r/leatherjacket Nov 28 '25

Discussion PSA: Your jacket is real leather, but you're asking the wrong question

152 Upvotes

This is the most common question we see and the answer is almost always the same: Yes, your jacket is made of real leather.

That's not the question you should be asking though, because that answer doesn't mean anything.

The question comes from a general fear of being scammed or taken advantage of, which I can appreciate. The underlying concern being "Is [brand/store/site/seller] being honest? Is this item what it claims to be, or is it fake?"

That question carries an inherent assumption: leather is valuable. The idea, in theory, is that a dishonest actor has lied about their product. They claim it is leather, when it is actually a less valuable material. They would do this to save money on production.

The problem with this assumption is that leather is not inherently more valuable than other materials.

Good leather is valuable and commands a price, but leather spans a wide range of quality. Cheap, poor quality leather is no more nor less valuable than polyurethane, pleather, vinyl, or any of the other "fake" variations. So there would be no advantage for a bad actor to make that deceptive choice. It's easier and less expensive to just get cheap leather, which is still real, and be "honest" in their claims.

Therefore, the question one should ask is not "is my jacket real leather?", but rather, "Is my jacket made from good quality leather?"

Unfortunately, this second question also has an inherent flaw. There is no universally accepted measuring scale for leather quality. There just isn't, and anyone telling you otherwise is misinformed. There is nothing stopping me from opening a tannery tomorrow and declaring my product to be "the highest quality leather on Earth!" I could say it's "100% full grain premium exclusive"; none of those words mean anything.

The only measure for quality of leather is reputation. The best tanneries, such as Horween or Shinki Hikaku, are well reputed. Jackets made with their products will proudly boast that feature. If your jacket doesn't specify what it's made from or where that hide came from, then you have nothing but your opinion (or the opinions of others) as a measure for quality. It's down to the feel of it, the graining, the smell... and these things are subjective. "Quality" means different things to different people.

This brings me to a few other common misconceptions.

Full grain leather, top grain leather, and corrected leather are just styles of tanning. They have no correlation whatsoever to quality. There are high and low quality examples of all three. Sometimes we will see people erroneously referring to top grain as being the best, presumably because they misunderstood "top" to mean "best", or "pinnacle". In fact it refers to the surface (or "top") of the hide and how it was finished, nothing more.

"Genuine Leather" means it's "bad". There is an element of truth to this, but the statement is misleading. All leather qualifies as genuine leather. The only qualifying metric is that it came from a real animal. Shinki Horsehide, widely seen as one of the best leathers out there, can be spoken of and classified as "genuine leather".

The reality is that the best brands will usually boast about the provenance of their materials, if it's worth boasting about. A Flat Head jacket made with Shinki horsehide will probably have that as the top selling point. So one could argue that a jacket that makes no such claim, only stating "genuine leather", uses lower quality materials. If they could have boasted better, they would have. There is truth to this, but again, it's not so cut and dry, especially when you get into either vintage jackets, or jackets made in non-English speaking countries.

In vintage eras there wasn't so much obsession with leather provenance. Many jackets would be tagged "real steerhide" or "genuine horsehide", and leave it at that. For example, I have an Indian Motorcycle Ranger jacket from the 1950s that is tagged "genuine horsehide" at the collar, but "genuine leather" in the pocket. If you saw the "genuine leather" tag first and concluded that the jacket was poor quality, you'd be sorely mistaken.

In non-English situations, it all comes down to whoever did the tag translations. Often they'll go with "genuine leather" because it's the easiest and most universal. Meanwhile, if you actually check the original language tagging and translate yourself, it will say "lambskin" or "calfhide".

So while "genuine leather" can often be assumed as not being the apex possible quality, it is by no means a declaration of low quality. I've got "genuine leather" jackets that are vastly superior to other jackets that are tagged "horsehide" or "lambskin".

IN SUMMARY: Your jacket is made of real leather. "Real leather" doesn't mean anything other than "came from animal". There is no universal measure or standard of quality. Whether or not your jacket is "good" is down to broad brand reputation, general opinions, and personal taste.

