newtojackets is no longer new to jackets: sharing my leather jacket collection

[AerGuitar]

^^ How dare you politely disagree? Haha. I do see the neck lines when looking a bit closer, and I’ll agree it may not be as comfy, but I still think it looks good on!

 

[Canuck Panda]

Update from me. I took on board @TartuWolf suggestion, and collected a series of fit pics:

Black Jackets

1. The Flat Head single rider in Shinki horsehide

View attachment 623946

2. Rainbow Country Ponyboy in Shinki horsehide

View attachment 623947

3. Brooks Gold Label Cross Zip in what I assume is a cowhide
View attachment 623949
4. Schott x Rag n Bone cross zip in cowhide
View attachment 623950
5. Schott Cafecto in steerhide
View attachment 623951
6. Aero Cafe Racer in Chromexcel HH
View attachment 623952
7. Johnson Leathers Sportster in cowhide
View attachment 623953
8. Harley Davidson AMF racing shirt (assume it’s made by Brooks in cowhide)
View attachment 623954

So which three are your new top three now? It was the HD and the Brooks, has this changed?

 

[newtojackets]

I have to politely disagree. The Aero has the usual neck lines - I can’t imagine it sits comfortably on OP

View attachment 624576

Compare to the JL, which looks like a great fit

View attachment 624575

I think both of you are right. In my opinion the aero CR silhouette is more flattering on me (really hugs the waist, while building up the upper body). However, the Johnson is much much more comfortable (as the Aero does have the neck hand issue)

 

[newtojackets]

So which three are your new top three now? It was the HD and the Brooks, has this changed?

I initially said 1. HD 2. Schott D pocket 3. Golden Bear varsity. I think now I would say (not necessarily in order)

1. Burberry cross zip (bet nobody would have guessed that a fashion jacket could make my top 3)

2. The Flat Head Single Rider

3. RMC JH1

As a close fourt and fifth, I would keep the HD and the GB varsity

 

[newtojackets]

I initially said 1. HD 2. Schott D pocket 3. Golden Bear varsity. I think now I would say (not necessarily in order)

1. Burberry cross zip (bet nobody would have guessed that a fashion jacket could make my top 3)

2. The Flat Head Single Rider

3. RMC JH1

As a close fourt and fifth, I would keep the HD and the GB varsity

Also I do have a secret extra jacket coming, that I think may take the number 1 spot (if it fits), the measurements are on the small side...

 

[Canuck Panda]

I initially said 1. HD 2. Schott D pocket 3. Golden Bear varsity. I think now I would say (not necessarily in order)

1. Burberry cross zip (bet nobody would have guessed that a fashion jacket could make my top 3)

2. The Flat Head Single Rider

3. RMC JH1

As a close fourt and fifth, I would keep the HD and the GB varsity

Well, Burberry has been around since the late 1800s they just evolved into a mainstream fashion brand to survive. That grainy thick Burberry is a very nice jacket. Congrats.

 

[Observe]

I have to politely disagree. The Aero has the usual neck lines - I can’t imagine it sits comfortably on OP

View attachment 624576

Compare to the JL, which looks like a great fit

I don't understand why they won't fix this problem. I can only assume Aero designs their patterns for people with horrendous posture. Not to drag us down that road again.

And I don't want to hear it's for the posture of the motorcycle rider leaning over the bike either. You think the JL is any less for riding than the Aero? I'd argue the opposite to be true.

 

[AerGuitar]

While I can certainly see how it would be a problem for some folks, I don’t mind the aforementioned neck lines aesthetically. I almost find it endearing with other creases developing with break in. All of the J100/cafe style jackets I’ve owned have shared this trait to some degree. Several previous and currently owned Aero BRs, the original Buco J100 once owned, an old heavy Brimaco CR, as well as a Himel Kensington I had(To be fair, that one was probably a size too small). I’ve seen it on a couple RMC J100s in fit pics also. I have found that the Aero’s shoulders up to the collar do have a “less steep” angle, which happens to work out best for my build. At least in my experience, it’s been more of a J100 type trait than strictly Aero, as I haven’t noticed it as much in my collared Aeros. I do realize many find it an issue in other Aeros, and I’m not trying to argue that point at all, especially with the veterans here who have plenty more experience than myself. Just my 2 cents on the many stand collar jackets I’ve been through. It’s possible that I’m an Aero fanboy, but I’ve never had a comfort issue with an Aero that fit correctly. If it’s a half size too small though, all bets are off there.

