He Owns 50 Leather Jackets; here's his top 5

★ Thanks to Jon for letting us visit! Here's his Instagram: / leatherjacketjawn
★ Finding the Best Leather for Jackets at Schott NYC: • The Best Leather for a...
★ The 5 Best Japanese Leather Jackets with ‪@almostvintagestyle‬ : • The 5 Best Japanese Le...
★ The WORST leather jacket: stridewise.com/angel-jackets-...
At one of the funny New York meetups for boot and denim fans that I attend, I was lucky enough to meet Jon, who has the biggest leather jacket collection that I've personally encountered. I happened to be visiting his home town of Philadelphia the following weekend, so I found time to sit down with him and go through his collection. Why does he think Schott is a lower end brand? Why does he love horsehide so much? And, of course, what are his favorite jackets??? Watch the vid to learn more!
00:00 Why so many leather jackets?
01:12 What's wrong with cheap leather jackets?
01:29 What do you look for when shopping for a jacket?
03:36 Schott Perfecto
04:41 Why do jacket guys love horsehide leather jackets?
05:54 The Flat Head - WRJ
06:51 Fine Creek - Eric
07:21 Freewheelers & Co - Bodie
08:00 Himel Bros (Custom)
09:00 Wrapping up
#leatherjacket #leatherjackets

[@jt1559]

For those out there that are curious, there are a bunch of leather jacket makers (Aero Leather, Simmons Bilt) who make made to measure (they adjust their template for you, rather than make it from scratch) jackets in the leather that you can choose e.g. horse, calf, goat etc. Very high quality that is more than good enough for 95% of us, and will last decades, the only thing with the two I mentioned is that their jackets are more of a classic style. They cost US$800+, but remember that you get what you pay for - cheap price (brand new, not discounted) means cheap leather.

[@freedomlifemake2579]

so is the simmons bilt leather good? I want to buy my first "quality" leather jacket from them. Their prices seem good, I cant afford a 2k euro jacket right now. What would be the difference between a Simmons bilt and a 2-3k jacket?

[@RoxanaCastellanos71]

Ay no mam3s

[@fredguerra4917]

@@RoxanaCastellanos71 Aero has terrible customer service.

[@ExtraCheese666]

@@fredguerra4917Yes they do!!!! Tried ordering a jacket from aero….they didn’t even bother to email be back.

[@ExtraCheese666]

@@freedomlifemake2579 go for the Simmons bilt. I have a custom pacific with elk leather. Be ready with your body measurements u completely control the look and feel. Customer service is 10/10 once you’re ready to order Deborah will take care of u.

[@kungenftww]

i love when nerds talk about their passion

[@Stridewise]

it's my favorite thing. i went to a whiskey nerd event last week and even though I understood none of what they were saying, the passion was so exciting

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Me too! I wish it could have been longer!!

[@themancaveclub]

This is incredible! Thanks guys!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thanks Paul!

[@ibbjos08]

This was a good one Nick thanks!

[@GantsilyoBaguio]

The jackets are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing this.

[@Mil_Spec_Spartan_]

Simmons Bilt makes Real McCoy quality leather jackets at the price of (and typically lower than) Schott. They’re made to order, so it takes a little while to get one, but usually only about 4 or 5 weeks. I have a Horsehide Double Rider from Simmons Bilt and it’s the only leather jacket I’ll ever need. It was $850 after shipping.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

They're definitely a quality maker

[@tony_r_pierce]

"The Jaaaacket!" -- Richie Aprile --- Nice intro to fine leather jackets!

[@_bats_]

That Flat Head D-pocket looks incredible. Thankfully for my wallet, I have stupid proportions (wide shoulders and broad chest compared to my sleeve length) so off-the-rack leather jackets never fit me properly. That means only the really high-end custom stuff would work, and there's just no way I can justify paying that much. Maybe someday...

[@laxmitty21]

Field leathers. Not awful pricing for full custom made

[@ExtraCheese666]

I absolutely despise D pockets on the moto jackets🤮😂🙅‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@ExtraCheese666 They're not for everyone

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@laxmitty21 I second that

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thanks, it's the nicest D pocket out there IMHO

[@g-robby8167]

He said Vanson is low end…… he obviously doesn’t ride.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Low end of the price point. Sorry, that’s a fact. Never said they weren’t quality.

