Five Star Leather Jackets

[ton312]

Ton

Do you know anybody that makes good wool sport’s coats under $500 or am I just having a pipe dream I mean there has to be someone better out there right?

Schott occasionally pops off some decent wools. Unfortunately there is a huge gap in the repro wool market. Add Golden Bear wool jacket to your saved searches. They made some cool HB's: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/golden-bear-wool-halfbelt-as-new-135-shipped.109407/

 

[58panheadfan]

Their patterns on their military jackets are great, but I get disappointed in their Horsehide leather. In my opinion the leather is too soft and too inconsistent, they sent me leather with leveling tape last time. It looks good sometimes and maybe at times I can convince myself that leather is good soft, but my expectations are too high having leather jackets from Aero Leather, Real McCoy’s, Golden Bear and Buzz Rickson. I’ve considered getting a rough out jacket just to experiment to see if maybe they can do it, but their leather’s fleshy side is so soft and brittle it just falls off when you brush it with your hand. Still not black listing five star since my success with wool jacket, but I’m cautious to say the least.

If you have jackets like you mentioned from Aero Leather, Real McCoy's, Golden Bear and Buzz Rickson, then you will always be disappointed with a 5Star.

 

[MrProper]

Quote from the military jacket enthusiast over at https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/

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Hm... not good.
I once read in the vintage forum that the jackets, which are copies of originals, are supposed to be quite good. As I don't like the A-2 & Co, I can't tell you anything first-hand, of course. So it's all hearsay and should really only refer to the copies. This probably doesn't apply to the self-made models or those produced from photos.
I was basically satisfied with my Shearling. I sold it because I didn't like the buttons, which I had imagined, in the long run.

 

[Marc mndt]

Hm... not good.
I once read in the vintage forum that the jackets, which are copies of originals, are supposed to be quite good. As I don't like the A-2 & Co, I can't tell you anything first-hand, of course. So it's all hearsay and should really only refer to the copies. This probably doesn't apply to the self-made models or those produced from photos.
I was basically satisfied with my Shearling. I sold it because I didn't like the buttons, which I had imagined, in the long run.

Here's the link to the original post but I think you need to be logged in to read. I'm not an A-2 expert either, in my eye they all look like brown leather sacks, but apparently the epaulets are placed too far to the front.

 

[58panheadfan]

I'm not an A-2 specialist either, but as far as I know the epaulet configuration is a contract thing.

 

[cbez]

I don't have a dog in the fight as I have almost exclusively second hand Japanese jackets but again, what's the point?

I don't think anyone thinks they're getting Bugatti quality for Yaris prices... it's an entry level budget option with compromises.

 

[ton312]

Here's the link to the original post but I think you need to be logged in to read. I'm not an A-2 expert either, in my eye they all look like brown leather sacks, but apparently the epaulets are placed too far to the front.

View attachment 567276 View attachment 567274 View attachment 567275

Things like this (if this is a thing, I don’t know tbh) are where the heart of frustration lies with 5 Star. Exaggerated design elements, poorly placed pockets (chin height chest pocket or handwarmers nearly in back of the jacket). I think what happens is folks become convinced they can improve the next time by “fixing” those flaws, only to find the next jacket has a new set of flaws. And so the process repeats. Again and again.
And this doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of basic construction that is so often missed or ignored.

 

[Eddiesuave]

If you have jackets like you mentioned from Aero Leather, Real McCoy's, Golden Bear and Buzz Rickson, then you will always be disappointed with a 5Star.

I mean, I’m happy with my Taylor’s Police ($305) Leather jacket. It fits good, doesn’t restrict me, built like a tank and in reality that’s all I want. I actually sold my Golden Bear, Real McCoy’s, gave away my Aero Leather and I’m currently selling my Buzz Rickson’s A2. I saw no point in keeping the high end ones when Taylor’s leather is much more practical and expendable. That’s why I feel like Five Star Leather can produce a good jacket.

PS: Wanted to state Jacket Prices went up on Taylor Leather, it’s around $419.

 

[ton312]

I don't have a dog in the fight as I have almost exclusively second hand Japanese jackets but again, what's the point?