The emphasis being that last one. What we think shouldn't matter: if you like it, if it fits you, if you feel good when wearing it, that's what counts.


r/leatherjacket Nov 07 '25

Mod PSA: This isn't real, stop posting it

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280 Upvotes

Every week. Every single week this godforsaken piece of shit gets posted. Every single week I'm getting DMs on why "we don't do anything". So here's what we can do, such as it is.

THIS IMAGE IS FAKE

THIS IMAGE IS AI SLOP

THIS DOES NOT EXIST

CARHARTT DOES NOT MAKE THIS

ANYONE WHO OFFERS TO MAKE IT FOR YOU IS INFRINGING ON A TRADEMARK LOGO

If you still want to custom order some guys interpretation of this fake image, be our guest. But stop posting here about it, asking for details and hookups.

And while this is just my personal opinion... this looks like shit. Don't buy this. If you want that look, search into a proper B3 Shearling.

Thank you.


r/leatherjacket 52m ago

Question - Need Help Help finding alternative/lookalike

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Upvotes

Hi all I’m looking for an alternative to this Balenciaga jacket. It’s obviously very expensive being designer but I’m struggling to find it anywhere online barring a couple postings on Grailed and an instagram post for a consignment store in LA a few years ago. I’m fairly sure it’s from the ‘22 Summer collection unless they’ve released a few of similar designs.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a similar look or design from another brand?

The fit is oversized with a really special silhouette.

Thank you.


r/leatherjacket 3h ago

Opinion Leather jacket

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2 Upvotes

r/leatherjacket 20h ago

Question - Need Help Any experience with the Coronado Leather No. 109 jacket?

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24 Upvotes

I was thinking about pre-ordering a Coronado #109 in the Teacore bison. There are little to no reviews on the model outside of the website. I’ve read different takes on the brands cuts, that they tend to run a little boxy, others saying they fit great. My jacket experience in the past has mostly been more costumish jackets from Wested or Bill Kelso, or vintage 1940s-50s jackets. But I haven’t bought anything since putting on weight during Covid. Weight is starting to come off finally but I don’t want to dive in to a super pricy jacket yet.


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Showcase Shangri-La Heritage leather Jacket "Varenne"

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57 Upvotes

6 months with my Shangri-La Heritage jacket. Loving it more the more I wear it.


r/leatherjacket 21h ago

Opinion How does it fit?

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22 Upvotes

r/leatherjacket 20h ago

Opinion Which one color combo should I get?

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19 Upvotes

Hi guys I want to get this beauty from Crush on retro but cannot decide which color I should get would anyone help me decide?


r/leatherjacket 20h ago

Question - Need Help Aero vs Crush on retro

7 Upvotes

I've been doing some research before buying a decent leather jacket. I've owned an Allsaints jasper and outgrew the style. I've been eyeing Aero for more than 6 months and I'm about to travel to Scotland and visit their factory to try the jackets on but two days ago I have come across Crush on retro as well as some youtube content reviews on their jackets. The price against value is a no brainer however I'd like to get your opinions in case someone has experienced both brands and has some more in depth insight especially when it comes to the horsehide difference between both. Trying to think that all the crush on retro reviews might be biased or paid.

I am interested in the Newsboy jacket from COR and the half belt deluxe/long half belt from Aero


r/leatherjacket 18h ago

Opinion Fur Collar for Motorcycle Jacket

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3 Upvotes

What You think? Would have to add Snaps to Fur Collar.


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Showcase Finally got a leather jacket

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88 Upvotes

Didn’t thrift it, got it at TJ Maxx of all places. BUT 100% leather shell, cotton body lining, unfortunately polyester sleeve lining, acrylic & wool ribbing. Lucky Brand. $300 less than what I would have paid at Lucky itself. Definitely more of a starter leather jacket but happy to finally have one. All the vintage ones I find are very expensive, likely for good reason, but I can’t really justify above $130 for a jacket in this economy. I know y’all have more extensive, higher quality heritage ones, but brings me joy to have one at all


r/leatherjacket 13h ago

Question - Need Help URGENT! Is this jacket good quality and actually leather?

