortable when I'm at at home on the laptop.

 

[cnjackson]

So, finally, here are some pix of me in my first leather jacket. It is the Sentinel in Teacore Black from Leilah at Rugged West Co: (sorry about the pne pic with no shoes on!)

 

[cnjackson]

One thing I'm trying to figure out is how to get the top of the zipper on my right side to stay more upright--if that makes sense.

 

[morrison2951]

So, finally, here are some pix of me in my first leather jacket. It is the Sentinel in Teacore Black from Leilah at Rugged West Co: (sorry about the pne pic with no shoes on!) View attachment 785441 View attachment 785442 View attachment 785443 View attachment 785444

Nicely done! There will likely be more in your future! Welcome aboard.

 

[Arin666]

So, finally, here are some pix of me in my first leather jacket. It is the Sentinel in Teacore Black from Leilah at Rugged West Co: (sorry about the pne pic with no shoes on!) View attachment 785441 View attachment 785442 View attachment 785443 View attachment 785444

Looks great.

Would like to hear more about your fist impressions of the jacket. Build quality. Weight and robustness. Comfort etc. and anything else you could share. Have been considering somethign for a while, hence, would be interested in your impressions.

 

[Eagledog]

One thing I'm trying to figure out is how to get the top of the zipper on my right side to

I see what you are talking about. The side of the jacket with the chest pocket is stiff due to the pocket not letting it flex. The side without the pocket can drape across your body. The pocket side is stiff and flat pushing it up towards your face. The side without the pocket can drape naturally. So it isn't a problem that the one side is too low. The low side is exactly where it belongs. I never noticed this before. It should get better with more wear, however the pocket side will always be stiffer and will likely remain slightly different than the other side forever.

 

[f2002q]

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.

I agree with the Vanson choices. For the Enfield (used to have one) the sizing is larger so you might want to size down. Oxford is more slim fitting. Both are good starter jackets, though I would get them in the competition weight leather.

Also be careful of the divorce factor. This comes as you buy more and more jackets and the missus gets more and more p i s s e d.

 

[f2002q]

So, finally, here are some pix of me in my first leather jacket. It is the Sentinel in Teacore Black from Leilah at Rugged West Co: (sorry about the pne pic with no shoes on!) View attachment 785441 View attachment 785442 View attachment 785443 View attachment 785444

Wow, amazing jacket and fit!!!

 

[cnjackson]

Nicely done! There will likely be more in your future! Welcome aboard.

Thank you, Morrison! It's an exciting world! I already have my eye on another, but I will be disciplined--hhaha!

 

[cnjackson]

Looks great.

Would like to hear more about your fist impressions of the jacket. Build quality. Weight and robustness. Comfort etc. and anything else you could share. Have been considering somethign for a while, hence, would be interested in your impressions.

Hi Arin! Thank you! I'm really enjoying it. I'll be super happy to give first impressions. let me collect my thoughts and then I'll post here in the next couple of days.

 

[cnjackson]

I see what you are talking about. The side of the jacket with the chest pocket is stiff due to the pocket not letting it flex. The side without the pocket can drape across your body. The pocket side is stiff and flat pushing it up towards your face. The side without the pocket can drape naturally. So it isn't a problem that the one side is too low. The low side is exactly where it belongs. I never noticed this before. It should get better with more wear, however the pocket side will always be stiffer and will likely remain slightly different than the other side forever.

Thank you, Eagledog--that's an interesting explanation of what's going on with the collar and zipper. I think there are inner pockets on both sides. I'm wondering if putting it on a hanger zipped up might help?

 

[cnjackson]

I agree with the Vanson choices. For the Enfield (used to have one) the sizing is larger so you might want to size down. Oxford is more slim fitting. Both are good starter jackets, though I would get them in the competition weight leather.

Also be careful of the divorce factor. This comes as you buy more and more jackets and the missus gets more and more p i s s e d.

haha! Thank you! Yes, my wife is already saying--just wear the one you have before even thinking about another one! Which is good advice.

 

[cnjackson]

Wow, amazing jacket and fit!!!

Thank you! I'm really enjoying it! (total newbie in this world!)

 

[Eagledog]

Thank you, Eagledog--that's an interesting explanation of what's going on with the collar and zipper. I think there are inner pockets on both sides. I'm wondering if putting it on a hanger zipped up might help?

I wouldn't brood over it. Just wear and enjoy! Your own body makes the best hanger. The store bought variety will not be an exact match to your real shoulders. Wear it zipped or unzipped and it will find its happy place.

 

[f2002q]

haha! Thank you! Yes, my wife is already saying--just wear the one you have before even thinking about another one! Which is good advice.

HA, LOL, that’s a good one!!!