What Are the Most Popular Leather Jacket Brands on TFL?

[Coriu]

Goodwear in particular has been having trouble fullfilling their orders, the wait time can be very long. If they were fulffilling their orders, I have no doubt we would see more GWs then Aeros.

Johnson leathers is cheaper than Aero and arguably better, yet we don't see such a big numbers of them.

Aero is the largest producer discussed here apart from Schott, so it not so surprising to see them dominating in the numbers.

Based upon the response in this thread, it would take a LOT of GW sales for them to surpass Aero. In today's Pandemic economy, I find it hard to believe there are that many people who could afford a $1500 jacket without overextending themselves. Just buying a $1000 Aero is likely a stretch for an average Joe living within their means.

 

[Fishbutcher]

Aero 1
ELMC 1
Mister freedom 1

A modest collection so far.

 

[Coriu]

Aero 1
ELMC 1
Mister freedom 1

A modest collection so far.

if you could add one more jacket, which would it be...aero, ELMC or Mr Freedom?

 

[Coriu]

By far my favorite company is Californian followed by Reed and Monarch
Here is my list:
Californian-8
Monarch-6
Reed-5
Windward 4
Lesco-5
Pegasus-1
Goodwear- 4
Cal-leather-4
RMC Japan 3
Vanson 3
Cooper-1
Buco-3
Kehoe- 4
Bates- 6
Brooks- 8
LW -6
Gibson & Barnes-5
Schott 4
Branded garments-4
California creations-3
Kerr-3
US Co. 2
Ducati-5
Dainese-8 plus 3 full one suit and 4 two-piece suits

I hope reading this thread inspires you to start seriously collecting leather jackets.

 

[Fishbutcher]

ELMC
Or a Lewis leathers dominator
No mention of Lewis leathers so far?

 

[Manolito]

In Europe, Aero Leather jackets are (were before the brexit) afordable for european made jackets. You could buy from their stock a good jacket for abouth 500-600 €, especially from their apprentice or Blue label programs. Being in France, I bought two of them from their covid sale in 2020, for about 300 € each, which is a bargain !

I bought a Boardracer 40 (being a 38) in black Jerky Horsehide, and the fit was ok for me. The arms are pretty slim : i have very thin forearms and i can barely close the wrist zippers. But, it's OK. Except this "hang from the neck" collar which is truly annoying. Either you stand bowing your head which make you look sloppy ; or you have to stand super straight with your shoulders way back, wich is not natural, tiring and making you look a bit silly. If i stand normally, the back of the neck will be pinched by the collar, which is painful and not confortable at all as the leather is very stiff here. So this collar angle is made for people riding motorbikes they say : but i don't ride motorbike (i don't drive at all !) and i don't know anyone in France (where I live) who would wear such a jacket riding as it has no protection and is way too slim to put some under it. When I wear a schott 141 in 38, it looks bulky, has giant batwings when i cross my arms and looks like it's from an old 80s biker movie : but it's very confortable and makes me feel right at home when i put it on !

I bought a chocolate college jacket in 36 from aero too. The leather is really amazing, not too firm, not too soft, a great balance for a suede jacket. Although it is one size down for me, i have no problem around the arms and shoulders, which is great. The cut is slim, but confortable.

BUT it looks really short. It has a 25 inches back length, which is about the maximum length for this jacket in their stock. It seems a reasonable length, but given the puffy shape of the jacket (puffy in a good way), it makes it shorter than a classic jacket. Closed, if i don't pull the jacket from time to time, it rides above my belt, making it look like it was made for my little brother. In their stock, some college suede jacket in 36-38 have a 23 back length : this would make the jacket ride above my belly button ! I am 6 feet tall, which makes me tall, but not a giant ! And when I watch movies from the 50s, which is supposed to be the inspiration for this jacket, they don't wear such short suede jackets (you can see two of them for instance in this famous extract from Rebel without a cause, one worn by the young Dennis Hopper).

So yes, the quality of the leather and the construction of their jackets is very good, craftmanship is very fine for me. But their pattern does not seem to be confortable or correct in my exeprience.

