Chinese leather jackets

[dinomartino1]

The reviews for the goatskin on taoboa did not have photos.
The cowhide jacket your looking at from the taobao description

[Leather] : Matte tea core imported from the United States thickness 1.1 [another shop says 1.2mm]

[Color] : Tea core ancient coffee

[Technology] : After the garments are finished, they are washed with heavy water and then manually rubbed in a high-temperature drum to make them look old.

[Zipper] : UNIVERSAL Bronze No. 5 imported from Japan (double open tail)

[Breast pocket zipper] : YKK bronze No. 5 ring chain

[Four-button buckle] : UNIVERSAL bronze imported from Japan expensive


Some toabao customer review pics the cowhide, the pics can be deceptive as they are normally taken on phones so a lot of colour variation and most people seem to have sizes that are too big. I don't think it looks that good though.

 

[Technonut]

I don't think it looks that good though

Agreed.... If I had received that, it would have left me a bit flat for certain... Now, the other in pony hide looks the business IMO, and really has me leaning in that direction...

 

[DamonCyclee]

I'm so damned pleased with the jacket I purchased above, that I find my fingers itching to grab one of these two next :

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805071208923.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

Looks to be very decent Italian goat, and a classic vintage pattern:

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Then, there's this one in a heavier, tea core cowhide:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805157329271.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

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I'm kind of leaning towards the Italian goat TBH, but the cowhide is also pulling me in it's direction.... Decisions, decisions.... Hmmmmmm...

Feel free to weigh-in on which your choice would be......

I would go with the goat version, looks like cidu/other guys copying Cidu. Curphy should be avoided.

I brought a jacket from them, and they claim Italian red tea core horsehide, when I got it, it was definitely local Chinese tannery's pony hide. That really put me off, their advertising on taobao is pretty ridiculous as well, like cost them 5000 rmb and they are selling at loss for 500rmb, i got baited by them before and never again.

Cidu is also hit and missed, I had a jacket from them with advertise measurement of 18.75inch shoulder and when I got it was 18inches, also pretty sloppy stitching work everywhere.

But deals can definitely can be had, out of the 3 jackets I got off Taobao, one them was almost perfect, like advertised, ie the hide they claim from, actually came from there, instead of a generic "Italian hide", it will say specific tannery. Also, Taobao reviews are iffy, seems like Chinese customers are less picky, I rarely read negative reviews from any of the lower range jacket makers, either that or narrative are controlled by the sellers.

 

[Technonut]

Little cooler this morning, but still breaking out in a sweat, and had to cut the pics short. Still gives an idea of what this Chinese 30's aviator looks like worn (jacket is stiff, and needs some break-in to relax) Personally, I REALLY like it! :

EDIT: I continue to be stunned with this jacket.... Almost feels like I hit a modest lottery or something ! The fit is exceptionally good IMO. Shoulders, chest, sleeves.... Great! Length, about dead-on for my height in a 1930's half-belt... Very decent pattern / construction, and nice Italian cowhide for only $160.00 USD.... INCREDIBLE!!

 

[Benny Holiday]

Looks pretty darn good from where I'm sitting. Actually affordable given the joke of an exchange rate for the AUD.

 

[Technonut]

Speaking of Chinese leather jackets... I picked this one up from AliExpress a number of years ago, and have been very pleased with it overall (buttons are now a bit loose and need tightened). I especially like the grain developed over time. IIRC, I paid around $140.00 USD for this one then. The pics while worn are older, and the one showing the grain is current:

 

[Edward]

First post here in quite awhile.... I've had my eye on this repro of the Real McCoy's 1930's Harley Davidson / Aviator jacket at AliExpress for a long time now, and finally decided to take a punt on it... (a $20.00 off coupon helped the decision along)

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803614461423.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.10.21ef18029gAV19&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

For the price paid, I am happily shocked with the quality and construction of this jacket. I have jackets from Goodwear, Aero, etc. in my closet, and this Chinese knock-off is pretty sweet IMO.

