Leather jacket sizing, too big or small?

[MickeyPunch]

If you post this then you’re not happy, so unless you’re drowning in money then return and keep looking, or try to size down.

I never really followed John Elliott but they used to do skinny stuff, and if the model pic is an indication of intended fit then it seems to be a bit Hedi-esque, i.e. skinny, cropped and with a big front opening. That’s not really how it looks on you.

 

[VansonRider]

The sleeves are the right length, they're falling too far on your hands because the shoulder seam of the jacket is hanging a little past your natural shoulder width.
As far as the rest, I think we need to see it zipped and from the side.
It WILL look better as it wears in, but it won't change sizes.

 

[Eagledog]

It doesn't look good or comfortable with the shirt all bunched up in front. Sleeves are too wide and long unless you're riding a motorcycle. It has a lot of extra material in the chest area that looks uncomfortable in the armpit area. And the belt will be annoying dangling behind your waist. I would look for something with slimmer arms and no belt in a smaller chest size.

 

[Aloysius]

on the flipside, it is a $2,000 jacket and I want to make sure its the right fit for both aesthetic and comfort.

Really?

I honestly assumed it was a $200 made-in-Pakistan "motorcycle jacket" from Amazon from the pic. (Nothing wrong with that, to be clear, and it wouldn't have stopped me from giving you fit advice.) But hearing it cost $2000 is horrifying.

Perhaps it shouldn't have surprised me because those $200 jackets usually have a better fit/pattern, probably because they're somewhat mass market (which often does mean good patterning.)

 

[TartuWolf]

For that kind of money you could go to Johnson Leathers (just to name one example) and get an absolute top quality, high-end, custom, built-for-a-lifetime leather jacket with the leather of your choice and support a small honest business which will have a personal contact with you. And yet you choose to give this money to "John Elliott". Dunno man, feels like you could do much better and walk away with a much better result...

 

[Will Zach]

^^
... and if you feel that "motorcycle jackets" are too heavy and stiff for you, a maker like Johnson Leathers, Aero or Thedi will let you choose a lighter and softer leather. Not a condom-soft stuff like John Elliott, mind.

 

[MrProper]

If you can afford it, it's perfectly okay to pay a lot of tuition fees

 

[MickeyPunch]

I’m in the minority here but I like fashion. There’s a lot of different styles out there and while a lot of them don’t appeal to me, I can still appreciate them as I like to think I’m open minded. That is why I don’t mind paying $$$ for a designer piece if I feel it’s unique and I like it a lot.

That being said, I don’t think that jacket has anything unique about it, neither in terms of design, pattern or anything else.

I completely understand that Schott (or any other FL-approved maker) jackets would feel overwhelming, and the desire for a softer one (condom-like apparently, as described above) while having some of that “leather jacket” feel. Hell, I even have one lamb leather jacket that some people here think would instantly desintegrate in contact with anything other than the softest velvet, but that has held up for over 10 years just fine, and it would be also fine for people like me that don’t ride a bike or live an Indiana Jones life. I do groceries and go to the park with my nearly 3 yo daughter, that’s about it; the rest of the day I sit in front of a screen. But just like I left my raw denim days behind (it’s fun for a while but such a drag, and didn’t enjoy leaving a trail of blue stains behind, and let’s not talk about “wash every 6 months” thing because that’s just gross), I understand why some don’t want CXLFQHH that looks, feels and drapes like a cardboard box. Even what in this forum is considered “pliable” is just too heavy and stiff for the non-FL individual.

But if you go for a fashion jacket maybe look at something that’s more original and that has a pattern that works better for you. E.g. a Margiela 5-zip. I think they make a cheaper version (MM6 or something like that) that should be within reach considering you dropped $2k on that. That “MMM” (Maison Martin Margiela) jacket is one that’s approved in fashion circles, and that has stood the test of time. Granted, it won’t be FL approved but you’ll see that in this forum the standard uniform is leather jacket + t-shirt or checkered shirt + jeans, and hardly anyone ventures beyond that. Many here would think that nothing noteworthy was designed after the 50s. Which is fine as long as there is no derogatory comments towards those who think otherwise. Because the irony here is that the first guys wearing leather jackets other than for riding or flying a plane were basically doing “fashion”; same for the ones that first wore jeans in any situation that didn’t involve working in the mines first and then being literal cowboys. If it was not for fashion maybe we’d be wearing powdered wigs nowadays. If someone makes snarky comments they risk looking like the “old man yells at cloud” meme, or “my (75 yo) fashion is better than your fashion” nonsense.