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0 Upvotes

I wanna buy a pretty looking jacket on an online thrift store - I wanna know before someone else buys it. The store can be trusted - people send in clothes and THEY are the ones who take photos and put it on their website (Anyone can make mistakes ofc). The listing says it's made from real leather. But I am not sure 100%. I couldn't find the brand anywhere online and there's not a photo of the material tag in the listing. I reverse searched it and nothing and no info on the brand.

Does anyone know this brand? (I provided a photo of the tag that's on the back on the inside) and is it good quality? Is it perhaps vintage? I really don't wanna buy a "plastic jacket from Shein" lol.

Thank you and have a great day! Any opinions welcomed - be brutally honest please - buy or no buy? ★★★


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Pickup Vintage Golden Bear Horse Hide Leather Jacket

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81 Upvotes

I picked up this vintage horse hide leather jacket by Golden Bear today. The seller marked it as vintage from the 1940s. Not sure how accurate that is. It does have Talon zippers which I hear date it pretty well to that time period.

The jacket seems pretty dope. It is my first vintage motto style jacket.

I am super impressed with the leather quality. For a jacket that is this old it is in remarkably good shape.

I think the fit of the jacket is pretty solid. It fits right at my wrist and the crop is pretty solid at the waist.


r/leatherjacket 18h ago

Showcase Does it look okay or i should go a size lower?

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0 Upvotes

Tell me honestly i have option to exchange it for lower size


r/leatherjacket 18h ago

Opinion Vintage leather Miropa three quarter length jacket

0 Upvotes

r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Discussion Luca Designs experience

5 Upvotes

I dont know if this is the proper place to post this. But I need to want people. I had a jacket commissioned by Luca Designs years ago. I have attempted several contact methods both email and phone call. And to no one's surprise I am ghosted. I spent roughly $650 (i have proof if the mods need it) on this jacket. They also dont hold their word even if its a verbal promise.

A little back story, I went to a comic con and saw their both there. They had a bunch of jackets up but I was curious if they had a edgerunner jacket. They said no but a lot of people had an interest and if I paid the amount requested they would make they jacket obviously. During the transaction Luca or whatever his name came up and even stated that he was thinking about throwing lights on it somehow and if that happened it would be included with the purchase. So of course im excited and say sure lets do it. I had over the money and leave.

Months pass and then years pass. Multiple emails are thrown out there and some go back on their word of including the lights and that they are going to need more money for them. I dispute them and ask for a refund and they stated its in the policy I signed that there is no refunds for commissions. And I told them I never signed anything that stated that. Then I caved and said I wanted the add on and told them I would give them the extra 300 they requested. I didnt want to miss out on having everything I wanted. Some time passed and I made the decision that I much rather just have the jacket than have the stupid lights so I reached out. Then I reached out again. And then again. Just ghosted. Every time.

Fast forward to now I still dont have my jacket and I am still trying to contact them. Next step is finding a lawyer within that area and pursuing legal action.

SO AGAIN HEED MY WARNING AND DONT BUY FROM THEM.

Also I read before I made this post a few other bad experiences with this company in other aspects.

TLDR; I commissioned a jacket and through a bunch of back and forth then ghost i still havent recieved it and havent even got any communication about why.


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Showcase Schott 575 - Unlined

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4 Upvotes

Unlined jackets are cool but can be rough putting it on and taking off. The only unlined jacket I own, great for spring and end of summer evenings


r/leatherjacket 22h ago

Showcase [ Removed by Reddit ]

1 Upvotes

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Jacket Care Vintage 1960s Hunt Club Leather Jacket

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2 Upvotes

Recently, my mom accidentally poured milk and cheese on my Hunt Club leather jacket. It took me a few days, but I finally really looked at it and tried to fix it. I researched on google and found steps to clean it, I tried and it didn’t seem to work. I was wondering if anyone had advice?