The sizing chart at the AliExpress seller's store was bang-on. It fits as well as bespoke jackets I've had made, but it's MUCH too hot for fit pics ATM... While not advertised in the listing, I was also shocked to find that the jacket is made from ITALIAN COWHIDE (I would guess between 1.2-1.3mm thickness)!! Incredible for around $160.00 USD!

EDIT: The Italian cowhide is of obviously good quality, and has the lovely smell of walking into a nice leather goods shop. All of consistent thickness, with no thinner areas in the jacket's construction. Another feature not advertised is that the 'D' pocket incorporates a heavy snap, which opens into a left side hand-warmer. I'm not certain if this feature is present on the RM version, but I actually like it a lot. It's well-done, and not noticeable when snapped. I also quite like the scalloped flap on the small utility pocket, as well as the 'D' pocket pattern it's self.....

The repro Waldes zipper seems sturdy, but only time will tell on that. Nice touch nonetheless IMO. The slash / inside pocket linings are also a bit thin for my liking, and will see how they hold up. The buttoned cuffs are lined with a soft corduroy, which is nice. Here's a few pics until it cools down enough for some nice fit pics in the sunlight:


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Here's one of the 1930's originals the jacket is based upon:

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And here's the RM version:

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EDIT: My phone pics are pretty crappy due to the terrible lighting conditions in my home at times.... These pics from the AliExpress listing however, are accurate to the jacket I received:

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Good score. There's nice stuff made out there for sure. I've seen "fakes" of all sorts that are most probably made in the same factory as some of "the real thing" - it's not unknown for contractors in China to double up on quantities and the surplus once the official order is fulfilled goes out the side door.

The gamble is buying online where it's common to use stock photos, sometimes the photos of a garment they plan to copy; there's always the chance you'll be the first person to order, and what arrives may or may not resemble what was in the photos. I still dream of discovering a mall in Beijing where I can go and find all this stuff on sale so I can try in person and see what fits... I'm sure it exists if you're in the right place, but it might be more Shanghai than Beijing...

 

[Technonut]

Finally have two jackets narrowed down now..... Just a matter of waiting for a hopefully decent Black Friday sale to pull the trigger on one of them.

Personally, after being a certified "jacketholic" for oh, at least 40 years or so now, I'm quite happy to have these inexpensive but still very decent quality repro vintage jackets available.

I've been having the same great experience taming and breaking-in the Chinese 30's aviator half-belt posted about previously, as any of the other top-shelf jackets I own. Speaking of that jacket.... On top of the Italian cowhide and repro riveted Waldes zip / Talon marked pull on the D-pocket for only $160.00 USD, I did a hot-needle test on the buttons since they looked like the real deal to me....... I'll be damned!! Genuine Horn !

I've had jackets made with 5-Star in Pakistan over the past few years, and while nice jackets (especially for their bespoke option) overall, the hides / patterns / construction of the two Chinese leather jackets I now own are much better IMO, and even less expensive.

I've been fortunate to have gotten accurate measurements from the Ali-Express sellers sizing charts so far, and expect to in the future, since it's Ali-Express's policy to withhold payment from their sellers until the the buyer checks-off as satisfied after the item arrives. It's certainly a great incentive for accurate info.. I've personally needed to dispute another item purchased in the past (not a jacket), and when the seller declined a partial refund, AliExpress stepped-in, withheld $50.00 from their sale, and refunded me... Kinda like a Chinese e-Bay I guess.....

Anyway, for those interested, here's the two jackets I'm going to choose from:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805423437135.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804091512642.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

EDIT: In mentioning my trust of the seller sizing charts at AE, I will add that I purchased a pair of repro vintage "monkey boots" in Italian cowhide recently. Goodyear welted, steel shank, all copper hardware, and handmade in a dedicated Chinese boot factory for under $100.00 USD a pair.

Using the seller's sizing chart, I came up with the exact equivalent of my usual US size 11.5, and double-checked before placing the order. Sure enough, the boots arrived and fit great. I've worn them to a couple of extended outings so far, and they're breaking-in nicely....

