Independence Brothers is not affiliated with Coach and the opinions expressed here are my own.
The brand Coach has been synonymous with luxury, class, and style since its founding in 1941. While we may recognize that classic signature monogram "C" print and high-quality leather goods available from the brand today, did you know how the company got its start? Where does Coach fall in the range of name brand leather jackets? Should you invest in a Coach leather jacket or pass for another brand? We are diving into the world of Coach New York to learn how this family-run workshop became one of the most recognized fashion brands in history.
A Brief History of Coach
Coach was founded in a loft in Manhattan in 1941, where a team of six leather-workers handcrafted wallets and billfolds. This family-run workshop was soon joined by a couple, Miles and Lillian Cahn, who already owned a leather handbag manufacturing business. After working with the family, Lillian and Miles took over the company and founded what we know today as Coach under the name 'Manhattan Leather Bags by Lillian and Miles Cahn.' Miles was particularly drawn to the design of baseball gloves and the way the leather would become softer and more flexible with repeated use. He attempted to mimic this process and create accessories with similar attributes.
- By 1950, Cahn had taken over the company. Cahn's wife, Lillian, is responsible for introducing women's Coach accessories to the world. Any Coach fan will surely recognize the women's leather handbags made from sturdy cowhide. These bags became a hit, and the company began to design more women's and men's accessories.
- In 1961, Bonnie Cashin was brought on the team to design handbags for Coach. She's responsible for implementing side pockets, bright colors, and coin purses in the Coach handbag collections. She also designed shoes to match, eyewear, and the famous silver toggle that became the Coach hallmark.
- While Coach was extremely popular among the New York elite, it wasn't until 1965 that Coach would have become a household name. We have Richard Rose to thank for this. He put Coach products in department stores throughout the United States and across the world.
Coach Purchases Kate Spade for $2.4 billion
- In 2017, Coach Inc acquired Kate Spade after a battle with Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. Victor Luis, who was the reigning CEO, decided to rebrand Coach as Tapestry Inc, but don't worry, all of your Coach clothing and accessories will still have the classic Coach quality, feel, and logos.
- In September 2019, Coach named Jide J. Zeitlin as the new CEO of Tapestry. Jennifer Lopez is currently the new global face of the company.
Website Review
Today, we are spoiled with lightning-fast internet and the ability to order pretty much anything with the touch of a button. Where does the Coach website compare to other luxury leather jacket websites? Let's dive into the ordering process and user experience of the official Coach site, world.coach.com.
Leather Jacket Options
The leather jackets fall under the men's ready-to-wear category. Follow this link to take you directly to the outerwear options for men. One thing on the website that is a bit bothersome is that the choice to only see leather jackets isn't available. Meaning you have to scroll through all 135 jackets on the site and seek out the leather options. On most e-commerce websites there will be an option to choose the jacket material making it a breeze to find all of the leather options. They do have quite a few options from shearling, patchwork leather, to plaid mashups. Coach.com does not accept orders with billing or shipping addresses outside of the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, so keep that in mind in case you're an international shopper.
Ordering Process
This is your average run of the mill ordering process, much like many other websites you're probably already used to. No bells and whistles on the Coach site; once you make your selection place it in your bag and begin the checkout process. According to the website, your purchase should arrive within a week of ordering.
Customer Service
Is the customer service at Coach up to par? Doing a quick scan of the website, I didn't see a customer service number, rather just a request you can send in if you give them an email address. According to the website, this is the fastest way to get a response from a Coach representative. With a quick Google search I was able to track down a phone number. It's the general number for all inquiries, so be prepared to wait on hold for a while.
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Behind the Scenes at Coach Inc
Have you ever wondered where Coach leather jackets, handbags, and shoes are made? Like most companies today, Coach has outsourced production to China, The Philippines & Vietnam. So, most likely, the leather jacket you purchase from Coach or your new wallet will be created by workers in one of their overseas factories. There are a few exceptions to the rule here. Some of the brand's special items or collections, like The Met Gala Collection, are created in-house at the Coach HQ workshop. These collections are in minimal quantity. As far as the working conditions in their overseas factories, Coach claims to uphold high standards of safe and healthy working environments for all employees. They also claim each employee is trained in safe practices and safety rules.
Fun Fact: As of 2019, Coach dropped the use of fur from its collection.
