Chinese leather jackets

[Technonut]

So Aliexpress sellers are back to using expedited freight options like UPS/Fedex/DHL?

Hmmmm.... Come to think of it, AE is offering free returns now (It seems there is a $7.99 fee involved, so not totally free, BUT still damn good for return shipping to China IMO )... I suppose it makes sense for them to use carriers like UPS with this type of promotion:

 

[Edward]

Hmmmm.... Come to think of it, AE is offering free returns now (It seems there is a $7.99 fee involved, so not totally free, BUT still damn good for return shipping to China IMO )... I suppose it makes sense for them to use carriers like UPS with this type of promotion:

View attachment 623565

That certainly takes a lot of the risk out of the picture. I've only bought small things on aliexpress to date - canvas and denim caps in the main - but they've been pretty good about the one time I needed a refund (was send a cap in completely the wrong size, right item but wrong size, unwearably small) - the Aliexpress bods decreed I should be refuned the entire amount, and didn't expect me to return the cap either.

It'll be interesting to see what arrives. There are one or two jackets I see online from Chinese sellers I very much like the look of - and they offer my size. Problem is they're all using the same generic photos, so I've not yet risked it as I'm really not sure what will arrive. At some point I'll hopefully fidn the time when I'm in Beijing to be able to track down somewhere selling this sort of thing off the rack so I can actually see the pproduct.No luck finding anywhere yet, but I've been so busy the last few trips, no real time to go looking.

 

[AHP91]

I’ve bought a fair bit of items from aliexpress recently, all have arrived quite quickly to the us. I have one item to return and it looks like it will be a totally free return with a prepaid label generated. Will see how it goes.

 

[Technonut]

Well, color me impressed! The package was in Alaska yesterday.... UPS managed to get it across the country, and will be delivered to me today!!

That's 8 days from when ordered, and only 4 days from when the label was actually printed. I'll get some initial impressions and pics of the jacket posted up ASAP for those interested....

 

[Technonut]

The jacket just arrived.... It appears exactly as in the AE pics. Overall construction and stitching is decent, along with the "uncoated" Italian cowhide (attached material origin tag states leather was sourced from Italy) The shipping weight was 5.5 lbs. If I had to guess, I would say the leather thickness is around 1.2mm, perhaps a bit less.

100% cotton body lining with satin lined sleeves. I am surprised to see a belt included since one wasn't mentioned in the listing . Zippers and snaps appear sturdy.

I managed to slip the jacket on for a whole minute before breaking out into a sweat, so no fit pics till I can crank the AC up for awhile. I can say that the listed measurements are correct for the XXXL, and the jacket fits well in the shoulders, chest, and sleeves.

I'll get some better, more detailed pics up as time allows. I can say already that I'm pleased with the jacket for the $$....

 

[TREEMAN]

That’s the best Chinese leather jacket I ever saw…

 

[Technonut]

That’s the best Chinese leather jacket I ever saw…

It really is one helluva jacket for the price. MUCH better than my hit-n-miss attempts with "bargain" jackets made in Pakistan... I have a feeling the Italian cowhide is going to break in well and look great over time...

Still too hot this morning for fit pics, but here's some taken out in the daylight. Whoever patterned this jacket for production did a fantastic job IMO.

 

[nattevagten]

Anyone know how does the Chinese burgundy horsehide look/feel like in real life?

Looks like a variation of CXL FQHH.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006029734137.html?

 

[Bluechel]

Pretty decent transit time so far..... I was surprised the package went UPS Worldwide Expedited... Just hit Alaska today!

View attachment 623535

View attachment 623538

Now listed at $249?

 

[Technonut]

If I had to guess, I would say the leather thickness is around 1.2mm, perhaps a bit less

Evidently, the same leather was used for the zipper pulls, and is 1.3mm.....

The D-pocket is patch-stitched to the body with no lining:

Pocket linings are substantial, and should hold up well:

EDIT: Best I can do for a fit pic ATM:

 

[ChrisDamned]

We still have to see now how it all ages over time...

 

[Technonut]

We still have to see now how it all ages over time...

Agreed.... I'm hopeful that the Italian cowhide sourced for the jacket will age well... The stitching and construction is solid, as well as the hardware. I was surprised to see the Chinese importing in Italian cow / horsehide, and calfskin / sheepskin from the UK for jackets and other goods.

In general, Italian-tanned leather is well regarded. This particular leather has a nice smell from the process used. Here's the material source tag from the jacket:

In the short time I've had the jacket, I can already see some grain starting to show. This was advertised as "uncoated" Italian cowhide, so time will tell as far as how well the finish wears:

 

[KBlake]

Can anyone comment on the construction quality of this jacket? In particular I'm interested in whether it's actually Horween and whether the button holes are executed properly. Thanks!

 

[Marc mndt]

whether the button holes are executed properly.

The product pics are conflicting.

Weird cuts

Regular button holes

 

[ton312]

The product pics are conflicting.

Weird cuts
View attachment 626273
View attachment 626275

Regular button holes
View attachment 626274

Those buttonholes look like something you get out a celophane bag from:

Cheap, costume grade construction.

 

[ton312]

Can anyone comment on the construction quality of this jacket? In particular I'm interested in whether it's actually Horween and whether the button holes are executed properly. Thanks!

Why not avoid the risk and inevitable disappointment and go to JL, they already have this pattern, they are geographically near you, and this is actual Horween. You can buy 100 knock-offs or you can buy something truly good. The jacket you referenced looks costume grade by comparison.

 

[KBlake]

Why not avoid the risk and inevitable disappointment and go to JL, they already have this pattern, they are geographically near you, and this is actual Horween. You can buy 100 knock-offs or you can buy something truly good. The jacket you referenced looks costume grade by comparison.
View attachment 626290

Im happy with this, not disappointed. But thanks!

 

[Canuck Panda]

Can anyone comment on the construction quality of this jacket? In particular I'm interested in whether it's actually Horween and whether the button holes are executed properly. Thanks!

Not this one. The way they did the button holes makes me worry about the leather. It might be too stiff (not garment leather) and their garment button holers breaks needle so they did what they did. There are other ways to do it like making a mini welts for each button holes. Maybe they will pick that up for the next production run. But still for 500 its a bit too much. Expand your search to include Aero Maxwell, SB Klondike, Y'2 Leather LS-16, Rainbow Country car coat, you might find one around 500 and it'd be for sure better leather than the Cidu one. All of them are stock no custom jacket anyways.

Button hole finish without using a button holer machine should look like this with the mini welt method to lock up the opening leather,

 

[Canuck Panda]

@KBlake

I knew I remember seeing this jacket before for less. From Curphey. Another copy brand on Aliexpress. But this one is much less ($178) and has those proper button holes,

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256...er|query_from:&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

Don't expect brand name leather, top grain leather at best, but the jacket is decent, I've bought many of these before at around the same time of my 5* jackets. Constructions are about equal, but Chinese jackets are stock jackets and 5* was made to order. Chinese jackets were actually less money than 5* then too, but no custom sizing and their sleeves tend to run short, nape sleeve length was 34.5" at best. Not sureif they had any pattern updates now.

I still think if you are ok with used jackets the premium brands on the 2nd hand market can be had as little as $400 and they'll come with much much better leather. Construction isn't lightyears better but the leather is night and day better.

 

[TREEMAN]

Quantity versus quality..