The 5 Best Japanese Leather Jacket Brands

[@Totemparadox]

I love how Jake brought up Vanson. I bought a Vanson Chopper as my first real leather jacket and it fits me SO GOOD. It kinda has an athletic cut if that even exists. Narrow waist, room for fit/muscular chest, back, shoulder and arms.

[@SuccessShared]

I loved the quality of Vanson's when I first discovered them many years ago, but like many US jackets at the time was way too short in the body

[@Henry-cm6ho]

I really like Jake’s style. I don’t know what happened to his YT channel he had some awesome videos up but his podcast Stitch Perfect is a real good listen also.

[@Stridewise]

I'd love to pore through his wardrobe one day, said the normal guy. Jake's a teacher by trade and had to shut his channel down for privacy reasons/risk of kids finding it lol but I've got another video with him coming up !

[@KapustaCuber]

Appreciate the quick Vanson shoutout- they're all made in my hometown south of Boston and I think the designs are fantastic. Certainly not to the level of fit and finish of Japanese heritage brands (few things in this world are) but I love mine that I got for around $400. (And yes, the website is pretty horrendous- I probably would never have thought to buy one if the showroom wasn't within walking distance of my childhood home!)

[@miracleman.]

Vanson is great, it's common knowledge among leather jacket aficionados.

[@CrispyFrenFry]

I absolutely loved this video despite coming to terms with the fact that I’ll never be able to afford any of these jackets!

[@Stridewise]

That's how I watched it too hehe

[@muhammadaliclay8976]

jake we need you back on youtube

[@Julian-yx4we]

Great vidéo, thanks for introducing me to some new brands. Was expecting to see Y2, Addict or fine creek in there, but happy to learn and really like the info on the shape of the jackets. Prices are painful though! Would love to hear you guys debate CXL as well..

[@abcthecamper1799]

This guy pop up on my instegram recommendation all the time! Even though his style is not for me, I can appreciated the the style and the crazy quality of the items he wear. Never heard him talk, so its nice to hear his voice and hear what he has to say about his items that I saw only on insta

[@jasonhart9785]

Great video, Nick! I love my Shinki single rider jacket from The Flat Head... Granted, I'm minus one kidney, but I'd sell my second to get my hands on another TFH Shinki jacket... I grabbed mine from the guys at Corlection here, Lee and Ray know their stuff! Keep it up bro 🤙🏼

[@blackfrancis82]

Curious as how soft the shinki HH is on TFH you got from Corl as Ive had my eye on the tea core double rider for some time now. Lee has helped me out with some fit info which has been great but would love to hear your opinion on the break in and feel on your single rider??- haha im trying to justify the massive pricetag but i know its a life long investment Trying to decide between this and the Lewis Leathers Corsair 😊

[@jasonhart9785]

@@blackfrancis82 Hey man! For a HH jacket, it is super soft out of the box, I was really surprised... I've broken in cowhide Schott's and Lewis' and I found them to be quite a bit stiffer and more stubborn than the Shinki HH... it has some heft, it's thick and heavy, but it's so full of waxes and oils that there is next to no fight when wearing it... I'm close to pulling the trigger on the brown single rider, that's how much I love my black teacore... they ain't cheap, but it's the last jacket you'll ever need... until you buy another!? Good luck with your decision mate!!!

[@blackfrancis82]

@@jasonhart9785 thanks so much man! Huge help, hope you score the other one! ✌️

[@lgroves336]

These make a Schott NYC look even better....Really think some of these jackets are worth twice(+) a good Schott jacket?

[@UTubeandChill]

I'm surprised Nick didn't try to slip in a thursday boots leather jacket and play it off like "oooh wow, how'd that get in there, but it's thursday boots and they're so awesome so it's ok, right? right?"

[@markmilan01]

I actually like that hat your buddy is wearing. What would it cost to get one of those, or do a show on hats!

[@Barnaby_bo]

Is it me only that thinks that the mens leather jacket style is getting smaller and smaller? Some pictures I see on here the jackets look barely big enough to move in, never mind fasten up. It's supposed to be a jacket not a vest. It's just crazy.

[@RjWolf3000]

Its a look that sells jackets, not a look has anyone wearing jackets. Lots of pictures in this video involve men wearing jackets they couldn’t zip and still breathe.

[@patrickbyr]

Jake's a great resource and a terrific follow on IG. Enjoyed watching this one.

[@MrZanzibar123]

Nick, I genuinely don’t understand Jake’s claim that leather jackets aren’t comfortable. Does he just mean compared to hoodies or something? Then ok. But every leather jacket I’ve had and worn enough to really break in became super comfortable. It made me wonder if these amazing Japanese jackets where just too thick and tough (or he has too many?) to break in that far? What do you think?

