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Chinese leather jackets

Zoro

Practically Family
Messages
698
Location
Europe
I can certainly relate to that. Do you live near somewhere where you could try on one of their jackets? I think that’s probably the best way.
My best choice would be Hamburg or Dusseldorf, which is where the store that I linked has locations. Stock in Dusseldorf, though. Could be a choice, if I look for any holiday I might see if I can slide Dusseldorf!
 

JonS1967

Practically Family
Messages
720
Location
San Diego
My best choice would be Hamburg or Dusseldorf, which is where the store that I linked has locations. Stock in Dusseldorf, though. Could be a choice, if I look for any holiday I might see if I can slide Dusseldorf!
I was in the planning stages with JL for a D pocket when I stopped into a shop in Los Angeles who carried DH and I tried in their cross zip (without D pocket) and realized the fit was so good I didn’t need a custom. So I ordered the D pocket version directly from DH. Perhaps you’ll have the same experience.
 

MrProper

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,140
Location
Europe
A little over 20 years ago I bought a comp weight Comet for myself and for my girlfriend (now wife). I loved the jacket but the fit was never quite right so I sold it to a buddy, who looked amazing in it. I’ve always wanted another jacket in that style but somehow never got around to buying one, until now. After well over a year of perusing Crush on Retro’s site, I finally decided to order a J100 made by Veluokldly.

It took about 12 days for me to receive the jacket from China to San Diego. I dealt with Jimmy and he was responsive and very helpful. I usually wear a 42, 44, or 46 (depending on the brand). I wanted to be able to layer so Jimmy recommended a size 4XL. I’m very happy with the fit.

The 1.3 mm Italian tea core horsehide is stiff, but comfortable, and it has nice character and a wonderful sheen. I’m sure the character and fit will continue to improve as it breaks in. The Talon zippers are sturdy and the main zip is left handed, like my Lewis Leathers jackets. I paid $289 USD and I’m thrilled with the jacket at this price. I’m sure someone with more experience than me will be able to point out flaws, but I’m very satisfied.

Cheers,
Jon

View attachment 775355 View attachment 775356 View attachment 775357 View attachment 775358 View attachment 775359 View attachment 775360 View attachment 775361
At first glance, I thought to myself, ‘Hey, that looks just like mine…’ – which easily cost four times as much.
On closer inspection, though, the fit isn’t quite what I’d have in mind for myself. Luckily, hardly any off-the-peg leather jackets fit me, so despite the low price, I’m not even tempted to try one on.
Otherwise, I’d definitely have snapped it up.
I definitely like your jacket a hundred times better than a typical Pakistani jacket at the same price. At least judging by the photos.
Enjoy wearing this jacket. It looks nice.
 

JonS1967

Practically Family
Messages
720
Location
San Diego
At first glance, I thought to myself, ‘Hey, that looks just like mine…’ – which easily cost four times as much.
On closer inspection, though, the fit isn’t quite what I’d have in mind for myself. Luckily, hardly any off-the-peg leather jackets fit me, so despite the low price, I’m not even tempted to try one on.
Otherwise, I’d definitely have snapped it up.
I definitely like your jacket a hundred times better than a typical Pakistani jacket at the same price. At least judging by the photos.
Enjoy wearing this jacket. It looks nice.
Thank you. The fit isn’t perfect but I think it will continue to look better as it breaks in more. It’s just a tad big through the body for my taste but I think it will drape better once it’s worn in.

It’s lighter in weight than my other jackets, which is also ok with me given the mild climate in SoCal. Plus, it’s easier to carry around with me.

I really couldn’t be happier for the money I paid.
 
Last edited:

JonS1967

Practically Family
Messages
720
Location
San Diego
I forgot to mention, regarding the fit, that sizing down for me would likely have resulted in in a trimmer fit in the body, but would likely have been too tight in the shoulders. Since my intent was a slightly looser fit for layering, I’m ok with my choice.

The only real flaw I’ve seen is the stitching inside at the base of the zipper. One side looks good, the other is sloppy.
IMG_0871.jpeg
IMG_0876.jpeg


It’s starting to show some nice grain on the arms. And I’m very happy with the leather overall.

IMG_0875.jpeg
IMG_0874.jpeg
 

MrProper

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,140
Location
Europe
I forgot to mention, regarding the fit, that sizing down for me would likely have resulted in in a trimmer fit in the body, but would likely have been too tight in the shoulders. Since my intent was a slightly looser fit for layering, I’m ok with my choice.