 

[Bluechel]

This horsehide jacket cost less than a schott fur collar.

View attachment 543373 View attachment 543374

Damn! Anyone have a Simons link?

 

[Bluechel]

Finally have two jackets narrowed down now..... Just a matter of waiting for a hopefully decent Black Friday sale to pull the trigger on one of them.

Personally, after being a certified "jacketholic" for oh, at least 40 years or so now, I'm quite happy to have these inexpensive but still very decent quality repro vintage jackets available.

I've been having the same great experience taming and breaking-in the Chinese 30's aviator half-belt posted about previously, as any of the other top-shelf jackets I own. Speaking of that jacket.... On top of the Italian cowhide and repro riveted Waldes zip / Talon marked pull on the D-pocket for only $160.00 USD, I did a hot-needle test on the buttons since they looked like the real deal to me....... I'll be damned!! Genuine Horn !

I've had jackets made with 5-Star in Pakistan over the past few years, and while nice jackets (especially for their bespoke option) overall, the hides / patterns / construction of the two Chinese leather jackets I now own are much better IMO, and even less expensive.

I've been fortunate to have gotten accurate measurements from the Ali-Express sellers sizing charts so far, and expect to in the future, since it's Ali-Express's policy to withhold payment from their sellers until the the buyer checks-off as satisfied after the item arrives. It's certainly a great incentive for accurate info.. I've personally needed to dispute another item purchased in the past (not a jacket), and when the seller declined a partial refund, AliExpress stepped-in, withheld $50.00 from their sale, and refunded me... Kinda like a Chinese e-Bay I guess.....

Anyway, for those interested, here's the two jackets I'm going to choose from:

http://[URL]https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805423437135.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[/URL]

View attachment 553675

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http://[URL]https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804091512642.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[/URL]

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EDIT: In mentioning my trust of the seller sizing charts at AE, I will add that I purchased a pair of repro vintage "monkey boots" in Italian cowhide recently. Goodyear welted, steel shank, all copper hardware, and handmade in a dedicated Chinese boot factory for under $100.00 USD a pair.

Using the seller's sizing chart, I came up with the exact equivalent of my usual US size 11.5, and double-checked before placing the order. Sure enough, the boots arrived and fit great. I've worn them to a couple of extended outings so far, and they're breaking-in nicely....

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I followed the link to the first one (in the pic with the gold frame). How did you get the additional pictures? Have you ever bought from this exact vendor?

 

[Technonut]

I followed the link to the first one (in the pic with the gold frame). How did you get the additional pictures? Have you ever bought from this exact vendor?

Right when you scroll-down from the description at the top, hit the "View More" tab for more info and pics....

Actually, the Heron / BK Aeronaut knock-off I pictured above came from that particular vendor. It was a number of years ago, but as previously posted, AE's policy of not releasing funds to the seller until the buyer checks off as satisfied AFTER the goods arrive is a pretty good incentive for the sellers to provide accurate pics / info IMO...

 

[Bluechel]

Well, I guess you motivated

Right when you scroll-down from the description at the top, hit the "View More" tab for more info and pics....

Actually, the Heron / BK Aeronaut knock-off I pictured above came from that particular vendor. It was a number of years ago, but as previously posted, AE's policy of not releasing funds to the seller until the buyer checks off as satisfied AFTER the goods arrive is a pretty good incentive for the sellers t

me and made me so darn curious that I jumped in and ordered one! Holy crap this could be such a flyer! I haven’t ordered something from China like this for about four years after getting a “leather jacket” that smelled so badly of chemicals I literally threw it out in the trash. That 30’s aviator kind of blew my mind, and I just saw a Simon’s (Chinese?) J-31 knockoff today on eBay so I guess curiosity got the best of me. The one I ordered was the “gold frame” one……

 

[Technonut]

Damn! Just when I had two to choose from narrowed-down, I noticed THIS sweet A-1 in UK-sourced calfskin...

