Sliding Scale: American-Made Motorcycle Jackets

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Header
Welcome to Sliding Scale, a series in which we bring you a single product for every budget. This month we’re rounding up American-Made Motorcycle Jackets. Check out our ten favorites after the jump.

San Diego Leather

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_San_Diego
First up is San Diego Leather, a California-based company that has a handful of moto styles, many of which are crafted in their own San Diego factory. The 102X Crossover (pictured above) is made from heavy black cowhide, has classic details like a snap down collar and zippered sleeves, and costs $295.

Hillside USA

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Hillside
The $350 Basic Biker Jacket from Hillside USA is made in the USA out of supple, 4.5 oz. cowhide. On top of its classic styling, it has many practical features like a removable Thinsulate liner and vented underarm gussets. There are a number of slightly pricier Hillside moto styles worth checking out as well, all of which are also proudly American-made.

Espinoza’s Leather

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Espinozas
Coming in at $450 is the Traditional Motorcycle Jacket from Espinoza’s Leather. Handmade in California, it features a quilted Thinsulate liner for extra warmth, pleated arms for extra extension, and adjustable side laces for the perfect fit. You can also upgrade from cowhide to deer, buffalo, or lamb skin for an additional $50 bucks.

Branded

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Branded
Long Island City-based Branded Leather has been outfitting the NYPD since 1999. All of their jackets are manufactured in the USA using domestically-sourced materials, including this $575 1011Z Motocycle Jacket. Made from heavyweight black cowhide, it has solid brass hardware and comes backed by a lifetime guarantee.

The Arrivals

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Arrivals
The $585 Lautner Leather Biker from The Arrivals is inspired by, and named after, the acclaimed American architect, John Lautner. Made in NYC out of durable South American leather, the updated classic has a breathable twill lining and a rib-knit detail at the back of the waist and sleeves.

Vanson

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Vanson
A go-to for professional moto racers, Vanson Leathers is known for its high performance, “heirloom quality” leather outerwear. They have a number of motorcylce styles, all of which are made in the USA out of Vanson’s signature “competition weight” leather. Prices start at $600.

Schott

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Schott
Some of the most famous motorcycle jackets in history were manufactured by Schott (see: Marlon Brando, James Dean, The Ramones, et al). Their signature Perfecto model is considered by many to be the original motorcycle jacket, and today, there are a wide array of versions to choose from, all of which are still proudly – and painstakingly – handcrafted in the company’s own New York factory. Prices start at $720.

Laer

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Laer
The Classic Jacket from Laer is handcrafted in the company’s own Los Angeles atelier out of “riding weight” Italian leather. Features include a satin lining, silver hardware, and shoulder flange for increased ease of movement, and, the $800 jacket can be ordered with custom sleeve lengths.

Cockpit USA

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Cockpit_USA
The $895 Highway Patrol Motorcycle Jacket from Cockpit USA is made from 4 oz, motorcycle grade horsehide, an exceedingly durable and protective material. Modeled after real Highway Patrol jackets, it also features adjustable side panels, a quilted lining, and a removable fur collar.

Lost Worlds

Sliding_Scale_Motorcycle_Jackets_Lost_Worlds
And finally, don’t let the decidedly crappy website of Lost Worlds throw you – the New York based company makes some of the finest motorcycle jackets money can buy. Crafted from start to finish in their own factory, Lost World’s near-perfect replicas of WWII-era outerwear are not only period correct in their design, but in their materials and finishings as well. Really, they’re the next best thing to a time machine. But, time travel isn’t without its expense, and the majority of Lost Worlds jackets are priced at $1300 or higher.