What's The Story on Wilsons Leather?

[OldStrummer]

The general opinion here seems to be rather dismissive of Wilsons Leather. Why? I own three and they've all been terrific. Removable Thinsulate® linings, supple, and they fit me well.

I recently purchased an Aero A-2 for the cost of three Wilsons jackets, and it has no removable lining, no interior pockets, and needs a lot of wearing to break it in. I'm not knocking the Aero, it's made to order (mine!) and it's terrific, too.

So why are people down on Wilsons Leathers?

 

[Hh121]

I like your post.

 

[TREEMAN]

I got a really nice vest from Wilson's years ago....still wear it. Think they just became to synonymous with malls........and leather was on the thin side.

 

[Skyhawk]

It's all about the details with the high end jackets. The reproduction zippers, replica labels, exact fit, and leather that looks authentically antique. Wilson's is in a different category of jackets. They make a wide range of modern styles, but don't really spend the expense on reproduction parts or research to make reproduction jackets. It's not their market. Also generally the fit is much more modern and baggy, rather than the trim vintage style patterns of the higher end jackets.

Nothing wrong with making those types of jackets, and many people like them. But in a forum such as this, it's just not the style of jacket that most people like.

 

[ton312]

Yeah I think if you hold your wilsons in one hand, and the Aero in the other...you've answered your own question. Then look at them closely and well, that's that.
They are they epitome of mall leather, trendy patterns and colors etc, questionable hide quality at best. For some folks that's fine and there's nothing wrong with that.
Around here though... you're in fetish country. Where the scrutiny is microscopic and the quality level of Wilsons/Bermans just isn't there and simply can't compete.

 

[OldStrummer]

Yeah I think if you hold your wilsons in one hand, and the Aero in the other...you've answered your own question. Then look at them closely and well, that's that.
They are they epitome of mall leather, trendy patterns and colors etc, questionable hide quality at best. For some folks that's fine and there's nothing wrong with that.
Around here though... you're in fetish country. Where the scrutiny is microscopic and the quality level of Wilsons/Bermans just isn't there and simply can't compete.

I get the "fetish country" remark. On the other hand, I wore one of my Wilsons Leather on a trip to St. Paul, MN a couple of years ago, when the low temperature one day was a -33°F wind chill. A beanie hat, gloves and wool scarf made going outside (admittedly for a short one block walk) bearable.

My oldest Wilsons, which is about twenty years old, has begun to fade in some areas. I've applied leather treatment to it, but that hasn't helped. Other than that, I'm happy with all my jackets!

 

[Kuro]

The story is that I have owned many. And I would in the future too if it strikes my fancy. I would not purchase for motorcycle use. Well, except that really nice vest I have from them. Heavy like a jacket, without sleeves...

 

[Seb Lucas]

I wasn't sure if this post was for real.

Wilsons were ok for mall or mass produced jackets 20 years ago. Not so great today.

For jacket aficionados Wilsons often appear poorly patterned and shapeless. The leather is lacking character and the linings are synthetic and prone to wear.

While they often lack style and robustness some of them are nice as beaters.

I say this as someone who doesn't own an Aero or a Wilsons but I have owned both.

If you are after a warm jacket - a $20 used M65 from a thrift shop can't be beaten. But that's not what this site (or jacket fandom) is all about, is it?

What you lack in a Wilson's jacket is quality of detail, of pattern making, of materials used and overall design. That doesn't mean that Wilson's is bad, it just isn't amongst the high end stuff. Just as a Toyota Camry isn't a Mercedes. Plenty of people are happy enough with a Camry. Actually Wilsons may not get the job done as well as a Camry, but perhaps you get the basic point.

It's largely personal taste and what turns you on. My friend who wears a nylon coach style jacket says the nylon is way better than any leather because it can be folded up and stuffed in car glove box. So there you go.

 

[ton312]

I am shocked to see that some of their jackets are priced at $500!! Man that's $$ that can be infinitely better spent in the pre-owned market.

 

[Atticus Finch]

I totally agree with Seb Lucas.

I bought a used Wilson’s Open Road to see if I looked OK in a Buco style moto jacket. I really wanted a Schott Perfecto or an Aero Windward, but I bought the Wilson’s instead. It was a good choice. Turns out, I look like a dork in a Buco style moto jacket, no matter what the brand. The Wilson’s saved me from an expensive mistake. But I still sneak out in it when nobody’s looking.

AF

 

[Cyber Lip]

I've owned two Wilsons. One in the early 80's when I was in high school, and another in the mid 90's LOL. Wore them both for several years each. The 90's one actually wasn't that bad

Speaking of Wilsons, I was thinking while watching the Walking Dead last night that Negan's jacket looked like one of their faux biker styles

 

[Harris HTM]

I recently purchased an Aero A-2 for the cost of three Wilsons jackets, and it has no removable lining, no interior pockets

Ofcourse it does not. An Aero A2 (or a GW, BK, Eastman, etc) is supposed to be, advertised as and sold as an exact, or very close, replication of a jacket worn 75 years ago by fighter pilots.

 

[Powerband]

If I were cold and cashless, I’d be happy and warm with a Wilson. If I were cold and cashless but had an Aero, I’d feel happy, lucky and motivated to make tons of cash. [emoji12]

Here’s a Wilson:

Here’s an Aero belonging to one of own esteemed members:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Fanch]

^^^^ Like night and day. Also the one modeling such jacket(s) must look bada** like the one modeling the Aero below.

 

[JMax]

The Wilson looks better all-around

 

[tropicalbob]

I've always wondered if it's the same Wilson's that made sporting equipment (particularly baseball gloves) when I was a kid. Does anybody know? They were top-of-the-line gloves.

 

[ton312]

I've always wondered if it's the same Wilson's that made sporting equipment (particularly baseball gloves) when I was a kid. Does anybody know? They were top-of-the-line gloves.

Good question...I don't think so but I'm not sure. Wilsons was Berman's in it's previous life, that I do know. Either way...

I'll be honest I just needed to put this gif somewhere and this seemed a good enough spot.

 

[Seb Lucas]

One company is called Wilsons Leather the other Wilson Sporting Goods. Different name, different company.

Point of trivia - according to the IndyGear site it was Wilsons in LA who supplied the fist Indiana Jones jackets, not Peter Botwright (later to form the company Wested). The jackets (an A2 style) were so cheaply made, the surface tore to bits in the process of distressing the jacket to make them look worn. The result: Peter, who had a little company called Leather Consessionaires, was contacted to supply the jackets we now know.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

No it was not the same Wilsons as the Baseball glove maker. No way no how..
Wilson was a premier baseball glove brand.

 

[JMax]

No it was not the same Wilsons as the Baseball glove maker. No way no how..
Wilson was a premier baseball glove brand.

As well as Tom Hanks’ only friend on the island...may he RIP.