Five Star Leather Jackets

[bn1966]

Weather cooler in the UK so I got to rock the G-1 type I custom ordered. Numbers weren’t exactly as specified on all measurements given, but most were and the more I wear it the better it seems to fit...

 

[ton312]

I'm 6'0 but I do have longer torso. I asked for 26.75, so maybe rounding error for them. I don't mind if it comes slightly below. I'm more worried about the collar now. I sent him a note to change, hopefully they can do before shipping. Has anyone else corrected anything after they saw the QC photos?

I wouldn’t sweat the collar. I think it’ll look better a bit more broad. Zipping it fully might be awkward unless you’ve got a longer neck. I think un-zipped though it will sit nice.

 

[Marc mndt]

I wouldn’t sweat the collar. I think it’ll look better a bit more broad. Zipping it fully might be awkward unless you’ve got a longer neck. I zipped though it will sit nice.

Just order some of those African neck rings, elongate your neck

 

[navetsea]

Thanks a lot for the tips. However, I am not sure I understand correctly.
The leather is not particularly strong and then the buttons could easily tear off. So I thought of first sewing some leather (steerhide) onto the shearling (inside or outside) and then assembling the buttons. Then the danger of tear off should be averted.
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If you are afraid the edges of the clasp would chew through the thin sheep leather overtime, then you need slightly wider patch than the size of the clasp of strong hide on top, not inside

 

[Seb Lucas]

Which of your jacket styles are on five star?

Listed earlier - J100 and Car Clicker Coat.

 

[SydneyCollectorGuy]

I honestly think this company isn't even worth the low prices they ask for.....
I've both had a A2 jacket and a rather sad imitation of a G2 jacket from them.....the goatskin they used had such a thick layer of some form of plastic coating (that will never develop a platina,only crack into sections) that I originally sent it back to Mr Ali because it looked like vinyl to me
The cutting and fit looks like they just "scaled up" the chest size without taking into account chest,sleeve and torso lengths
The workmanship on the stitching was subpar even compaired to "mall jackets"
I kept the A2 as a chore jacket and gave the G2 to a Op Shop......

 

[Hobbes1]

I honestly think this company isn't even worth the low prices they ask for.....
I've both had a A2 jacket and a rather sad imitation of a G2 jacket from them.....the goatskin they used had such a thick layer of some form of plastic coating (that will never develop a platina,only crack into sections) that I originally sent it back to Mr Ali because it looked like vinyl to me
The cutting and fit looks like they just "scaled up" the chest size without taking into account chest,sleeve and torso lengths
The workmanship on the stitching was subpar even compaired to "mall jackets"
I kept the A2 as a chore jacket and gave the G2 to a Op Shop......

That is an unfortunate experience for sure. Sorry to hear that.
Out of curiosity, when did you get your jacket from Five-star?

 

[SydneyCollectorGuy]

That is an unfortunate experience for sure. Sorry to hear that.
Out of curiosity, when did you get your jacket from Five-star?

It's a learning experience like in any hobby....... mostly why I tend to like to handle a jacket before buying it
I got the G1 a little over a year ago (it was a custom job that a mate had made up..... looks like a "Frankenstein mod" where it's got a button off fur collar, G1 pockets but A2 back)
The A2 I got direct from 5* in April.....

 

[Marc mndt]

It's a learning experience like in any hobby....... mostly why I tend to like to handle a jacket before buying it
I got the G1 a little over a year ago (it was a custom job that a mate had made up..... looks like a "Frankenstein mod" where it's got a button off fur collar, G1 pockets but A2 back)
The A2 I got direct from 5* in April.....

Why did you decide to order one yourself in April while your friends G1 wasn't to your liking?

 

[MrProper]

That is an unfortunate experience for sure. Sorry to hear that.
Out of curiosity, when did you get your jacket from Five-star?

I think 5* has made some progress over the past few months. Better leather, better cut. 5* picks up every feedback like a sponge and tries to improve.
I would rather not order off the rack at 5* because the sizes would definitely not fit me.

 

[SydneyCollectorGuy]

Why did you decide to order one yourself in April while your friends G1 wasn't to your liking?

Because I assumed that the G1 was a lemon/dud
I also have a lot more experience with A2 jackets and the different types/manufacturers...... Mr Ali says he makes manufacturer specification A2's.....at best I'd say he makes in-house "tributes" that kinda sorta look like them.....from 50 metres away if you're squinting

 

[handymike]

They’re definitely fast and cheap...and seem to be getting better.

