Take it to a LEATHER shop. I worked at Wilsons before they mostly went out of business, and they had places that could work magic. A truly good leather repair shop ought to be able to make that all but invisible and probably more durable than it was originally, with no patches or seams or other drastic measures. Seriously, don't do anything drastic until you have at least tried to have it repaired. Our leather repair and alterations place once mended a pair of pants with a rip in the bum, and it was all but invisible, and durable to boot. There's more hope here than the comments would lead you to believe.

Is the "tear" in your title here pronounced "tare" or "teer"? I suspect they're both accurate.

I'm with Sal that whatever you do to fix it should be done on the other sleeve as well. Maybe a pewter or other coordinating color leather, sewn on with fancy stitches.

If it's on the elbow, the patches could easily be made to look like an intentional part of the design.

If none of that works for you, display it in a way that you can enjoy looking at it, and it's back to the races.

I will! I have 3 recommended leather shops locally to contact. Have not yet reached them. (One is actually a kink shop but apparently works marvels with leather garments.) Not giving up, more like... grieving, seriously pissed at myself, and trying not to get my hopes up.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I wish I was a less minimalistic person who would love patches... but I’m trying to be realistic too about what ALWAYS gets orphaned.

I could see liking sleeves in a different color or material, if that’s possible. The tear is super visible, high on the left bicep, not near a seam. I was wearing it and didn’t see a hook sticking out of a wall.

DH tore a nasty 3 inch gash in a heavy leather jacket. The men's wear shop where I bought it sent it to the manufacturers who replaced the panel. It cost a fortune, but the jacket looked like new when it was returned.

Let us know how things work out for you, Kari.

Crossing my fingers for you. That jacket is gorgeous on you. Please don’t be mad at yourself. Accidents happen.
ETA: and go you, for finding some great leather repair leads.

So sad! I do think it could look good as a vest if all else fails.

Is there any chance of finding a duplicate on ebay?

Love your jacket, Kari. Hope one of those leather shops employs a magician who can restore
It for you. It is hard to find the right jacket and the shape/color of yours is indeed special. All the best and keep us posted.

Kari - I don't know if this will help but I found them online

http://www.leatherrepaircompan.....-repaired/ You need to check the BBB and reviews if there are any but the pictures were impressive but there is different lighting on afters. Good luck and I hope someone can salvage it for you!! Hugs.

ETA:

https://www.withoutatrace.com/ Kari I saw this recommended awhile ago. This is the site I was looking for. Can't remember where I read the article but they were highly recommended.

I do not have any useful suggestions, just being sad here with you.:-(