Beckett Simonon Atlas Biker Jacket First Impressions – $379

They say leather never goes out of style. Today I have the privilege of showing you a jacket that proves this to be true. Not only is the Beckett Simonon Atlas Biker Jacket a well made, highly functional leather good, but it also pays homage to one of the most classic motorcycle jacket styles.

About Beckett Simonon

Beckett Simonon is a relatively young company with a fairly unique business plan: they don’t keep any items in stock. That may seem like a bad thing at first thought, but it has its advantages. Not only does that mean your product was made specifically for you, it also means cost can be kept as low as possible. Keeping a large stock of items is a lot of overhead cost for a company, which drives up prices. Instead, Beckett Simonon does limited-time campaigns of product pre-orders. Every item is made to order and sent out after the campaign ends. You may wait a bit longer (the current Atlas campaign, which ends this month, will deliver in December), but you’ll get a high end product at a great price made just for you.

Beckett Simonon is dedicated to ethical sourcing of materials and labor. They maintain tight control of their supply chain and manufacture mainly through family owned-and-operated operations.

Leather & Construction

The Atlas outer is made in Colombia with full grain calfskin leather. The jacket and pockets are closed with smooth YKK zippers. The jacket is lined with a cotton material around the body and a more polyester type material in the sleeves.

I haven’t owned the Atlas very long, but have yet to find any issues at all. I’ve gone over nearly every inch of the Atlas and pushed its limits through use. This leather is soft and beautiful, and strong enough to prevent minor road rash in case of an incident. Stitching is discrete and well done. This jacket is well put together with quality materials.

Function

Around a week ago, Utah decided autumn is overrated and decided to skip right to winter. Thankfully, the Atlas showed up on my doorstep about the same time. This is a nice warm jacket! Leather is impressively good at blocking the wind and keeping your heat near your body without feeling stuffy. A zipper at the end of the sleeves, the full-length chest zipper, tall collar, and buckles at the waist allow you to tighten up the jacket at the entrances to minimize heat loss. These features are crucial for cold motorcycle rides. Three outer zippered pockets and a pair of inner pockets give lots of places to keep small items and warm hands.

Aesthetic

If you’re a fan of the classic biker jacket look but feel they can be a bit cluttered visually, look no further. I’m a huge fan of the balance the Atlas has struck here. Typical motorcycle jackets have several additional buttons, straps and other features that can be handy but also leave the jacket somewhat “loud” aesthetically. The Atlas has critical features for staying warm and stowing items, but is otherwise minimal.

Pairs well with the black cuff strap

There’s a balance of the rugged, pointed collar leather biker jacket and the classic, incomparable classy leather jacket. It’s a really well found middle ground leaving you feeling fashionable but not left wanting for function.

Dad’s Motorcycle Jacket

I chuckled to myself when I first saw the Atlas. The look is an homage to classic biker jackets. I wear my father’s 1960’s Harley Davidson leather jacket, and the Atlas could be its modern day twin. There’s certainly differences, dad’s jacket leaning more towards the utilitarian, but the feel is definitely the same. I’m happy to have a jacket that reminds me of dad’s killer old Harley jacket, but is modernized enough to be more comfortable–in both the social and physical sense! Like father like son, I guess.

Dad’s 1960’s Harley Davidson biker jacket

Conclusion

Pros: Soft and beautiful leather, modern meets classic style, comfort, warmth on and off a motorcycle, low price, several pockets

Cons: Less features/protection than some biker jackets, longer delivery wait

I haven’t been able to spend as much time with the Beckett Simonon Atlas Biker Jacket as I would like, but I’m very excited to continue to use it moving forward. So far this jacket has kept me feeling stylish, comfortable, and warm in the Utah premature-winter weather. Quality leather, good other materials, and superb construction will help this jacket last for many years to come. The price is high compared to jackets and coats made with lesser quality materials, but is on the low end for top notch leather. Beckett Simonon is a company dedicated to ethics and quality products at a reasonable price. Make sure to swing by their online shop today–the Atlas jacket’s limited campaign is over at the end of this month!

First Impressions: Jaunji Designs Uptown Jacket in Lambskin

Jaunji Designs has announced a new line of men’s and women’s jackets made with lamb, goat, or natural grain cow leather via a new Kickstarter campaign, which we reported on a few weeks ago. They quickly met and exceeded their goal, but jackets are still available for preorder. We were able to get our hands on a sample jacket in the Uptown style, a high collared jacket with a classic fit.

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The Uptown jacket has snap cuffs, two zip chest pockets, two side pockets, and two interior pockets, one of which is zippered. This jacket is made with lambskin in a light cognac color with a subtle distressed finish. It also features a herringbone lining which is soft to the touch, but durable.

For men, the jackets come in four styles: Moto, Cafe Racer, Bomber, and Uptown, a simple high-collared design. Ladies’ jackets also come in two styles: Uptown, and a moto style with an asymmetrical zip.

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The construction of the Uptown jacket is solid. Seams are even and the hardware appears to be well made too. The leather is soft to the touch and has a pleasant aroma to it. Lambskin is not super thick, but still retains great strength and durability.

