We can’t get enough of leather jackets. And within the leather jacket universe, we can’t get enough of custom fit leather jackets. You may have heard this from us before, or you may be brand new to the blog, but today, we’re going to discuss custom fit leather jackets, the reasons why we love them, how to go about purchasing one, and what you should look for when doing so.

The difference between a custom fit leather jacket and a regular leather jacket is in the name. Custom-fit leather jackets have been measured and made to your size. They are personal in that they will fit you in a way a regular leather jacket likely will not because it was customized for you. Regular fit leather jackets come in generic sizes. This means you run the risk of it being looser, tighter, or not the perfect length for you.

We have touched upon how much of a fan we are of bespoke leather jackets. But there are always pros and cons to be weighed. While the final decision is ultimately up to you, as the consumer, we’ll touch on a few of them again here:

Pros:

The first pro of having a bespoke leather jacket is the custom factor, which is, of course, the biggest draw. You create this jacket to fit you as a person, and nothing else in the world exists like it. This is a huge draw for people to express themselves, or make sure that this jacket encompasses everything they want it to. You can choose everything to your liking. While there are plenty of great already made jackets, having a custom leather jacket allows you to choose your color, style, lining, and leather. Instead of having to choose from things that already exist, you can create your own masterpiece with the leather jacket company. That way, when you wear it, it truly is a reflection of you. It is unique to you. No one else out there is going to have your exact jacket. Because it is something that you created, it is unique to just you, and that knowledge itself is pretty awesome. Your jacket becomes more of a statement as well as an extension of yourself. Outerwear is the first thing people see on someone, especially when outside. Now, the first thing anyone sees is more a glimpse into who you are a person.

The second massive pro to having a bespoke leather jacket is that it will fit you in the truest way that a jacket can. If you are ordering from pre-made, pre-designed factory leather jackets, there are standards sizes that are an option. We mentioned earlier that figuring out your size and measurements can be more of a process than just sending it your measurements, depending on what size you are. Even when you pick a size, there is the possibility that it does not fit as snugly and securely as you would like it to. Leather jackets should wear as if you have a second skin, and if you fall in-between sizes, that may not be the case. Bespoke leather jackets are perfect for anyone who has trouble finding jackets that fit them because you cannot get them in a mass-market store.

Cons:

The main con that goes along with having this kind of a jacket is the price tag. While there are affordable leather jacket companies out there, bespoke leather jackets are still more expensive than the factory ones. This is because of the time, energy, and effort that goes into making it, as well as because it is custom. If It was made specifically for your size, body, and tastes, chances are no one else would want it because it either did not fit them or they weren’t a fan of the jacket as one that they would wear themselves. Consider this as you are figuring out what company to go for and the design that you are going after. This is a final choice, one.

The other con that goes with having a bespoke leather jacket is the return and exchange policy on them. Because it is custom made, these jackets are usually ones that cannot be returned or exchanged. Many retailers have the policy to help the consumer if there was an error on the company’s end. However, in general, these jackets can’t be returned or exchanged so the one you decide to purchase it, you are committing to the jacket.

Having a bespoke leather jacket adds an entirely new level to that feeling about what they can do for you. A custom jacket can be even more special to the person wearing it. You were involved in its creation and design and choose everything by hand. Then, a company created a jacket for you by hand. The added level of personalization can bring you a closer level of connection to your clothes.

After doing our research, we found a few different companies that make great custom leather jackets. Let’s dive into it and discuss a few, touching upon a little history about the company and what kind of price range their ready to wear jackets fall into. Remember that when we discuss the price range for these companies’ products that the bespoke leather jackets come in a bit higher, depending on how you customize.

