Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
It should come as no surprise that I am a fan of nice leather jackets. In fact, colorful (specifically green) leather jackets are such a weak spot for me that I have amassed an entire collection.
If you’re in the market for a nice leather jacket have I got the list for you! And while I never encourage overextending oneself financially, these are the kind of pieces that give you an excellent return on your investment longterm.
1) Lewis Leathers: 1T Navy Horsehide ‘Cyclone’ Jacket
Lewis Leathers is one of the big names in the entry-to-mid level leather jacket game. Their 1T Navy Horsehide Cyclone Jacket is, at least in my opinion, one of their most compelling makes to date. This double rider features an inky blue horsehide, and both the pattern and detailing is immaculate. Some of my favorite elements are the snapped belt at the hem, ball-and-chain zippers, and cherry red lining.
Available for $1,991AUD (~$1,300) from Corlection.
2) Falcon Garments: Quilted Double Rider
Falcon Garments has long been known for one of the best price-to-quality ratios of any leather jacket maker, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Their Quilted Double Rider has always been a fan favorite, and it looks remarkable in the pictured olive green. That said, if the color isn’t quite doing it for you they offer reds, blues, browns, black, and every color in-between.
Available for $980 from Falcon Garments.
3) The Flat Head: Horsehide 40s Single Sport Jacket
Like this? Read these:
My first pair of quality boots was a bright red pair of Red Wings. To be honest, I just got a good deal on them but their color grew on me and the beauty of a well aged red leather did as well. The Flat Head’s Horsehide 40s Single Sport Jacket comes in a gorgeous wine color way, and will certainly patina with the best of ’em. This made in Japan leather jacket features a bright red rayon lining, brass hardware, and ample pockets without affecting the jacket’s profile.
Available for $3575AUD (~$2,351) from Corlection.
4) Mister Freedom: Campus Leather Jacket Natural
Mister Freedom’s take on a colorful leather jacket is, well, that with literally no color. Their Campus Leather Jacket is available in a natural veg tan finish, which starts off a pinkish beige but will dark to a deep brown. Some might find the initial color hard to wear and I get that, but this is an heirloom quality piece and watching it age is most of the fun. This buttoned leather jacket is finished with a brown corduroy collar.
Available for $1,050 from Clutch Cafe.
5) – Iron Heart: IHJ-128-BLU Japanese Horsehide Double Motorcycle Jacket
Iron Heart is a brand that needs no introduction, and it’s great to see them continuing to embrace their line of leather jackets as each one has been a home run. Their IHJ-128-BLU Japanese Horsehide Double Motorcycle Jacket is stunning. Made in Japan from a blue pigment-dyed horsehide leather, this is one of those jackets you wear everyday until it feels like a second skin around you. It has great, silver toned metal detailing, a banded collar, plenty of pockets, and a whole lot of swagger.
Available for $2200 from Iron Shop Provisions.
Plus One) Andersson Bell: Motorcycle Leather Varsity Jacket – Green
If you’re looking for a leather jacket that’s colorful and a bit more crazy and out there, then Andersson Bell’s Motorcycle Leather Varsity Jacket in Green is the way to go. Is this the kind of jacket you could wear daily without being known as “green leather jacket guy”? No. Would I be proud to have a hand in creating another “green leather jacket guy”? Yes, I would. This piece features bright green panels of both smooth and suede varieties, and contrasting beige leather as well.
Available for $882 from Wallace Mercantile.
