Jacket Question

[Blitz190]

Hello all, I'm quite new to the whole nice leather jacket thing. Wanting to get myself one (a college graduation gift to myself), but want to make sure its actually nice. Looking for a button up style (think Dr.Who or Das Boot, either style). Was looking at Magnoli but it'd have to be customized which I'm not too sure I want to bite the bullet on that. History Bunker has both styles available but there doesn't seem to be much in the way of info regarding the quality. Have seen other sellers but the quality even from their own photos ranges from "not great" to downright bad looking.

So all in all, am looking for advice, potential suggestions or experiences with sellers.

 

[MrProper]

Have a look through this thread and you're sure to find plenty of jackets you like.
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/what-jacket-are-you-wearing-today.82949/

As the manufacturer of most of them is also listed, you will already have the answer to where you can buy them.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Some of us have had very good experiences with Wested:

CUSTOM MADE - German U Boat Jacket as used in Dr Who – Wested Leather Co

Wested were contracted to make this ¾ U Boat Jacket in Mid Grey Leather for the Film Das Boot. But the coat is so good we were asked to remake the jacket in Black worn by Christopher Eccleston in the TV series Dr Who. The style known as a reefer jacket its the perfect leather 3/4 coat coming in...

wested.com

 

[Canuck Panda]

If it's military styles you're after go check out vintageleatherjacket forum, they post a lot of military styles there.

 

[Aloysius]

There's a company called Five Star Leather in Pakistan. They're quite a good leather factory, but quite bad at patterning/design, so most orders through them are a big bet.

However @abbaralph here just sent them a real U-Boat jacket to reproduce exactly. I don't know if he's received it yet, but if he has perhaps he can share thoughts on how it turned out. The usual go-tos for repro military jackets like Aero and Eastman don't do a U-Boat jacket, so your choices are usually between various costume makers like Wested (I don't say that pejoratively; I own and like Wested).

If the Five Star option is solid, that might be your best option.

 

[Peacoat]

While expensive, Lost Worlds makes a very nice leather peacoat, similar to the U-Boat coat.

Member @SpeedRcrX has one, and it is a beauty.

 

[zebedee]

An Aero Mariner is a good option. I have one that gets regular wear.

 

[El Marro]

While expensive, Lost Worlds makes a very nice leather peacoat, similar to the U-Boat coat.

Member @SpeedRcrX has one, and it is a beauty.

Man I haven’t thought about her in years. She posted all the time when I first started hanging out here. She has a very cool collection.

 

[morrison2951]

Welcome to the madness!

Aero Maxwell.

Game. Set. Match.

 

[Peacoat]

Man I haven’t thought about her in years. She posted all the time when I first started hanging out here. She has a very cool collection.

She is still around and checks in occasionally. I heard from her a few hours ago.

 

[Blitz190]

For some clarification, one of the styles I'm looking at specifically is the stand collar variation (single breasted, three pockets). History bunker's take on it in brown leather is catching my eye. But I haven't really seen much in the way of info about them, aside from an old post regarding a WWI style jacket which didn't look bad. Though that style is a lot less common from what I've seen. Really only saw one seller that does that style and I just don't like their take on it.

 

[abbaralph]

For some clarification, one of the styles I'm looking at specifically is the stand collar variation (single breasted, three pockets). History bunker's take on it in brown leather is catching my eye. But I haven't really seen much in the way of info about them, aside from an old post regarding a WWI style jacket which didn't look bad. Though that style is a lot less common from what I've seen. Really only saw one seller that does that style and I just don't like their take on it.

For some clarification, one of the styles I'm looking at specifically is the stand collar variation (single breasted, three pockets). History bunker's take on it in brown leather is catching my eye. But I haven't really seen much in the way of info about them, aside from an old post regarding a WWI style jacket which didn't look bad. Though that style is a lot less common from what I've seen. Really only saw one seller that does that style and I just don't like their take on it.

For the engineer style jacket you are mentioning the only one I have seen that does a good version in my opinion is sm wholesale because they all seem to get the cuff flaps placed way too high. That being said if I was going to get one of those jackets I would have five star make one for me, and they could do it in any leather.

