Review: Faux Leather Moto Jackets

I recently ordered several faux leather jackets from Macys and although I’m not keeping them I’ll post a quick review in case others are interested. I’ve wanted a leather jacket for quite a while but have never found the right one. It would be an outdoor topper for me in fall and spring and an indoor topper in winter. Faux leather is of course less expensive than real leather and I’ve seen some fabrications that were nice enough, so I thought I’d give it a try.

The moto jacket style rarely fits me well but I do love it. I generally have to go a bit big in the shoulders to get a good fit around the hip area, and that tends to make the sleeves too long and the overall silhouette too bulky. Petite sizes would fit better but there seem to be less of them available. I ordered all of these in M and L but none fit right so all are going back.

The Guess one with embroidery struck me as just right for
a teenage girl. I really like the embroidery trend (as discussed in a recent
blot posting) but this particular color combination wasn’t up my alley. Also the fabrication of the faux leather was
not so nice, let’s just say it was super obvious that it was faux

The Calvin Klein had really nice styling with a small belt in the back, but the large black collar was again very obviously faux.

The Ralph Lauren was nicely made, and the pinstripe fabric was unusual, but I didn’t care for all the hardware on the lapels. The faux
leather material was a bit nicer than the previous two.

The two Lucky Brand ones (cognac suede and "bordo" ) were much
nicer material. The cognac one was like ultrasuede, quite a bit softer than real suede. These two also fit much better, although not quite right.

These jackets were not exactly inexpensive, with the Lucky ones having original prices of $200 and $220 …and I’m thinking they are not really that great a value compared to real leather, especially if it’s on sale. I also just did a quick search on Nordstrom.com and do see quite a few ones in petite sizes. I’ll keep looking and will also include other styles and maybe I’ll eventuall find the one with my name on it.

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Macy's

Marvi Embroidered Faux-Leather Moto Jacket

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Macy's

Calvin Klein Tweed Moto Jacket

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Macy's

Pinstriped Moto Jacket

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Macy's

Faux-Suede Moto Jacket

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Macy's

Faux-Leather Moto Jacket

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7 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It sounds as if you did a great job thinking through the advantages and disadvantages of all and chose correctly in sending back.

I have not had luck with faux leather except as trim on mixed media coats and in a fashion backpack. For me, it is unpleasant to touch most of the time and not breathable enough for indoor or much outdoor wear. However, from an ethical standpoint I would prefer to wear it.

Where does that leave me? Well, exactly where I said, and meanwhile I have four real leather jackets and one wool coat with leather sleeves. Hmmm.

I love the look of the moto style on you but you might have more luck with fabric versions which are easier to alter.

Chris987

Suz, you are right about the feel of faux leather. I do have better luck with fabric versions, as you suggest. I have a beautiful Eileen Fisher knit one in a dark brownish grey, like boiled wool but lighter and with a little stretch, that fits like a dream and I will wear until it disintegrates, plus a Banana Republic one in a black/white nubby woven fabric. Both are petites and fit well with no alterations.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Chris, it's harder to fit a pleather jacket that isn't soft or made of mixed media fabrics.

I vote get leather on sale. Motos with stretch panels down the sides tend to fit a carver figure a little better.

Good suggestions Angie , thanks.

Staysfit

Chris, I had a faux leather jacket prior to getting a real leather jacket. I wanted to see if I would wear it. I found a nice one in a local boutique, but it had stretch panels down the sides like Angie is suggesting. I'm not particularly curvy, but I think it helped the jacket fit better and hold its shape. When I purchased my first real leather jacket, I gave the pleather to my DD. The real leather is much nicer. My first real leather jacket is t pictured here but I have posted it in the past. It's a brown Cole Hahn scuba style jacket. If you know you will wear the jacket, get real leather. I have had the Cole Hahn for four years and it's going strong. Real leather is more expensive but if you pick a classic style, you will have it a long time.

I have a very hard time finding jackets, coats, blazers, that fit etc. I have long arms and if the arms are long enough, the torso becomes too wide. It's frustrating. In fact, I think anything with long sleeves could be my nemesis, but with much trying on, trial and error, I found a brand that seems to consistently fit -Veda. (Unless they change their sizing at some point), I have purchased two jackets from them. I almost bought a third, but decided to hold out because I want a different color. I have learned that pays off. Angie suggested I look for a mid-blue color moto. I tried on maybe 15 -20 or more blue leather and suede jackets before I saw that Veda finally had one I liked in blue. I pre-ordered it feeling confident it was going to work, and it did. It was a similar process for the coral and Aubergine leather jackets. I picked the color first and then started my hunt. I bet it's easier to find an Aubergine jacket now! The color is more popular again.

I'm trying to say that I support your continued search, and don't settle for something mediocre or get discouraged. Leather is less forgiving than many materials. It doesn't have built in stretch, it's harder and more expensive to alter, Finding the perfect fit is more important than with other garments. I have enjoyed watching you fill your closet with just the right item, and I have confidence it will happen again. It may take longer for this, but you will find it!

Nordstrom

Veda 'Jayne' Suede Moto Jacket

$990.00

Veda 'Dali' Leather Jacket

$869.00

Rebecca Taylor Washed Leather Moto Jacket

$895.00 $536.98

Sale

lpr200

I have 4 (one more on the way from DH as bday present) leather jackets and two fake-- the two fake are by BlankNYC, one is a pale pink and the other one is black. I like those because they were fun. This year Bloomingdale's has a cute version with embroidery, but when I tried it on, it seemed too much and too fake, but it may be worth a look.

What great advice Staysfit, thanks so much!

Thanks lpr200!

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