The fancy small american and japanese jacket makers are way out of my price limit with taxes and freight, so I can't buy them. Schott usa is expensive in Europe, but... some shops offer interesting discounts on some jackets, and there are many jackets second handed, especially in France in Japan, with very reasonable prices and good condition. And i've never bought a 38/medium Schott USA jacket wich was unconfortable for me or have some crazy sizing here or there. So the old Schott remain my choice.

 

[red devil]

Based upon the response in this thread, it would take a LOT of GW sales for them to surpass Aero. In today's Pandemic economy, I find it hard to believe there are that many people who could afford a $1500 jacket without overextending themselves. Just buying a $1000 Aero is likely a stretch for an average Joe living within their means.

We will never know in any case, as they cannot produce as much as Aero, and there are still many people waiting for their orders. Also keep in mind that if they were producing as many jackets, there would be a very healthy supply if second hand jackets at more affordable prices. I suspect many people would choose a gently used GW over a new Aero. A second hand high end car is more attractive to a new Vauxhall.

 

[Coriu]

We will never know in any case, as they cannot produce as much as Aero, and there are still many people waiting for their orders. Also keep in mind that if they were producing as many jackets, there would be a very healthy supply if second hand jackets at more affordable prices. I suspect many people would choose a gently used GW over a new Aero. A second hand high end car is more attractive to a new Vauxhall.

That's a good point about the second-hand jackets. Even second-hand, I often see Thedi, Lost Worlds, and the elite brands running over $750. That's still a LOT of money. I will not pay more than $500 for a used jacket. It's not a matter of "Can I afford it?" I don't want to end up with a $10K+ investment hanging in my closet that is not substantially growing in value at the cost of "making me happy." 20 jackets at $750 each=$15,000

I own three used Aero's that cost me $400US or less and two new ones that cost me less than $700. The Aero's and Schott's of the world have allowed me to dabble in this hobby without breaking the bank. Unless increased production allows GW to lower its prices(subsequently lowering the price of used jackets), I don't think they will ever be as popular as Aero. It really comes down to financial accessibility.

 

[Marc mndt]

Unless increased production allows GW to lower its prices

I'm pretty sure increased production won't lead to lower prices. Sewing with 10 stitches / inch takes longer than 5/inch. More time means more costs = higher jacket price. Also, shinki is more expensive than CXL.

I don't think they will ever be as popular as Aero.

This is like saying Ferrari will never be as popular as Ford.

 

[torfjord]

That's a good point about the second-hand jackets. Even second-hand, I often see Thedi, Lost Worlds, and the elite brands running over $750. That's still a LOT of money. I will not pay more than $500 for a used jacket. It's not a matter of "Can I afford it?" I don't want to end up with a $10K+ investment hanging in my closet that is not substantially growing in value at the cost of "making me happy." 20 jackets at $750 each=$15,000

I own three used Aero's that cost me $400US or less and two new ones that cost me less than $700. The Aero's and Schott's of the world have allowed me to dabble in this hobby without breaking the bank. Unless increased production allows GW to lower its prices(subsequently lowering the price of used jackets), I don't think they will ever be as popular as Aero. It really comes down to financial accessibility.

I get what you’re saying. But 5 Aero’s are still a substantial “investment” at 2500 $ for the prices you mentioned. You could have two Thedi’s (depending on leather choice of course) for that price. Or one LW. I’ve owned 9 Aero’s partly because they were “financially accessible” compared to a lot of other brands discussed here. I’ve also sold all of them except one at a huge loss because of Aeros inferior patterns and uncomfortable neck holes. Pattern issues that are unique to Aero, at least in my experience.
So if that is the argument for Aero, I would have been much better off “financially” if I’d just bought vintage jackets or higher tier repro’s and skipped Aero altogether.

 

[Coriu]

I'm pretty sure increased production won't lead to lower prices. Sewing with 10 stitches / inch takes longer than 5/inch. More time means more costs = higher jacket price. Also, shinki is more expensive than CXL.

This is like saying Ferrari will never be as popular as Ford.

