How To Choose A Leather Jacket (Avoid EXPENSIVE Mistakes)

[@Faux_59]

The jacket you're wearing I think is the safest bet. Classy, elegant, edgy, all at the same time.

[@DudsByDel]

@@Faux_59 appreciate that Faux! I also happen to think that it really nails all that very well, it’s why I decided to go for rainbow country jackets first on my shop!

[@breh9320]

@@DudsByDelwhat do u actually call this type of jacket? I know u said its a 1930s sport jacket but what would this style be called today? Motto jacket? Collared cafe?

[@DudsByDel]

@ it’s called different things by different makers. This model is a Hercules from Rainbow Country. Half belt, sports jacket, or cossack are other common names. There are probably others!

[@DudsByDel]

@ that particular model is a Hercules from Rainbow Country. Sports jacket, halfbelt, cossack. I’m sure other names too

[@breh9320]

@@DudsByDel thanks for the speedy reply 👍

[@Kreege]

After watching your videos I settled on an aero highwayman as my first leather jacket. I was lucky enough to find a lightly used example that was specced almost exactly how I wanted it, and with my perfect measurements for half the price of a new one. Im now eagerly awaiting it to come in the mail. Thanks for the great content.

[@DudsByDel]

@@Kreege great to hear it Kreegz. Let me know how it turns out once you get it!

[@Kreege]

@@DudsByDel Just got the jacket about an hour ago. My first impressions are mostly positive. It looks absolutely amazing and fits me very well. I have one big complaint and one small complaint though. The big complaint: the zipper! its completely trashed, incapable of zipping at all. I must have spent 20 minutes trying to zip it up and was only able to manage it once while it was off my body. I will most definitely need to get it replaced. the small complaint: the collar/lapel is flattened and splayed outward much more than I would like. I would prefer it to look like the collar on your own highwayman that you have featured on this channel. I'm wondering if you know of any method to restore some shape to it? Thanks again for the awesome channel.

[@DudsByDel]

@@Kreege you can get it wet, shape it how you like it, put something on it that will hold it in place til dry

[@jons3808]

Another great video, Del! I really enjoy watching your videos. You’re very relatable. So on point about the spiciness. I love my cross zip jacket and it was great when I used to ride motorcycles, but it’s too edgy to wear in my daily life so it rarely gets worn even though I love it. My cafe and sports style jackets get a lot more wear. Keep up the great content!

[@DudsByDel]

Appreciate that Jon. I think people often will call a jacket “versatile” when they mean low on the spicy scale. It’s just less effort sometimes to go with the easy option

[@telemarktumalo6978]

Great stuff, Del. Love the Thai food analogy..... S-P-I-C-Y🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 Leather jackets are so much a joy for those who appreciate the look, the materials, the craftsmanship... and especially the style. It is definitely one of those clothing items that speaks to us. Not for everyone, obviously. Most folks don't think they can wear a leather jacket until they do.

[@DudsByDel]

@@telemarktumalo6978 yeah I think half the time folks have their own hang ups about em…when there are so many accessible styles just waiting right there! And of course I don’t mind a certain level of spice, but I also started with simpler styles- a Schott 141 and a flight jacket

[@telemarktumalo6978]

@@DudsByDel BTW.... your RC Hercules is really fantastic.

[@DudsByDel]

@@telemarktumalo6978 appreciate that Mark, it’s undeniable

[@willyegger4488]

Hey Duds, what a great overview going so very deep into leather jacket issues. I am nearly speechless, but your speech is unbelievably helpful! I found the part of the jacket types but also the colour and material discussion very interesting. I must say for myself, that after trying different types, which I found after a certain time very boring, I switched to the edgy looking biker model, which I love wearing on an every day base. My most favourite jackets are the Langlitz PPC Columbia but also the Schott's 125, respectively 115, all in black. I like the jackets in black, because they are so easy to combine with the other clothes, I am wearing. It always fits perfectly! But the jacket you are wearing, looks also very good and stylish. - By the way I absolutely loved your remarks about the Indiana Jones leather jacket, because I am also watching with very high interest some other channels, where Indy cosplay fans are showing and describing their Indy garments. Very fascinating! - Thank you so much for your highly knowledgeable leather tutorials, which are always helpful. - Never stop rocking your leathers, man! Peace and kindest regards from Switzerland.

[@DudsByDel]

@@willyegger4488 thank you for the kind and thoughtful comment Willy! Black is understandably popular. It really struck me when I was watching a video with Jason Schott where he mentioned black is 1st, 2nd, and 3rd most popular for them. I like a variety though I do have more black jackets than anything else. Have a great day!

[@mikekirby2085]

I also tell people the more stuff on the jacket the more youre trying to make a statement. If the jacket is asymmetrical, has an attached belt, oddly shaped pockets, tassels, drawstrings, etc. Youre drawing more attention which leans way spicier. Zippers on every pocket and on the sleeves, not as spicy. No zippers other than the main one, and no real overt detailing? Thats more subtle and safe and especially more versatile.

