To go custom or not to go custom - that is the real question that Shakespeare probably asked all of those years ago. It is an age-old debate that comes up in various situations, including leather jackets.

If you decide to get a custom, or bespoke, leather jacket - we are here to support you. So much so that we have dedicated this entire blog post to going into the nuances of getting a custom leather jacket, and everything you need to know before purchasing.

In a word, yes.

To us, a bespoke leather jacket is always worth it. It gives that extra aspect of personalization when it comes to what you are wearing. Your leather jacket becomes more than something you purchased - it becomes something that you have created. Those fun, unique parts of your personality that someone may not see if you are wearing something made to wear can shine through with a custom leather jacket.

Why else is a custom leather jacket worth it? It will fit you like a glove - especially if that glove is a leather one! Custom leather jackets are ideal for anyone who has spent their life between sizes and buying made to wear items that never quite fit right. Maybe you don’t want a loose leather jacket and you want it a bit more snug. Or you want a sleeve length that is non traditional. Getting your jacket customized can do that for you. You work with someone and send in your measurements so that the jacket fits as if it is a second skin.

When you hear custom anything, your first thought is probably seeing dollar signs rising in your head. This is a completely fair initial instinct. In many cases, custom pieces are more expensive because of the time, labor, and specifications that go into it. Something made to wear uses the same leather pieces as other jackets and can be reproduced over and over without a thought. A custom piece is a one of a kind, and someone on the other end is crafting this for you.

In the world of leather jackets, custom can mean more expensive. But it also doesn’t necessarily have to. Take a look at your budget. Scan a few companies out there that are known for its custom pieces. You may be surprised at what you find for a final price tag.

The other major aspect of a custom leather jacket is the return/exchange policy. Because it is custom made, these jackets usually cannot be returned or exchanged. Many retailers have policies in place 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. Once you decide to purchase it, you are committing to the jacket.

If this is your first bespoke leather jacket - awesome. The process of choosing every aspect of the jacket might seem like a lot at first, especially if you have not done much leather jacket shopping in the past. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you decide on your jacket:

1. Animal leather - There are many different leathers out there that your jacket can be created from. Calf, sheep, and lamb are some common ones you may have heard of, but there are plenty others as well. Find out if the company you want to work with lets you choose from any leather that can be tanned under the sun or if you have to choose between a limited few. If that is the case, figure out if you want a softer, more supple leather or something a little rougher around the edges.
2. Type of leather - The grain of the leather is important as well. We have spoken about this on our blog before, but the higher the quality of leather, the more expensive it will be.
3. Jacket lining - This might be an aspect of the jacket that you didn’t think of at first, but it is an important one. You can choose a heavier lining so that your jacket is perfect for cooler days and nights. Lining such as sherpa fabric is heavier and great for bomber jackets and wind protection. Something lighter, such as cotton, is better for warmer fall or spring days.
4. Hardware - The buttons and bows of the jacket help give it that extra flair and practicality. Whether you want zippers, buttons, or pockets, this part of the jacket gives the jacket style.

There are many leather jacket companies out there that make custom leather jackets. We have highlighted a few before, but here are our top three and their ready to wear jacket prices. Keep in mind that custom jackets will cost more.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Independence Brothers is a company that began with two brothers from Philadelphia. Scott and Robbie had always been in the fashion business or entrepreneurs, and they decided to band together to create a company that brought you not only leather jackets that were personal to you, but also affordable. They decided to specialize in one product - leather jackets.

Scott and Robbie make sure that every jacket they produce is that of the highest quality. Their goal is to create a leather jacket for you that can be passed down for generations. They use only the highest quality leather, which is full grain. Their hardware is also hardware that will last - it is YKK hardware with real metals like brass and steel with durable finishes. When it comes to linings, they use high quality rayon linings for breathability and comfort.

If you decide to order a bespoke leather jacket for Independence Brothers, it can happen in five easy steps.

1. Customer order - It all starts here, with you. Your order is customized to you and as you discuss and iron out the details, Independence Brothers encourages you to tell them what modifications you’d like on your order. The type of leather, the color of leather, any hardware color preferences are your choices. Your jacket will reflect you and they want to be sure we get that right.
2. Measuring - Once your order is placed, you will receive a measurement guide. Independence Brothers works with you as long as it takes to be sure that your measurements are on point. If the concept of sending your size in without trying anything on makes you nervous, have no fear. They have made hundreds of jackets without needing to meet their customers in person. Their testimonials and happily returning customers are a testament to our ability to accurately gauge if your jacket will fit you.
3. Layout and Cutting - Once they are sure of your measurements, they send that information and your order along to their shop manager who will check again to make sure everything is perfect. Once approved, production begins with the laying out of the design on paper, sizing of the individual components of the jacket, and cutting of the leather exactly to specification.
4. Stitching and Finalizing - After the leather is cut to size, it is given to their master stitcher—an artisan with the skill to turn a bundle of leather into a stitched jacket. During this step, all the hardware, including zippers, buttons, belts, and pockets, are sewn and riveted onto the leather. Your jacket is born.
5. Delivery - Independence Brothers ships anywhere worldwide. Your location does not limit whether or not you can order a jacket through this company. Once your jacket is complete, it gets shipped to you anywhere in the world! They offer flat fee shipping for both domestic and international shipments. Domestic shipping typically takes between two to three days while international shipping usually takes about a week. During the COVID-19 pandemic, please keep in mind that shipping times might be a little bit longer as there are occasionally delays.

Your jacket is then in your hands and yours to wear. It has longevity and can last you your lifetime. If you have any care concerns about how to keep your jacket in its best shape, those are questions that we can answer. You can even reference our blog for a starting point.

While we love all leather jackets, having a bespoke leather jacket adds an entirely new level to that feeling about what they can do for you. A custom jacket is even more special to the person wearing it than something factory made and ready to wear. You were involved in its creation and design and chose 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.

Do you have any other questions or concerns about leather jackets? Are you ready to get started? Reach out to our team at Independence Brothers and we can help.