[@ryancockrel6947]

I bet he has so many of them that there isn't an individual jacket that ever really breaks in.

[@dudewuttheheck]

I mean in comparison to sweatshirts and such. I don't find my leather jackets uncomfortable, but they are not what you should go for if you are putting comfort first IMO.

[@MrZanzibar123]

@@dudewuttheheck That's what I figured you meant, but I also bet you think that (at their best) they're pretty dang comfortable.

[@CB-Lion]

Jake is about getting the next ridiculously expensive jacket and hyping it up. Lots of knowledge but like boot videos, a good review on a jacket means there is wear and tear from the reviewer. Value the quality and fit over time rather than just the hype of an expensive jacket. Love all of stridewise’s videos. Check out Carl Murawski’s channel too for honest content🔥

[@dudewuttheheck]

@@CB-Lion yeah thats definitely not true. I've said Freewheelers are the beat for years now. Many new Japanese brands have popped up since then or gotten popular since then and I haven't jumped on any of those trends. I still stick with Freewheelers as my favorite.

[@rolandojr.antonio6855]

I love that freewheeler brown jacket! looks so cool and beautiful.

[@saab_9]

where can you buy free wheelers jacket ? because their website is quite trash, no products sold there

[@mastershredder2002]

Japanese leather jacket is beloved because they make jackets for this 4'10" guy.

[@salvadoreanninja]

I hope you and Jake can make more videos like this! We need more videos on leather jackets.

[@Stridewise]

We have one more on Japanese boots coming up!

[@kevinbarrett9615]

These are lovely jackets but the average guy cannot entertain spending thousands of dollars on a leather jacket. I have been collecting leather jackets for over 50 years and have a nice collection of vintage and newer jackets, commensurate with my budget. I am financially independent but I still would not spend that much on any article of clothing. I feel as if some of these pricey jackets are bordering on “victim of fashion “ mentality but to each his own.

[@gavinmurphy8905]

My thoughts exactly. I like Nick's review of the Schott 530 jacket because its expensive, but it's worth the $850 because it lasts a lifetime. He makes reviews that speak to the average person with disposable income to save for a reasonable amount of time and buy a quality product. These several thousand dollar jackets don't appear to be several thousand dollars better than Schott jackets which are already expensive. The fact that this Japanese jacket guy has spent more on bespoke jackets in his life than most people spend on buying cars is insane.

[@14s0cc3r14]

This channel has always kind of leaned toward wealthy brands. $200-$300 footwear is considered budget for example

[@gavinmurphy8905]

@@14s0cc3r14 The difference between these two guys is that the expensive items that nick reviews are worth the money and will last forever thereby making your purchase better in the financial long run, whereas jacket guy thinks that the average guy should drop 3 racks on a jacket when a Schott jacket is just as good for less than 1k

[@Chida_o_0]

10 jackets for 100 each or one jacket for 1000. What’s the difference?

[@HubraumTV]

@@Chida_o_0 Yes but guys like him have 20+ jackets for 1000-2500$ each. Yes....owning a single 1000$ jacket after saving up some time could be somehow reasonable

[@Dooger111]

I went from schott, aero, cockpit usa, jelado, real McCoy. My favorite is my custom Aero CXL highwayman in burgundy. I really want a freewheeler jacket

[@dennisnordlund902]

The scots really know how to make quality leather jackets. Aero and SB is the brands I like the most, their jackets just resonate better with me than most of the japanese ones.

[@christocourban4213]

have you found where you can buy one?... The freewheeler jacket that is

[@Cotivity]

I previously watched the japan footwear vid, and now understand why these brands aren't eager to branch out: They are cut, and sized for small people. I feel the styles may not translate over to other markets also...

[@urdupoetryarslanayonis8391]

True, thats why I loved latest bombar style of eXcloz brand. Super cool and finely stitched.

[@DalesLeatherworks]

amazing seeing you 2 legends together!!!!

[@W.X.W.]

This is such a good video I watched it twice. Get Jake on for more leather jacket videos!

[@Stridewise]

Good idea! He's in a Japanese boots video coming up. Glad you loved the vid!

[@TheGiantBunnysaid]

That deerskin jacket is absolutely beautiful. The cut and pocket details are perfect but I can't get behind a flannel lining.

[@Stridewise]

come on, nobody even sees it!

[@RogerFecher]

When are we going to get another podcast, Jake?

[@davidhunternyc1]

None of these leather jackets are my style. My favorite jacket is the simple blue buttoned jacket that Jake is wearing. Who made this? Thanks. Love it.

