Branded Garments questions (and answers) thread

[Bahabp100]

I figured I’d start a thread since I have a few questions that maybe someone can answer, so here goes
1- what were the years Branded Garments made jackets for retail? Approximately?
2- What is the difference between BG gold label and the more often seen black leather label ?
3– do the jackets have names or model numbers .
4- are there any style of BG jackets than are not thick or not good
5- are all of their Motorcycle jackets extra thick like “the beast” as featured in classifieds or not ?
6- do the sizes run small? Or large?
Thanks in advance for answering and posting new questions

 

[Monitor]

I can answer only question no. 6. In my experience, Branded cross zips and racer jackets run true to size or rather, smaller than most other brands in the same size. Branded 42 is indeed close to 42" chest circumference. I could pull off a 46 which by any other maker would've been unwearable for me.

 

[casechopper]

Here's my experience with Branded Garments
4 - I have 3 of their jackets. 2 are very thick leather. 1 has a much lighter thinner leather. All of the leather feels like good quality leather to me.

5 - No. The thin leather jacket I have of theirs is a motorcycle style cross zip.

6 - I have a police style jacket in a 42 that fits like a modern 42. 1 vintage CR in a size 42 that fits a bit slimmer than most modern 42 jackets. One vintage cross zip in a 42 that is borderline unwearably tight and fits a bit snug even when compared to vintage size 42's. My conclusion would be sizing can vary but generally they fit on the slimmer side of their tagged sizing. None of the ones I have fit large.

 

[TREEMAN]

I bought one of there x-zips new 30 yrs ago. Remember it being of average thickness. Nothing special.

 

[Guppy]

I figured I’d start a thread since I have a few questions that maybe someone can answer, so here goes
1- what were the years Branded Garments made jackets for retail? Approximately?
2- What is the difference between BG gold label and the more often seen black leather label ?
3– do the jackets have names or model numbers .
4- are there any style of BG jackets than are not thick or not good
5- are all of their Motorcycle jackets extra thick like “the beast” as featured in classifieds or not ?
6- do the sizes run small? Or large?
Thanks in advance for answering and posting new questions

I don't know when they started operations, but they went out of business sometime in the last year, I think in 2020.

Their jackets had model names, but it wasn't like they were particularly memorable.

I had a Branded crosszip perfecto clone that wasn't made from super heavy leather. And I also had a center zip that was made from super heavy leather. The one that wasn't super heavey was still a decent mid-weight leather and was very nice, but I moved it on for fit reasons. The one that was super heavy was so stiff around the band collar that I didn't want to break it in, and sold it on.

 

[Schambach]

Is this the same Branded Leather that was on 35th Street in Queens? I worked nearby for years, really kicking myself for never stopping in.

 

[Bahabp100]

Is this the same Branded Leather that was on 35th Street in Queens? I worked nearby for years, really kicking myself for never stopping in.

Yes Long Island City I believe

 

[Bahabp100]

I figured I’d start a thread since I have a few questions that maybe someone can answer, so here goes
1- what were the years Branded Garments made jackets for retail? Approximately?
2- What is the difference between BG gold label and the more often seen black leather label ?
3– do the jackets have names or model numbers .
4- are there any style of BG jackets than are not thick or not good
5- are all of their Motorcycle jackets extra thick like “the beast” as featured in classifieds or not ?
6- do the sizes run small? Or large?
Thanks in advance for answering and posting new questions

Some examples of Branded Garments Gold on Black label. The company was

also the Orchard M/C Co.

 

[Flying Monkey]

Been a lurker for several years, first time poster. Best site ever. I currently have 4 Brandeds. One Perfecto clone, two crosszip chps, and one sort of cafe racer. All seem to run a bit small. I'm 5'8" and 170 lbs average build and their size 44 fits great. All different leather too. One is almost featureless like new Langlitz, the others are quite grainy. I sold a size 46 Branded chp last year to a friend who is at least 6" taller than me and powerfully built. That jacket ran obviously very large and I think was made of Indominus Rex hide. Heaviest jacket I have ever had. Perhaps a custom. As to quality, the ones I have are nice, but definitely not works of art like some of the high end stuff I see on this site. I think Branded used to make jackets for one of the cigarette companies. I've never handled one, but they look like thinner leather than their regular stuff. One caveat, their chp model is very thick and heavy and is not comfortable to wear unless you're used to that sort of thing and like it.

 

[Flying Monkey]

Looking at some of my jackets this afternoon, it occurred to me that it appears that Branded used to make at least some of the jackets for a shop (now defunct) called "Purple Hog", and tagged as such. I sold one of these and still have one. These don't come up very often that I've seen, but they seem to be made of really high quality leather. They don't say Branded on the snaps, but the liner zippers have " Orchard" on the pull.

 

[ToastTheGreek]

I don't know when they started operations, but they went out of business sometime in the last year, I think in 2020.

Their jackets had model names, but it wasn't like they were particularly memorable.

I had a Branded crosszip perfecto clone that wasn't made from super heavy leather. And I also had a center zip that was made from super heavy leather. The one that wasn't super heavey was still a decent mid-weight leather and was very nice, but I moved it on for fit reasons. The one that was super heavy was so stiff around the band collar that I didn't want to break it in, and sold it on.

I just spoke to someone at the phone number listed. They haven’t gone out of business.

 

[Bahabp100]

Is the actual store still open in Long Island city ?

 

[ToastTheGreek]

Is the actual store still open in Long Island city ?

That I honestly don’t know. I called and asked if they still sold to retail customers and Pete was the gentleman who answered the phone. Super nice guy. I’m probably going to be ordering a CHP jacket from them soon.

Maybe call and ask? He seemed nice enough.

 

[Schambach]

Is the actual store still open in Long Island city ?

No, I think they are gone. Sign is gone, etc. I worked in the area for years, kicking myself now for never stopping in.

 

[ToastTheGreek]

I thought they were in Queens?

 

[Schambach]

Maybe they moved but the shop used to be on 35th st right off Queens Blvd, sort of the LIC/Sunnyside border.

 

[Bahabp100]

Long Island city is in queens , closest to manhattan

 

[Bahabp100]

update: Branded Garments Orchad M/C is still in (some sort of ) business. Claims to have all sizes in several styles . “Available in size 34-56. Give me your height and weight. I have 40 years of experience sizing by height and weight. I will exchange for size or refund if you’re not happy. Lifetime guarantee, the leather is from our own tannery in Gloversville New York and manufactured in Long Island City. Made in the USA!” Gloversville was once the hub of the United States' glovemaking industry, with over two hundred manufacturers in Gloversville and the adjacent city of Johnstown.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/OrchardMotorcycleInc?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1035053290

 

[Canuck Panda]

The leather spec looks just like my new Walter Dyer. 3.5 to 4 oz deersoft steerhide. Also loaded with leather lined pockets. OrchardMotorcycle jackets looks very high quality in the photos. Very tempted.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

Sweet Jesus 10 Talon Zippers 20 Brass Front Separator With Brown Tape | Etsy If a few of us want to go in on this, I'd partake. Can probably dye the brown to black.