[@hermegonzalez1335]

Jon’s awesome. Love my schott jackets but it’s guys like him who introduced me to the next level jackets. I have a Rainbow Country Hercules that I absolutely love, beautiful shinki leather.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thanks Edwin!

[@camelothis]

Similar experience here. I tried on a half dozen Schott jackets and sent them all back. Finally found one that fit me nicely (the semi-nubuck cowhide Mechanic) but still pined for a nice black leather jacket. Watching these videos from Stridewise helped me zero in on a Rainbow Country Hercules that fits me perfectly. Like it was custom made for my body.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

The RC Hercules is one of my favorites

[@Crackers2549]

Amazing collection Nick...! WOW... Greg

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thank you!

[@SuccessShared]

Thank you. I keep telling my wife you can never have enough leather jackets! It's the fit and finish. Such a great hobby 👍

[@lgladsteph]

This convinces me that style doesn't fix the look

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Style doesn’t fix the look? Not sure what you mean, please explain. Are you saying you don’t like the look of leather jackets and no matter what style you wear or how stylish you are it doesn’t fix the fact that leather jackets don’t look good. Is that what you’re saying?

[@RoadToHeritage]

Would have watched a longer video I wanted to see more of his jackets? 😂

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Hey Ryan! I'll hopefully be getting a channel up this year. Stay tuned!

[@RoadToHeritage]

⁠@@LeatherJacketJawnnice looking forward to it! Hope you’re doing well!

[@RoadToHeritage]

@@LeatherJacketJawnnice I’m your first subscriber

[@nuclear9977]

@@LeatherJacketJawnpost a vid my guy

[@dj1slandboy]

6 Schott jackets?! Man 1 jacket is considered built for life and a heirloom. For myself I have a perfecto and a cafe but I also ride so they have been beaten into submission.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Multiple jackets isn’t for everyone. For me it is though.

[@Bfettrules]

Fortunately I live in the tri state area and attend Schott’s annual factory sale. Big time discounts but you have to arrive early. I’m on my 3rd leather jacket currently. I have their navy peacoat and several shirts too. My sister lucked out. She got as a gift to my nephew a jacket that normally cost $800 for $80. There was a minor blemish (slight scratch barely noticeable) on chest of jacket. It was a sick deal.

[@XFCTR22]

i got a Schott teacore perfecto from Franklin & Poe. probably the only one i'll ever own 😂. sick collection man

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thank you!! (p.s. - that's an awesome jacket you got!!)

[@DudsByDel]

Great interview with a cool dude!

[@Stridewise]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DudsByDel]

@@Stridewise It’s also interesting to see a convo between someone deep down the collector rabbit hole and someone who isn’t 😅

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thanks Del!

[@bobjohnson6321]

would like to see more videos on these jackets.

[@Artaois13]

I believe Aero Leather does custom jackets for a fraction of the price.

[@alred6568]

No they do not do too much custom work. Their zippers suck.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Their jackets are well over $1000 so while cheaper than Japanese jackets, they are not inexpensive

[@TuneinR]

The guy literally threw schott under the bus😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Stridewise]

had to leap to their defense hahah

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

It's the truth though. Schott makes super high quality, hierloom jackets but in this world of high end leather jackets, they are on the bottom of the price scale unfortunately. Leather jackets are expensive.

[@walterfoyt5985]

I love leather jackets. The one I love the most is a military horsehide original flight jack I got when I was young. I also have some beautiful custom made leather jackets I got in Florence.

[@casuallyworked4698]

the himels and fine creeks fits you the best!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

I can see that. Thanks!

[@illcodino]

Aero jackets, bill Kelso, good mentions, himmel looks next level

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thanks!

[@eatmygoddamncat]

I never knew how many high quality jeans, jackets and shoes the Japanese make. Really an eyeopener.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

The Japanese are on another level

[@ernestoluzan]

@Stridewise Have you ever reviewed the American company Fox Creek Leather?

[@ibbjos08]

Schott is like the Red Wing boots of jackets. Iconic and American.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

As American as it gets!

