Independence Brothers is not affiliated with Saint Laurent and the opinions expressed here are my own.

We love our leather jackets here, that’s why we decided to review one of the top fashion brands in the world and see just how their leather jackets hold up. Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), also known today as Saint Laurent, is one of the top luxury fashion houses in the world. The iconic French company was founded by Yves Saint Laurent, who as a teen fled to Paris from his birthplace of Algeria and began working for Christian Dior, who was known as the top dressmaker of the time, before embarking on his own fashion endeavors. After gaining recognition for his unique sense of style and fresh ideas him and his partner, Pierre Berge opened YSL in 1961 after Saint Laurent returned from a stint in the Algerian army.

Throughout the 60s and 70s, the brand got noticed for popularizing fashion trends like the tuxedo suit for women, tight pants with thigh high boots, and safari jackets for both men and women. YSL rose to fame with his

By the 1980s, Saint Laurent was a fashion icon. Today, their ever-expanding market of luxury items includes a range of ready to wear clothing, leather good and shoes, as well as makeup and jewelry.

Ordering directly from the YSL website is quick and easy; however, some of their products on the site were sold out or waitlisted. They offer a 30-day return policy on any unused merchandise, as long as it’s shipped back from the country the purchase was originally made in. Before purchasing anything online make sure you know your exact measurements. Also, if you are looking to buy online, always be sure the store has a fair return policy, especially with pricey items.

Nordstrom: If you are not one to shop solely online, check out your local Nordstrom. They offer a wide range of YSL products for men and women, plus their return policy is very generous. They have stores spread across malls all over America, and the employees are always on hand to offer assistance. The best part about buying in store is the ability to try on different sizes to see which one has the best fit for your body type.

Whether you are ordering directly from the YSL site or nordstrom.com, the ordering process is just the same as any other online retailer. However, the nice thing about going with Nordstrom is that they offer in-store returns, so no need to make another trip to the post office to ship a product back.

Net-a-porter: It’s not a surprise to any that YSL is pricey, with sites like net-a-porter.com you can get genuine designer goods for up to 50% off.

The Saint Laurent lambskin leather jacket is one of their top sellers. With superior quality, this jacket will set you back $4,990. The jacket is made in Italy and features 100% ultra soft lambskin with a silk lining. Two interior pockets and the asymmetrical zip closure give this jacket the classic motorcycle feel. The details on this jacket give it an edge over your average coat, YSL takes the time to puts unique details on every piece of clothing they produce. The asymmetrical zip is flattering on a number of body types and gives the jacket something extra special. Each zipper is embossed with the iconic French label, and the zips are strong and sturdy. The jacket is short and has more of a cropped fit, making it a bit more casual. One of the unique things about Saint Laurent is that they design their pieces to match other items in their collections. For example, everything goes with each other. The jacket will look great with a pair of their pants, and their belts and shoes will coordinate perfectly with the pants.

The fit: The YSL lambskin leather jacket comes in six sizes (36-48). The leather is buttery soft and feels immediately like a second skin. The best part about having 100% silk for the lining is that it makes putting the jacket on and off a breeze. The jacket should come to the point where a t-shirt would end. If you are on the taller side, you may want to size up as the jacket is cut slightly shorter than most. The feeling of this jacket is what sets it apart from others. Made with some of the finest leather Italy has to offer; the jacket feels remarkable. It’s ultra soft, plush, and extremely comfortable. The seams are flawless and you can notice how much attention to detail they make.

How to choose the right one for you: Making any leather jacket purchase is a big deal, never mind a designer leather jacket. What’s important to look out for here is how the jacket feels, looks, and how it makes you feel wearing it. The jacket is more than just a piece of clothing, it’s something that should give you a boost of confidence knowing you look classy, put together, and on trend.

