“Motorist” 1930s Leather Sports Jacket

I’ve owned a few horsehide jackets over the years and have handled some of the more expensive Japanese and American brands, so I had a pretty good idea of what I was hoping for.

The first thing that surprised me was the leather. It has real weight and character to it without feeling like cardboard. The grain is already starting to show in places and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the tea core develops. The pattern is also excellent.

What really gets me is the price. When you look at the leather, construction, hardware and overall pattern, I’m not sure you could find a better horsehide jacket even at $1,200. There are obviously more expensive jackets out there, but I honestly don’t know what I’d be getting for twice the money.

This is easily one of the best-fitting leather jackets I've owned. I have a fairly broad upper body and I can move comfortably in it, but it still has a really flattering shape when zipped up. The leather is another highlight. Thick and substantial, but much easier to wear than I expected for horsehide. It already feels like it's settling in nicely after a few weeks, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it changes with more wear. It has the character I wanted from an old-school leather jacket without many of the compromises that usually come with one.