I don't think anyone thinks they're getting Bugatti quality for Yaris prices... it's an entry level budget option with compromises.

But as new, fully custom 5 Star…it’s not too far off from the second hand market that offers far superior construction, material and patterns/design.
Second hand Aero, $450:

Aero $500:

2nd hand Aero $350:

SB $375:

I could probably add 20 more pages. I think the point of the comparison is that, at this point in time, you can do better, far better in fact, for less money. You can walk away with actual quality, that will hold some value, and not have to compromise. But I feel it’s like talking to a wall. You either see it, or you don’t. No one tried to convince themselves more than I did, nor was more supportive of 5 Stars growth. It just did not happen IMO.

 

[MrProper]

Here's the link to the original post but I think you need to be logged in to read. I'm not an A-2 expert either, in my eye they all look like brown leather sacks, but apparently the epaulets are placed too far to the front.

View attachment 567276 View attachment 567274 View attachment 567275

Thanks for the link.

One explanation could be this post:

"FWIW, it might also be worth getting a different contract from Five Star: Broncos were prone to having the epaulets a bit forward to begin with, and Shawn got his start making Bronco repros, so it's possible they used a less up-to-date pattern on your jacket. Also, Bronco is one of the contracts where Five Star was NOT able to examine an original, so there are just better contracts to choose from in Five Star's line-up: Star, Rough Wear, Dubow, Poughkeepsie."

It's probably the 5* lottery after all. They have no sense of proportion or aesthetics. Give them patterns and good materials and they'll make something good. Contract manufacturers, after all.
Everything else is a game of chance.

 

[cbez]

Well you are preaching to the choir as I'm a used jackets guy all day, but many people do value the new aspect and being able to choose a specific look.

 

[Aloysius]

Are you buying a leather jacket to wear it or to look at it? If you want to wear a leather jacket Five Star Leather is a great option, but you want to look at a leather jacket you’ll find prettier options at higher price points.

I would push back on this just a bit. The main issue with Five Star isn't material or construction. Pakistan makes world class goatskin and sheepskin, for example. It's pattern, especially on the civilian models.

Mind you, this particular issue they share with many of the 'premium' makers, whose patterns are not as good as Vanson or Schott, despite the more expensive materials.

That’s fair. Out of curiosity, how do you now feel about your wool 5*? Just a month ago you were singing its praises.

Tony praising a jacket doesn't decrease–perhaps it even increases–his chances of selling it a few weeks later. Ton and jacket retention are oil and water.

 

[Eddiesuave]

I would push back on this just a bit. The main issue with Five Star isn't material or construction. Pakistan makes world class goatskin and sheepskin, for example. It's pattern, especially on the civilian models.

Mind you, this particular issue they share with many of the 'premium' makers, whose patterns are not as good as Vanson or Schott, despite the more expensive materials.



Tony praising a jacket doesn't decrease–perhaps it even increases–his chances of selling it a few weeks later. Ton and jacket retention are oil and water.

Yeah I think you misunderstood me a little bit I meant both the materials and pattern on the pretty department. Most people don’t really care or even know what a pattern is. A lot of people just wear sweat gear and throw on a H&M faux leather jacket. I think anybody who wants to wear a real leather that looks like the jacket they saw on an celebrity or influencer would be more than happy. It’s the people who are detailed oriented leather enthusiasts who really make fuss about the stuff we talk about. I’ve never too impressed with Schott or Vanson’s leather jackets. Always felt like they were rather cheap and overpriced. Even in the 2nd hand market they tend to be beat up beyond any value. I like Vanson a little better, but I wouldn’t say they’re the best around in my opinion.

 

[ton312]

I like Vanson a little better, but I wouldn’t say they’re the best around in my opinion.

Wash your keyboard with soap sir! Don’t make me post 30 more! LOL.

I will concede they are not the nearest or most perfectly made….but they are so much cooler than 90% of what is posted on this site it’s embarrassing.