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803664308263.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

A decent Black Friday sale may just push me over the edge for this over the other ones.. Hell, depending upon just how good the sale is, I may buy two jackets! :

 

[DamonCyclee]

Damn! Just when I had two to choose from narrowed-down, I noticed THIS sweet A-1 in UK-sourced calfskin...

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803664308263.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

A decent Black Friday sale may just push me over the edge for this over the other ones.. Hell, depending upon just how good the sale is, I may buy two jackets! :

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Damn! Just when I had two to choose from narrowed-down, I noticed THIS sweet A-1 in UK-sourced calfskin...

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803664308263.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

A decent Black Friday sale may just push me over the edge for this over the other ones.. Hell, depending upon just how good the sale is, I may buy two jackets! :

View attachment 558824

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I actually have this jacket in A-2. Cidu made, was clearing out inventory 2 years ago.

This leather is actually really good, smells great too, and it's not a bait switch like other makers in china, where they say it's one hide and they switch to another.

I checked the price, it's about 100usd on Taobao.

Simons came out with 2 different horse hide tannage this year. I kind of want to try one and see. It looks really good in pictures!

 

[Bluechel]

I actually have this jacket in A-2. Cidu made, was clearing out inventory 2 years ago.

This leather is actually really good, smells great too, and it's not a bait switch like other makers in china, where they say it's one hide and they switch to another.

I checked the price, it's about 100usd on Taobao.

Simons came out with 2 different horse hide tannage this year. I kind of want to try one and see. It looks really good in pictures!

Can someone post a direct link to Taobao? Sorry, don't know how to get there, willing to take a shot.

 

[DamonCyclee]

Can someone post a direct link to Taobao? Sorry, don't know how to get there, willing to take a shot.

【淘宝】https://m.tb.cn/h.58qfheR?tk=fHa3Wds56Qy CZ0001 「停产微瑕清仓—A-1修身短款飞行夹克英国进口油蜡小牛皮1982,S」
点击链接直接打开 或者 淘宝搜索直接打开

Discount happens tmr for 11.11

 

[Bluechel]

Damn! Just when I had two to choose from narrowed-down, I noticed THIS sweet A-1 in UK-sourced calfskin...

http://[URL]https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803664308263.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[/URL]

A decent Black Friday sale may just push me over the edge for this over the other ones.. Hell, depending upon just how good the sale is, I may buy two jackets! :

View attachment 558824

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I'm banking on your feedback for us here...looking forward to seeing if this is a keeper or........................

 

[Edward]

Finally have two jackets narrowed down now..... Just a matter of waiting for a hopefully decent Black Friday sale to pull the trigger on one of them.

Personally, after being a certified "jacketholic" for oh, at least 40 years or so now, I'm quite happy to have these inexpensive but still very decent quality repro vintage jackets available.

I've been having the same great experience taming and breaking-in the Chinese 30's aviator half-belt posted about previously, as any of the other top-shelf jackets I own. Speaking of that jacket.... On top of the Italian cowhide and repro riveted Waldes zip / Talon marked pull on the D-pocket for only $160.00 USD, I did a hot-needle test on the buttons since they looked like the real deal to me....... I'll be damned!! Genuine Horn !

I've had jackets made with 5-Star in Pakistan over the past few years, and while nice jackets (especially for their bespoke option) overall, the hides / patterns / construction of the two Chinese leather jackets I now own are much better IMO, and even less expensive.

I've been fortunate to have gotten accurate measurements from the Ali-Express sellers sizing charts so far, and expect to in the future, since it's Ali-Express's policy to withhold payment from their sellers until the the buyer checks-off as satisfied after the item arrives. It's certainly a great incentive for accurate info.. I've personally needed to dispute another item purchased in the past (not a jacket), and when the seller declined a partial refund, AliExpress stepped-in, withheld $50.00 from their sale, and refunded me... Kinda like a Chinese e-Bay I guess.....

Anyway, for those interested, here's the two jackets I'm going to choose from:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805423437135.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

View attachment 553675

View attachment 553676

View attachment 553677

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804091512642.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

View attachment 553688

View attachment 553687

View attachment 553682

EDIT: In mentioning my trust of the seller sizing charts at AE, I will add that I purchased a pair of repro vintage "monkey boots" in Italian cowhide recently. Goodyear welted, steel shank, all copper hardware, and handmade in a dedicated Chinese boot factory for under $100.00 USD a pair.

