The Obtainer - 12/7/22, Wednesday
↦ Who Makes the Best Leather Jacket for Your Money?
Wednesday, December 7th Edition
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Presented by
It’s unofficially “leather day” at The Obtainer and we’re here to help steer you into the pieces worth investing in. Do you remember what iconic figure made you first want to buy a leather jacket?
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Good/Better/Best
Leather Jackets
Leather jackets have always intrigued me. I think it’s because I’ve seen them in a lot of classic movies where the jackets make guys look super cool—like a second skin to the character they’re portraying. Think of Sylvester Stallone in Rocky, Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and Mel Gibson in Mad Max (I might have a thing for movie franchises as well). All three had the perfect patina on their jackets, and it’s because they didn’t cosset them. They wore the hell out of those jackets, allowing the leather to break in like a durable pair of jeans.
Like anything that will last you decades and get better with age, you don’t want to settle for poorly made or ill-fitting options. Good leather will cost you. Faux leather is an ethical and more affordable option; however, if done wrong—it can really look cheap. Whatever your wallet can handle, you want to invest money in the right jacket. We scanned the market and picked out a couple to help steer you in the right direction that will maybe ease your mind whenever it’s time to purchase this heirloom outerwear piece.
Made from bovine leather with a poly/cotton lining
Two sizable front chest pockets and two side pockets will keep your hands warm
Although it’s lined, this is thinner leather and fits more like a shirt jacket
Adjustable at the waist for a more tailored look
Tumbled leather jacket, $439 by Massimo Dutti
100% sheepskin leather that’s been vegetable tanned, top-dyed and hand-burnished for a live-in and patinaed look
This is sturdy enough for actual motorcycle riding
Two zip-welt pockets that feature knuckle-side corduroy lining for added warmth
Zippered sleeve gussets and a collar that’s structured enough to stand on its own
Bruiser PCH leather jacket,$548 by Buck Mason
Made-in-USA leather jacket that’s water and wind-resistant
Heavy-duty brass zippers used throughout the entire jacket and pockets large enough for your phone
Plaid lining is soft but not insulated so it won’t overheat
It’s a heavy hide so it’ll be a bit stiff initially, but will loosen up with each wear
Classic heavy cowhide racer motorcycle jacket, $1,070 by Schott NYC
Partner
Give a Little Luxury This Year
The team at MR PORTER is made up of discerning gentlemen who have the inside track on what's cool, what's tasteful and thus, what makes for a fine gift. Especially when you're looking to impress or indulge. We asked them what they'll be giving—and hoping to receive—this holiday season. From a cozy sweater that's actually knit from silk and a leather trimmed tech kit to the perfect beer tumbler, they're the kind of gifts any man would be happy to unwrap. Plus, every item comes with the site's now-signature promise of top notch service (including free shipping and exchanges), along with luxurious packaging.
Clockwise, from top left:
Mouline wool and silk-blend zip-up, $355 by Mr P.; Full-grain leather tote bag, $2,500 by Loewe and 3-in-1 leather charging organizer, $280 by Native Union
Clockwise, from top left:
Glass beer tumbler, $100 by Japan Best; M79 automatic stainless steel watch, $290 by Timex and Tie-dyed ribbed cashmere beanie, $395 by The Elder Statesman
Stuff We Swear by
A Leather Duffle Bag
Traveling for the holidays can be a nightmare—not for obvious reasons like missing flights, a flat tire or sitting next to a loud eater, but not having the proper bag to travel with. Whether you rely on a carry-on roller with the tote attached on top or the XXL suitcase, a duffle bag is the perfect in-between. And when it’s cut from leather, it adds some elegance to an otherwise hellish travel experience.I recently picked up the PanAm duffle bag from trusted leather maker WP Standard, so I no longer have to double up my tote bag on my carry-on suitcase. Made from full-grain leather, it’s finished with a luggage tag, a durable two-way zipper and heavy-duty handles that are comfortable to carry. It even comes with optional monogramming. There have been some travel debates about people carrying around a travel bag: Who wants to lug around a bag when you can wheel around your luggage? But bags with adjustable shoulder straps, like this one, provide hands-free carrying and look damn good while doing it.I took this with me to visit my parents over the Thanksgiving break. It was a car ride, so having a leather bag was a great option because we travel with a toddler and a dog, so I needed a bag that can withstand them climbing all over it. That kind of abuse is equal to the baggage handler checking your bag and chucking it onto the conveyor belt. We stayed for a week, and the bag accommodated all my outfits and toiletries. I’m thankful that the brand provides a lifetime warranty because that’s how long I plan on having it for. Because this handsome duffle will only get softer and better looking the more miles it logs.
PanAm duffle bag, $449 by WP Standard
The launches our team is currently watching.
Todd Snyder is revealing his latest collaboration with the NBA for a surprisingly sophisticated style upgrade to fan gear for some of the league's most popular franchises. The limited-edition Courtside Collection features each team's iconic logos on French terry sweatshirts and turtlenecks, cashmere sweaters and leather varsity jackets. "I wanted to create styles that you could wear to the game and around town,” says Snyder. “This is kind of a dream come true because growing up in Iowa, I played basketball every day.”
Thursday, December 8th at 10 am EST
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
I recently got these during Cyber Monday and am shocked that they're still in stock. A straight-leg Japanese denim finished in the U.S. that looks like you've owned them for years? I don't think I have to sell you on the rest.
$345 / $75by Simon Miller
A stylish side table doesn’t have to cost a lot. Made from natural wood and black, powder-coated steel, this Japanese table also features an open storage area that is excellent for stashing phones, chargers, books and glasses.
$110 / $89by Yamazaki
This cable-knit sweater from French brand Tricot is made in Italy from 100% organic wool. It's as heavy as it is breathable and will be in your wardrobe for many years to come thanks to its durable knit.
$177 / $106by Tricot
Marcelo layers up in Margate in the Drake’s purple cashmere beanie hat, yellow lambswool Shetland knit jumper, purple paisley wool-silk bandana, ecru submariner jumper and 6 button lambswool cardigan. #drakes
November 21