• Made in Italy
• 100% lambskin
• Silk lining
• Silver grommets and zipper
• Asymmetrical zipper
• Cropped cut

This jacket is a piece that can be taken with you anywhere. Use it to dress up any casual outfit, wear it to work, or on a date. It’s one of those items of clothing that will only amp up your wardrobe. You can pair it with slacks, dark jeans, or even ripped denim and still look polished and put together. Pair with a matching black belt and leather shoes for the ultimate date night outfit, or tennis shoes and a t-shirt for a more casual look.

The most prominent downfall of buying designer is the price. These jackets are up there but do keep in mind it’s probably something you will only purchase once in your life. Also, the customer service on the YSL site was not amazing, there is not a rep on hand to answer any questions or concerns right away, so be prepared to spend some time on the phone waiting. There is also an option to buy the lambskin leather jacket in the store, but with only 10 stores throughout the whole United States, finding one near you will be a rarity.

Is buying more expensive clothes better? That might not actually be the case. While purchasing designer goods has its advantages like a solid reputation and good quality, going with a lesser known brand can be just as successful. While there is no shortage of leather jacket retailers, if you are looking for a more affordable option, try opting for a brand like Independence Brothers. They offer a massive range of custom made leather jackets in various sizes and designs. Going with a smaller brand will be more cost-effective, and surprisingly, the consumer experience is usually rated more positively. Another great place to buy lambskin leather jackets for men is Overland. Their prices are a quarter of the Saint Laurent jacket, and the leather is buttery soft. Plus, they have a vast online selection and are size inclusive to more body types and shapes than YSL is.

To keep the integrity of the Saint Laurent jacket, be sure to take proper care of the piece. Before wearing, we recommend spraying the coat with a protective spray to help prevent fading and water damage. While wearing the jacket, remember lambskin is fragile, don’t throw it in the back of your car or bunch it up in a gym bag because the leather will begin to crack. When you are not wearing the jacket, always hang it up in a cool, dry place, preferably with a wooden hanger as to not leave marks in the shoulders. Some leather jackets require conditioning every once in a while to make them feel softer and prevent them from cracking. If you go with the Saint Laurent jacket that shouldn’t be an issue. The jackets should be smooth from the first day you wear it and stay that way for years to come.

Saint Laurent is one of the top brands in the world for a reason, their items are timeless, they use the highest quality materials available, and the outcome is superb. With that being said, I think some of the hype surrounding this jacket comes with the tiny tag placed inside the label. Are there just as soft lambskin leather jackets out there for a quarter of the price? Yes. Purchasing a piece from YSL is not only making a fashion statement but in a sense, it’s also a status symbol. Owning a piece from such a legendary brand is not something the average American can do. So, is the Saint Laurent jacket that much better than another designer brand? While it’s way up there in quality and style, finding an alternative will be just as easy.

If you are on the fence, this jacket can be worn for many different occasions from weddings to business dinners. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the finer things in life and wants to freshen up their wardrobe with a classic. This jacket will last for years to come with proper care and maintenance. Think of a good leather jacket as an investment, something that will be with you for seasons upon seasons. Maybe it’s even something you will want to pass down one day, it’s not going out of style anytime soon.

Pros:

• It’s stunning, the jacket looks expensive and luxurious
• The lambskin is light and super soft
• The silk lining is breathable and soft on the skin
• The feeling of owning a piece from one of the top designer brands in the world
• Top quality zippers and hardware
• The jacket will always be on trend
• Matches any outfit
• The cut is flattering on many different body types

Cons:

• It costs almost $5,000 before taxes
• Only available in 6 sizes
• Somewhat hard to find, only a few retailers sell the jacket
• Maintaining the delicate lambskin is a bit harder
• Not suitable for the harsh winter months if you live in a colder climate
• Not suitable for wear in the rain

Thanks so much for reading, as someone who loves fashion and has a real passion for the art, reviewing such a well-renowned brand was a pleasure. I say if you can get your hands on a Saint Laurent jacket, it’s well worth it. These jackets are made to last and will be with you for years to come. Have you ever tried a designer leather jacket? Do you think it’s worth the price tag or a lower cost brand is just as good? Leave us a comment below; we love to hear from you.