Five Star Leather Jackets

[navetsea]

Hi everyone, thought I would update on this one.

I received the replacement jacket a week ago. The jacket does fix the mistakes/issues caused by 5 Star from the previously sent jacket. However, as suggested on this forum, I've now got a few new issues. These are mostly related to the sizing around the bicep/elbow being a little too wide and pulled in an area (been stitched together with a leather "pull"/crease), and I now have a small fold/crease that forms around the back of my neck (I commonly get this in off the rack clothing). I couldn't get a photo of this creasing (live by myself) but it's almost like an "excess fold" right inbetween my shoulders.

Check out photos below, please excuse the white dustiness of the photos, I've recently painted my house and am dealing with dust settling.

Overall, however, I am happy with this jacket and Five Star have sorted things for me from their end. Without being an expert, it mostly fits well and is nicely stitched. Would I put myself through this again? No chance.

that is a good fit, and for once the chest pocket is not super high like usual 5star. under the collar crease is normal on leather jacket, because jacket collar is higher than shirt collar, and the rear will likely touching the back of your head in some pose where you look up, or when you ride in it, so it creases there, fabric jacket is the same but fabric creases are less permanent. to check the rear then ask someone to take your picture from the back so you have your arm on neutral pose, when you look over your shoulder and twist your waist to take picture then obviously the back of the jacket will pull and show creases.

but honestly the half belt looks bad from the profile picture, it should be constructed like the waistbelt of your pants, the top panel should taper into the half belt, and then the lower panel should flare back a little toward the hemline to give space for your rear, not a flat back with a decorative strap like that

 

[Retserrof]

I am the “ultimate dick” when it comes to 5 Star. In part because I feel complacent in the notion that these jackets are somehow more than they are. Large part. It for what it’s worth I think your jacket fits quite well. 5 Stars button front jackets always seem to look better, not sure why but they do. If you are daring enough to experiment, I would try to improve the color. This looks to be russet brown? It’s such a dead color. It can be improved but you have throw caution to the wind and not care.

Thanks for the reply! I actually thought about experimenting with colour firstly on the jacket I rejected (5 Star told me to keep it). Doesn't fit, so may as well use it as a test piece.

Colour is actually crystal goat, which based on the limited experiences from others, I figured wasn't the worst brown option. Unfortunately, it's just a dull plastic-like mid brown. What would you suggest I apply on the test jacket to improve the colour?

 

[ton312]

Thanks for the reply! I actually thought about experimenting with colour firstly on the jacket I rejected (5 Star told me to keep it). Doesn't fit, so may as well use it as a test piece.

Colour is actually crystal goat, which based on the limited experiences from others, I figured wasn't the worst brown option. Unfortunately, it's just a dull plastic-like mid brown. What would you suggest I apply on the test jacket to improve the colour?

In my experience the only answer is the atomic one. Strip and dye. It’s hard to get through 5 Stars plastic top coat. The only thing that works is Acetone. Pure, brain cell melting acetone. Then hit it with diluted alcohol based dye. Seal it and you’re done. I won’t lie, it’s a shit ton of work. But it can yield a good result. I’ve posted about it somewhere in this thread. I dyed all my 5 Stars and they all looked better for it for sure. But there were other problems I could not correct.

 

[Oystermuppet]

Hello everyone,
I'm planning on getting my first leather jacket.
FiveStar has been recommended to me as a good starting point for a first piece. I really hope all these negative comments are from people, who got to experience real quality 2k jackets and me, as a newbie, won't be disappointed in them.
My issue is my sizing - I'm a tall (6'4) and slim individual, so I would either have to get something longer, like this one:

Men Long Half Belt Real Goatskin Leather Jacket Seal Brown

"A" Grade Top Quality Real Leather Jacket Made from Real and high quality Goatskin Leather Seal Brown Color Front Talon Zipper Fastening Rayon Satin lining Two side pockets, one Chest Pockets enclosed with zipper Fine and outclass stitching All sizes are available in stock, Custom Size's can...

www.fivestarleather.us

or order another jacket in custom size. Advantage of the first option is that I can return it, which can't be done with custom made one.
Any advices for me in this journey? Should I stop being afraid and just go for the custom size?

 

[MrProper]

Any advices for me in this journey?

Yes, buy somewhere else. You should also do something good for your first, or especially your first, leather jacket. 6.4 and slim is not a good combination at 5* with OTR.
Everything tends to be too wide. And made2measure requires experience and even then there is no guarantee that the result will be satisfactory in the long term.