[@DudsByDel]

@@mikekirby2085 yeah I’d agree that maximal styles tend to either paint themselves into a particular way of dressing, or require more effort or thoughtfulness to work into your wardrobe

[@LeadLeftLeon]

I won’t do cross zips for the reasons you mentioned

[@lucabalaita2974]

when i started wearing leather jackets i searched for one at thrift stores until i found one just like urs , with a relaxed fit but i liked it , it went well with my style , it was almost brand new and i paid like 7 bucks for it i m not from the us tho

[@DudsByDel]

Congrats, sounds like a great find

[@rca4385]

Nice real informative video, always something new to learn, tha ks

[@DudsByDel]

@@rca4385 appreciate it RC

[@PalParkTigers]

Great great information! My problem as a weight lifter, I carry more mass in my chest and shoulders. my jackets fit great up top, but baggy in the mid section. It feels like leather jackets aren’t kind to those who lift weight regularly

[@DudsByDel]

@@PalParkTigers yeah body builders, and anyone with a build that happens to be far from the averages, will have tough time with off the rack jackets. Custom is probably your best bet!

[@aidenlewis4640]

@@DudsByDelwhat are your thoughts on the aero Cheyenne? I’m thinking about getting that one or the long half belt in brown.

[@maximeboyer1301]

Hi Del and thanks a lot for introducing me to this new world :) what do you think of the elite A2 from ELC ? Do they worth it ? Max from France

[@DudsByDel]

That from Eastman Leather? They make great jackets! Some folks find them expensive, but that’s how it goes.

[@AVEXentSUCKS]

It's always a good thing to hear different perspectives it creates understanding and even tolerance to other points of view you may not align with.

[@DudsByDel]

@@AVEXentSUCKS 💯 💯 💯

[@eddharbin3966]

How about roughout leather ? More robust than suade and patina's well .

[@DudsByDel]

@@eddharbin3966 a great choice. I had a Schott Duke 370 for a while and really like the hide. Less worry than suede but still low on the “spicy” scale and agree great patina potential, lots of texture immediately

[@hermegonzalez1335]

Hey Del, awesome info in this vid. Do you mind sharing a link for the article you reference? Thanks!

[@DudsByDel]

@@hermegonzalez1335 hey Herme! Thanks man here ya go: putthison.com/leather-jackets-for-guys-who-arent-sure-about-leather-jackets/

[@hermegonzalez1335]

@@DudsByDelthanks man! I could listen to you talk about this stuff all day haha. I’ll definitely give it a read

[@reconteam91]

This may not be up your alley but it's worth a shot. Do you wear wristwatches with your jacket? I barely wear my leather jacket til recently and I don't know if the leather will somehow scratch the watch. Not to mention, with the longer sleeves, one has to physically move the sleeve backward to see the watch in the first place.

[@DudsByDel]

@@reconteam91 yes it depends on the sleeve. I think your watch is probably safe unless a zip or snap is rubbing against it. The watch may also wear away the inside sleeve lining depending on its shape and how much friction is really going on in there. I tend to leave that sleeve zip undone more.

[@reconteam91]

@DudsByDel your opinions are much appreciated!

[@BBhatt-pi5ob]

I have a small collection mostly related to motorcycling. A cheapo brando style jacket, a vintage cal leather six panel cafe racer and vintage pants, new cal leather shacket, and just ordered a Goldtop in leather which looks like a Belstaff trail master or Barbour international. Someday I'd like to order an Aviakit Lewis leather jacket, but they're too expensive for me.

[@DudsByDel]

@@BBhatt-pi5ob oh man the 6 panel Cal! Would love one…such a cool design

[@supersaiyan-u7w]

Double Rider and Trucker leather jackets are my favorite styles

[@DudsByDel]

@@supersaiyan-u7w good to know what works!

[@iuhuh10110]

Love the advice! One material you didn't mention is deerskin. It could probably be lumped in with lambskin. I have a light/medium brown deerskin cossack jacket that I absolutely love. I can't recommend deerskin enough if you want your jacket to be comfortable from the first wear! Also drapes very nicely.

[@DudsByDel]

@@iuhuh10110 appreciate it! Agree on deerskin- thick soft drapes well, I think more robust than lambskin.

[@88sstraight]

Thanks Del! A black A1 definitely appeals to me, still in goat I think - as a Vespa rider I believe this would be an appropriate motorcycle jacket for my purposes.

[@DudsByDel]

@@88sstraight yeah sounds like a good one!

[@patricio3841]

Hey, excellent info, thanks! Can you please make a video about Vanson leather. For example: The OXFORD JACKET Model 9D BLK. The type of leather, and how does the leather qualaty and appearance compare to Scott NYC similar style. STYLE: 689H Thanks in advance!

[@DudsByDel]

@@patricio3841 yes I’d like to. Haven’t had either in hand but have looked at em both quite a bit!

[@sparke7236]

I hadn't heard of Valstarino before! A1 style... looks nice (I like buttons), and pricey!!