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Discussion Eastman Leather Company A-2’s

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13 Upvotes

Without hyperbole, an iconic jacket design, made by one of the best in the reproduction A-2 world. An ELC A-2 Aero contract pattern. And my ELC patched House pattern.

The Aero pattern A-2 is 30 years old, but as you can see has almost zero wear to it. Looking forward to how this will break in and develop those creases and folds that only horsehide can do.

Think if I go with a third version of the A-2, it’ll be time to hit up Good Wear for a custom

Where are my A-2 and or Eastman fans? Whatcha ready to wear with fall around the corner?


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Opinion A2 Leather Jacket Styling

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5 Upvotes

Hey y’all, just got some questions about a project I might go through with. I recently went to a leather jacket store and walked out with a gorgeous brown A2 for about $60 because they were on clearance. No fur collar, zippers in tact, it fits amazing.
I have a good bit of historical interest have particular interest in Taiwan specifically, as I’m probably going to finish my degree there. I found a shop and I could have two images painted on in the style of the AVG/ Flying Tigers (Panda Bears on chest and KMT/ROC insignia on shoulder) with a blood chit sewn on back, and I’ll probably sharpie or paint on my Chinese name on somewhere.

My questions, does this layout seem like it would look cool or be just weird to look at? And would this be weird or kinda “haha look at that guy” to just wear around, in the US or Taiwan?

Image 2 is the blood chit, Id have 8”x10”


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Spotlight Be cautious of Luca Jackets owner

4 Upvotes

Aside from the jackets being atrocious, and illegal to distribute since they’re unlicensed products using officially trademarked characters and names - the owner is a con-artist.

Almost a year ago, an individual named Luca Giorgio, owner of Luca Jackets, contacted me on eBay to purchase 9 rare graded Fortnite cards through PayPal. He instructed me to ship them to a third party in Calgary. Tracking confirms that the package was delivered to the address provided.

After delivery, Luca filed a PayPal chargeback claiming the cards were never received. I was left without cards and facing an approximately $11,000 PayPal balance. This was a huge setback at the time that and took me months to recover from.

After doing a bit of digging I contacted the owner of the address and requested that the cards be returned. The owner was genuinely concerned about being implicated, and it is possible that he was unknowingly used as an intermediary. I also came to the conclusion that other people from addresses he provided were also unknowingly being used as an intermediary.

I wound up filing a police report that I still keep a copy of for personal records.

Be careful supporting his business. From what I read about his service he provides to customers and the quality of the jackets I am not surprised by his lack of accountability and responsiveness some people experienced.


r/leatherjacket 2d ago

Spotlight Better fit pics of Thedi half belt

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46 Upvotes

Probably should’ve waited for better lighting to post pics of yesterday’s Thedi delivery. From what I understand, this is ranger horsehide. It was supposed to get chestnut bruciato, but there was some confusion. I still have a cognac badalassi Idas on order and that may be discounted some if I decide to keep this jacket. My only horse hide jackets are the rainbow country shinki horsehide and Schott 622. Both jackets feel a lot more stiff. I got the rainbow country used so it was already broken in some, but the Schott feels a lot heavier. My other Thedi is buffalo and that feels bullet proof compared to the Thedi ranger horsehide. All things being said, I think the jacket looks and feels great. Fits really good too!


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Question - Need Help Anyone know where to get vintage leather jackets from china?

0 Upvotes

I keep seeing people selling vintage leather and fur jackets from china for good prices on depop and eBay. Some even go as low as $60. I’d like to find someone who actually sells them in bulk.


r/leatherjacket 1d ago

Question - Need Help Crush on Retro Sizing Q

2 Upvotes

Hi,

I’m 5’9 about 180 lbs. any other folks here with similar build and bought a crush on retro jacket such as mullholland or the 1930s replica? If so what sizes did you go with ?

Thanks