1. Independence Brothers - You can get a custom leather jacket right here at Independence Brothers. We are a company that was founded by two brothers who value leather jackets and the way that they make you feel. Based in Philadelphia, Independence Brothers specializes in leather jackets that are made of quality materials, crafted with skill, and fit perfectly. The Independence Brothers jackets are made of lambskin, goatskin, and cowskin leathers so that they are durable, they age well, and they can last for generations. All of our jackets come with free custom measurements and are perfect for bigger sized individuals to make sure they are getting a leather jacket that fits you just right. The Independence Brothers price tag comes in at an affordable one, with jackets as low as $380 and up.
2. The Jacket Maker - The Jacket Maker is a company that we have focused on before. They are a newer company that is based out of California in the United States and Ras al Khaimah, or RAK, in the United Arab Emirates. Only six years old, they began as an online retail store for leather jackets in 2013. The Jacket Maker shifted to bespoke in 2016, and it is still a major part of the company three years later. They have ready to wear jackets that you can add a customizable touch to or they have the option to go entirely custom-made, from measurements to style. Their price tag is affordable for leather jackets as well, coming in at $200 for their ready to wear jackets, and going higher for their custom jackets.
3. Leather Skin Shop - Leather Skin Shop is only a hair older than The Jacket Maker in years; it was established in 2012 as a leather bracelet company. They are warehoused in Oregon and sell outerwear, shoes, hats, bags, and caps. The price tag for their ready to wear jackets come in around $200, although custom made jackets are likely higher.
4. Jacketism.com - Jacketism.com has been around since 1991, and they also hold true to the belief that leather jackets are a lifestyle. For them, it is attire and belief. They subscribe to the quote, “Either you can be a Follower of Fashion or be a Creator of Fashion. In both scenarios; jackeism.com is the platform to opt for!” Jacketism.com is customer-centered and focuses on affordability, with their standard ready to wear jackets coming in around $200-$300.
5. Brando & McQueen - The first fun thing we noticed about Brando & McQueen is that when you visit their site for the first time, they have a spinning wheel that you can try your luck at to win a discount of up to 50% off your purchase. The company, which we couldn’t help thinking of leather jacket wearing Steve McQueen at one point, is headquartered in Delaware. Like many of the companies out there that have made leather fashion their passion, Brando & McQueen believe that leather, “is a material that inspires trust, confidence, and shows off your true self.” They are focused on helping their customers look and feel great, despite any challenges that may be encountered. They use premium materials and focus on creating designer leather jackets that are accessible, convenient, and easy to use. They are ready to help their customers have the right leather jacket to make them stand out. Their prices come in a little higher, around the $400 range.
6. JN LLOVET - JN Llovet stands out for one main reason: her jackets. This may sound silly, but the designer makes only custom leather jackets, and they are statements. The small, family-run Europe based company makes handmade jackets are loud, colorful, and individual. They have all types of details, such as different colors, favorite quotes, and various add-ons and patches. They are statement jackets that are one of a kind and promise to fit well and deliver extremely soft leather.

Buying a custom-fit leather jacket is different from purchasing one that is ready to wear. Not only are the sizes already set when you purchase a ready to wear jacket, but so is everything else - color, type of leather, lining material, and any hardware or embellishment on the jacket. You are picking from what has already been created, and your choices are therefore limited.

When you decide to purchase a custom fit leather jacket, the entire world is your oyster. There are a few things you have to keep in mind when ordering and purchasing your jacket:

1. Size - This leather jacket is going to not only be a custom design, but a custom fit. It will be tailored to fit you perfectly, so it is important to make sure that you send in the right sizes. Every company will have its own way of helping you measure yourself so that the jacket fits to perfection. Think about aspects such as sleeve length, how wide you need your jacket to be, and the length of the jacket itself. Do you want a jacket that goes down to your hips? Are you going to rock a cropped jacket? These are all decisions you need to consider when sending in your measurements.
2. Leather - There are so many different types of leather out there that you can choose from to make up your jacket. If a company has limitations on the types of leather they carry, they will let you know. Research the different kinds of leather and see what qualities they possess, and go from there. Here are some of the more popular leather types:
1. Lambskin
2. Cowhide (one of the more common leather jacket leathers)
3. Bison
4. Deerskin
5. Goatskin
6. Calfskin
3. Lining - this part of your jacket may be only really seen by you, but will help dictate how you feel in your custom fit leather jacket. You may want a heavier lining, such as fleece, which will help when it is chillier and keeping you warm. Or, you can get another lining, such as cotton, which is a bit more breathable and might be for warmer days.
4. Color - The next thing you have to figure out is what color you want your jacket to be. The most classic leather jacket colors are brown and black, but we’ve seen green, beige, red, and other colors as well. See what is available, and figure out what color you like the best and want for your jacket.
5. Hardware - This part of the jacket is not only important for the look of the jacket, but for you as the wearer putting it on. Do you want zippers or buttons? Does your jacket have any pockets, and how are those opened and closed? You can make this decision based on looks or on preference when it comes to putting your jacket on and taking it off, but you’ll then have to decide what kinds of zippers and buttons you want on as well.
6. Add-ons - This is where you get to get creative as the designer of your jacket. You can figure out what kind of add-ons and embellishments you want to make your jacket stand out and be truly you. You can add patches, quotes, or other things that make your jacket one of a kind and a reflection of your personality.

Well, there you have it. We’ve discussed the basics involved in getting a custom fit leather jackets: the pros and cons, some companies that you can look into to figure out where you are going to purchase your jacket, the process, and what to look out for. We are hoping this article acts a springboard to help you on your bespoke way. The detail afforded here will hopefully make the process of getting a bespoke jacket less daunting and more manageable. Keep the process fun as you decide what you’ll be wearing. It is an exciting purchase that you’ll be making! Soon you’ll have your own one of a kind leather jacket that fits you in the most perfect way. You’ll be able to share your personality, style, and fashion with the world, even if you never exchange words, because of this leather jacket.