What’s especially nice about the Jaunji Uptown jacket is the weight. It’s a great option for spring, early fall and those days when the weather just calls for a lighter weight jacket. The lack of bulk is definitely noticeable and appreciated. The cognac color is aesthetically pleasing and along with the style of the jacket lends itself well to business casual attire or simple casual daily wear.

 

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The jackets come lined with standard viscose lining, but can be upgraded to a herringbone wool.The herringbone lining gives the jacket a bit more of an upscale look – this is just our opinion especially since we haven’t seen the standard version in person.

The cool thing about these jackets is that they are custom-fit, to measurements you send in upon purchase. So there’s not a back stock of pre-made jackets, they are made specific to your measurements and leather choice.

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Verdict

Overall, our test jacket has been well received in public. People enjoy the feel of the leather and comment positively on the style and color. We can easily see why Jaunji met their original Kickstarter goal in less than 8 hours. There are still spots available on their Kickstarter to get the jacket style of your choice with standard lining and choice of color for $369, which is about $200 off expected retail price. Couples can pledge $669 for two jackets of their choice. This is a good deal for a high quality, custom-fit jacket made to your specifications. We look forward to seeing how things progress for Jaunji with this project and designs that are launched from them in the future.

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Jaunji Debuts Leather Jackets On Kickstarter

Jaunji Goods has announced a new line of men’s and women’s jackets made with lamb, goat, or natural grain cow leather via a new Kickstarter campaign. For men, the jackets come in four styles: Moto, Cafe Racer, Bomber, and Uptown, a simple high-collared design. Ladies’ jackets also come in two styles: Uptown, and a moto style with an asymmetrical zip. The jackets come lined with standard viscose lining, but can be upgraded to a herringbone wool.

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You can get a jacket with standard lining and your choice of color for $339, which is about $200 off expected retail price. Couples can pledge $669 for jackets of their choice. Jaunji has already more than met their Kickstarter goal, but this gives buyers a chance to add a nice quality leather jacket to their wardrobe for less. Keep an eye out in the next week or so for a review of the men’s Uptown Jacket!

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Satchel and Page Black Calfskin Cafe Racer Jacket Review – $560

If you do not have leather jacket in your wardrobe, I highly advise you to start saving up to buy one. A leather jacket is one of the most timeless accessories you can own. Whether you’re looking for a riding jacket, aviation jacket, or just a leather jacket to add to your style, you are in the right place. Satchel and Page has a knack for making high quality, beautiful, and timeless leather products. This time around I have the privilege of reviewing the Satchel and Page Café Racer.

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About

Based out of Austin, Texas, Satchel & Page is dedicated to producing handmade, high quality leather products. Each of their leather products has been designed with WWII and 1940s influences. As I’m sure you know, Satchel & Page has launched several of their product lines via extremely successful Kickstarter campaigns. The leather jacket campaign has proven to be a fabulously successful venture for this awesome company, with many, many people backing and supporting it to get a hold of one of these jackets, and for good reason.

Construction

The Café Racer leather jacket is constructed using full-grain French calf leather that has been vegetable re-tanned. The vegetable re-tanning process has made the black leather resistant to scratches and nicks, and designed to age in the best way possible. The calf leather is a perfect choice to use in the construction of a leather jacket because it is softer, smoother, and lighter than regular cow leather. The Café Racer also boasts seven YKK zippers, a satin/cotton blend fabric for the internal lining, and higher armholes for the sleeves. The armholes are designed in this high stature to give it the racy, tight fit throughout the tailored body. The jacket has been skillfully constructed with some of the most premium materials possible, and in the eight months I have had this jacket, I have not found one insufficiency.

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Function

I have had this jacket for a very long time. It’s one of the only products I have consistently used for several months before I put together a review. In my opinion, waiting this long to review this Café Racer jacket has been a good decision. I have had the opportunity to wear this jacket for roughly 4,000 miles of motorcycle riding in 2015 and numerous social outings. I am thoroughly in love with how this jacket performs when I’m riding and in everyday activities. The tight fit (now a little tighter cause of some weight gain) is perfect for riding. There is no flapping or drag while riding my motorcycle and certainly no complaints on the appearance of my jacket.

The Café Racer functions flawlessly in cold and warm weather. In cold weather the YKK zippers on the sleeves expand for just enough room to get your riding gloves on and zip back down for a nice, snug fit to keep the cold air from running up your arms. In warmer weather, keep the main zipper unzipped a little bit and open up the sleeve zippers for a comfortable riding temperature. The Café Racer leather jacket has functioned without an issue since day one, and shows no signs of stopping. Whether I’m riding though some twisties on my motorcycle or bundled up with a beanie and a scarf, the Café Racer leather jacket has proven to be a staple in my wardrobe.

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Aesthetic

I’m not going to lie, I get a lot of looks when I’m riding my all black street bike wearing my black leather jacket with a black leather satchel on my back. Aside from the egotistical positives this jacket offers, it truly is stunning all of the time. The black leather is soft, pliable, and perfect in every aspect. The no-nonsense attitude this jacket exudes is just plain attractive. This classic design certainly isn’t going anywhere, and I’m positive this jacket will last for decades to come.

