Ask Angie and others: what style of leather jacket for me?

I've been wanting a leather jacket of some kind since I was about 13, but never had one. Now I'm looking, but I don't know how to narrow it down and what to focus on.

I know I see this as an investment piece and I'm willing to pay a bit, but I'm also happy if I can find one that's not so high end. I want it to last forever - not getting dated and looking off in some years.

I think the classic moto style is a bit too much buckles, zippers and collars (like #5-6) and the drapey style (#8) might be too overwhelming since I'm petite (1.57cm).

I've just gathered some pics to get an idea of different styles. I like one from Helmut Lang a lot!! But it's very pricey. Could the cost be lower in the US than in Europe?

What style and features should I look for? And which color? Maybe black or caramel, or??

#1-2 Helmut Lang (LOVE)
#3-4 Gestuz (simpler than the classic moto, but what about the collar?)
#5-6 classic moto style (TMGO?)
#7 too much collar / lapels
#8 drapey (too overwhelming on petites?)
#9 this one is ok, but...?
#10 ok shape, but too shiny??

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13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

I am a helmut lang fiend. That jacket is not the friendliest for an apple if worn zipped. Open would be fab.

I think you just have to try a bunch. You might find that you like all the zips and buckles. I do like the last one with a crew neck and quilting on the shoulders.

Sveta

(website)

I was like you - never owned a leather jacket in my life until a couple of years ago - and now I have 4 and considering if I want to keep the 5th...
I have to shop for leather jackets in person. You can never guess from the picture how it is going to look on you, how you are going to feel about it. I walk around the leather store and see which jacket speaks to me, which I like to touch, which is a pleasure to feel on my body...I guess I am mental when it is related to leather jackets!:-)

Diana

I don't remember if you are short waisted like me. If you are, I definitely recommend going to a store and trying stuff on, because I have the hardest time getting moto-style jackets to fit right at the bottom, because they generally don't hit at the right place on my waist.

That consideration aside, I like the Helmut Lang (but yes, a lot of $$$$ in the US too), although I wonder if the mixed media style will date after a while. I have a black leather moto like #9, which is very versatile and I think the most timeless style here. (I think the collar in 3 would sit like the one in 9 if you don't zip it up all the way, in which case it would also be a similar style). I also like #10 but personally would not be able to wear that collar.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

The Helmut Lang and the Gestuz are tied for my faves. They both have some really interesting details. #10 is trailing closely behind because of the quilting and the collar. The coat in 5 is okay, but 6 has a whole lotta stuff going on. Like I couldn't see the coat for all the extras.

Didn't like photo #7 at all, but I tend to think that if it looks goofy on the model, it's probably not going to suit a real-life, real-size, un-airbrushed person. Photo #8 is cute, but only as long as the '80's influence in clothing lasts, then I think it will look dated. #9 is just eh, and again, I do like #10.

Thems just my two cents, and I'm not taking into account your body type.

jayne

Actually, I think all these styles are pretty RATE because they have the side zippers and/or hardware....all equating to motorcycle in one way or another. I don't feel that matches the style you have been showing in the last ummm, 6 months? I would like to see you find a sleek almost blazer style, with smaller lapels and a taste of minimum.... like this...

what do you think?

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harmonica

Thanks for the input!

I forgot to mention that my body type is hourglass/apple. Short waist and short arms. Tailoring is always needed and finding fitted shirts are almost impossible.

bj1111, Sveta, Diana - trying on is probably the best way to go, but I just feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. Leather jackets are expensive and I don't want to make the wrong decision. I've only tried #1 which I found gorgeous, but I took it off very quickly because it was so expensive and I felt a bit intimidated But I know I want the leather to feel soft and I want it to get prettier by wearing, like time is adding patina (if that makes sense)

LBD - thanks for commenting on each one. Very helpful to get second opinions

Jayne - I see what you mean and to some extent I agree. Though I like a bit of RATE was thinking that a leather jacket which was minimalist, simple, yet strong, would be my preference. I'm not so sure about the leather blazer style, but that might just be because I've never considered it. My ears and eyes are open to all input, though.

H--i would set aside browsing time...one hour and no more, then go for coffee and think about the ones you've tried on. Take pix to help you remember.

because you are not shopping, do NOT look at the price tag. If you find a possibe, then go back and check out the price. If not, repeat.

like everything else, you will get more comfortable and more discerning of which one fits your style with practice.

Thanks bj1111 - very good advice! Maybe this could be a mission for San Fransisco?

Seems like I need to get out in the stores IRL... just need some time off. Deadline after deadline is killing me.

Anyway - bumping for Angie, in case she's got any additional suggentions

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'm here! Sorry I missed this thread.

Una's (Alaskagirl's) jacket styles are ones that will suit your body type, so do look at her jackets for inspiration. From this selection - #1 and #8 get my top vote. If you can find petite sizing - that is ideal. Or be prepared to have the sleeve lengths altered. Do not zip up this jacket style if possible. It will limit the fabness of the cut.

I'm excited about your leather jacket purchase

Ingunn

Do you have a favorite brand or two in Oslo? Or shops? I often find great alternatives in boutiques. My taupe moto is from BZR, and it is very soft, good quality but not intimidatingly expensive. I know it is not what you're fter, but they have several styles.

Thanks again, Angie! Petite size is not available here, so that's why I'm considering shopping for a leather jacket in San Fran. I love Una's style and will definitely have a closer look at her jackets. Do you know if altering leather jacket are more difficult? I just imagine so, but have never given it a thought actually

Ingunn - I've never heard of BZR, and I've never actually been on the hunt because I was intimidated by price and style I really need to keep my eyes open next time I'm in town

Harmonica, it's a little trickier altering leather but not at all impossible. I'm excited about your SF shopping trip! We'll be here to help you along the way if that is your wish

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