How has your taste in leather jackets changed over the years?

[BB1239]

It would be nice to hear from some of you, how your taste in leather jackets has changed over time. Have you broadened your horizons and come to love styles, brands and colors of jackets you formerly didn't? Or have you narrowed your focus to a specific style or brand?

 

[Guppy]

It hasn't changed really. What I liked 20 years ago, I still like now. I just have broadened and deepened my knowledge of the different styles of jackets that exist and the history of how they changed over decades. So there's things I didn't know existed back in the day that I would have liked had I known about them, that I like now. And I have a better eye for quality and fit than I did. I guess that's about it.

 

[BB1239]

It hasn't changed really. What I liked 20 years ago, I still like now. I just have broadened and deepened my knowledge of the different styles of jackets that exist and the history of how they changed over decades. So there's things I didn't know existed back in the day that I would have liked had I known about them, that I like now. And I have a better eye for quality and fit than I did. I guess that's about it.

It's been great so far, learning on this forum about what makes a quality jacket and a good fit. My eye has changed, and likely still will, I'm relatively new to this compared to many of you. Very valuable resource here, definitely grateful for it. Formerly, I would have only wanted a black leather straight zip jacket. Now I find myself appreciating cross zips more, even searching for an Octagon leather, a color I had no taste for previously. My love of leather as a protective motorcycle garment brought me here. I stayed for the style, and am being corrupted. Willingly of course.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Good topic for a thread!

I would say to some extent similar to Guppy, what drew my eyes back when this all started, still does today. However I have greatly broadened my interest, and nowadays the Pattern, Materials & Maker Reputation matter a whole lot more to me than the many other details.

- Quality should be observable, experiential and tangible.
- Details such as color of hardware, stitching and even the lining all factor into the experience of the jacket.
- Get what "you" want - not what someone else thinks you need or want.
- I have also learned that as much as I love the color, I just will not wear cordovan leather jackets.
- A next step for me is something more in the dark-brown, or natural brown leathers...just not sure what jacket or design that will be...

 

[BB1239]

Good topic for a thread!

I would say to some extent similar to Guppy, what drew my eyes back when this all started, still does today. However I have greatly broadened my interest, and nowadays the Pattern, Materials & Maker Reputation matter a whole lot more to me than the many other details.

- Quality should be observable, experiential and tangible.
- Details such as color of hardware, stitching and even the lining all factor into the experience of the jacket.
- Get what "you" want - not what someone else thinks you need or want.
- I have also learned that as much as I love the color, I just will not wear cordovan leather jackets.
- A next step for me is something more in the dark-brown, or natural brown leathers...just not sure what jacket or design that will be...

That makes a whole lot of sense! On the topic of hardware color...not long ago I gravitated toward silver hardware on a black jacket, now I much prefer brass.

"Quality should be observable, experiential and tangible" - very well said. I've grown to love 30 day return policies.
Someone on this forum said "doubt always leads to sale", and that stuck with me.

I also love dark brown leather jackets and wish there were more made, without another tint or hue added. Mostly because it would be easier for me to match it with other clothes and hats lol.

 

[Bawheid]

My leather jacket style has actually stayed the same since 1989

Black, collared straight zipped jackets, wearable to work even with zipper sleeves

I have had ( and still have some)

Eastman Luftwaffe

Aero Highwayman

Simmons Bilt Nebraska

And a plethora more have come and gone, all straight zipped and collared.

I started with a red leather 2 piece suit when racing motorcycles.

40+ years and 22kg ago haha...

 

[MrProper]

Not much has changed for me.
I still like the leather jackets that I used to like.
CrossFit has been added as a style. I thought I might like Cossack, but after trying it I know I don't like it. Same with flight jackets with patch pockets.
And I prefer zips to buttons on leather jackets.

 

[TartuWolf]

I joined TFL 2 years ago. Before joining I knew something about leather, but almost nothing about leather jackets.
Learned a lot along the way, thank you TFL crew!
So I'd say my taste developed rather than changed.
Rather than broadening I rather really narrowed it down to what I like and what I want.
After I sell a few more I will have narrowed my own collection down to 2 leather jackets which I'm very happy with!
Next potentially on the list : Rugged West D-Pocket in their 4oz black bison decked out with brass hardware.
Dream jacket that will likely never happen : Y2 eco horse N1 deck jacket.

 

[newtojackets]

1. Started liking shorter jackets (by short I mean 24 inches)

2. Started appreciating brown leather more (as well as colours)

3. Stopped liking super stiff leathers e.g. CXL and super restrictive patterns e.g. Aero BR / japanese style narrow arms

 

[newtojackets]

I joined TFL 2 years ago. Before joining I knew something about leather, but almost nothing about leather jackets.
Learned a lot along the way, thank you TFL crew!
So I'd say my taste developed rather than changed.
Rather than broadening I rather really narrowed it down to what I like and what I want.
After I sell a few more I will have narrowed my own collection down to 2 leather jackets which I'm very happy with!
Next potentially on the list : Rugged West D-Pocket in their 4oz black bison decked out with brass hardware.
Dream jacket that will likely never happen : Y2 eco horse N1 deck jacket.

how you can do 2 jackets is beyond me, but well done!

 

[Al 916]

better fitting...

 

[Monitor]

Initially, I didn't have that much of a taste for leather jackets, I just wanted to look cool. Also, what primarily ignited my interest in leather (jackets) was so that I could fight back against getting scammed by fast fashion.

