Leather Vests

Leather Vests buying guide

This page lists every leather vest we stock, men's and ladies together. If you already know what you want, the products above are the whole range, and the two sub-categories below split it by cut. If you are still choosing, the sections below cover what actually separates one vest from another.

Sizing and fit

Measure your chest at the fullest point over the layer you will wear underneath, and check it against the chart on the product. Club vests are cut to sit open over a shirt or hoodie and run a little generous; fashion vests are fitted and meant to close.

A vest should cover the waistband when you are seated on a bike and should not pull across the back when you reach forward. If you are between sizes and ride, go up.

Materials and what they demand

Genuine cowhide is the workhorse: heavy, abrasion-resistant and good for decades. Lambskin and sheepskin are softer, lighter and drape beautifully, but scuff and mark more easily. Buffalo and drum-dyed hides carry a rugged, slightly uneven grain that is a sign of real leather, not a flaw.

Faux leather and PU look sharp at a lower price and are vegan, but they do not breathe, do not mould to you and will eventually crack at the folds. Look at the lining, the zips and the stitching as closely as the hide itself. YKK or heavy brass zips, double-stitched stress points and a proper lining are what separate a piece that lasts from one that does not.

Perforated leather lets air through for summer riding. Laced sides allow a few inches of adjustment. Concealed-carry pockets, gun pockets and inside zip pockets are listed in each description.

Care that preserves it

Wipe leather down with a damp cloth after wearing and let it dry naturally at room temperature, never on a radiator or in direct sun. Condition it every few months, and straight away if it has been caught in the rain, with a proper leather conditioner rather than household oils, which darken and rot the hide.

Store it on a broad padded hanger in a breathable cotton bag, never plastic, which traps moisture and invites mildew. Keep perfume, hairspray and alcohol-based products off it, and have serious stains dealt with by a leather specialist rather than an ordinary dry cleaner.

Frequently asked questions about leather vests

Can I sew patches onto these vests? Yes. Plain-back cowhide club vests are made for it. Use a leather needle or have a leather shop do it.

What is a perforated vest? A vest with small punched holes through the leather to let air through, made for hot-weather riding.

Are there vests for women? Yes. Ladies vests are cut through the bust and waist and are listed in their own sub-category.

Does a leather vest stretch? A little across the chest with wear, but not in length.

Common mistakes when buying leather vests

Buying by the letter on the label rather than by measurement is the most common and most expensive mistake. Sizes vary by maker, and the measurement chart on each product is the only reliable guide.

Choosing on looks alone and ignoring weight and lining. A heavy unlined hide feels very different after an evening than a lined lambskin. Think about where and how long you will wear it before you choose.

Browse within Leather Vests

The range is split into Men's Leather Vests and Ladies Leather Vests.

Related categories

If this is not quite what you are after, try Leather Coats & Jackets, Leather Hats and Caps, Leather Costumes, Leather Wear.

Buying leather vests from Power Play Studio

Everything in Leather Vests is sourced through authorized US distributors, so what arrives is genuine and any manufacturer warranty applies in full. We do not carry grey-market stock and we do not list products we cannot actually supply.

Makers in this range include established leather houses such as Unik International, and the line-up moves as new pieces come in. Orders ship from US warehouses in plain unbranded packaging with no indication of the contents or the sender, and the wider Leather Wear range is worth a look for pieces that pair with what you choose here.