 

[newtojackets]

While I can certainly see how it would be a problem for some folks, I don’t mind the aforementioned neck lines aesthetically. I almost find it endearing with other creases developing with break in. All of the J100/cafe style jackets I’ve owned have shared this trait to some degree. Several previous and currently owned Aero BRs, the original Buco J100 once owned, an old heavy Brimaco CR, as well as a Himel Kensington I had(To be fair, that one was probably a size too small). I’ve seen it on a couple RMC J100s in fit pics also. I have found that the Aero’s shoulders up to the collar do have a “less steep” angle, which happens to work out best for my build. At least in my experience, it’s been more of a J100 type trait than strictly Aero, as I haven’t noticed it as much in my collared Aeros. I do realize many find it an issue in other Aeros, and I’m not trying to argue that point at all, especially with the veterans here who have plenty more experience than myself. Just my 2 cents on the many stand collar jackets I’ve been through. It’s possible that I’m an Aero fanboy, but I’ve never had a comfort issue with an Aero that fit correctly. If it’s a half size too small though, all bets are off there.

Will quickly give my 2c on the issue, though don’t want to open a whole discussion as this has been done many times on the forum.

I do not really care about the visual lines (though unlike your experience, this has been an exclusive aero issues and not in other cafe racers).

However, all my Aero have hung on my neck more so than other jackets. Once again it’s not a dealbreaker for me, but it does detract from the comfort.

 

[red devil]

I don't understand why they won't fix this problem. I can only assume Aero designs their patterns for people with horrendous posture. Not to drag us down that road again.

And I don't want to hear it's for the posture of the motorcycle rider leaning over the bike either. You think the JL is any less for riding than the Aero? I'd argue the opposite to be true.

JL is great on or off the bike as you mentioned. They have an impressive pattern maker in house, and they have been supplying professionals for years. Same for Vanson and Langlitz.

I don’t think Aero has any of these credentials.

 

[newtojackets]

for people with larger collections, how do you store all your jackets? My wardrobe is already full

 

[torfjord]

https://rackbuddy.se/products/rackbuddy-capone-double-rack

I’ve got one of these in my bedroom

 

[newtojackets]

That Crowtree leathers is super cool!

Would I be stupid to get rid of it? I really like it and wouldn't get much if I sell it, but at the same time I don't really wear it much and it is just taking up a slot in my wardobe

 

[VansonRider]

I think that Crowtree is awesome, too but If you’re asking the question “should I keep this” then the answer is usually, no. Keep the jackets that speak to you.

 

[newtojackets]

Two years on and my collection has evolved quite a bit. With autumn finally arriving, I decided to post an update.

I didn’t think it would be possible, but I’m even happier with my collection than I was before. I’d love to hear people’s thoughts, and I’m happy to answer any questions and share value while I can.

Without further ado, welcome to Newtojackets 2026 collection:

 

[newtojackets]

Black:

Harley Davidson sportster


Toyo Indian Motorcycle:


Vintage D-pocket (looks like a brimaco, but don’t think it is):


Johnson Leathers Cafe Racer:


Golden Bear CHP

RMC J24 (new fit):


Schott x Rag n Bone D-pocket:


Schott Cafecto (the one that started it all)


AMF Harley Davidson Cafe Racer:


Vanson Cafe Racer:

 

[newtojackets]

Brown:

Brooks Cafe Racer:


RMC JH-1:


Golden bear varsity jacket:


Schott G-1:





AMF Harley Davidson cafe racer:



Field Leathers San Mateo:

 

[newtojackets]

And last but certainly not least,

Colours:

Lost Worlds Two-tone Trojan:





Crowtree-leathers:



Schott 618 white:



Vintage blue English leather jacket (my newest and current favourite):


Ortov Red Cross zip:




Four speed green leather jacket:



Unknown red cafe racer (similar to brooks):



Vintage interstate leather jacket:



Burberry shrunken sheep leather:



The Flat Head Two-Tone D-pocket:

 

[newtojackets]

Actually, let me toss in my shearlings while I’m here (these are only the short ones, I’ve left out my long shearling coats):

Morlands bomber:





English aviator:

 

[Edward]

Here in the UK, sheep is probably the most popular on vintage leather jackets

AFAIK, lamb was extremely common on pre-1950 British jackets (and a reason why so few survive). Sheepskin was indeed fairly standard post-1950 up to 1970ish, based on everything I've handled, for motorcycle jackets. A *lot* of Sixties Lewises were sheep. Best as I can make out, cow became gradually more dominant after 1970, likely heavier hides being preferred as bikes got bigger and faster over time. Perhaps also due to heavier leathers being perceived to offer enhanced safety. Helmets (still the only legally obligated PPE in the UK) were first mandated here by law on 1 June 1973, so motorcycle safety was a much-debated thing by that point. (When that law was passed, it was estimated 80% of motorcyclists already opted to wear a helmet; Parliamentary debate largely focussed on whether the remaining 20% should be at liberty to make their own choices, or protected by law from their own choices, as well as from unnecessarily draining particular NHS resources.)

I'm very fond of this petrol blue colour. I remember it being particularly popular (probably next only to black, though a long way behind black at that) for riders in the north of Ireland in the late 70s / early 80s. Most commonly by then on jackets with a lancer front and a mandarin collar, like the Super Monza, though you did still often see this sort of more classic collar. Schott style epaulettes were somewhat less common a sight in that time and place than plain shoulders like a Lightning, or quilted shoulders (a forerunner of foam jacket armour, of course).