The only real flaw I’ve seen is the stitching inside at the base of the zipper. One side looks good, the other is sloppy.
View attachment 775689 View attachment 775690

It’s starting to show some nice grain on the arms. And I’m very happy with the leather overall.

View attachment 775695 View attachment 775696
No one will notice this seam. And I read somewhere—I don't remember exactly where ;)—that this can happen to you with, say, a jacket from Himel (and in fact with any other manufacturer too).
 

JonS1967

Practically Family
Messages
720
Location
San Diego
No one will notice this seam. And I read somewhere—I don't remember exactly where ;)—that this can happen to you with, say, a jacket from Himel (and in fact with any other manufacturer too).
Agreed. This sort of miscue doesn’t bother me.
 

minimalist

New in Town
Messages
5
Location
Europe
A little over 20 years ago I bought a comp weight Comet for myself and for my girlfriend (now wife). I loved the jacket but the fit was never quite right so I sold it to a buddy, who looked amazing in it. I’ve always wanted another jacket in that style but somehow never got around to buying one, until now. After well over a year of perusing Crush on Retro’s site, I finally decided to order a J100 made by Veluokldly.

It took about 12 days for me to receive the jacket from China to San Diego. I dealt with Jimmy and he was responsive and very helpful. I usually wear a 42, 44, or 46 (depending on the brand). I wanted to be able to layer so Jimmy recommended a size 4XL. I’m very happy with the fit.

The 1.3 mm Italian tea core horsehide is stiff, but comfortable, and it has nice character and a wonderful sheen. I’m sure the character and fit will continue to improve as it breaks in. The Talon zippers are sturdy and the main zip is left handed, like my Lewis Leathers jackets. I paid $289 USD and I’m thrilled with the jacket at this price. I’m sure someone with more experience than me will be able to point out flaws, but I’m very satisfied.

Cheers,
Jon

View attachment 775355 View attachment 775356
Great look! What size did you get and what's your build?
 

JonS1967

Practically Family
Messages
720
Location
San Diego
Great look! What size did you get and what's your build?
Thank you. I normally wear a size 44, with Jimmy’s assistance, I ordered a 4XL. He asked me for some measurements on current jackets I own that fit me as desired and he made a recommendation based upon that. I would suggest getting a size assessment from him before ordering anything.

I’m 5’11” and 190 pounds. I have relatively broad shoulders that taper to a 34-inch waist. I would say the hem at the waist on my jacket has a bit more room, then would be ideal, but it seems to work OK and it makes it easy to layer.

I hope this helps. Cheers, Jon
 

minimalist

New in Town
Messages
5
Location
Europe
Thank you. I normally wear a size 44, with Jimmy’s assistance, I ordered a 4XL. He asked me for some measurements on current jackets I own that fit me as desired and he made a recommendation based upon that. I would suggest getting a size assessment from him before ordering anything.

I’m 5’11” and 190 pounds. I have relatively broad shoulders that taper to a 34-inch waist. I would say the hem at the waist on my jacket has a bit more room, then would be ideal, but it seems to work OK and it makes it easy to layer.

I hope this helps. Cheers, Jon
Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure about correct sizing before so this makes it clear.

This is the model I am interested in which appears to be somewhat different than yours:

1773822008796.png
 

Johnthefrench

New in Town
Messages
28
Location
France
CrushOnRetro J-24 Shearling Collar Honest Review

https://crushonretro.com/products/m...2&_sid=454a88213&_ss=r?variant=43111378485302

I recently picked up the J-24 shearling collar model from CrushOnRetro and wanted to share a proper review after handling and wearing it a bit.

First Impression Out of the box, the jacket feels serious and substantial. Definitely not a lightweight fashion piece. The leather is stiff, dense, and clearly meant to break in over time rather than feel comfortable immediately.

HERE ARE ALL PICTURES https://postimg.cc/gallery/MK1GPKQ


1.5mm steerhide Vegetable tanned Teacore (black over brown base) The leather is very stiff at first, and will require time (or wear) to soften. It looks and feels like a solid full grain or close to it.

Smell is good : natural leather scent, not overly chemical. The teacore is already visible in stress areas and edges, and I expect this jacket to develop a strong, high-contrast patina over time rather than something subtle.