[@mickey_dbeh6105]

Where is the store location for Rainbow Country? If theres no online presence, I'll just buy it in-person.

[@101Greenturtle]

How does iron heart size up to these brands specifically for leather jackets?

[@clamum9648]

Nice video big 🐕. I'd like to get my first leather jacket sometime soon. Man there's so many options though. But I'd want to try the jacket on in-person, I mean I'd want it to fit me perfectly considering how much I'll be paying. I guess internet order would be fine if returns are free/easy.

[@mateotrono]

Love this video. Also love my Shinki jacket from the Real McCoys

[@edf2953]

Nice overview of Japanese made leather Jackets. Just curious Nick as to your thoughts as to the quality, fit, comfort, build quality, etc. of Japanese leather jackets compared to some American companies such as Satchel & Page, and other U. S based manufacturers of leather jackets, recognizing that S & P jackets use Italian leather and manufactured overseas). Any thoughts? I really enjoyed this video, but missed hearing your always interesting and helpful commentary. Jake did a good job with his narrative. Thanks for sharing this info. Much appreciated…Ed

[@Stridewise]

Hey Ed, good to see you again! I'm a total amateur with leather jackets, I want to learn more but Jake is the expert and is the guy I'd direct you to! I think about getting a black leather jacket with a collar sometimes, but nothing crazier than that.

[@adrienm3687]

Guy on the right looks like he is dressed up for Halloween.

[@Remedy1024]

Totally agree with you! I’m just in love with my flathead jacket, the shinki leather is on the next lvl 👌👌👌

[@Stridewise]

Fantastic stuff, glad to hear from another owner!

[@webafile]

There are a few other brands from Japan that are also good but don't get as much love. Y2 leather, gangsterville and a few others that I keep forgetting. Have owned a few and all of them were amazing but I'm taller and have sleeve length problems 😂. I was lucky enough to get my Y2 leather jacket with sleeve lengthened from the factory so that was a super plus.

[@richardcostello360]

The reason I avoided Japanese brands is because I need something like a size 50 just to get the torso and sleeve length for my orangutan like arms 😆 I'll stick to my German and Austrian brands that have better fits for European bodies and their hides are the same quality as these Japanese brands

[@floriandetouzali1787]

Would absolutely love to see a best value for money video on leather jackets! I am looking for the thursday captain of leather jackets. I had a look at thursday jackets but i have seen quite some negative comments about it :)

[@Stridewise]

Great idea! Thursday's first run of jackets weren't great but they fixed a lot of the issues in the latest generation. I think they're best value but I haven't been super engaged in the field lately

[@HubraumTV]

I actually like the jackets from AllSaints - especially since they go on sale often. Leather jackets are their main field.

[@sebastianpolo6271]

@@HubraumTVsorry for answering late . I think all saints are mid tier jackets , I often find them for 100-300€. Often they use lamb for their jackets and they are made in India . Butter feeling . I think for Someone with a budget up to 300€ is a great purchase . Hands down the best mid tier jacket . But if we talk about purchasing a higher tier and price , nothing beats Schott NYC in the USA . I have seen their prices and I have found great Schots for 300-500€ . For a top tier it is great ! A life time jacket . Personally I just love Belstaff and Aero . I wouldn’t say Belstaff is worth the money , but Aero is the best investment you are going to do in your life . Specially horse hide jacket .

[@kraken9883]

Great video. Ive always felt Jake had a Mark Ruffalo good vibe about him and seeing him here I realize he even sounds like him lol. Hopefully some day I’ll get my hands on a flathead. Thanks for all the good work guys.

[@blackjohnny0]

I use polish brands. :) Just search for local ones. The best is custom made for your measurement.

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

Hey I love sketchers, I can rock them AND my red wings lol

[@bobvires9650]

I personally believe aero belongs in the top tier category. But I see why you placed them in the middle tier. But as far as quality, aero is one of the best.

[@bradboustead1682]

It's generally understood that "Dad New Balance" is where you go for auto repair and home remodeling advice, but not fashion advice. It's not a problem, just an understanding.

[@barboshaa]

You should review Benheart from Firenze, they do have an store in the US though

[@JoseMora-wc5zz]

More leather jacket videos!

[@christocourban4213]

great content. thanks. where could I order a jacket from freewheelers? thanks

[@Ground-l2l]

Where can I buy the Freewheelers Caboose?

[@KA-id5xb]

Where would I go to get leather sleeves altered??

[@markpham8956]

Jake should have a YT channel

[@s90004howie]

He had one, but I think he closed it for some reason

[@johnnyvegas5681]

Good info, but it was really hard to watch with the horrible audio quality. Really bad spot that creates echoes.