 

[ton312]

I don’t know of any maker on the planet doing what 5 Star is doing with this level of quality and at this price point. Shawn is extremely receptive to criticism and genuinely accepts feedback. I’m looking forward to his rendition of this jacket, which I finalized with Shawn this weekend. We exchanged about 25 emails going over the details. At every single step he was inquisitive and listened to my needs.

 

[handymike]

I hope he gets that collar right!

 

[ton312]

I hope he gets that collar right!

No small task there. But me too. It’s kind of the signature feature. I like the A-2 style epaulettes. I figured this would be more in his wheelhouse since it does have some of those military style features. Fortunately, it won’t take too long to find out!

 

[Claybertrand]

I don’t know of any maker on the planet doing what 5 Star is doing with this level of quality and at this price point. Shawn is extremely receptive to criticism and genuinely accepts feedback. I’m looking forward to his rendition of this jacket, which I finalized with Shawn this weekend. We exchanged about 25 emails going over the details. At every single step he was inquisitive and listened to my needs.
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DUDE!!!!!! Now we're talkin'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know Jonesy got a true vintage take off custom made. I have been going through my collection looking for some things to replicate w 5 Star. That All Weather is a great pattern to go off of IMO---assuming the sleeves aren't pant leg circumference. This one will be very interesting indeed. Can't wait to see how this turns out Ton!! Based on what we've been seeing, I'm not even cautiously optimistic-----just plain OPTIMISTIC!!!

If this turns out nice, we will need a breakdown of how you presented your sample jacket and how specific you needed to be in all aspects of its design (We'll need ALL 25 emails!!!!!!!! ). It'll be the Mr. Proper/Ton312 Order Method---the roadmap to the perfect custom jacket!!!

If I'm Shawn, I'm not only obviously keeping these patterns, but I'm putting them into regular production or at least, making them available via the webpage--assuming they can nail the details on them. I'm thinking MOST of the well known quality makers --AERO--Goodwear--Eastman--etc. likely tend to mostly THEMSELVES choose the jacket designs they reproduce. Here with 5 Star, the keen vintage collectors will provide them with some of the best vintage patterns by requesting these jackets get made. 5 Star may be a lot more customer driven in this respect. So its almost like, Ton and Jonesy and some others are organically shaping the design evolution of 5 Star by getting these legit vintage customs made. In short order, they may well have a wide selection of true vintage designs to offer beyond what they have now because of these orders. That's freakin' bitchen!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Hobbes1]

I think 5* has made some progress over the past few months. Better leather, better cut. 5* picks up every feedback like a sponge and tries to improve.

I will be the first to admit that I lack the depth of knowledge of many on this forum regarding high end leather and jackets. However, that being said, the jacket that I received from Fivestar recently feels and looks really nice. Everything was done as I requested and the ordering process was really straightforward. I am not looking for an exact reproduction of a period piece so perhaps my standards are not as high as some here. If this jacket holds up for the long run, I will consider my money well spent. Compared to some other jackets that I've owned/handled (which are not Aero, LW, SB, etc. quality/price) this Fivestar is definitely a cut above. YMMV and all that

 

[Hobbes1]

So its almost like, Ton and Jonesy and some others are organically shaping the design evolution of 5 Star by getting these legit vintage customs made. In short order, they may well have a wide selection of true vintage designs to offer beyond what they have now because of these orders. That's freakin' bitchen!!!!!!!!!!

While not a legit vintage jacket, the one that I recently had them make is now on the webpage. I feel like it would be even better if Fivestar would create a separate page for all these "new" patterns to make them easy to find for people looking for other than repro jackets. (Shawn, if you are reading this..... )

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

While not a legit vintage jacket, the one that I recently had them make is now on the webpage. I feel like it would be even better if Fivestar would create a separate page for all these "new" patterns to make them easy to find for people looking for other than repro jackets. (Shawn, if you are reading this..... )

they should name them after the people who asked for the design LOL.

Ton, did he figure out that arm opening measurement you want? I was waiting on that and some leather samples before putting in my next order. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the Buco J100 style. The one on the website which I think was designed by Seb seems pretty dang close. Just double checking the wrist zipper placement and overall fit and getting the right measurement ratio of shoulder/p2p/waist as it's supposed to be more straight line from what I can tell.

The natural color aniline from what I can see on the website is a little too plain/boring for me. So if I get a good sample piece, I'm going to slather it with some coconut oil and beeswax and see how it looks after a couple days in the sun. It shouldn't have a top coat, so should change a couple shades and maybe give me some crinkling. I'll never be able to replicate natural CXL of course, but if I can get close and save $800, I'll give it a shot.

 

[MrProper]

Shawn is really very dedicated. Did a few more tests on how to do it better with reinforcements. The stripes are too wide for my taste, but that can be changed.