Using the seller's sizing chart, I came up with the exact equivalent of my usual US size 11.5, and double-checked before placing the order. Sure enough, the boots arrived and fit great. I've worn them to a couple of extended outings so far, and they're breaking-in nicely....

View attachment 553737

View attachment 553736

Those boots look *great*!

 

[Bluechel]

Right when you scroll-down from the description at the top, hit the "View More" tab for more info and pics....

Actually, the Heron / BK Aeronaut knock-off I pictured above came from that particular vendor. It was a number of years ago, but as previously posted, AE's policy of not releasing funds to the seller until the buyer checks off as satisfied AFTER the goods arrive is a pretty good incentive for the sellers to provide accurate pics / info IMO...

This can't be good! Seeing the same jacket much cheaper here.....https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805493864946.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000014.33.27aa745aqANld9&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.40050.362094.0&scm_id=1007.40050.362094.0&scm-url=1007.40050.362094.0&pvid=12ffd08a-2b0d-41f0-a33d-5b3f6fd47c61&_t=gps-idcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller,scm-url:1007.40050.362094.0,pvid:12ffd08a-2b0d-41f0-a33d-5b3f6fd47c61,tpp_buckets:668#2846#8112#1997&pdp_npi=4@dis!USD!312.41!128.09!!!2267.15!!@2101ea8c16997523309862944e0471!12000033991302600!rec!US!2870841309!

Fingers triple crossed now....yikes....what a ride.

 

[Blackadder]

Finally have two jackets narrowed down now..... Just a matter of waiting for a hopefully decent Black Friday sale to pull the trigger on one of them.

Personally, after being a certified "jacketholic" for oh, at least 40 years or so now, I'm quite happy to have these inexpensive but still very decent quality repro vintage jackets available.

I've been having the same great experience taming and breaking-in the Chinese 30's aviator half-belt posted about previously, as any of the other top-shelf jackets I own. Speaking of that jacket.... On top of the Italian cowhide and repro riveted Waldes zip / Talon marked pull on the D-pocket for only $160.00 USD, I did a hot-needle test on the buttons since they looked like the real deal to me....... I'll be damned!! Genuine Horn !

I've had jackets made with 5-Star in Pakistan over the past few years, and while nice jackets (especially for their bespoke option) overall, the hides / patterns / construction of the two Chinese leather jackets I now own are much better IMO, and even less expensive.

I've been fortunate to have gotten accurate measurements from the Ali-Express sellers sizing charts so far, and expect to in the future, since it's Ali-Express's policy to withhold payment from their sellers until the the buyer checks-off as satisfied after the item arrives. It's certainly a great incentive for accurate info.. I've personally needed to dispute another item purchased in the past (not a jacket), and when the seller declined a partial refund, AliExpress stepped-in, withheld $50.00 from their sale, and refunded me... Kinda like a Chinese e-Bay I guess.....

Anyway, for those interested, here's the two jackets I'm going to choose from:

http://[URL]https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805423437135.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[/URL]

View attachment 553675

View attachment 553676

View attachment 553677

http://[URL]https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804091512642.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

[/URL]

View attachment 553688

View attachment 553687

View attachment 553682

EDIT: In mentioning my trust of the seller sizing charts at AE, I will add that I purchased a pair of repro vintage "monkey boots" in Italian cowhide recently. Goodyear welted, steel shank, all copper hardware, and handmade in a dedicated Chinese boot factory for under $100.00 USD a pair.

Using the seller's sizing chart, I came up with the exact equivalent of my usual US size 11.5, and double-checked before placing the order. Sure enough, the boots arrived and fit great. I've worn them to a couple of extended outings so far, and they're breaking-in nicely....

View attachment 553737

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I have the same boots. If you look at the underside (hairy side), you can see they are heavily processed leather.