Conclusion

I am thoroughly impressed with the Satchel & Page Café Racer leather jacket. The premium materials, heritage roots, and overall superior quality come together to make an investment like this too good to pass up. With a fair price of $560, this leather jacket will last for longer than you’ll be able to wear it. Head over to the Satchel & Page website to check out their beautiful leather products, and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram. If you act fast you can get a $70 coupon that lasts through Thursday; buying this jacket will be a decision you will not regret.

 

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Wilsons Leather Contemporary Lamb Topper Coat Review – $569.99

Looking good is the last thing on your mind when it’s freezing out and you can’t feel your fingers and toes.  If you’ve lived in the northern tier of the continental United States, you have an acute understanding of the meaning of the word “winter”.  As we get further into December and closer to the New Year, I’m pretty ecstatic that Wilsons Leather asked me to review their Contemporary Lamb Topper Coat. Given that the last few weeks in Spokane have been filled with snow, wind, and cold weather, it was a perfect time to give the jacket thorough consideration as a winter coat.

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About

Sometimes the company says it best.  In this case, we’re going to let Wilsons Leather tell you a little bit about them:

Wilsons Leather is a leading specialty retailer of quality accessories and outerwear. Currently operating under two formats, we offer fashion and value through an assortment of designer brands and special purchases for both men and women. Categories include outerwear and accessories such as handbags, briefcases and travel items. While holding tight to our leather roots, we also carry an assortment of additional fabrications such as wool, cotton and faux-leather to give our customers more options. Our e-commerce site offers an extension of our store experience and is intended to increase brand awareness.

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Wilsons Leather has been around for a long time and understands the business of providing quality leather goods at prices appealing to leather enthusiasts.

Construction

The outer shell of the jacket is genuine chrome-tanned lambskin, with Thinsulate® insulation and a polyester interior liner.  The image on the Wilsons Leather web site boasts an open-slit pocket on the left chest, but you won’t find one on this jacket (the description on the site indicates that pocket doesn’t exist either).  That leaves you with two open flap pockets four buttons on each cuff, a 3-button placket, and a slit tail to allow for easy movement.

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The stitching is black, non-contrasting, polyester thread that I found to be well done without any loose threads or uneven stitching, something I’d expect in a jacket of this caliber and price range.  Overall weight is 3 pounds, 5 ounces (1.48 kilograms), making it light in its class for 3/4-length leather jacket designed for colder temperatures.

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Function

A jacket like this is going to serve dual purposes: keeping you warm and looking good.  It succeeds on both accounts. I spent an hour walking outside in 20º (F) weather in downtown Spokane, and felt comfortable; I wasn’t sweating, and wasn’t cold. It fit well over the sweater I was wearing without constriction.  It fits to a few inches above my knees comfortably, without restricting any movement due to the slit tail in the back.

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One concern I have is that the jacket opens into a “V” about 3/4 of the way up without the possibility of further closure.  Should you find yourself in the middle of downpour or snowstorm, that part of your suit or sweater is going to get wet.  This is a traditional design for many coats like this, so a scarf would be one easy way to keep the snow or rain out.

The two front pockets (remember there is no breast pocket) will let you hold a wallet and phone without making unsightly bulges in the jacket, though a ring of keys or pair of mittens might be too much.  Due to the angle of the pockets, you can’t really use them to keep your hands warm, but they will provide great security for anything you place in them.

Aesthetic

The first time I wore this coat, I was impressed with how it fit my frame.  In coats, a size large will often feel tight across my shoulders, but this topper gave me plenty of room while conforming to my body type.  Made of lambskin, you can’t help but notice the soft feel of the outer shell.  With a coat this size, you might expect it to be heavy, but thanks to the Thinsulate® layer, the jacket remains light while you stay warm.  The buttons on the coat are large and non-contrasting, meaning you’ll be able to manipulate them even when wearing gloves.

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The overall look of the jacket is very professional, and will match well with your suit or business casual attire.  Paired with a nice scarf and gloves, you’ll have no worries about staying warm and looking good at the same time.

Conclusion

I really do like the Contemporary Lamb Topper Coat, even having experienced the aforementioned snow attacking the open “V” design of the jacket.  I really should have had a scarf on that day in the first place. The quality of the jacket is quite good, with nice stitching, materials, and overall construction.  This jacket isn’t one you’re going to wear while you’re out chopping wood, but will lend itself admirably to your business formal/casual wardrobe.

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With Wilsons Leather, you’re never going to pay the full MSRP.  At the time of this review, the jacket lists on their site for $569.99, marked down from $850.00.  With the site-wide 60% off sale going on, that brings the price down to $342.00. Some savvy shoppers who have access to a Wilsons Leather outlet may be able to wrangle an even better deal. For a coat of this size and quality, that is right in the ballpark of what you should be expecting to pay.

With proper care, this jacket will last you for the years to come.  Always hang it up, dry clean only when needed, and don’t let it get wet.  It’s the basics of leather care, but these caveats will serve you well when caring for your expensive leather garments.