Didn't take long until I realized how much fun fashion is, once I stepped out of my comfort zone and began experimenting with clothes. However, catching up for all the lost time, I would switch between look too quickly to ever complete one so I never did set on a style.
That's why I admire those guys who fully leaned into that pseudo-50's look.

Eventually, though, it became apparent to me that I was using clothes, especially leather clothes, as a crutch and how much influence it hold over how I felt & thus who I was. It all became too burdensome. So I no longer wear it. but the love still remains, of course.

 

[Worf]

My tastes have definitely changed over the years since I wandered into this den of iniquity!

1. I started out wanting and loving A2's, then A1's.
2. Next leather car coats and other jacket styles.
3. Woolens and various Filson brand chore coats
4. Shearling jackets and coats for these cold Northeastern winters.

Now I don't buy much of anything anymore. Got all I need and all I've room for. Still I'd be a bit richer if I'd never met you hoarding hooligans!

Worf

 

[ton312]

Timely thread! I was just thinking about this myself. My taste and interest has completely changed. When I started collecting years ago, I was primarily interested in styles and leathers related to my passion for my motorcycles and so riding gear was my primary interest. Since I no longer ride or even own a bike, I no longer want to wear anything related to motorcycling. While the jackets themselves are often times very much perfect for foul weather conditions, I cannot escape the feeling of being a poser wearing one with no bike to back it up. I have let go of all my biker jackets and wouldn't dare buy another before I get another bike.

There's just no escaping or breaking the bond between certain styles and the intended purpose. Others don't mind but for me, at this point, there is just no way. Could be an age thing. I only own one finished side leather jacket at this point, everything else is suede, roughout of a combo of some sort.

I went through a period of purchasing 40's-50's repros that was ultimately boring and never really felt like me. Played designer with junk from Pakistan during Covid and that was fun but fruitless. All the while finding a bit more joy in unique vintage second hand pieces. Always liked wools and denims. Now I feel the most comfortable with what I own. The pieces are the unique and I don't see others (which is something I like) and they feel easy and natural to wear.

 

[handymike]

Once @Marc mndt convinced me that you can safely wash suede, a whole new world opened up.

 

[Marc mndt]

There's just no escaping or breaking the bond between certain styles and the intended purpose. Others don't mind but for me, at this point, there is just no way.

So I guess this means you'll be getting a horse to go with your Cody Rancher jackets?

 

[ton312]

I don’t think there’s quite the same cultural connection. I mean the number of times I was asked about my bike, even when wearing non biker styles like my bootlegger, was surprisingly frequent. I think the style is just burnt into people’s brains with an M/C.

There’s also this vibe, which I also feel creeps into the style. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but it’s just not me.

Most guys here don’t feel this way and I salute them but for me the black biker jackets, really most cross zips in general, make a statement I can’t back up or allude to a community I’m not a part of. The same way an A-2 would make me feel quite frankly.

No one has asked where I parked my horse in suede. At least not yet!

 

[Doctor Death]

For at least a couple of decades, I only had one leather jacket, a Schott Perfecto 618 in black steerhide. I liked the cross zip, with the shoulder epaulets and attached belt. I was crazy locked in to that one style.

But a few years ago, all of a sudden, I started to like cross zips with a clean look. No epaulets or belt.

Then a couple of years after that, I caught a full blown case of leather jacket fever and started liking straight zips and military style jackets like the A2 and even Indiana Jones style jackets. This was when I joined The Fedora Lounge. And now I have enough leather jackets that I've already lost count. I think it's in double digits now.

I'm thinking I'm going to add maybe a Vanson CHP and maybe a Bates Highwayman in the future. For now, I'm desperately trying to rein it in. It's an expensive hobby and it ain't gettin' any cheaper. But I do look good!

 

[Marc mndt]

I don’t think there’s quite the same cultural connection. I mean the number of times I was asked about my bike, even when wearing non biker styles like my bootlegger, was surprisingly frequent. I think the style is just burnt into people’s brains with an M/C.

That's interesting, I have never been asked about my motorcycle when wearing a mc jacket.

Imo mc jackets have merged with fashion. I mean, I see pretty much each and every girl wear a mc jacket style here in Amsterdam, I'm certain very few of them actually own a motorcycle.

MC jackets are fashion items, you see them on the runway and on red carpet events. Do you think anyone asked Jeff Goldblum about his motorcycle?

 

[newtojackets]

Timely thread! I was just thinking about this myself. My taste and interest has completely changed. When I started collecting years ago, I was primarily interested in styles and leathers related to my passion for my motorcycles and so riding gear was my primary interest. Since I no longer ride or even own a bike, I no longer want to wear anything related to motorcycling. While the jackets themselves are often times very much perfect for foul weather conditions, I cannot escape the feeling of being a poser wearing one with no bike to back it up. I have let go of all my biker jackets and wouldn't dare buy another before I get another bike.

There's just no escaping or breaking the bond between certain styles and the intended purpose. Others don't mind but for me, at this point, there is just no way. Could be an age thing. I only own one finished side leather jacket at this point, everything else is suede, roughout of a combo of some sort.

I went through a period of purchasing 40's-50's repros that was ultimately boring and never really felt like me. Played designer with junk from Pakistan during Covid and that was fun but fruitless. All the while finding a bit more joy in unique vintage second hand pieces. Always liked wools and denims. Now I feel the most comfortable with what I own. The pieces are the unique and I don't see others (which is something I like) and they feel easy and natural to wear.

For what it;s worth, I think the motorcycle association is virtually gone. Whenever I see anyone in a cross-zip / moto jacket, my default assumption is it's worn for style and not actually for a motorbike