[@kingb3111]

Very nice. Are you on the Fedora Lounge?

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Indeed I am. Search for “jeo”

[@Dan-lq6dg]

Nice watch Nick!

[@Stridewise]

loved this one!

[@joeguzman3558]

I'm a leather jacket freak and watching that gut makes me be his best friend

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Anyone who’s into leather jackets is a friend to me

[@FrankCastle-he8fl]

Nice collection

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thank you!

[@seanlowkey9388]

I wanted to see the Harley Davidson jacket. Does John have a Chanel

[@StitchdownShell]

Great. Now I want a Himmel Jacket 😅

[@Stridewise]

send complaints to @leatherjacketjawn on Instagram

[@juzoyoshida]

I love Fine Creek, Y2, Addict clothes. What do you think of Aero Leather jackets?

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

They are great if they fit you

[@benjaminkenobi21]

That last jacket….. 🔥 !!!!!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

My favorite of all

[@zombis89fisto]

Himel Bros are really top notch but ooff that price tag.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

They are expensive but worth it

[@alexsherel3344]

You were in Philly and you didn’t call me? Mannnn Lol

[@alred6568]

Nice video. Not a big fan of Schott. Personally I like Goodwear and Sheeley. Not a big fan of the European brands. Original vintage are nice. Schott did not produce the wild one jacket or the James Dean. The jacket leather I prefer is the horsehide used by the lost worlds. Goodwear,Sheeley and Lost worlds are in the top of jacket quality in America.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

There's an arguement Lost Worlds make the best leather jackets on the planet

[@drzaius844]

If you are small you are in leather jacket heaven.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Indeed 😂

[@whathappendnext5887]

As a 42 old man I feel like I would be trying to hard wearing many of these type of leather jackets. Mid life crisis vibe. Wax canvas or Barbour feels more me

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

That’s all in your head man. You can wear anything you want just be confident in yourself!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

I’m 40 man (well 39). It’s all in your head. Wear them and wear ‘em with confidence. I can understand if you’re trying to look like a rock star but if you just wear what you do regularly and just add a leather jacket, it won’t look like you’re trying too hard.

[@nixnook592]

I wish someone would review the buffalo Jackson stuff.

[@user-rr3fo6hy9q]

I have a Buffalo Jackson leather jacket, it’s the Driggs one. The fit and quality is superb but the leather is very stiff so it requires a lot of time to break it in. That’s the only item I own from them but based off of that jacket I would definitely recommend them.

[@nixnook592]

@@user-rr3fo6hy9q Thank you. I think that's the jacket I am looking at. It's funny no one has done any reviews on them except for their own company.

[@petersilecchio4417]

I love Schott jackets. I own at least 20. Great Video. Loved watching it. I feel better there is another person who shares my same hobby. Schott Jackets is my Price Limit.

[@kevinjackson7961]

Have 5 and looking at 2 more now!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

That's awesome! What's your oldest one?

[@petersilecchio4417]

@@LeatherJacketJawn My first Schott Bomber Jacket that a bought new back in 1973 in Manhattan a Leather Jacket Store on Delancy Street. Back then it was the place to buy a Leather Jacket .You Could buy any Jacket made at a Great Price. I still own and have it today. Today they are all gone. 😢

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@petersilecchio4417 The US B-15 A Bomber? I have one. They’re great!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@petersilecchio4417 nice! One of my dream jackets is a horsehide Perfecto from the early 50’s. So rare, almost impossible to find

[@ed_pee_pee_hands]

the fine creek is so nice.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

They're really nice!

[@emphasis20]

How would Lost Worlds be compared to everything mentioned?

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Lost Worlds are up as one of the best leather jacket makers. The thing with Lost Worlds jackets is they are often big and bulky in the sleeves and upper body. They are more function than fashion. I used to own one. They are not for short skinny guys like me.

[@nathanfisher1512]

What’s your take on Harley Davidson leather jackets from 60s/70s?

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

I personally like the HD jackets form the late 50’s and earlier. The 60’s and 70’s jackets are great though. They are very comfortable and easy to wear and if they fit you, they’ll look great!