 

[abbaralph]

There's a company called Five Star Leather in Pakistan. They're quite a good leather factory, but quite bad at patterning/design, so most orders through them are a big bet.

However @abbaralph here just sent them a real U-Boat jacket to reproduce exactly. I don't know if he's received it yet, but if he has perhaps he can share thoughts on how it turned out. The usual go-tos for repro military jackets like Aero and Eastman don't do a U-Boat jacket, so your choices are usually between various costume makers like Wested (I don't say that pejoratively; I own and like Wested).

If the Five Star option is solid, that might be your best option.

Both jackets are on their way back to me now. Will give an update when they arrive!

 

[Aloysius]

SM Wholesale’s leather goods are great by all accounts. If they make it, I’d go for theirs.

 

[Blitz190]

For the engineer style jacket you are mentioning the only one I have seen that does a good version in my opinion is sm wholesale because they all seem to get the cuff flaps placed way too high. That being said if I was going to get one of those jackets I would have five star make one for me, and they could do it in any leather.

While SM's does look nice, I'm not really a fan of the grey leather.

 

[abbaralph]

While SM's does look nice, I'm not really a fan of the grey leather.

That’s why I would suggest going through five star leather. They will build a pattern and produce the jacket in whatever leather you desire, probably for around 300 if goat or steerhide, maybe a 100 more for horsehide. The design is simple enough I don’t think they will get it wrong but either way the send you patter. Pictures for approval before they make the jacket.

One other option is noble house in Germany, they make a credible version of that jacket in black leather

 

[Blitz190]

That’s why I would suggest going through five star leather. They will build a pattern and produce the jacket in whatever leather you desire, probably for around 300 if goat or steerhide, maybe a 100 more for horsehide. The design is simple enough I don’t think they will get it wrong but either way the send you patter. Pictures for approval before they make the jacket.

One other option is noble house in Germany, they make a credible version of that jacket in black leather

I've seen noble house's, not really a fan of how it looks. Was considering Magnoli or History Bunker. Magnoli seems hit or miss, some posts were very positive while others were negative. And it would be a bit pricy. While with History Bunker I haven't found very many posts. Of the few I've seen they don't necessarily look bad and the only custom thing would be the size, which they offer.

 

[abbaralph]

I've seen noble house's, not really a fan of how it looks. Was considering Magnoli or History Bunker. Magnoli seems hit or miss, some posts were very positive while others were negative. And it would be a bit pricy. While with History Bunker I haven't found very many posts. Of the few I've seen they don't necessarily look bad and the only custom thing would be the size, which they offer.

Would love to see the finished jacket if you get one


My concerns about history bunker are circled in this picture. I think it is too long past the bottom pockets too, but if you like it go for it!

 

[Blitz190]

Would love to see the finished jacket if you get one


My concerns about history bunker are circled in this picture. I think it is too long past the bottom pockets too, but if you like it go for it!

The inaccuracies don't really bother me, since I'm looking for a casual wear jacket rather than a full on reenactment uniform. So currently I'm still between History Bunker or Magnoli. While Aero's does look very nice, I do want the additional pockets the other options have.

Did see another seller with an interesting looking double breasted jacket. Looked more or less like the U-boat style but with a belt. Though the seller does seem to be cheap so I'm far more wary than with any of these others.

 

[abbaralph]

The inaccuracies don't really bother me, since I'm looking for a casual wear jacket rather than a full on reenactment uniform. So currently I'm still between History Bunker or Magnoli. While Aero's does look very nice, I do want the additional pockets the other options have.

Did see another seller with an interesting looking double breasted jacket. Looked more or less like the U-boat style but with a belt. Though the seller does seem to be cheap so I'm far more wary than with any of these others.

I can understand that. For me it isn’t really about inaccuracies on the history bunker it’s more I don’t like the way it looks, and if was casually wearing that it would bother me. When they were making them during the war they got a lot of the details just perfect for whatever reason and that makes the jackets look really good in my opinion