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Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Distressed Leather Moto Jacket Review – $319.99

As a young boy of eleven, I was first introduced to the MacGyver television series right about the time the Nintendo Entertainment System was released in America.  Splitting my time between my two new loves, I noticed that  during the show, MacGyver had a habit of wearing a brown distressed leather jacket.

I was rather pleased when asked to review the Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Distressed Leather Moto Jacket, as it immediately reminded me of those days thirty years passed.  While not identical to the one Richard Dean Anderson wore in the series, there are enough similarities that it took me back to nostalgia-land for a while.

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About Wilsons Leather

The Minnesota-based Wilsons Leather, formed in 1988 by a merging of Bermans Leather and Wilsons House of Suede and Leather, is a modern day leather clothing and apparel retailer known famously for their jackets, bags, and accessories.

In 2008, the G-III Apparel Group purchased Wilson’s Leather and E-commerce divisions.  Today, Wilsons Leather offers in-season, designer products at their outlet stores. Their online stores offer an even more extensive line of products in addition to increasing brand awareness and improving customer experience. On a more personal note, my wife and I have been visiting the Wilsons Leather Outlet in North Bend, Washington, each time we take a trip to the west side of Washington from our home in Spokane.

Construction

The shell is constructed of hand-distressed, semi-vegetable tanned sheep’s leather sourced from Pakistan with a cotton body liner and interior sleeves lined with polyester. The filler inside the jacket is also made of 100% polyester, with the total weight of the jacket coming in at 2 pounds, 7 ounces (1.1 kilograms).  The jacket is light into comparison with other jackets on the market

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The zippered hand and chest pockets, the main zipper, and the banded wrist cuffs all use YKK antiqued-brass zippers.  The seams of the jacket are double-stitched with non-contrasting brown polyester thread for strength.  The stitches themselves are even and add to the overall look of the jacket.

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Function

When talking about leather jackets, their function is pretty straightforward: you wear them when they fit the situation, whether it be a cold fall day or a night out on the town. I recently wore it to the premier of a television series they are filming here in Spokane, Washington, and was perfectly comfortable with the outside temperature in the low 60s.  Much higher than that and it would be too warm.  Depending upon where you live, I imagine it would be suitable for winter and spring months as well.  For most locations in the summer, it’ll be too warm as with most coats and jackets.

As a side note, I did find the two inner breast pockets rather handy for storing my phone and my wallet.

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Aesthetic

Before anything else, I noticed how soft the leather shell of this jacket is. The second thing I noticed was the beautiful cognac brown color of the leather and the way the distressed look played in the light.

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This is the first brown leather jacket I’ve had a chance to review, and it’s quickly becoming my favorite.  It’s MacGyverish (a word meaning “outstanding” that I made up) good looks easily makes the jacket a classic for those of us who appreciated that era of TV.

Even if you aren’t an old school TV enthusiast, the look and feel of the jacket will draw you in. If you like Wilson’s, they are also great when used with leading brands like Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, and Sandbanks Clothing, as their shirts, shorts, and hats perfectly match leather products.  I felt like I could wear it with a plain black t-shirt, as well as a nice dress shirt depending on where you are going.  The jacket is balanced in its look and feel , giving it the ability to skirt the line between casual and formal.

Conclusion

Overall, I found the look and feel of this jacket to match my tastes pretty closely.  As a guy with slightly larger shoulders, I did find the large size a little tight around the shoulders, but not enough to prevent me from wearing it comfortably.  This has happened with most of the leather jackets I’ve tried on in the last few years.

Wilsons Leather outlets and online stores always have pretty good sales going on; I don’t think there is ever a time where I’ve paid the price listed on the tag for my purchase.  The Black Rivet Distressed Leather Moto Jacket is no exception.  The MSRP is $700.00, with the purchase price set at $319.99.  Were this the final price, I’d still consider purchasing the jacket were my budget to allow it. At the time of this review, you could get an additional 40% and free shipping if you’re purchasing online, bringing the cost down to $192.00 out the door.  I wholly advise checking their online site for deals if you’re in the market for a leather jacket.

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With the proper care and cleaning, if you decide to invest in the jacket, it’s going to last you a long time.  Well-cared for leather products can have a lifetime of service, and this jacket is no exception.  For looks, durability and comfort, I found this jacket to be well worth the price.

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Angel Jackets Tom Cruise Mission Impossible 5 Jacket Review – $189

My childhood dream was to become a superhero who could also become any other superhero at will. Years later, not having given up on the dream, I found a way to get myself one step closer to that superhero reality – through the Angel Jackets Mission Impossible 5 Jacket. Wardrobe, as you may know, is the most important part of any superhero’s persona.

Light and stylish, this jacket will serve you well…whether you are hanging off the side of an Airbus 400 during takeoff or riding a motorcycle at 100+ miles per hour (we recommend doing neither).

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About Angel Jackets

Paul Anderson created Angel Jackets in 2009 after the death of Michael Jackson in response to MJ’s fans looking for a unique way to remember Michael. By combining the costume element of movie star outfits with wearable jackets and real leather, Paul had hit on a winning combination that fans loved.