[@joeguzman3558]

I only have eastman leather jackets and schott

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Eastmans are awesome! Only have one, my only A-2

[@getbucketsdavis]

Can’t take any list seriously without a Vanson on it.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

That’s valid. Vanson is the shit. I have one, but it’s not in my top 5, sorry.

[@marcomontoya6067]

Jon is a fantastic guy! He really knows about leather jackets! his collection of jackets is just impressive.

[@Stridewise]

there are like 20 more now since we filmed this hahah

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@Stridewise closer to 100 now lol

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thank you my friend!

[@joeguzman3558]

I have 12, and I used to think I have too many

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

It’s all relative my friend

[@arslanaliyonis]

super informative, but for the best leather jacket eXcloz is at its best in make and style

[@MrCamel2humps]

MEGADETH!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@SulmanAli-ol7cg]

John I am running my factory products about leather jacket from manufacturing of leather and then we make leather jackets in all design and color and in your target price

[@victormelendez1074]

What about Belstaff???

[@Youronlydaddy]

The guy is a genius for saying fit is king! Wow!!!! So Schott means you're broke basically.. lol

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Thanks for the comment. You'll be surprised how many times people buy a jacket just because they want a particular brand or model despite not fitting as it should.

[@eduardochagolla5802]

So no Thursday jacket for me ? I guess perfecto it is

[@dennisclanton5342]

90% of my leathers i purchased second hand off Poshmark.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Great place to get deals!

[@kaleofthegods]

2:27 Sounds EXACTLY like Thursday boots leather smell. Chemically & low quality. Yet Stridewise vocally promotes them.

[@Stridewise]

meh I've never found them stanky, but they're also just the best value boot. If you a thousand dollar jacket buyer, get a meatier boot!

[@user-rr3fo6hy9q]

I purchased about three pairs of Thursday Boots and I don’t like any of them. They are way too clunky in my opinion. Even for the price I think you can find better boots. Fry boots get a bad rap but I own plenty of them and they are by far the most comfortable and durable FASHION boot. I say fashion in caps because people like to compare fashion boots with utility boots like Red Wings and then say Fry boots are cheap leather. They aren’t made as work boots 🤦‍♂️

[@Markymoto1116]

Really? I own A pair of Thursday boots in Horween leather & I think they fit & look great. Not made in USA but N. Mexico, which has a strong tradition of leather goods…

[@dennisclanton5342]

I'm here to show my wife my 2 dozen leather jackets is normal 😂.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Happy to be of service! 😅

[@dennisclanton5342]

Kinda I have 20

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

I have 100 so you can tell your wife 20 isn’t that bad haha

[@dennisclanton5342]

@@LeatherJacketJawn and htf did you get so many leather jackets and what's your favorites

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@dennisclanton5342 how? I’ve been doing this for a very long time and I have a lot of sources. Besides what I go over in the video some of my vintage favorites are my 50’s Durable (the Marlon Brando jacket), my 40’s Beck 333, my Peter’s Tailor Made from the 30’s and my Leathertogs motorcycle jacket from the late 30’s/early 40’s.

[@ARMOR_MASTER]

✅

[@LyonTheGreat]

All those amazing (and expensive) leather jackets, yet why use such cheap coat hangers?

[@Stridewise]

because leather IS TOUGH

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

It's more because of the size. They are smaller, like me and my jackets. Regular sized hangers go past the shoulders into the sleeves and will often cause unwanted folding/creasing as a result. With these smaller hangers the sleeves are unobstructed. These were the only small ones I was able to find in person (I need to test them out so I'm reluctant to order online)

[@congithu5026]

Five times more leather jackets than I do have....

[@Stridewise]

it's good to see someone with worse addictions than your own, isn't it

[@congithu5026]

@@Stridewise Indeed, especially when he told Schotts are from lower end.

[@SHINCHAN-lr8yv]

I am japanese. I have lether jacket from Aero lether and Y2　lether. Most poular lether jacket in japan. That is Lewis lether.and shott. Japanese are faith、overseas products.