Exactly. One is comparing apples and oranges. Saying Aero is more popular than ___ really doesn't mean much. Popularity does not equal quality or value. In auto terms, I look at Aero like Lexus. It's an entry point for "luxury." That's where most people are going to be.

Possibly a more engaging(and subjective) debate would be "value." What do you get for that extra $500 when buying a certain jacket? As with most things in life, there is a point of diminishing returns. There might be a huge, noticeable difference between a $300 jacket and an $800 jacket, but when you go from $1000 to $1500, the differences become more subtle...and subsequently more contentious in terms of the value they bring.

My philosophy concerning "value" has changed as I have aged. When younger, I was obsessed with having "the best." I was convinced that made me happy. In reality, if we are living in the moment, we are not walking around town thinking about how great our outrageous stitch count is making us feel today. It's not the leather jacket that makes us happy. It's the associated lifestyle that brings us happiness. I have learned that I can be just as happy in a $1000 jacket as I can in a $1500 jacket. The difference is nothing but an ego trip. That statement comes after years of self-reflection...and therapy.

My point...I see people blowing a lot of money chasing happiness, and they are never satisfied.

 

[handymike]

To me, a GW is substantially better than an Aero for about $200 more new. I think the argument comes when comparing Thedi to Aero (same price- $1250 @ TB) and Dave Sheeley, or GW ($1500 range) to Eastman/ Himel/ Flat Head/ Fine Creek/ RMC/ Freewheelers ($1790-$3000). I find Thedi to be more innovative than Aero, and Dave will build a beautiful jacket. GW is a better value in these above instances too (minus the wait, of course).

 

[Coriu]

I get what you’re saying. But 5 Aero’s are still a substantial “investment” at 2500 $ for the prices you mentioned. You could have two Thedi’s (depending on leather choice of course) for that price. Or one LW. I’ve owned 9 Aero’s partly because they were “financially accessible” compared to a lot of other brands discussed here. I’ve also sold all of them except one at a huge loss because of Aeros inferior patterns and uncomfortable neck holes. Pattern issues that are unique to Aero, at least in my experience.
So if that is the argument for Aero, I would have been much better off “financially” if I’d just bought vintage jackets or higher tier repro’s and skipped Aero altogether.

BINGO. And that is why I advise people collecting ANYTHING not to race into things. You can blow a lot of money figuring out what you like/want. A lot of collector-types, myself included, have been guilty of this.

For someone who values quality and is disciplined, buying one, super jacket each year may be the way to go. I would think certain people on TFL would be bored out of their minds with that approach, though. Some people like the excitement of the hunt for the next jacket(ie threads concerning how many jackets are on the way) and looking for that constant high. Unless they have unlimited funds, this forces them into buying things of lesser value(assuming they are disciplined financially).

If I want to play in this game and have the fun of collecting lots of jackets, it forces me to look at Aeros and Schotts or blow my budget out of the water, and I am not willing to do that.

 

[handymike]

“If I want to play in this game and have the fun of collecting lots of jackets, it forces me to look at Aeros and Schotts”

This is why I play in the 2nd-hand market. Most of my current jackets are vintage (I enjoyed the hunt) and were less than $250 ea.

 

[Coriu]

“If I want to play in this game and have the fun of collecting lots of jackets, it forces me to look at Aeros and Schotts”

This is why I play in the 2nd-hand market. Most of my current jackets were less than $250 ea.

That's awesome. The average cost of all my jackets, including the few new ones I own, is $229/jacket.

 

[Mich486]

Bit off topic but I read a lot of talking about collection and collecting jackets… in my mind owning lots of clothes doesn’t really make one a collector more of an hoarder

I think a collection to be defined as such needs to have some internal logic? I see somebody like Terry or Carlos being collectors but owning 50 Aeros? Is that a collection?

 

[Coriu]

Bit off topic but I read a lot of talking about collection and collecting jackets… in my mind owning lots of clothes doesn’t really make one a collector more of an hoarder

I think a collection to be defined as such needs to have some internal logic? I see somebody like Terry or Carlos being collectors but owning 50 Aeros? Is that a collection?

