New user here, looking for some guidance on a first time leather jacket purchase.

[Monitor]

I see. That’s a shame. Historically I thought cowhide was more durable than goat ? Perhaps not as nicely finished or soft though

Cowhide isn't nearly as durable as goatskin. Goatskin will absolutely outlive and outlast either cowhide or horsehide.

 

[Sirkrimzon]

No, because that will take you out of your price range right off the bat. Look for a clean jacket in good condition that fits you.
Most of the jackets with mouton collars that are selling for under $300 have been ravaged by moths. In that case, you would be better off with a synthetic collar.

Okay so you’d recommend I look into jackets in the 60s and beyond? Should I compromise on the leather or collar ? Meaning maybe goatskin but not get the fur mouton collar?

 

[El Marro]

Okay so you’d recommend I look into jackets in the 60s and beyond? Should I compromise on the leather or collar ? Meaning maybe goatskin but not get the fur mouton collar?

I would not be too attached to any one detail, such as the jacket must have “x” collar or hide or I won’t like it. Look at the jacket posted by @The Lost Cowboy, beat up old cowhide with a scruffy synthetic collar and it looks awesome!
I think it is natural to focus in on specific details and features when you are new to the jacket thing. When I was new here, I also set up a bunch of parameters for myself, in my case, I felt that the jacket had to be made from heavy CXL horsehide or it wasn’t worth my time. I got a couple jackets from that hide and turns out I don’t like it very much…. my advice is to find something that looks good to you, that you think you will fit in and buy it.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I would not be too attached to any one detail, such as the jacket must have “x” collar or hide or I won’t like it. Look at the jacket posted by @The Lost Cowboy, beat up old cowhide with a scruffy synthetic collar and it looks awesome!
I think it is natural to focus in on specific details and features when you are new to the jacket thing. When I was new here, I also set up a bunch of parameters for myself, in my case, I felt that the jacket had to be made from heavy CXL horsehide or it wasn’t worth my time. I got a couple jackets from that hide and turns out I don’t like it very much…. my advice is to find something that looks good to you, that you think you will fit in and buy it.

Okay so you’d recommend I look into jackets in the 60s and beyond? Should I compromise on the leather or collar ? Meaning maybe goatskin but not get the fur mouton collar?

This is my very first leather jacket. When I bought it, I had zero idea what I was looking for. I knew nothing about leather. I had a low budget and just followed my instinct.

And do you know what, this is still one of my favorite jackets even though it's terrible quality. In fact, I could have stopped with this jacket and probably been just as happy as I am now - gleefully ignorant but a couple thousand dollars richer.

Point is, follow your instincts. Don't over think it. Keep learning but don't be afraid to purchase something that you really feel if it's in your budget. And if you don't feel it, don't buy it, no matter what anybody is telling you.

I refuse to buy Shinki leather. It looks damn cool but I need jackets that can be worn in the rain and I don't trust that Shinki is up to the task. But it is by far the most popular leather right now.

I'll shut up now, but just don't try to formulize it is all I'm saying. Learn and grow your knowledge, but follow your instincts.

 

[Sirkrimzon]

View attachment 690469

This is my very first leather jacket. When I bought it, I had zero idea what I was looking for. I knew nothing about leather. I had a low budget and just followed my instinct.

And do you know what, this is still one of my favorite jackets even though it's terrible quality. In fact, I could have stopped with this jacket and probably been just as happy as I am now - gleefully ignorant but a couple thousand dollars richer.

Point is, follow your instincts. Don't over think it. Keep learning but don't be afraid to purchase something that you really feel if it's in your budget. And if you don't feel it, don't buy it, no matter what anybody is telling you.

I refuse to buy Shinki leather. It looks damn cool but I need jackets that can be worn in the rain and I don't trust that Shinki is up to the task. But it is by far the most popular leather right now.

I'll shut up now, but just don't try to formulize it is all I'm saying. Learn and grow your knowledge, but follow your instincts.

Thank you man. That was insightful