All this being said, as I said above you can do better, esp. for $2k. On the other hand, for quite a few people $2k, $200 or $20 is the same, a negligible ampunt lf money, yet some people keeps thinking “they’re stupid to spend that much money on X”. Well, there’s many people in the world that would think it’s stupid to spend $3 on a coffe, because it’s all a matter of perspective.

One final note: John Elliott is just a guy, and this jacket is MiUSA for those who care about such thing. He’s not going around pulling a gun on people forcing them to buy his stuff, which he doesn’t seem to market as the best thing ever. Reading the comments above it’d look as if John Elliott was a ruthless billionaire and the people at Johnson Leathers, or Thedi or Aero or anyone else were living under a bridge when I’m sure they’re doing just fine. They all make stuff and ask a given amount for it, if people are willingly buying that I can’t see where the dishonesty is.

 

[centurionslut]

One final note: John Elliott is just a guy, and this jacket is MiUSA for those who care about such thing. He’s not going around pulling a gun on people forcing them to buy his stuff, which he doesn’t seem to market as the best thing ever. Reading the comments above it’d look as if John Elliott was a ruthless billionaire and the people at Johnson Leathers, or Thedi or Aero or anyone else were living under a bridge when I’m sure they’re doing just fine. They all make stuff and ask a given amount for it, if people are willingly buying that I can’t see where the dishonesty is.

100. the jacket was made in Los Angeles, I know who John Elliott is and literally what he looks like.

Who is "Johnson leathers"... never even heard of it.

I googled it and apparently it's a shop in San Francisco. No clue who this Johnson person is, or if they even exist, or what their ethics are.

The website looks likes its from the 1900s, is literally "in construction" and the about us page is a 404 error. I think I'll pass

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

^^^ ”condom-like”….f’n epic!!

 

[Will Zach]

100. the jacket was made in Los Angeles, I know who John Elliott is and literally what he looks like.

Who is "Johnson leathers"... never even heard of it.

I googled it and apparently it's a shop in San Francisco. No clue who this Johnson person is, or if they even exist, or what their ethics are.

The website looks likes its from the 1900s, is literally "in construction" and the about us page is a 404 error. I think I'll pass

Johnson Leather Jacket

Disclaimer: noob doing a review. I don't normally start threads but I want to highlight the work of Johnson Leathers of San Francisco hey guys, I would like to share my new JL jacket (it's my 3rd with them). JL is local to me and I'm lucky to be within such a short distance from their shop...

www.thefedoralounge.com

 

[Aloysius]

I’m in the minority here but I like fashion. There’s a lot of different styles out there and while a lot of them don’t appeal to me, I can still appreciate them as I like to think I’m open minded. That is why I don’t mind paying $$$ for a designer piece if I feel it’s unique and I like it a lot.

That being said, I don’t think that jacket has anything unique about it, neither in terms of design, pattern or anything else.

Quite a few of us are into fashion, actually. The pushback against, say Real McCoys or Fine Creek or whatever at the time as "fashion jackets" is actually usually by someone like @Monitor pointing out that these brands are essentially nobodies in the fashion space.

When I said I assumed this was a $200 Made in Pakistan generic Perfecto, I wasn't joking. It really does look like that. Completely underwhelming jacket. If you want to go into the fashion realm, why not get something that's actually flattering in cut and material?

But if you go for a fashion jacket maybe look at something that’s more original and that has a pattern that works better for you. E.g. a Margiela 5-zip. I think they make a cheaper version (MM6 or something like that) that should be within reach considering you dropped $2k on that. That “MMM” (Maison Martin Margiela) jacket is one that’s approved in fashion circles, and that has stood the test of time. Granted, it won’t be FL approved but you’ll see that in this forum the standard uniform is leather jacket + t-shirt or checkered shirt + jeans, and hardly anyone ventures beyond that.