[@ofirshachamorov5979]

Dose some one have experience with the company shangri la haretage ? Any thoughts?

[@georgecarlin2879]

Y2 leather from Osaka or Leather Moto not on the list?

[@yankeesfanforlife506]

Great interview! Jake is the man he used to have a great you tube channel.. too bad he doesn’t have it anymore

[@Awddicted]

Ah too bad fine creek leather didnt make the cut

[@ofirshachamorov5979]

What are your thoughts on y’2 leather?

[@allgamestotal6773]

i went to Desolation Row and real mccoy and didnt realize how heavy this leather jackets are. Desolation Row doesnt have any stock of their mulholland and the buco j-24 looks great for me in front but the back doesnt look good on me as i have small waist. looks funny. in the end i end up buying a designer leather jacket lambskin SLP L01as its not heavy and i dont ride a motorcycle.maybe one day i will buy a cafe racer real mccoy. but dang, these jackets are heavy. not kidding.

[@mcmickey3344]

what do you think about KIP leather?

[@DeadliestEvil]

Dont disrespect new balance dad shoes just because you spend 4k an outfit, were not all 5ft tall and need to overcompensate.

[@timeisahumanconstruct9251]

ouch

[@markmilan01]

Where can I look for those hats you guys have?

[@Stridewise]

Mine is the Andy Auburn from Will and Bear, Jake's I think is from Wellem

[@markmilan01]

@@Stridewise thank you!

[@dudewuttheheck]

Mine is from Optimo, but I do have one from Wellema too.

[@markmilan01]

@@dudewuttheheck is it the Nashville Javier?

[@markmilan01]

@@dudewuttheheck if you have not yet done a video on hats, you should do one!

[@beck4218]

Buzz Rickson FTW.

[@louderthangod]

I’m built like an NFL lineman, all leather jackets look awkward on me and very few even fit.

[@dennisnordlund902]

I’m built like that after years of powerlifting and my Simmons Bilt fit like a glove.

[@louderthangod]

@@dennisnordlund902 Good to know, thanks. Most jackets don’t seem to realize lats exist.

[@fez877]

Pretty cool but I’m not sure I wanna drop a few G on a leather jacket.

[@reynerrondon3037]

nothing like Finecreek leathers…

[@UTubeandChill]

There's something funny about two guys who look like they arrived from pennsylvania dutch country on a horse drawn buggy talking fashion.

[@Stridewise]

I happened to have a very outdoorsy hat I decided to wear to mimic Jake's lovely felt hat but yes, I wound up looking more like an Australian farmer who got lost than a cool Japanese fashionista! ✰Also, check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zYeayvmsuBfac

[@Off-Brand_Devin]

I was thinking Ketch Secor from Old Crow Medicine Show.

[@miracleman.]

Nah, you look cool mate.

[@jimmydgrant]

I seem to recall a video describing a chrome tanned cowhide Schott jacket with miss matched grain, as the “best leather jacket”. If I was a youtube overlord, I would remove that video for containing harmful misinformation:)But I forgive you.

[@Stridewise]

Haha that was MY best, this is someone else's best! And I include "value" as a criterion more than Jake does hehe

[@luisdavidsandoval6072]

Love your content, any thoughts about using coconut oil to condition leather? Ps: i don’t want to use leather care products bc they are expensive and im broke af, so i steal coconut oil from my roommate.

[@Stridewise]

I am working on an article about that! it's not ideal, it'll do in a pinch but it'll darken everything a ton

[@emoney2480]

Love Jake and wish he made more videos, but Stridewise looked bored throughout the vid lol

[@Stridewise]

Haha no I was learning from the master! I was in studious pupil mode

[@emoney2480]

@@Stridewise just teasing. You guys doing great work!

[@sergiosanchez8398]

Sporting jacket aka I don’t ride

[@devaconcc9038]

used the word "like" so many times I stopped listening. Sorry.

[@ryandasilva604]

No Fine Creek, Y’2, Double Helix… this list is suspect.

[@allrequiredfields]

The reason why shoes are the most important part of an outfit is bad shoes can ruin the best outfit in the world - you can go head to legs japanese leather and denim but if you're wearing bad shoes, it looks like someone else dressed you and you just missed the instructions about the shoes. Also, Shinki is incredibly overrated. Fine Creek, Y'2 The Flat Head

[@chrisp5526]

nice video. i prefer cow leather than horsehide. I find horsehide smells like a horse…. 🤷‍♂️ at least cordovan leather has that smell i do not prefer.

[@mikebeecher6082]

uhhhhhhhhhhh........... Y'2 Leather?????