[@DudsByDel]

@@sparke7236 I had actually come across them before I really got into leather jackets and liked the style. Would still like to try one

[@milkshakeplease4696]

I think a single rider jacket with a collar in black or dark brown is ideal since the collar makes it more versatile. I think you're much more reasonable than the people on fedora lounge where they seem to have highly elitist opinions just for the sake of being different. different styles and jackets and lengths all have their place depending on the person and their circumstances and it's frustrating seeing how in some of these communities they don't acknowledge that. for example in fedora lounge many idealize the quite short jacket but then wear on high wasted trousers with big openings and chunky boots so they end up looking bottom heavy with that short jacket if the lapels or whatever are very small or non-existent. or sometimes their torsos will look way too short depending on their body type. I think balance is key and different jackets and body types combined with the other clothes will give you the whole picture instead of just being so hyper focused on some strange rules

[@DudsByDel]

If you consider the recommended “least spicy” options they line up with what you’re saying. A-2, Highwayman/Halfbelt, even Cafe Racer (even if it doesn’t quite have the collar you’re talking about) are all straight zip simple styles. The context of course matters, and the jacket should fit into your wardrobe! I think a lot of folks on FedoraLounge understandably lean towards vintage styling since it’s a vintage forum, even if the Outerwear/Workwear section has become its own thing. Depending on the member you may get a kind or more forceful pushback on something they don’t like. I prefer kindness I keep an open mind and appreciate a lot of styles, even if I don’t dress every way under the sun.

[@mitchellfuentes03]

I want your jacket , looks amazing, where can I get it ?

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks Mitchell. It’s a Rainbow Country Hercules in black Shinki horsehide. I actually started selling them myself this year, currently just have a seal brown in size 40 available: dudsbydel.com/product/rainbow-country-hercules-sports-jacket-in-seal-brown-shinki-hikaku-horsehide/ Orders will open again in June ‘25. You may also be able to find them from Japanese sellers by googling the style!

[@Guinea54]

nice video.. I been wanting a ma-1 type bomber jacket. I just don't want to spend 900 or 1000. I want to find that hidden gem like I have in the past. I got one from Cuir jackets, but the fit wasn't great. It also was a little thin with no insulation. Not sure why so many leather jacket companies don't insulate at all..

[@DudsByDel]

@@Guinea54 in some cases it’d be due to the style, like an A2 typically has light cotton or something silky. Other times you might find different models for different seasons. And also, it’s probably cheaper to avoid expensing linings.

[@Guinea54]

@@DudsByDel yeah that's the thing, that wilsons jacket i bought a few years ago had a good lining everything was insulated including the sleeves. not talking about something stuffed with feathers.. A small amount of insulation really goes a LONG way. Wish more leather jacket makers would do this. Have you ever tried five star leather? I heard good things about them plus they do custom size ordering. Fit is probably the most important aspect of a leather jacket.

[@RLSteffler]

"Easy-wearing" wouldn't be how I would describe calfskin and goatskin, unless you mean easy to wear haha

[@DudsByDel]

Hah yeah I mean literally less work to wear compared to something more robust that requires effort to make comfortable

[@SwarthySyrupBoi_2000]

Duds, i messed up. I bought 3 jackets that don't fit

[@DudsByDel]

@@SwarthySyrupBoi_2000 oh noooo. For real? 😮

[@SwarthySyrupBoi_2000]

@DudsByDel it was before I knew what PTP was, that and an ebay seller lied to me about the measurements. Darn it

[@DudsByDel]

@@SwarthySyrupBoi_2000 ugh. The worst!

[@alfredbonnabel7022]

Can you return them and start fresh?

[@Richard_Lush]

I think you get to a certain age where the double rider or similar just looks silly on a man unless you are an actual biker. Then you probably don’t care about fashion (old school biker not these new fangled branded bikers). The A-2 is the perfect jacket for an older gentleman or maybe a 30s 1/2 belt as in the Aeros. I also wear a D-1 as winter wear as it’s pretty minimal compared to say a Irvin or B-3( a bit flashy). Cafe racers are nice but unless it’s an actual old one you look like you’re trying too hard. Just my silly opinion. Thanks again Dell.

[@DudsByDel]

Hah I like it Richard. Suggesting that once you’re old enough for people to question it, you won’t care what they think? Agree that an A-2 is just a great starting point and very accessible to many folks. Some cafe racers can be more “try-hard” than others, depends on the maker and sometimes the particular model

[@gregreinel853]

I have several vintage 70s leathers that I love. I integrate ‘em into my own style and get nothing but compliments. I go for the more understated 70s designs, avoiding anything with massive lapels. Of course my style is vintage rock ’n’ roll and my build is slim and ripped so they look perfect on me. Your results may vary.

[@telemarktumalo6978]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6Capauonbl5pas

[@DudsByDel]

@@gregreinel853 hey Greg! Yeah they can totally be awesome. For someone who isn’t sure it would be a risky starting point but sounds like you got it together man!

[@gregreinel853]

@@DudsByDel Yeah can be very risky. More of a Fight Club style is a good starting point for this look.