The finished product review: The Coach Moto Jacket
Quick Facts:
- 100% lamb leather
- Lining: 100% viscose
- Two-way front zip closure
- Zip and snap pockets
- Removable Rexy charm
Are you still considering a leather jacket from Coach? We're here to answer all the questions and concerns you may have on this rather pricey purchase. Is it worth it? Read on to learn all you need to know about Coach leather jackets. We're taking an in-depth look at the Coach Moto Jacket today.
- The fit: Coach leather jackets to cater to men of different shapes and sizes. Keep in mind, though, that they are mass-produced, and if your size doesn't fall within the typical American size standards, they don't have any other options for you.
- How the leather feels throw on: We get it, you're investing hard-earned dough into an article of clothing. It should feel like a second skin when you throw it on. So, is the Coach leather jacket your new go-to? It's a yes from us. The jackets are so incredibly soft the "breaking in" period is pretty much irrelevant. The coat feels supple and flexible upon opening the package.
How to Choose
We will always give credit where credit is due, and we must say, Coach has a lot of options to choose from. It's refreshing to see a brand giving men more options than your average black or brown moto jacket. From vintage biker styles, leather varsity jackets, leather shearling aviator jackets, they have a great selection to fit many different styles and needs of their customers. Note that none of these jackets are flamboyant or flashy at all. You won't find bright, colors or bold logos plastered all over a Coach jacket. Follow the guide below to help you choose which Coach leather jacket is best for you.
The Coach Moto Jacket
This iconic Coach silhouette is inspired by vintage biker styles. It's made from high-quality lightweight lambskin. This is the jacket you can wear daily. It's appropriate for all occasions from work, a date, a party, to a beer with your buds.
The Coach Pieced Leather Jacket
This unique pieced leather jacket is one of the more eclectic pieces currently offered at Coach. A 1970s style inspired it, this jacket is crafted in a patchwork mix of richly toned soft leather patchwork offers an eye-catching color block effect. This retro-themed jacket is best for anyone looking to spice up their current footwear collection. The combination of brown, blue, and black leather creates a distinctive look that's perfect for the weekend.
The Coach Leather Racer Jacket in Brown
This jacket embodies American cool. The brown lambskin is inspired by biker culture with a minimalist look. It's smooth, soft, and offers a classic look to anyone who wears it. It's the perfect transition piece to wear over a sweater or a t-shirt when the seasons change. The jacket is suitable for all occasions, from an office party to a date night.
Can Coach do Better?
Of course, they can, but then again, so can we all. I do think there is a lack of "special sizing." What does that mean? I'm talking about the big and tall and petite men out there. Unfortunately, mass retailers don't cater to every body shape and size. Coach only offers men standard US sizing. While you could potentially take it to a leather shop to have it altered, do you want to dish out the extra bucks on alterations after you already purchase the expensive piece? We're guessing that's a hard no. If you're looking for a jacket that's guaranteed to fit, or maybe you fall into a more exclusive size category, at Independence Brothers, we are here to create your bespoke leather jacket that checks all the boxes: size, fit, feel, material, color, and more. Fully customize your own leather jacket. We handcraft our custom outerwear for men all around the globe.
Caring for Your Coach Leather Jacket
Preventing damage is the best way to keep your jacket looking better for longer. Prolong the lifespan of your new piece by keeping it in a cool, dry environment when you're not wearing it. Investing in a good quality leather balm will help maintain its softness. Try not to wear your jacket in harsh weather conditions like rain, sleet, hail, or snow to avert water damage that may be irreversible.
Final Thoughts
I personally have a lot of respect for Coach. I have beautiful memories of my mother carrying around a Coach handbag when I was a child. I would save up my chore and birthday money in the hopes of owning one of these iconic handbags myself one day. For me, Coach meant class, success, and it's been a brand I have admired for well over a decade. While their accessories don't come cheap, the quality is there. Your leather jacket from Coach should last for years to come, just like my mother's purse. She used that thing to death, from keeping my snacks in it to all of her on-the-go makeup. Coach leather jackets are crafted to remain their integrity for years to come. Anyone who is looking for a classic leather jacket, I highly suggest heading into a Coach store to try one on for yourself. I own one of the women's leather jackets and couldn't be more pleased with my purchase. Thanks so much for reading. If you enjoyed, please pass it along to fellow leather jacket enthusiasts, Coach fans, or friends and family.