I, for better or worse, own a wide range of leather jackets. Everything from a $49 Zara leather jacket to a few more than $49 YSL leather jackets. Fit and wearability are the top two factors in determining what jacket I'm going to wear most often.
For example, I love Lost Worlds. The quality, construction, and brash commentary from Stuart - are all part of the appeal. But his jackets are just more difficult to wear socially/casually. And while FC/RMC/IH are a bit easier to wear compared to LW jackets, the sizing is just hard to get right, unless you special order. I love all the jackets listed above, but frequency of wear is impacted by weight and fit. And for that much money, it's really a decision that requires a bit more homework pre-purchase, than I put in.
The two jackets I wear the most - a $99 Top Shop cross-zip that, for whatever reason, fits incredibly well off the rack (i.e. incredibly well = a more modern/slim fitting cut). And an Aero CR that I purchased off TFL used, that served as my first ever "over $200" leather jacket. I will literally wear these jackets until they disintegrate.
The YSL jackets, along with a few other higher-end designers that I have, all share a similar goal. High quality lamb skin with modern tapered cuts meant to evolve the classic perfecto. And I really appreciate the fit/finish of these jackets. Super easy to wear, they can be dressed up or down, and can be worn in almost all social situations. But I simply don't wear them enough to justify the cost.
My learnings:
- If you want a jacket that will last a lifetime and can perform multiple functions. Get a made to measure jacket from Aero/Vanson/etc. Price - It won't be cheap but you will feel less guilt.
- If you want a jacket that will perform a specific function (e.g. motorcycle riding), lean toward a jacket that is designed for that specific purpose. Or find a good compromise, like LW/Vanson that can serve dual purposes and get what fits you/your lifestyle/environment the best. Price - It won't be cheap but you can pretend the cost is being spread over multiple functions and honestly, you deserved it.
- If you want a high quality jacket that combines the classic designs with a more modern cut, get an FCL/RMC/IH. And set your expectations that it may be difficult to get the right fit depending on your body type. Price - starts at "eyebrow raising" and can go all the way to "wtf!".
- If you don't care about money and want the most socially flexible jacket that looks cool - any "mall" jacket that fits you the best, is the right call. Price - ranges from "a jacket this cheap will get me laughed at" all the way to "who in their right mind would spend THIS on a jacket".
For the record, I do really like FCL jackets. But you really have to find the right fit and not get too set on a specific style.
For example, I love Lost Worlds. The quality, construction, and brash commentary from Stuart - are all part of the appeal. But his jackets are just more difficult to wear socially/casually. And while FC/RMC/IH are a bit easier to wear compared to LW jackets, the sizing is just hard to get right, unless you special order. I love all the jackets listed above, but frequency of wear is impacted by weight and fit. And for that much money, it's really a decision that requires a bit more homework pre-purchase, than I put in.
The two jackets I wear the most - a $99 Top Shop cross-zip that, for whatever reason, fits incredibly well off the rack (i.e. incredibly well = a more modern/slim fitting cut). And an Aero CR that I purchased off TFL used, that served as my first ever "over $200" leather jacket. I will literally wear these jackets until they disintegrate.
The YSL jackets, along with a few other higher-end designers that I have, all share a similar goal. High quality lamb skin with modern tapered cuts meant to evolve the classic perfecto. And I really appreciate the fit/finish of these jackets. Super easy to wear, they can be dressed up or down, and can be worn in almost all social situations. But I simply don't wear them enough to justify the cost.
My learnings:
- If you want a jacket that will last a lifetime and can perform multiple functions. Get a made to measure jacket from Aero/Vanson/etc. Price - It won't be cheap but you will feel less guilt.
- If you want a jacket that will perform a specific function (e.g. motorcycle riding), lean toward a jacket that is designed for that specific purpose. Or find a good compromise, like LW/Vanson that can serve dual purposes and get what fits you/your lifestyle/environment the best. Price - It won't be cheap but you can pretend the cost is being spread over multiple functions and honestly, you deserved it.
- If you want a high quality jacket that combines the classic designs with a more modern cut, get an FCL/RMC/IH. And set your expectations that it may be difficult to get the right fit depending on your body type. Price - starts at "eyebrow raising" and can go all the way to "wtf!".
- If you don't care about money and want the most socially flexible jacket that looks cool - any "mall" jacket that fits you the best, is the right call. Price - ranges from "a jacket this cheap will get me laughed at" all the way to "who in their right mind would spend THIS on a jacket".
For the record, I do really like FCL jackets. But you really have to find the right fit and not get too set on a specific style.
