If you could keep only 3 leather jackets...

[So33]

Tough question for me.
My choices today would be fitted Langlitz Timberline and Cascade.
Third is harder. Today I’d say my early edition Vanson Highwayman tomorrow maybe something different.
I pick these jackets from a Harley riders focus.

 

[Poltung]

Unfortunately I haven't found a civi-styled jacket to crack the top three, so all of mine would be reproduction military flight jackets. No reasons for selecting each jacket other than their fit/ esthetics, wearability/ comfort, and accuracy when compared to originals. Someday I'll order a Hercules repro from John Chapman that would take the place of the Rough Wear A-2 in my top 3.

#1. Good Wear Bronco Mfg Corp 1761 A-2 in Horween horsehide

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#2. Eastman Leather Clothing D-1 mechanics jacket

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#3. Good Wear Rough Wear 18091 A-2 in Pakistani goatskin

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Welp, gotta get my hands on some Eastman and Goodwear now.

 

[Poltung]

I have a one-off custom GoodWear Admiral Byrd and it's my #1.
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Man that's amazing, reminds me of Mushmans' "indiana jones" jacket in badalassi steerhide

 

[Zoro]

Curious how people here choose between a halfbelt and a cross-zip when only one can stay.

Not everybody does. It's all a preference. There's so many different styles some may never consider one of them to begin with. Several users already posted their top 3 without a halfbelt and/or crosszip.