September 27, 2017December 19, 2017

Beckett Simonon Atlas Biker Jacket First Impressions – $379

他们say leather never goes out of style. Today I have the privilege of showing you a jacket that proves this to be true. Not only is the Beckett SimononAtlas Biker Jacketa well made, highly functional leather good, but it also pays homage to one of the most classic motorcycle jacket styles.

About Beckett Simonon

Beckett Simononis a relatively young company with a fairly unique business plan: they don’t keep any items in stock. That may seem like a bad thing at first thought, but it has its advantages. Not only does that mean your product was made specifically for you, it also means cost can be kept as low as possible. Keeping a large stock of items is a lot of overhead cost for a company, which drives up prices. Instead, Beckett Simonon does limited-time campaigns of product pre-orders. Every item is made to order and sent out after the campaign ends. You may wait a bit longer (the current Atlas campaign, which ends this month, will deliver in December), but you’ll get a high end product at a great price made just for you.

Beckett Simonon is dedicated to ethical sourcing of materials and labor. They maintain tight control of their supply chain and manufacture mainly through family owned-and-operated operations.

Leather & Construction

The Atlas outer is made in Colombia with full grain calfskin leather. The jacket and pockets are closed with smooth YKK zippers. The jacket is lined with a cotton material around the body and a more polyester type material in the sleeves.

I haven’t owned the Atlas very long, but have yet to find any issues at all. I’ve gone over nearly every inch of the Atlas and pushed its limits through use. This leather is soft and beautiful, and strong enough to prevent minor road rash in case of an incident. Stitching is discrete and well done. This jacket is well put together with quality materials.

Function

Around a week ago, Utah decided autumn is overrated and decided to skip right to winter. Thankfully, the Atlas showed up on my doorstep about the same time. This is a nice warm jacket! Leather is impressively good at blocking the wind and keeping your heat near your body without feeling stuffy. A zipper at the end of the sleeves, the full-length chest zipper, tall collar, and buckles at the waist allow you to tighten up the jacket at the entrances to minimize heat loss. These features are crucial for cold motorcycle rides. Three outer zippered pockets and a pair of inner pockets give lots of places to keep small items and warm hands.

Aesthetic

If you’re a fan of the classic biker jacket look but feel they can be a bit cluttered visually, look no further. I’m a huge fan of the balance the Atlas has struck here. Typical motorcycle jackets have several additional buttons, straps and other features that can be handy but also leave the jacket somewhat “loud” aesthetically. The Atlas has critical features for staying warm and stowing items, but is otherwise minimal.

There’s a balance of the rugged, pointed collar leather biker jacket and the classic, incomparable classy leather jacket. It’s a really well found middle ground leaving you feeling fashionable but not left wanting for function.

Dad’s Motorcycle Jacket

I chuckled to myself when I first saw the Atlas. The look is an homage to classic biker jackets. I wear my father’s 1960’s Harley Davidson leather jacket, and the Atlas could be its modern day twin. There’s certainly differences, dad’s jacket leaning more towards the utilitarian, but the feel is definitely the same. I’m happy to have a jacket that reminds me of dad’s killer old Harley jacket, but is modernized enough to be more comfortable–in both the social and physical sense! Like father like son, I guess.

Dad’s 1960’s Harley Davidson biker jacket

Conclusion

Pros:Soft and beautiful leather, modern meets classic style, comfort, warmth on and off a motorcycle, low price, several pockets

Cons:Less features/protection than some biker jackets, longer delivery wait

I haven’t been able to spend as much time with the Beckett SimononAtlas Biker Jacketas I would like, but I’m very excited to continue to use it moving forward. So far this jacket has kept me feeling stylish, comfortable, and warm in the Utah premature-winter weather. Quality leather, good other materials, and superb construction will help this jacket last for many years to come. The price is high compared to jackets and coats made with lesser quality materials, but is on the low end for top notch leather. Beckett Simonon is a company dedicated to ethics and quality products at a reasonable price. Make sure to swing by their online shop today–the Atlas jacket’s limited campaign is over at the end of this month!