Today, Angel Jackets updates its collections regularly and takes custom orders. They offer a wide spectrum of jackets from past, present, and unreleased movies, television shows, and musical offerings. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced replica of the jackets today’s stars are wearing, Angel Jackets is a great starting point.

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Construction

The shell of the jacket is made of genuine, chromium salt tanned, lambskin leather sourced from the Karachi and Sialkot areas of Pakistan. The shell is of good quality, though thin and designed more for the casual wearer. The entire jacket weights slightly under thirty ounces, making it a lightweight in its class. The other leather jacket I have hanging in my closet is sixty ounces by comparison.

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The interior of the jacket is lined with viscose, a soft semi-synthetic material composed of regenerated cellulose, often used in the linings of sport jackets and dresses. There are two pockets sewn into the lining, one on each side. They are a nice touch in the event you need to conceal some clever spy gadgets while out on your impossible mission.

On the sleeves, outer pockets, and front of the jacket, you’ll find heavy duty YKK burnished metal zippers. YKK Group is a Japanese conglomerate well-known for manufacturing zippers, and the quality of metal used in this jacket is a nice touch.

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The black stitching appears straight and is evenly spaced with no threads dangling at endpoints. Continued wear during cooler months will give a good indication of how it holds up over time.

The standup collar lends a casual look to the jacket without sacrificing any elements of appearance, a look Ethan Hunt would surely approve.

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Function

If you’re a superspy finding himself tasked with protecting the world from ne’er-do-wells and need a light flexible jacket to keep you warm and make you look good, this is your jacket. While it is based directly on one of the jackets Tom Cruise sports in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, it will serve handsomely in the spring, summer, fall, and possibly the winter depending upon the climate you live in, whether you are saving the world or not.

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The overall lightweight construction of the jacket feels like it would be best suited for a night out on the town or a summer pleasure ride. This is not a heavy duty jacket and should be treated as such.

The jacket I received is a Large (L), and is a very comfortable fit for my size large body. If you are a weight lifter or someone who is very bulky across the shoulders, you might consider going up a size to give your shoulders additional breathing room.

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Aesthetic

I like the way the jacket looks and fits to my frame. I also appreciate the zippers on the cuff for giving the arms a flared look and a little extra ventilation. The burnished zippers don’t contrast the black lambskin too much and add a nice touch to the overall look. The black viscose interior is the only choice for maintaining a high-quality look while letting the jacket remain light and breathable.

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The one concern I had when I received this jacket was a scent that reminded me of napthalene, the same smell some of you might remember when your mom put mothballs in your closet as a kid. After hanging the jacket up for a couple days, the scent dissipated to unnoticeable levels. As of this writing, there is little to no scent on the jacket at all.

After speaking with Paul, he stated that the reason for the smell is due to the leather not being able to breathe during shipping. The moisture content in the jacket can produce the described odor. He also mentioned that since the jacket is hand-wrinkled leather, it contains more moisture than similar leather processed by a machine. If you’re looking to wear this jacket the moment you receive it, you might want to keep this caveat in mind. Give it a couple days to breathe, and it will be superhero-ready.

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Conclusion

This jacket is fun. It is lightweight, sports a modern, casual look, and is a comfortable fit. As someone who likes the idea of subtly emulating his favorite film stars, the Mission Impossible 5 Jacket does just that. I don’t think the jacket will stand up to heavy abuse based on its lightweight construction, but as with all things leather, it never hurts to own more than one.

At $189.00 for a genuine leather jacket, it’s a good value for the looks and fun factor alone. I plan on sporting it in the fall months to see how the stitching and stress points hold up, and to ensure the leather shell can take a few scratches without tearing.

On a final note, what you see on the Angel Jackets web site is what you’ll receive when ordering the jacket. No, Tom Cruise does not come with the jacket, but the look you see online is what you’ll get when you unfold the jacket for the first time. If you’re a fan of the MI series or are in the market for a casual, lightweight leather jacket, check it out.

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Alpha Industries MA-1 Flight Jacket Review – $365

Leather jackets are unquestionably some of the finest leather products you can buy. With so many different leathers, colors, fits, and styles, leather jackets singularly bring the most to the table in terms of personal fashion. When BestLeather heard about Alpha Industries and visited their wild booth at Fashion Week, we were beyond excited. At their booth we were given the chance to explain our reviewing process, and on the spot, Alpha Industries chose to set up a review of their MA-1 Flight jacket.

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About

Alpha Industries is a company surrounded by heritage and tradition. Founded by Samuel Gelber to provide quality clothing to U.S. Armed Forces, Alpha Industries began as a small, 35-employee government contractor. Each product they make has an equally fascinating story to go along with it, so when you buy an Alpha Industries product, you really are getting a quality heirloom product. Today, this iconic company is a globally recognized leather and flight jacket forerunner. Because I could write for pages about Alpha Industries rich history, I’ll let you go ahead and play around with this famous company’s interactive timeline. Check it out here.

