Lightweight leather

[Mark R]

Guys as a new member to the forum with no experience I’m finding it fascinating. A question though regarding leather weight. I actually prefer my leather jackets to be on the lighter side and as such what would you all recommend as a lighter weight leather, but one that still has lots of character.
Many thanks.

 

[Marc mndt]

E.l.m.c (Eastman) uses lightweight horsehide for their Californian and Roadstar jackets. Tons of character, best I've seen.

 

[Carlos840]

Guys as a new member to the forum with no experience I’m finding it fascinating. A question though regarding leather weight. I actually prefer my leather jackets to be on the lighter side and as such what would you all recommend as a lighter weight leather, but one that still has lots of character.
Many thanks.

Welcome, Eastman (and ELMC) are some of the lightest jackets out there, really nice leather and well made.

 

[nick123]

+1 for ELC, especially the A-1. It’s not flimsy!

 

[handymike]

If you are interested in vintage jackets, the steerhide used in the early to mid-60s is lightweight and full of character. Be wary of the 70s though.

 

[marker2037]

Welcome! Apart from the suggestions so far, I would also add Aero's Badalassi and Vicenza leathers. They lean more midweight with the Badalassi lighter, but certainly both very easy wearing with very nice character in my opinion. I live in the tropics, I should know.

Also, any capeskin or lambskin will be easy wearing and light and Bill Kelso has some of the best of those.

 

[El Marro]

I have a jacket made from the ELMC horsehide and I would agree it is a nice leather, it has tons of character and it feels substantial despite being a lighter leather. I would also suggest you look at goatskin because it is very easy to wear and often (not always) lightweight.

 

[Peacoat]

I agree with @Carlos840. I have an Eastman Luftwaffe. It is lightweight and a very attractive hide. And I like the looks of the jacket posted by @Mark R.

Board member @Seb Lucas is a fan of the lightweight jackets. He should have some ideas when he sees this thread.

Welcome to the Lounge. PC

 

[bn1966]

Eastman Cape A-1, HH A-2 & Hartmann jackets..

 

[jonesy86]

I wish ELMC did the the Californian in their Capeskin.

 

[sweetfights]

I like John Chapman or Dave Himel Shinki for a fantastic leather that is easy to wear.

 

[sweetfights]

E.l.m.c (Eastman) uses lightweight horsehide for their Californian and Roadstar jackets. Tons of character, best I've seen.
View attachment 294568 View attachment 294569 View attachment 294570

Gorgeous leather!!

 

[Pandemic]

Kangaroo

 

[nattevagten]

Aero also has mid-weight soft black steerhide, which might be interesting. Some photos I found:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/my-aero-board-racer-in-soft-black-steerhide-review.93754/

Goathide looks like another interesting option.

 

[jglf]

The Bainbridge leather from Thurston is a light to mid weight leather that’s a good option. My aero original hercules size 38 weighs in at 4.2lbs.

 

[Cornelius]

Is the Bainbridge steer or horse? How does it handle the rain?

[Edit: And does any one here happen to know which tannery produces Bainbridge? @Carrie @ Thurston Bros.?]

 

[torfjord]

Aero also has mid-weight soft black steerhide, which might be interesting. Some photos I found:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/my-aero-board-racer-in-soft-black-steerhide-review.93754/

Goathide looks like another interesting option.

I have a jacket made from that leather. I wouldn’t call it thin at all, but it is very soft and easy to wear. My favourite leather from Aero, of the ones I’ve handled.

 

[marker2037]

View attachment 294791 View attachment 294792 The Bainbridge leather from Thurston is a light to mid weight leather that’s a good option. My aero original hercules size 38 weighs in at 4.2lbs.

Good to know, I had assumed this was more a mid to heavy leather based on it's looks. I really do like that vein-y type of look with all those creases and cracks on it.

 

[jglf]

Is the Bainbridge steer or horse? How does it handle the rain?

[Edit: And does any one here happen to know which tannery produces Bainbridge? @Carrie @ Thurston Bros.?]

It’s tanned in Italy but don’t know from which tannery. It’s not really water resistant, bc I believe it’s either full or semi-aniline tanned.

 

[Steven65]

I have a Beautiful Long HB from Aero in Seal Goat. Lightweight, hard wearing and very water resistant.
Great figure on the leather and with cotton drill lining it can be worn in so many climates.