March 17, 2016December 19, 2017

First Impressions: Jaunji Designs Uptown Jacket in Lambskin

Jaunji Designs has announced a new line of men’s and women’s jackets made with lamb, goat, or natural grain cow leather via a新的Kickstarter活动,which we reported on a few weeks ago. They quickly met and exceeded their goal, but jackets are still available for preorder. We were able to get our hands on a sample jacket in the Uptown style, a high collared jacket with a classic fit.

The Uptown jacket has snap cuffs, two zip chest pockets, two side pockets, and two interior pockets, one of which is zippered. This jacket is made with lambskin in a light cognac color with a subtle distressed finish. It also features a herringbone lining which is soft to the touch, but durable.

For men, the jackets come in four styles: Moto, Cafe Racer, Bomber, and Uptown, a simple high-collared design. Ladies’ jackets also come in two styles: Uptown, and a moto style with an asymmetrical zip.

The construction of the Uptown jacket is solid. Seams are even and the hardware appears to be well made too. The leather is soft to the touch and has a pleasant aroma to it. Lambskin is not super thick, but still retains great strength and durability.

What’s especially nice about the Jaunji Uptown jacket is the weight. It’s a great option for spring, early fall and those days when the weather just calls for a lighter weight jacket. The lack of bulk is definitely noticeable and appreciated. The cognac color is aesthetically pleasing and along with the style of the jacket lends itself well to business casual attire or simple casual daily wear.

The jackets come lined with standard viscose lining, but can be upgraded to a herringbone wool.The herringbone lining gives the jacket a bit more of an upscale look – this is just our opinion especially since we haven’t seen the standard version in person.

The cool thing about these jackets is that they are custom-fit, to measurements you send in upon purchase. So there’s not a back stock of pre-made jackets, they are made specific to your measurements and leather choice.

Verdict

Overall, our test jacket has been well received in public. People enjoy the feel of the leather and comment positively on the style and color. We can easily see why Jaunji met their original Kickstarter goal in less than 8 hours. There are still spots available on theirKickstarterto get the jacket style of your choice with standard lining and choice of color for $369, which is about $200 off expected retail price. Couples can pledge $669 for two jackets of their choice. This is a good deal for a high quality, custom-fit jacket made to your specifications. We look forward to seeing how things progress for Jaunji with this project and designs that are launched from them in the future.

March 4, 2016December 19, 2017

Jaunji Debuts Leather Jackets On Kickstarter

Jaunji Goods has announced a new line of men’s and women’s jackets made with lamb, goat, or natural grain cow leather via a新的Kickstarter活动. For men, the jackets come in four styles: Moto, Cafe Racer, Bomber, and Uptown, a simple high-collared design. Ladies’ jackets also come in two styles: Uptown, and a moto style with an asymmetrical zip. The jackets come lined with standard viscose lining, but can be upgraded to a herringbone wool.

You can get a jacket with standard lining and your choice of color for $339, which is about $200 off expected retail price. Couples can pledge $669 for jackets of their choice. Jaunji has already more than mettheir Kickstarter goal, but this gives buyers a chance to add a nice quality leather jacket to their wardrobe for less. Keep an eye out in the next week or so for a review of the men’s Uptown Jacket!

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January 13, 2016December 19, 2017

Satchel and Page Black Calfskin Cafe Racer Jacket Review – $560

If you do not have leather jacket in your wardrobe, I highly advise you to start saving up to buy one. A leather jacket is one of the most timeless accessories you can own. Whether you’re looking for a riding jacket, aviation jacket, or just a leather jacket to add to your style, you are in the right place. Satchel and Page has a knack for making high quality, beautiful, and timeless leather products. This time around I have the privilege of reviewing theSatchel and Page Café Racer.

About

Based out of Austin, Texas, Satchel & Page is dedicated to producing handmade, high quality leather products. Each of their leather products has been designed with WWII and 1940s influences. As I’m sure you know, Satchel & Page has launched several of their product lines via extremely successful Kickstarter campaigns. The leather jacket campaign has proven to be a fabulously successful venture for this awesome company, with many, many people backing and supporting it to get a hold of one of these jackets, and for good reason.