This is somewhat of a related thread that explored how certain individuals approach things.
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/what-is-the-method-to-your-leather-jacket-madness.104036/

 

[red devil]

Bit off topic but I read a lot of talking about collection and collecting jackets… in my mind owning lots of clothes doesn’t really make one a collector more of an hoarder

I think a collection to be defined as such needs to have some internal logic? I see somebody like Terry or Carlos being collectors but owning 50 Aeros? Is that a collection?

Good point, I guess collection need to have unique items?

 

[jonesy86]

We will never know in any case, as they cannot produce as much as Aero, and there are still many people waiting for their orders. Also keep in mind that if they were producing as many jackets, there would be a very healthy supply if second hand jackets at more affordable prices. I suspect many people would choose a gently used GW over a new Aero. A second hand high end car is more attractive to a new Vauxhall.

I like used GWs.

 

[photo2u]

In Europe, Aero Leather jackets are (were before the brexit) afordable for european made jackets. You could buy from their stock a good jacket for abouth 500-600 €, especially from their apprentice or Blue label programs. Being in France, I bought two of them from their covid sale in 2020, for about 300 € each, which is a bargain !

I bought a Boardracer 40 (being a 38) in black Jerky Horsehide, and the fit was ok for me. The arms are pretty slim : i have very thin forearms and i can barely close the wrist zippers. But, it's OK. Except this "hang from the neck" collar which is truly annoying. Either you stand bowing your head which make you look sloppy ; or you have to stand super straight with your shoulders way back, wich is not natural, tiring and making you look a bit silly. If i stand normally, the back of the neck will be pinched by the collar, which is painful and not confortable at all as the leather is very stiff here. So this collar angle is made for people riding motorbikes they say : but i don't ride motorbike (i don't drive at all !) and i don't know anyone in France (where I live) who would wear such a jacket riding as it has no protection and is way too slim to put some under it. When I wear a schott 141 in 38, it looks bulky, has giant batwings when i cross my arms and looks like it's from an old 80s biker movie : but it's very confortable and makes me feel right at home when i put it on !

I bought a chocolate college jacket in 36 from aero too. The leather is really amazing, not too firm, not too soft, a great balance for a suede jacket. Although it is one size down for me, i have no problem around the arms and shoulders, which is great. The cut is slim, but confortable.

BUT it looks really short. It has a 25 inches back length, which is about the maximum length for this jacket in their stock. It seems a reasonable length, but given the puffy shape of the jacket (puffy in a good way), it makes it shorter than a classic jacket. Closed, if i don't pull the jacket from time to time, it rides above my belt, making it look like it was made for my little brother. In their stock, some college suede jacket in 36-38 have a 23 back length : this would make the jacket ride above my belly button ! I am 6 feet tall, which makes me tall, but not a giant ! And when I watch movies from the 50s, which is supposed to be the inspiration for this jacket, they don't wear such short suede jackets (you can see two of them for instance in this famous extract from Rebel without a cause, one worn by the young Dennis Hopper).

So yes, the quality of the leather and the construction of their jackets is very good, craftmanship is very fine for me. But their pattern does not seem to be confortable or correct in my exeprience.

The fancy small american and japanese jacket makers are way out of my price limit with taxes and freight, so I can't buy them. Schott usa is expensive in Europe, but... some shops offer interesting discounts on some jackets, and there are many jackets second handed, especially in France in Japan, with very reasonable prices and good condition. And i've never bought a 38/medium Schott USA jacket wich was unconfortable for me or have some crazy sizing here or there. So the old Schott remain my choice.

You know, I think second hand stores flea markets/swap meets are great sources for leather jackets in Europe. I also, think that French jackets are very cool. There are many jackets that were very cool made all over Europe. Sadly, Most of them have not survived? When I lived in Germany in the 80s, I purchased several jackets that I loved. Sadly, I do not have them anymore, but I loved them. Back on the day, the top collecting jackets for me were original a-2 and G-1. Bucos and Hardly brand jackets were not in the top of my radar as a very collectable jacket. Sadly, I did have several Korean War period jackets that I did not keep and gave to friends and family.