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Construction

The MA-1 Flight Jacket is constructed using 100% real full-grain leather. It is immediately obvious that the leather on this military aviator jacket is high quality. The beautiful YKK antique brass hardware and zipper provide a refreshing contrast to its all black military attitude and the inside is lined with a diamond patterned polyester quilted lining. The diamond patterned lining is comfortable enough to wear in most temperatures.

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On the outside, Alpha Industries has added a personal flair with their signature utility pocket, giving ample storage for several EDC items you want with you. The waistband and cuffs are made from heavy-duty 100% wool. Each seam on this jacket is expertly united, providing an extremely durable, comfortable impression. The skillful construction of the MA-1 Flight Jacket is one of my favorite features because it demonstrates that this jacket will last a very long time.

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Function

I have taken this jacket everywhere. I take it on long motorcycle rides, to college classes, skydiving, weekend getaways, and I have even used it to go flying. Each time, without a doubt, someone has commented on the quality of my jacket. Every place I took the MA-1 Flight Jacket, especially flying, I realized just how well it functions. I am never too hot or cold because of the quilted lining, and I always feel pleased with this piece upon taking it off. I have begun to entertain a reputation of “the guy with all the leather” simply because my typical get-up is a leather jacket, leather briefcase or messenger, leather wallet, and leather shoes. It is quite a fun fashion statement to entertain. The MA-1 Flight Jacket is a classic aviator jacket with a refreshing, modern touch.

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Aesthetic

The MA-1 Flight jacket comes in two colors, brown and black. Each color changes the whole statement of the jacket. Brown offers you the classic, vintage aviation jacket, while black causes an edgier and more modern look. Both colors are definitely a solid choice depending on your style.

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As I said earlier, the MA-1 is a great jacket in most temperatures. I can wear it all day riding my motorcycle, and continue to wear it for the cooler afternoons. The softness of the leather allows adequate flexibility and motion enough for me to safely fly planes and ride motorcycles. Overall I have been extremely pleased with how this jacket has performed, and am eager to see how it ages.

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Conclusion

Every fashionable man needs a good leather jacket in his wardrobe. If you are looking to make a statement and harken back to the leather loving armed forces of the day, the Alpha Industries MA-1 Leather Flight Jacket is an appropriate choice. In terms of leather jackets, the wise investment of $365 for this leather jacket will be a perfect addition to your style. Head over to Alpha Industries great website and see all the different styles they offer. We will be reviewing their G-1 Leather jacket shortly, so stay tuned.

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US WINGS SIGNATURE SERIES VINTAGE COWHIDE INDY-STYLE ADVENTURER JACKET REVIEW – $489.00

A quality leather jacket is a staple of everyman’s well thought out wardrobe arsenal. There are many options depending on the look you desire. From motorcycle bad boy to old school aviator, there’s a leather jacket for you. If you often find yourself between purloining historical artifacts and going out for a night on the town with no time to change, the US Wings Signature Series Vintage Cowhide Indy-Style Adventurer Jacket might just be your new best friend.

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ABOUT US Wings

US Wings is based out of Hudson Ohio and has been in business since 1986. Started by Sgt. David Hack, a decorated soldier and successful recruiter (his recruiting Jeep is one of only 2 ever to be displayed in a US Military museum, the other belonging to Gen. George S. Patton) and his wife Lani Hack, US Wings is an official Defense Logistics Agency supplier and a supplier to US military and government agencies. But that doesn’t mean you need to drop and do 20 to have access to their great line up. In addition to their website, they operate a store in Hudson where they offer a full selection of military inspired jackets and casual everyday clothing. They even offer Tom Selleck’s Aloha Shirt as seen in Magnum P.I. which I’ve been eyeballing with unnatural fervor.

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CONSTRUCTION

The Indy Adventurer Jacket is part of US Wings Signature Series which means it’s handcrafted in the USA. This jacket is patterned after the original jacket worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones which was originally designed by Neil Cooper (now US Wings). This jacket features 2 front button snap pockets with side entry hand warmers and an interior chest pocket. A heavy duty YKK zipper is used and protected by a wind flap with top and bottom snaps. Interior is lined with nylon which makes it comfortable against the skin and helps deal with perspiration.  The large back panel is a testament to the quality of this jacket. Sometimes manufacturers cut costs by using smaller pieces of leather, often resulting in an unsightly seam going straight down the spine. The leather itself is vintage cowhide from the same tannery that supplied the leather for the 2008 Indiana Jones movie. Thick and substantial, the jacket is on the heavy side at roughly 4lbs 5oz.

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FUNCTION

Even though the US Wings Indy Style Adventurer Jacket is modeled after a movie jacket, this is by no means a “costume piece” to be handled lightly. I found it to be a great option in moderately cooler temps. There’s not much insulation going on so be prepared to layer if it drops below 60 degrees. I took it to the beach and the windy conditions didn’t bother me at all. I wouldn’t recommend “popping” the collar for added protection though, unless you don’t mind resembling Dracula.