 

[Observe]

The general mood here now seems to be Five Star averse. I get it. Everything has been tried, we've realized the limits of what they can do, and the prices have gone up. I've gone through a serious closet purge and moved along just about every jacket I had, except for a Five Star, and I still get it. The pattern on my half belt is less refined than others. The leather, while decent, is nothing to write home about but the jacket fills a niche for me. My plan one day is to replace it with a "premium" version from a high end maker, maybe Johnson or somewhere else that can do custom.

Many of the well-regarded brands around here just haven't done it for me. Aero, the perennial favorite, has no pattern that's worked for me in terms of the damn neck hanging thing. My Vanson Enfield didn't jive with my body type due to the sleeve panels joining right at my elbow, digging in any time there was elbow/forearm flexion. I even sold my RMC because the hype didn't live up to my expectations, and their CS for such an extremely expensive product was lackluster. All the stupidly expensive Japanese brands can go to hell, frankly. Don't even get me started on the mess of boots I've bought and sold over the years. I currently have a pair of Wesco engineer boots I'm considering selling because I've finally come around to the fact that they just don't work for my feet, but I think they look cool so I keep them around. I've also modified them a bit, probably killing any resale value.

Personal anecdotes aside, there's also no accounting for taste. Anyway, that's my bit.

 

[handymike]

Many of the well-regarded brands around here just haven't done it for me. Aero, the perennial favorite, has no pattern that's worked for me in terms of the damn neck hanging thing. My Vanson Enfield didn't jive with my body type due to the sleeve panels joining right at my elbow, digging in any time there was elbow/forearm flexion. I even sold my RMC because the hype didn't live up to my expectations, and their CS for such an extremely expensive product was lackluster. All the stupidly expensive Japanese brands can go to hell, frankly. Don't even get me started on the mess of boots I've bought and sold over the years. I currently have a pair of Wesco engineer boots I'm considering selling because I've finally come around to the fact that they just don't work for my feet, but I think they look cool so I keep them around. I've also modified them a bit, probably killing any resale value.

Personal anecdotes aside, there's also no accounting for taste. Anyway, that's my bit.

Sorry to hear this. You’ve had some real beauties!

 

[Observe]

Sorry to hear this. You’ve had some real beauties!

I've gone on a decidedly TFL-unfriendly journey down Gore-Tex Lane. Not saying that I've gone full gorpcore, but I've developed an interest in modern technical fabrics and outdoor clothing. There's something to be said, however, for the classics, like waxed canvas, wool and leather. Durable as hell, especially compared to fussy modern synthetics.

 

[KBlake]

The general mood here now seems to be Five Star averse. I get it. Everything has been tried, we've realized the limits of what they can do, and the prices have gone up. I've gone through a serious closet purge and moved along just about every jacket I had, except for a Five Star, and I still get it. The pattern on my half belt is less refined than others. The leather, while decent, is nothing to write home about but the jacket fills a niche for me. My plan one day is to replace it with a "premium" version from a high end maker, maybe Johnson or somewhere else that can do custom.

Many of the well-regarded brands around here just haven't done it for me. Aero, the perennial favorite, has no pattern that's worked for me in terms of the damn neck hanging thing. My Vanson Enfield didn't jive with my body type due to the sleeve panels joining right at my elbow, digging in any time there was elbow/forearm flexion. I even sold my RMC because the hype didn't live up to my expectations, and their CS for such an extremely expensive product was lackluster. All the stupidly expensive Japanese brands can go to hell, frankly. Don't even get me started on the mess of boots I've bought and sold over the years. I currently have a pair of Wesco engineer boots I'm considering selling because I've finally come around to the fact that they just don't work for my feet, but I think they look cool so I keep them around. I've also modified them a bit, probably killing any resale value.

Personal anecdotes aside, there's also no accounting for taste. Anyway, that's my bit.

Can we see the 5* you’re referring to?

 

[Observe]

Can we see the 5* you’re referring to?

Sure, I posted it in the daily jacket thread but here you go:

 

[Marc mndt]

Most people don’t really care or even know what a pattern is. A lot of people just wear sweat gear and throw on a H&M faux leather jacket.

Do you know what a pattern is? Fast fashion brands like H&M employ numerous professionals pattern makers.

Whether or not you like the style, those jackets are 3D not 2D. Designed by people who are trained pattern makers.