The MMM 5-Zip is a fantastic jacket. There are also lots of cool jackets put out by various RL labels, although the one I'm loving most this season isn't in leather.

All this being said, as I said above you can do better, esp. for $2k. On the other hand, for quite a few people $2k, $200 or $20 is the same, a negligible ampunt lf money, yet some people keeps thinking “they’re stupid to spend that much money on X”. Well, there’s many people in the world that would think it’s stupid to spend $3 on a coffe, because it’s all a matter of perspective.

This is the point. No one is saying "if you spend $2000, it needs to be a dreadnought from Lost Worlds", but maybe it should be distinguishable from the Amazon top result. (Hell I have argued on this very forum that LW's take on the Perfecto design while high quality has an ugly layout.)

One final note: John Elliott is just a guy, and this jacket is MiUSA for those who care about such thing. He’s not going around pulling a gun on people forcing them to buy his stuff, which he doesn’t seem to market as the best thing ever.

A little meaningless. There is good MiUSA stuff and crappy MiUSA stuff just that there is from Japan or anywhere else.

100. the jacket was made in Los Angeles, I know who John Elliott is and literally what he looks like.

What's your point? Lots of crap is made in LA too.

Who is "Johnson leathers"... never even heard of it.

Johnson leathers is the OEM for lots of high end fashion leather jackets across the world.

They're a workshop in San Francisco with a very skilled team of patterners, machinists, and experts in leather jackets. They can make anything you dream up, to an almost absurd degree. And no one is saying that you need to get heavy and/or stiff leathers.

I googled it and apparently it's a shop in San Francisco. No clue who this Johnson person is, or if they even exist, or what their ethics are.

What their ethics are? Lol. Anyway, Johnson passed away last spring. His shop is basically the heir to SF's very rich legacy in making outerwear.

The website looks likes its from the 1900s, is literally "in construction" and the about us page is a 404 error. I think I'll pass

Your loss.

Did you come here to get feedback or to be told your jacket is the best thing in the world?

I think @Canuck Panda's suggestion of a Schott jacket was more based on the fact that the Schott he mentioned has a much more flattering shape. Hell, Schott even makes it in a really nice lambskin, so you could get the super soft feel with a better shape and hardware.

By the way, despite this weird "fashion vs TFL" thing that's being set up, Johnson (especially) but also Schott and Vanson have done tons of private label work for the most exclusive fashion brands out there.

 

[Monitor]

I commented earlier then deleted my post but I will comment again - The jacket doesn't fit you well at all, OP and if you can, exchange it for something else.

But I am assuming you already aware of this since - and bare with me for a second, let me put you on game - you asking us here 'cause obviously, you're having doubts. You've clearly learned enough & seen enough pictures to be able to tell how much better a leather jacket ought to fit and you clearly seein' here this ain't it.

On top of that, it's not a very good jacket and I don't think it would fit you considerably better in either size.

 

[JMax]

100. the jacket was made in Los Angeles, I know who John Elliott is and literally what he looks like.

Who is "Johnson leathers"... never even heard of it.

I googled it and apparently it's a shop in San Francisco. No clue who this Johnson person is, or if they even exist, or what their ethics are.

The website looks likes its from the 1900s, is literally "in construction" and the about us page is a 404 error. I think I'll pass

You’d be missing out if what you want is a great jacket. JL will custom make a perfectly fitting jacket in whatever hide you want for under $2,000. In the $1500 range. Fly up to SF and they will take measurements, etc. They have been around a long damn time.

If it’s about whatever ethics you speak of or web design skills, go with Elliot and enjoy it. No one here will give you a hard time. Most would just choose a different path. But we all like jackets.

To answer your original question— The jacket is too big for you and doesn’t look good. Good luck.

 

[centurionslut]

I commented earlier then deleted my post but I will comment again - The jacket doesn't fit you well at all, OP and if you can, exchange it for something else.

But I am assuming you already aware of this since - and bare with me for a second, let me put you on game - you asking us here 'cause obviously, you're having doubts. You've clearly learned enough & seen enough pictures to be able to tell how much better a leather jacket ought to fit and you clearly seein' here this ain't it.

On top of that, it's not a very good jacket and I don't think it would fit you considerably better in either size.

Thank you for the honest perspective