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The adjustable side straps keep the jacket secure and help keep out cold air. The Bi-swing back really gives you freedom of movement and offers an overall less constrictive feel. US Wings states this jacket is an “oversized fit” that runs about half a size large. I found this to be true, but since I’m between a L and XL I found it fit just right with enough room to layer without looking sloppy. Keep in mind the cuffs at the wrist do not have snap adjustments, while I would have liked to have had that option, I can understand the omission in keeping with the movie jacket design. All in all, you put the jacket on, and it doesn’t get in your way.

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AESTHETIC

This jacket’s strongest attribute is the classic styling. Essentially an A2 Bomber jacket minus the ribbed cuffs and hem. I’m usually wary about leather jackets as I feel they’re limited in versatility. However the Indy Style Adventurer looks good just about anywhere. Paired with some Levi’s, you look sharp but not too dressy. The side straps can be synched to give a more tapered look which I really appreciate. The large pieces of leather make for a clean and uncluttered garment. The pre-distressed leather exhibits beautiful graining with just the right scuffing.

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Of course I had to don the fedora and bullwhip just because this is first and foremost an Indiana Jones jacket! As much as I wanted to run amok in a Moroccan Bazaar, all I had was the local farmer’s market.

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CONCLUSION

At 489.00, the US WIngs Signature Series Vintage Cowhide Indy Style Adventurer Jacket is an investment that will serve you for a long time. The American made heritage and quality construction will prove to be a great asset to your wardrobe. Not to mention the origins of this jacket definitely conjure up a spirit of adventure whenever I throw it on, which will be quite often.

Leather Madness Star Trek Black Leather Jacket Review $169.99

Leather Madness is a small leather company started by Kamal Kahn and a group of friends just 3 years ago. Someone wanted the leather jacket that Hugh Jackman wore as X-Men’s Wolverine and when they couldn’t find one, they dug up some pictures and took it to a leatherworker friend who constructed a prototype. They loved it so much that they each had one made. Next their friends wanted one, and a business was born. The first jackets were sold on eBay by various distributors, but now they can also be found on the Leather Madness website. Although they plan on expanding their leather products to include clothing, bags, accessories, etc, their current forte is jackets – particularly ones with designs taken from popular movies and celebrities. Seeing that I’m somewhat of a Trekkie (nerd-alert), I couldn’t help but test out the Star Trek Black Leather Jacket worn by Chris Pine in the Star Trek 2009 movie.

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 CONSTRUCTION

In order to create jackets from recent or upcoming movies, a research team looks for images from media and previews online to create prototype designs. All Leather Madness leather jackets are then made from full-grain leather from Karachi, Pakistan where leather is produced for major fashion labels all around the world. Two master leatherworkers finalize the designs and oversee a team of skilled workmen who create the jackets. This particular Star Trek jacket is made of tumble-washed sheepskin leather for a softer look and feel. The general structure is similar to a biker jacket with a slim tailored fit, but the stitching, pockets, and durable YKK zippers are designed to resemble the ones that Chris Pine wore in the movie. All stitching is double stitched for durability and the lining is polyester. The jacket was shipped directly from Pakistan through DHL and arrived to New York in about a week. The one thing I definitely noticed was the sheep-y smell from the jacket. Seeing that I was expecting a genuine sheepskin jacket, I’m not disappointed and it’s much less noticeable after a few weeks.

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FUNCTION

This jacket is constructed to look like the Star Trek jacket, but it is very soft and supple while functioning like any quality leather jacket. Because it is a lighter jacket, it would be best for cold weather in the 50+ degree range, but I still wear it in 10 degree weather here under a larger down jacket. There are a bazillion pockets – two open hand warmer pockets in the front, two zipped front chest pockets, one inner pocket with an additional top pocket, one zipped pocket on the right upper arm, and one zipped pocket on the left lower arm. The cuffs are also zipped in case you need an expanded cuff for gloves. They are all functional pockets and the zippers feel substantial and glide very smoothly.

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Although many of the jackets on the Leather Madness website would be better for cosplay conventions (ex: the Captain America jacket), this particular jacket works well as everyday casual outwear.

AESTHETIC

I chose to get the Star Trek jacket because I wanted a modern short open collar style jacket with that unique “saw it in a movie” appeal but didn’t scream costume. This ended up being a great decision. When I wore it to work for the first time, two coworkers stopped to touch and compliment the jacket. Words like “hot” and “no… seriously HOT” were thrown around. No one recognized it from Star Trek, and when I did mention it, it only added to the interest. If you don’t have a single leather biker jacket in your wardrobe, GET ONE. I now consider it a staple to any wardrobe.

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There is a very detailed sizing chart on the Leather Madness website which helps you decide which size you should pick from XS to 3XL. If you want the perfect fit or have an uncommon body shape, you may decide to use custom sizing for $50 where you send in your measurements and they custom make a jacket for you. I fall between an XS and a S so I chose the XS for a better fit. It was a bit tight in the beginning but after about two days of wear, the jacket softened and molded to my build. Since leather stretches, I would definitely recommend getting the smaller size if you fall in between two sizes.