[@robertososa3421]

Take a look to Terry Michael at KZbin, he's a good collector of leather jackets, he owns a lot

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

He's a good friend of mine

[@anthony99900]

RODD AND GUNN

[@jcfp692]

Aero Leather jackets , Scotland.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Field Leathers

[@Vito-kg5kf]

Why his voice sounds like a cartoon character? 😂

[@Stridewise]

you be nice

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Lol!! Which cartoon character you thinking? I like freakazoid

[@tsuyoshinyc2]

Marlon Brando and James Dean wore Schotts?? No way. You really need to study the history.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Incorrect. Brando wore a Durable and James Dean wore a Star Glove/Cal Leathers as well as the second generation Indian Ranger. It’s you that needs to learn history.

[@tsuyoshinyc2]

@@LeatherJacketJawn Incorrect for what? They never wore Schott. James Dean also wore a Sportclad/JC Penny jacket.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@tsuyoshinyc2 thought you said that they wore Schotts…they didn’t.

[@tsuyoshinyc2]

@@LeatherJacketJawn I'm not the one but the guy in the video who said they wore Schotts. So tell him the sentences you sent me. Not to me.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@tsuyoshinyc2 LOL! Alright big dawg

[@BadMotivator66]

'like'

[@ToddEB]

Is the real McCoy's a good brand?

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

If they fit you, absolutely!

[@jayaneyon9316]

Being into motorcycles shows me how overpriced this fashion leather stuff is. It's way too basic to be over 500 dollars even.

[@Godzillah]

What fit u is all matter.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Tru dat

[@sahil565]

NOORA brand leather jackets have carved a niche in the fashion industry, standing out for their exceptional blend of style, quality, and craftsmanship. Here are some of the key attributes that make Noora leather jackets a preferred choice for those seeking both elegance and durability in your wardrobe.

[@SteelKreel]

$900 leather jacket is low end? I’d categorize it as the highest of mid tier. But then again I’d never spend over $1000 on one

[@Stridewise]

Hey I'm on your team, but some guys are true hobbyists!

[@RoadToHeritage]

Thedi is like 1500-2000 and you’re getting literally a million times better craftsmanship and quality..

[@cdakskid]

I’m definitely on the Thedi bandwagon. Tons of models,fully customizable, tons of leather options, made to measure and impeccable quality. They are expensive but less so than comparable jackets.

[@apilkey]

@@RoadToHeritageTom Ford can run like $7,000 - $12,000

[@RoadToHeritage]

@@apilkey why would anybody pay seven grand for freaking jacket that’s not even customized Thedi is way better 😅

[@morganspencer-churchill2136]

Sad man.

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Boohoo

[@AVEXentSUCKS]

Nerds talking about leather jackets is always time well spent.

[@Stridewise]

dorking out with passionate people is my favorite

[@splootan]

That Flat head leather jacket looked awful

[@Stridewise]

haha got two simultaneous comments calling it 'incredible' and 'ugly', can't win em all

[@splootan]

@Stridewise just thought it was trying too much exposed stitching, and that front pocket did not do it for me at all, much prefer Schott

[@Stridewise]

@@splootan like what you like, I'm a Schott boy myself!

[@toolshed6078]

I've seen Jon in this FH jacket in person, and honestly it's one of my favorites, the contrast stitching and D pocket are what make it special in my opinion..to each his own!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Not for you, I get it

[@The_Coca-Cola_Company]

what a face!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

Good face? Bad face? 😂

[@The_Coca-Cola_Company]

@@LeatherJacketJawn Man!! a heavy one! But nothing a good leather jacket can´t carry, so you are good my friend!

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@The_Coca-Cola_Company Heavy? Ok, whatever that means 😂 thank you for the comment

[@alexmorgab9441]

Vid was great- i still hate leather jackets though, sorry Jon

[@Stridewise]

I'm just glad you stopped by Alex

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

No need to be sorry friend, to each is own

[@alexmorgab9441]

@@LeatherJacketJawn you’ve earned my respect for responding to my comment from a month ago- legend 😎

[@LeatherJacketJawn]

@@alexmorgab9441 I would have responded earlier to this but I don’t seem to be getting notifications. I appreciate you saying that. I respect everyone’s opinion even if I disagree. I’d love to hear why you don’t like leather jackets.