Construction

The Café Racer leather jacket is constructed using full-grain French calf leather that has been vegetable re-tanned. The vegetable re-tanning process has made the black leather resistant to scratches and nicks, and designed to age in the best way possible. The calf leather is a perfect choice to use in the construction of a leather jacket because it is softer, smoother, and lighter than regular cow leather. The Café Racer also boasts seven YKK zippers, a satin/cotton blend fabric for the internal lining, and higher armholes for the sleeves. The armholes are designed in this high stature to give it the racy, tight fit throughout the tailored body. The jacket has been skillfully constructed with some of the most premium materials possible, and in the eight months I have had this jacket, I have not found one insufficiency.

Function

I have had this jacket for a very long time. It’s one of the only products I have consistently used for several months before I put together a review. In my opinion, waiting this long to review this Café Racer jacket has been a good decision. I have had the opportunity to wear this jacket for roughly 4,000 miles of motorcycle riding in 2015 and numerous social outings. I am thoroughly in love with how this jacket performs when I’m riding and in everyday activities. The tight fit (now a little tighter cause of some weight gain) is perfect for riding. There is no flapping or drag while riding my motorcycle and certainly no complaints on the appearance of my jacket.

The Café Racer functions flawlessly in cold and warm weather. In cold weather the YKK zippers on the sleeves expand for just enough room to get your riding gloves on and zip back down for a nice, snug fit to keep the cold air from running up your arms. In warmer weather, keep the main zipper unzipped a little bit and open up the sleeve zippers for a comfortable riding temperature. The Café Racer leather jacket has functioned without an issue since day one, and shows no signs of stopping. Whether I’m riding though some twisties on my motorcycle or bundled up with a beanie and a scarf, the Café Racer leather jacket has proven to be a staple in my wardrobe.

Aesthetic

I’m not going to lie, I get a lot of looks when I’m riding my all black street bike wearing my black leather jacket with a black leather satchel on my back. Aside from the egotistical positives this jacket offers, it truly is stunning all of the time. The black leather is soft, pliable, and perfect in every aspect. The no-nonsense attitude this jacket exudes is just plain attractive. This classic design certainly isn’t going anywhere, and I’m positive this jacket will last for decades to come.

Conclusion

I am thoroughly impressed with theSatchel & Page Café Racerleather jacket. The premium materials, heritage roots, and overall superior quality come together to make an investment like this too good to pass up. With a fair price of $560, this leather jacket will last for longer than you’ll be able to wear it. Head over to theSatchel & Page websiteto check out their beautiful leather products, and don’t forget to follow them onInstagram. If you act fast you can get a $70 coupon that lasts through Thursday; buying this jacket will be a decision you will not regret.

December 29, 2015December 19, 2017

Wilsons Leather Contemporary Lamb Topper Coat Review – $569.99

Looking good is the last thing on your mind when it’s freezing out and you can’t feel your fingers and toes. If you’ve lived in the northern tier of the continental United States, you have an acute understanding of the meaning of the word “winter”. As we get further into December and closer to the New Year, I’m pretty ecstatic thatWilsons Leatherasked me to review theirContemporary Lamb Topper Coat. Given that the last few weeks in Spokane have been filled with snow, wind, and cold weather, it was a perfect time to give the jacket thorough consideration as a winter coat.

About

Sometimes the company says it best. In this case, we’re going to let Wilsons Leather tell you a little bit about them:

Wilsons Leather is a leading specialty retailer of quality accessories and outerwear. Currently operating under two formats, we offer fashion and value through an assortment of designer brands and special purchases for both men and women. Categories include outerwear and accessories such as handbags, briefcases and travel items. While holding tight to our leather roots, we also carry an assortment of additional fabrications such as wool, cotton and faux-leather to give our customers more options. Our e-commerce site offers an extension of our store experience and is intended to increase brand awareness.

Wilsons Leather has been around for a long time and understands the business of providing quality leather goods at prices appealing to leather enthusiasts.

Construction

The outer shell of the jacket is genuine chrome-tanned lambskin, with Thinsulate® insulation and a polyester interior liner. The image on the Wilsons Leather web site boasts an open-slit pocket on the left chest, but you won’t find one on this jacket (the description on the site indicates that pocket doesn’t exist either). That leaves you with two open flap pockets four buttons on each cuff, a 3-button placket, and a slit tail to allow for easy movement.