 BESTLEATHER CONCLUSION

Leather Madness’s Star Trek Black Leather Jacket is a great buy for $169.99. I had my initial doubts that I would be receiving a genuine quality leather jacket in a reasonable time from a distant country, but I have been pleased with every aspect of this jacket and I have to give credit where it is due. If you are unsure about dropping hundreds of dollars for a jacket from the mall or want another casual everyday jacket for your collection, save yourself some hassle and money and check out Leather Madness.

Satchel & Page Leather Bomber Jacket Review – $455

To reach “iconic status” is an amazing thing. Cars, guns, motorcycles, and some people certainly make the list. But, what about fashion items? The Swatch? No. Shoulder pads? Certainly not. Leggings from the 1980s? Nope, even though they’re trying to make a comeback. But there is one fashion standout that we can all agree on that has been elevated to iconic status and that is the leather bomber jacket.

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About Satchel & Page

The inspiration for Satchel & Page stems from a WWII map case owned by Daniel’s grandfather. The fact that it’s over 70 years old and looks amazing made Daniel question why he couldn’t seem to find modern day pieces created with such dedication to longevity. Satchel & Page was formed and their designs are based on items created in the 1940s. They launched their business via Kickstarter with much success. Now, they’re looking to expand into making leather jackets and have returned to Kickstarter. And, not surprisingly, their campaign has resonated with many folks there and they’re more than fully funded.

A Brief History of the Leather Bomber Jacket

The Satchel & Page Leather Bomber Jacket appears to be inspired the classic G-1 Leather Flight Jacket. This jacket was brought to use by the U.S. Navy in the 1930s, and standardized by the Navy in 1940 as the M-422A. In 1943 this jacket, named by the Army Air Forces and the Navy as the ANJ-3 (Army Navy Jacket 3), replaced the iconic Army Air Forces A-2 jacket, hence the name of ANJ-3 (vs. A-2). Over time the designation settled upon was G-1. One of the most modern day versions of the G-1 can be seen in the movie “Top Gun” with good ol’ Maverick sporting it in multiple scenes.

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Construction

My first impressions upon receiving the prototype Satchel & Page Bomber jacket elicited several concise, descriptors: iconic, classic, substantial, and extremely well made. Here’s a quick rundown on the components of this jacket:

  • Full grain, French calf leather, which is stronger than lamb, softer and more flexible than cow. It’s the ideal leather for this type of jacket.
  • The leather is chrome tanned and then re-tanned using a vegetable process. The chrome tanning keeps the leather soft and gives the jacket resistance against scratches and rain, and the veg re-tanning brings out the grain in the calf and enhances its aging characteristics.
  • Removable collar liner is made from Spanish shearling wool – you can feel the quality
  • Heavy duty YKK #10 zippers
  • Attractive tartan lining
  • Brass snaps and vent grommets

The jacket is expertly assembled and as mentioned, substantial. That weight is attributed to the high quality components – quality leather, thick shearling collar, nicely weighted liner, and heavy duty zipper.

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*This is a prototype jacket and as such certain design elements and components of the jacket may change. According to Daniel at Satchel & Page, the mechanism of removing and attaching the shearling collar will be upgraded.

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Function

As this is a prototype, I’ve only had a short window of opportunity to gauge the functionality of the jacket. And, it’s size is limiting for this particular task too (the prototype is a slim medium size). However, I’ve had 3 different (small, thin) guys who benefit from such a slim build try this jacket on and all 3 have asked if they could keep the jacket.

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The initial reaction when you hand the jacket to them is just as I described earlier…all 3 of them said, “wow – this thing feels amazing”. Then, they put it on and each, in their own way, told me I was going to have a hard time getting it back from them. They all agreed that it feels fantastic and fit well. The pockets were easy to access (top snap pockets and slip in side pockets). The interior pocket is a nice touch for cell phones, wallets, or other small accessory storage.

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Remember this too; even though the waistline and wrist cuffs are fabric, they too list last forever. Take a look at a vintage G-1 and you’ll see that those pieces wear just as long and hard as the rest of the jacket. So, fear not. Even if those pieces do wear out prematurely, a qualified seamstress or tailor can easily replace them.

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Aesthetic

As expected, all 3 of the guys who put this jacket on were ready to go hop on a motorcycle or climb into the cockpit of their airplane, haha. Seriously though, the jacket elicits a certain attitude and projects a feeling, well…manliness. This is a good thing.

It definitely hearkens back to the days of what we consider the Greatest Generation. In those days, this jacket wasn’t necessarily a fashion statement – it was a functional piece of attire for pilots and flight crews. In today’s modern version, such as the Satchel & Page Bomber Jacket, it is a signature fashion piece. And…it looks oh so good!

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Conclusion

The Satchel & Page Leather Bomber Jacket definitely qualifies as a great purchase. At the Kickstarter price of $455 for this jacket, it is a bargain in the quality leather jacket market. The Kickstarter campaign ends Tuesday, December 2nd at 7pm PST. In addition to this fantastic rendition of the classic G-1 bomber jacket, Satchel & Page is also offering three other fine looking jackets in their initial line up. Check ‘em out and get one for yourself. This is also the perfect time to order one for that special someone on your holiday shopping list.