[@Dan-lq6dg]

B E L O V E D

[@aedressler]

bout a buzz rckson b-2. took som brakn n but lov t mor and mor. toys mccoy vst maks t look rally slck, too

[@sluggo562]

I like how definitively he states that the flannel in the arms won't impede you from getting your arms into a jacket, as though his little pencil arms are the gold standard and dudes who work out don't exist.

[@plumdog]

very interesting primer on how to devastate my wallet in a single blow :)

[@たかはし-h1o]

すごい

[@doliven]

Waayy over priced…Check Aero Leathers and/or Schott, the original Perfecto 1 Star 613 and the Schott 673. Also Goldtop in the UK🇬🇧. The Real McCoy is actually not (“The Real McCoy”) to “coin a phrase”. It’s is, in my opinion… a overpriced “copy” of one of the most popular manufacturers of vintage motorcycle jackets and helmets. Vintage Buco motorcycle jackets and helmets date back to the year 1933 founded in Detroit, Michigan. The company sported the slogan of “Look better, feel better, are better.” Buco motorcycle jackets and helmets (I have two vintage helmets) were very popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s and were sold by all Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle dealers during those time periods.

[@miracleman.]

No comparison mate. I've owned a few Schott's and Aero's they don't come even close to Real McCoy's.

[@mastershredder2002]

Flat head - extremely overrated jacket for the price with cheap rayon tacky red liner and terrible TERRIBLE zippers that get stuck and break easily. Stitching is good though. Tenjin works - good luck because they have nothing in stock. You have to order and wait a year to even get one. Freewheelers - the Bodie model looks great but they don’t make single collar jackets anymore. The bodie was a small production run in 2021. went to the store in tokyo and was treated rudely. Real mccoys -. They don’t have anything over a size 36 US, which is tiny. Works for this guy in the video, but not the rest of us. 38 japan size = 36 US.

[@whatzbeef]

dude looks like he’s wearing a costume. yes new balances do clash with your costume lol

[@TerryManitoba]

you 2 fellas read like UR try waaaay too hard. (insert Dork emoji here...)

[@Stridewise]

no not the emoji

[@TerryManitoba]

@@Stridewise Just a thumbnail of the 2 of U would suffice as the dork mogee

[@TerryManitoba]

@@Stridewise The matchy machy hats are so cute. The well pressed jumpers From the 2 minutes I could stand to watch - I'm surprissed y'all didn't hold hands during this performance.

[@TerryManitoba]

@@Stridewise Not that there is anything wrong with that!

[@rockygabriel7096]

Jackets+ boots are basic need for man....... 😆

[@upml8328]

Damn that Mexican talks a lot!

[@georgesimeone6292]

Why are you wearing that silly hat indoirs??

[@Stridewise]

I'm wearing mine because Jake had his on and I wanted to look like him, but it didn't work for me lol

[@herbertsmagon5777]

@@Stridewise it looks very bad on you every time you wrinkle your forehead

[@michaeledwardlenzi]

When you are tall like I am, Japanese jackets, shoes and clothes are out of the question.

[@Stridewise]

There must be SOMEONE who makes them Michael!

[@herbertsmagon5777]

no cause you can buy custom clothes...

[@michaeld2662]

Yeah, thousand dollars boots are great too. And just as overpriced. Have at it. The average Joe will never own any of these.

[@kenburke9145]

Jake staring at his phone while this chap talks screams NARCISSISM

[@MikeVoss]

That much for a jacket is ridiculous, why not just go to Angry, Young, and Poor? Or even Straight to Hell?

[@Stridewise]

I prefer Whiny Comments Section

[@davidcoleman2796]

No . Just no .

[@TheMunk79]

The hat is not good on any of you….. its really bad… like a new years hat bad….. Know your limits.

[@Qpoueoor]

This is the most hipster thing I’ve seen in months. 😂.

[@exin4]

Left as soon as he ripped on dad new balance. FO. Better channels elsewhere.

[@s90004howie]

LoL looks like someone can't take the facts

[@herbertsmagon5777]

you'll look back on this view in 10 years and be ashamed you ever wore those trendy shoes.

[@mattrobson3603]

@@herbertsmagon5777 I don't think people wear New Balances because they think they're good looking shoes, they wear them because they're extremely comfortable. They're not stylish, but some people's willingness to suffer for fashion is zero. Which means that leather jackets probably aren't for them, either. They can always get hooded sweatshirts and windbreakers.

[@ask-mw5hk]

Is Flat Head an American brand?

[@rpow6861]

i have no idea why but for some reason i thought The Real McCoy's was a Scottish brand, lol