Leather thickness and aging potential

[livioli]

Hey guys,

I'm planning on buying the Leon custom jacket from Fine Creek. They offer the 1.3mm, 1,5mm, and the classic 1.8mm (out of stock), but I'm not sure which one to take. I need a timeless jacket that I can wear as much as possible all year round so it mustn't be too thick. At the same time, I feel like thicker jackets age better/more beautifully. What's your stance on this?

In other words: If I could only buy one jacket, what do you think is the perfect thickness/weight?

Many thanks,
Livio

 

[Will Zach]

I like thicker leather. Thinner hides develop CREASES on sleeves, thick hides develop ROLLS. Like boots.... I love those.

 

[livioli]

N

I like thicker leather. Thinner hides develop CREASES on sleeves, thick hides develop ROLLS. Like boots.... I love those.

Amazing way to put it.

What would you consider thick? 1.5mm? Or above ~1.8?

 

[AeroFan_07]

1.8mm is just getting started.
Just dig around in these forums some.

I would give a nice, close look to Lost Worlds, Johnson Leathers, or Langlitz instead - and probably wind up with a higher quality piece for less investment, made to order.

 

[livioli]

1.8mm is just getting started.
Just dig around in these forums some.

I would give a nice, close look to Lost Worlds, Johnson Leathers, or Langlitz instead - and probably wind up with a higher quality piece for less investment, made to order.

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out.

Just to clarify, 1.8mm isn't too thick in your opinion? (This is my first proper leather jacket btw.)

 

[handymike]

Take a look at @Carlos840 ‘s Lost Worlds collection!
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/my-leather-jacket-database.93804/

 

[Canuck Panda]

For your everyday jacket I would strongly advise against a heavyweight one. I have them and I hardly wear them. They're comfortable when wearing but a pain to carry around. Start carrying a 10lb weight plate in your back pack for a few days and you will get the feeling.

Heavyweight jacket makes a fun second jacket, not the main one imo. There are lots of 2mm / 5oz heavy cowhide motorcycle jackets for not a lot of money.

 

[livioli]

For your everyday jacket I would strongly advise against a heavyweight one. I have them and I hardly wear them. They're comfortable when wearing but a pain to carry around. Start carrying a 10lb weight plate in your back pack for a few days and you will get the feeling.

Heavyweight jacket makes a fun second jacket, not the main one imo. There are lots of 2mm / 5oz heavy cowhide motorcycle jackets for not a lot of money.

Thanks for the advice! Would you say 1.5mm is okay for an everyday jacket?

 

[onstar]

Do thicker/heavyweight jackets take longer to break in?

 

[Aloysius]

Thanks for the advice! Would you say 1.5mm is okay for an everyday jacket?

Tbh even 1.5mm is pretty hefty.

I would strongly recommend that you consider the Schott 613SH. I find it nicer than the Leon Custom in every respect (leather, pattern, etc) and as a bonus it's ½ the price.

 

[Aloysius]

Do thicker/heavyweight jackets take longer to break in?

Depends on the leather. The 613SH I mentioned is super stiff the first couple of weeks then breaks in blanket soft.

 

[livioli]

Tbh even 1.5mm is pretty hefty.

I would strongly recommend that you consider the Schott 613SH. I find it nicer than the Leon Custom in every respect (leather, pattern, etc) and as a bonus it's ½ the price.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[Aloysius]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Here's the shop page. A bunch of us here have it. Myself, Tom, dannyk, and TooManyHats (who loved it but needed a different size so he sold it), possibly others.

 

[livioli]

Here's the shop page. A bunch of us here have it. Myself, Tom, dannyk, and TooManyHats (who loved it but needed a different size so he sold it), possibly others.

Thank you!

 

[TartuWolf]

I'll just add that leather thickness is not the only variable that determines everyday "wearability". In terms of leather alone a veg tan 1.2mm hh might be less comfortable than a chrome tan 1.4mm or maybe even 1.6mm chrome goatskin.

 

[navetsea]

1.4mm - 1.6mm is good thickness

 

[TartuWolf]

Personally I'd aim for 1.1-1.3mm for stiff leather and 1.3-1.6mm for supple leather. But I have very little experience and this is a very subjective matter.

 

[Monitor]

Hey guys,

I'm planning on buying the Leon custom jacket from Fine Creek. They offer the 1.3mm, 1,5mm, and the classic 1.8mm (out of stock), but I'm not sure which one to take. I need a timeless jacket that I can wear as much as possible all year round so it mustn't be too thick. At the same time, I feel like thicker jackets age better/more beautifully. What's your stance on this?

In other words: If I could only buy one jacket, what do you think is the perfect thickness/weight?

Many thanks,
Livio

Fine Creek makes fashion clothes & all of their jackets are extremely easy to wear. "Heavy" Leon is super spongy and soft.

Leather jackets that are actually made from 1.8 mm thick hide can feel very taxing to wear but that kind of leather weight only makes sense on a motorcycle, protective clothes.

Cow/Horse in 1 to 1.4 mm is a perfect leather weight IMO. Chrome or veg or whatever, that's all up to tannery and you shouldn't ever expect one to be better or even different than the other.

 

[livioli]

Fine Creek makes fashion clothes & all of their jackets are extremely easy to wear. "Heavy" Leon is super spongy and soft.

Leather jackets that are actually made from 1.8 mm thick hide can feel very taxing to wear but that kind of leather weight only makes sense on a motorcycle, protective clothes.

Cow/Horse in 1 to 1.4 mm is a perfect leather weight IMO. Chrome or veg or whatever, that's all up to tannery and you shouldn't ever expect one to be better or even different than the other.

This is crucial information. Thanks a lot.

At this point, the 1.3mm seems reasonable. But of course, I'll still need to try it on in person

 

[mvilla]

I like thicker leather. Thinner hides develop CREASES on sleeves, thick hides develop ROLLS. Like boots.... I love those.

Hmm don't know if I agree with that... My ELMC is pretty thin and has nice rolls

Roughly 0.9-1mm thick

Honestly, I'm quite enjoying this weight of leather, especially for this time of the year. There is no way I'd be able to wear my LL or Aero in Badalassi, but this one's perfect