The stitching is black, non-contrasting, polyester thread that I found to be well done without any loose threads or uneven stitching, something I’d expect in a jacket of this caliber and price range. Overall weight is 3 pounds, 5 ounces (1.48 kilograms), making it light in its class for 3/4-length leather jacket designed for colder temperatures.

Function

A jacket like this is going to serve dual purposes: keeping you warm and looking good. It succeeds on both accounts. I spent an hour walking outside in 20º (F) weather in downtown Spokane, and felt comfortable; I wasn’t sweating, and wasn’t cold. It fit well over the sweater I was wearing without constriction. It fits to a few inches above my knees comfortably, without restricting any movement due to the slit tail in the back.

One concern I have is that the jacket opens into a “V” about 3/4 of the way up without the possibility of further closure. Should you find yourself in the middle of downpour or snowstorm, that part of your suit or sweater is going to get wet. This is a traditional design for many coats like this, so a scarf would be one easy way to keep the snow or rain out.

The two front pockets (remember there is no breast pocket) will let you hold a wallet and phone without making unsightly bulges in the jacket, though a ring of keys or pair of mittens might be too much. Due to the angle of the pockets, you can’t really use them to keep your hands warm, but they will provide great security for anything you place in them.

Aesthetic

The first time I wore this coat, I was impressed with how it fit my frame. In coats, a size large will often feel tight across my shoulders, but this topper gave me plenty of room while conforming to my body type. Made of lambskin, you can’t help but notice the soft feel of the outer shell. With a coat this size, you might expect it to be heavy, but thanks to the Thinsulate® layer, the jacket remains light while you stay warm. The buttons on the coat are large and non-contrasting, meaning you’ll be able to manipulate them even when wearing gloves.

The overall look of the jacket is very professional, and will match well with your suit or business casual attire. Paired with a nice scarf and gloves, you’ll have no worries about staying warm and looking good at the same time.

Conclusion

I really do like theContemporary Lamb Topper Coat, even having experienced the aforementioned snow attacking the open “V” design of the jacket. I really should have had a scarf on that day in the first place. The quality of the jacket is quite good, with nice stitching, materials, and overall construction. This jacket isn’t one you’re going to wear while you’re out chopping wood, but will lend itself admirably to your business formal/casual wardrobe.

WithWilsons Leather, you’re never going to pay the full MSRP. At the time of this review, the jacket lists on their site for $569.99, marked down from $850.00. With the site-wide 60% off sale going on, that brings the price down to $342.00. Some savvy shoppers who have access to a Wilsons Leather outlet may be able to wrangle an even better deal. For a coat of this size and quality, that is right in the ballpark of what you should be expecting to pay.

With proper care, this jacket will last you for the years to come. Always hang it up, dry clean only when needed, and don’t let it get wet. It’s the basics of leather care, but these caveats will serve you well when caring for your expensive leather garments.

September 22, 2015December 19, 2017

Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Distressed Leather Moto Jacket Review – $319.99

As a young boy of eleven, I was first introduced to theMacGyvertelevision series right about the time the Nintendo Entertainment System was released in America. Splitting my time between my two new loves, I noticed that during the show, MacGyver had a habit of wearing a brown distressed leather jacket.

I was rather pleased when asked to review the Wilsons LeatherBlack Rivet Distressed Leather Moto Jacket, as it immediately reminded me of those days thirty years passed. While not identical to the one Richard Dean Anderson wore in the series, there are enough similarities that it took me back to nostalgia-land for a while.

About Wilsons Leather

The Minnesota-basedWilsons Leather, formed in 1988 by a merging of Bermans Leather and Wilsons House of Suede and Leather, is a modern day leather clothing and apparel retailer known famously for their jackets, bags, and accessories.

In 2008, the G-III Apparel Group purchased Wilson’s Leather and E-commerce divisions. Today, Wilsons Leather offers in-season, designer products at their outlet stores. Their online stores offer an even more extensive line of products in addition to increasing brand awareness and improving customer experience. On a more personal note, my wife and I have been visiting the Wilsons Leather Outlet in North Bend, Washington, each time we take a trip to the west side of Washington from our home in Spokane.