Stitching is correct, nothing exceptional, but no obvious flaws. I’ve worn and handled it fairly roughly to test durability and so far: No loose threads No structural issues Feels reliable overall

Talon-style zippers (repro) Very smooth and solid in use

They don’t look as refined as vintage Talon, but functionally they’re good. No complaints there.

Shearling Collar Honestly a pleasant surprise. Good density Doesn’t feel cheap Not top-tier luxury shearling, but definitely above what you’d expect at this price


Fit (Main Issue) This is where the jacket falls short compared to original Buco patterns.

Slightly too long Too wide in the waist Lacks that aggressive cropped “hero fit” typical of vintage J-24s For reference: 175cm / 65kg (5’9 / 143 lbs) I usually go for a cropped, structured fit with strong shoulders The jacket fits okay, but: it feels more “safe modern fit” than true vintage silhouette

I’ll be taking it to a tailor to: Bring in the waist Slightly sharpen the overall silhouette I think with proper adjustments, it can get much closer to the original Buco look


Patina: This is where the jacket really shines.

From early wear: Teacore is already showing nicely Creases develop strong contrast Leather reacts well to stress and movement This is not a subtle aging piece — it’s going to develop a bold vintage look



Overall Thoughts This is not a perfect reproduction of a Buco J-24. not a mccoy one but it’s also far from a cheap imitation. You get thick veg-tan leather, good aging potential, solid construction


Main drawback is clearly the pattern.

A solid jacket with real materials and strong potential — but not a true Buco-level reproduction or mccoy out of the box. With some tailoring and wear, it can become a very convincing vintage-style piece.

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Screenshot 2026-04-13 at 1.57.32 PM.png
 

Bluechel

One Too Many
Messages
1,260
As other have echoed.

Everybody knows China is synonymous with cheap labor, cheap and poorly made products. Not to mention aiding to the disposable lifestyle or out of the box faulty products as well.

But not all these Chinese Leather Jackets are poorly made or trying to fool you by piggy backing on known brands. However, in any naysayers defense I have seen some red tag Truckers that obviously want to be portrayed Aero Truckers without actually saying it's Aero. (But isn't the red tab Aero a rip off of Levi's?) I don't think it makes it a replica but there is a partial vibe of "fake" as China is the Counterfeit King of all things and brands. But in the big picture how many people actually know Aero outside the community. And the Jacket doesn't actually say Aero on it. And to compare a Chinese Leather jacket to a fake selvedge strip sew on cheaper jeans holds little water. This whole paragraph "In Defense of" is pretty stupid and none of this should stop anybody from buying a Chinese made jacket or feel bad about about it.

I'm also certain there's a large spectrum from materials, stitching and and QC from a $50 to a $600 Chinese Leather. It does seem that many of the jackets purchased are in the $200 to $300 range and are either Jiashi or Veluokldly. Which in most cases seem to be the sweet spot in terms of quality and value for even some of the more discerning collectors or buyers. These prices seem to be going up as well.

When people say: "It's amazing" or "Wow" or even "Great quality and value" they're not lying. I'm sure some or even many may not know the the ins and outs of leather making and are over looking things. But that doesn't mean that they don't own more expensive counterparts and are stupid and naive either. Especially with the leather in hand comparing it to them.
Does “everybody” also know that the Chinese can make luxury goods so beautiful and so well crafted that they exceed items made anywhere else in the world? This has to be acknowledged within this thread.
 

Cryptkeeper

New in Town
Messages
8
Does “everybody” also know that the Chinese can make luxury goods so beautiful and so well crafted that they exceed items made anywhere else in the world? This has to be acknowledged within this thread.
I totally agree. I think most people on this thread are unaware of some other makers on Taobao who produces much higher quality repros using top tier leathers like Shinki, Horween, Maryam, etc...

Veloudky, Simmons, etc... looks nice, but nowhere close to some others makers.
Also, I think their jackets are worth it if you buy them via agent using Taobao, not from the usual resellers recommended here.

Unfortunately I don't have any experiences with them, but they seem pretty reputable if you take a look to their Taobao rating.

Some samples tb_image_share_1777060312459.png tb_image_share_1777060320441.png Screenshot_2026-04-24-21-55-48-834_com.taobao.taobao.jpg Screenshot_2026-04-24-21-55-39-088_com.taobao.taobao.jpg tb_image_share_1777060503907.png Screenshot_2026-04-24-21-56-48-155_com.taobao.taobao.jpg Screenshot_2026-04-24-22-07-50-463_com.taobao.taobao.jpg
 

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