 

[Oystermuppet]

Yes, buy somewhere else.

Well, I was afraid of answer like this. I was excited to get something from Five* because of the wide range of products and low (I think?) prices.
I'll try finding some brand from EU, maybe Germany.
Thank You.

 

[konadog]

Well, I was afraid of answer like this. I was excited to get something from Five* because of the wide range of products and low (I think?) prices.
I'll try finding some brand from EU, maybe Germany.
Thank You.

The jacket you pointed out is relatively inexpensive. I say try your luck on custom measurements and go for it. Yes, most of us (self-included) who have purchased from Fivestar have sold all of our jackets. There are many reasons we sold them. However, almost all of us have learned something about what we really want in a jacket through the purchase. If shipping from Fivestar to your country is cheap, I say go for it. Worst case scenario, you sell the jacket for half of what you paid and didn't lose that much money.

 

[MrProper]

Well, I was afraid of answer like this. I was excited to get something from Five* because of the wide range of products and low (I think?) prices.
I'll try finding some brand from EU, maybe Germany.
Thank You.

Well, I was afraid of answer like this. I was excited to get something from Five* because of the wide range of products and low (I think?) prices.
I'll try finding some brand from EU, maybe Germany.
Thank You.

Yes, the prices are cheap. However, customs duty, VAT and DHL handling fee will be added. You need at least size L, which costs $220. There is an additional $65 for shipping. On top of this $285 you have to add the above mentioned. So another $85 and you're at $370, which isn't that cheap for a jacket like this. For that kind of money, I would rather look on the second-hand market.

 

[TartuWolf]

@Oystermuppet
Tall and slim is a rough ask for OTR jackets. Bordering on made-to-measure (or at least customized body and sleeve length) being mandatory. The chances of getting your first jacket perfect are pretty slim, whatever route you go. Going with makers that know what they are doing and who can make the important choices for you after they get your body measurements is your best bet. Johnson Leathers / Thurston in US, Thedi in EU, SB/Aero in UK as some examples. I'd really give Rugged West a shot as well if you're in UK and even if you're in EU (can play around with value declaration with Leilah). Ordering a 5* with a decent chance of success is quite a project that would require a lot of research, planning and communication on your side. Go for it if you like to experiment, want to go deep and are willing to put in the time and effort. Otherwise think about the other options I mentioned.

 

[Oystermuppet]

@TartuWolf
Jackets from Thedi and Rugged West look amazing and offer exactly what I'm looking for, but this is out of my budget for now. I was hoping to get something for 400USD max (I live in Poland, we do not earn much here).
I think I'll try to find a used Schott jacket - they seem to be a bit longer.
Today I saw this post:

FS: Schott 543 delivery Jacket with sunset back (made in USA)

I'm selling some jackets to make room for new ones :) This Schott jacket is new and unworn. Features a sunset back and side tabs. Made from 'waxy' leather as schott calls it on their website. 100% cotton lining. Style : 543. Shoulder: 18 inch Ptp: 21.5 Back: 25.5 (shipping from Europe)

www.thefedoralounge.com

and the jacket looks absolutely beautiful. And it was "only" 400USD!

 

[TartuWolf]

@Oystermuppet
Another good option is surfing JP auctions/sales ads for a used Vanson. I got a few amazing ones from there for 200-250USD. My model E has 65cm+ long sleeves as it is meant to be used on a bike. If you'd find something like that it might work very well for you.
Be very careful with Schott jackets if you hunt them - only the ones that are actually made in US are valuable. There's a lot of "LC" or EU market Schott jackets that I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole personally.
And 5* is still an option for you, but you need to take your time, plan/communicate your order very well and still be prepared to be a bit disappointed even if you do everything right on your part.

 

[Oystermuppet]

@TartuWolf
Ah damn it, You're right. Every used Schott jacket I see on Vinted is made out of lambskin. Well that's another disappointment...
I'll try searching japanese auctions, I'll post a WTB post here and I think I'll try ordering this suede jacket from Five*

Men Trucker Tan Suede Classic Western Denim Pocket Embodied Style Leather Jacket Brown Collar

Men TRUCKER Tan Suede Classic Western Denim Style Leather Jacket Brown Collar Indulge in the luxurious quality of our authentic Suede Leather jacket, featuring two embroidered chest pockets with flaps, two side pockets, and a stunning golden brown color. Adorned with front donut buttons for...

www.fivestarleather.us

in custom sizing, to see if the experience is worth it. If the jacket is the same colour as on pictures, I will be very happy - love the contrast of the dark chocolate flaps.