Blingsoul Men's Black Leather Jacket - Premium Cafe Racer Motorcycle Jacket for Men | Stylish Biker Jacket for Riding & Casual Wear

**********************************- Update (October 2015) --- The weather's turning cooler again and so I've got this jacket out for the season. It's still great, although as another customer noted, the velcro on the chest strap has almost completely lost its sticking power for me. It barely holds it shut before even slight movements unstick it. I've also tried cleaning it, which worked at one point last year late in the season, although only for a while, and I've also trimmed the fuzzy "carpet" part of the velcro. There's another method of revitalizing velcro, which involves an open flame, but I'm wary of that... I've considered modifying it with a hook-and-eye type clasp, but I'm not really sure how to go about doing that, although I can thought about somehow poking it through the velcro pieces themselves, keeping them in place.. I may take it to a local leatherworker for advice. I suppose a snap button might work, as well, however I really didn't want to poke any more holes in it, especially the strap itself, unless I can find a button that matches and/or blends in with the leather, or perhaps new velcro, although I could see it going back again shortly.**********************************- Update (November 3, 2014): ---This updated review might conflict with my initial review (below) on a few points, but I'm not deleting it, as much of it remains the same--- I received my exchange order today and the quality is just as good. It's a Medium now, so it fits much better on the shoulders, and doesn't look any larger, really. The lining color in this one is actually more like it appears in the product photo (kind of light tan). Also, the belts seem to be much sturdier, and the eyelets don't appear to be tarnished, as the previous size's were (not sure if I included that in my initial review or not). The leather color remains the same, a dark brown, and the distressed stitching is also the same, and the same pattern. One additional inclusion is a YYK zipper (the first jacket I received had no zipper, nor does it appear to be on the product pictures). I was not expecting this, and while I didn't really want a zipper, it doesn't detract from it. I may have use for it some time...although, being a trench-style jacket, that's kind of what the belt is for.It seems like this company has made a few different versions of this jacket, though the overall design and materials remain the same. The exchange, as I noted in a previous update, did take nearly a month to complete, but that might have been because it was in the same month as Halloween. The new jacket appears to have come from overseas this time, perhaps straight from the manufacturer, but BlingSoul gave me expedited shipping and I received it in only a few days, for which I am very grateful. They even included a nice billfold/wallet with the packaging, which was very nice of them!Anyway, I'm still very pleased with this jacket, and would now change my fitting to "fits as expected."Here are some shots of me modelling it (since I can't find out how to add these images to the Amazon product page):http://i.imgur.com/udcicxe.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Tigdjfi.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Uw5JPRe.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/KrcHNer.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/0UIuyYf.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/oNKWbS0.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/OyFRwtX.jpgThe original review follows:********************************************************************I'm going to break down this review into a few sections, trying to organize my thoughts on it as I go. Hopefully it will be easy enough to follow.I have to say, I have played Watch_Dogs, the video game featuring the character this jacket is based on. While it's not an exact replica, this particular company's jacket caught my eye because of its overall construction and color, and the way it is presented. The multitude of positive reviews also steered me towards buying this one. I do not cosplay (not that I have anything against it), but I loved the way the jacket looked in-game, so I wanted something similar. I intended to get this to actually wear, and I think it will go well with a lot of different clothes.First of all, I purchased this jacket last Sunday (September 28, 2014) and received it on the following Thursday (October 2, 2014), not even a week after ordering; so, that's a big plus for the delivery time! Also, kudos to Amanda at BlindSoul for confirming my size and being available for assistance.I measured my chest according to BlindSoul's size chart, and came up with around 38.5", measuring several times and averaging my results (I wanted to get it right, and even had a friend assist me with measurements), so according to their chart, I needed a 'Small' size. I normally get medium sized shirts and coats/jackets, so I was a bit worried that it might be too small. I'm also 5'10.5" tall and moderately athletic, for reference.When I received the jacket, I did notice the leather smell, but I was prepared for that, and airing it out for two days helped with that. I know that's just a part of leather jackets: the leather smell. It wasn't absolutely overwhelming to me, although it was quite...pungent...at first.The jacket fits, although perhaps a bit more snug a fit than I'm used to, but not uncomfortably so. It also doesn't restrict my range of motion, so it's definitely not "too small." In addition, I've done some research on leather jackets, and the consensus I've come to is that it's better to get a size smaller than what you're used to for other jackets, and especially shirts, because leather stretches somewhat and conforms to the wearer's body over time. Also, after being contacted by Amanda (who also notified me that it was out for delivery), I was told that if the jacket "just fits," then it will get easier after a while of wearing it.The listed chest size of the jacket in size "Small" on BlingSoul's size chart is 44", so that should be enough room for me in the chest area. The only slight problem I've encountered is that perhaps the shoulders are too small for me, as my shoulders measure at 20" across, and the "Small" size for this jacket is 19". Now, my shoulders still fit, and they don't appear to stretch it out too much, and also, I'm fairly certain the jacket is falling where it is supposed to along my shoulders and collar area. I had considered returning it because of this, but that's only an extra .5" on each shoulder, but also an extra inch or so in the chest area, which had me worried that it might be too large on me. I have one other leather jacket, sort of a blazer style, in size "Medium," and now I feel that it might have been better to have had it a size down from that, because it just feels right to have a leather jacket/coat feel snug.All that said, I'm still considering possibly returning the jacket for a "Medium." One reason for this is in case I wish to wear a pullover or sweater underneath it. My sweaters and pullovers are not that bulky, but this jacket is noticeably more snug with additional layers on underneath. My range of movement/motion is still not impaired, and I even measured my chest size again with one of my sweaters on: it only added perhaps .75". Another reason for exchange would be because it might fit a little more loosely around the shoulders. I'm still debating this, but I know I don't have forever to decide. I still want this jacket, though, in any size that fits me. I'm leaning towards keeping the "Small," however.On to the material, design, and color, etc. The leather is not terribly stiff, which is a plus, as well. It's not extremely high quality leather, but for this price, it's quite good. I'd have to agree that the leather used for the belts does seem a bit flimsy, but I don't expect to use them that often. I like the lining for this jacket, as well, although in places, it looks like it has been sewn a bit loosely. I think it feels nice, though, and will be warm enough in above freezing temperatures. I prefer the look of this viscose lining, compared to some other manufacturers of this jacket, who have a sort of viscose "pile" or "fur" lining.I love the distressed look on the stitching! The design on the back drew my eye, as well, even though it's not exactly as it appears in the video game. In some ways, I actually prefer this jacket's back design. The strap in front is somewhat problematic. The Velcro used to fasten it doesn't hold it very well all the time, and it doesn't appear to be a full strip of Velcro. Instead of a square of Velcro (which I had assumed was under the stitched square part of the front strap) it is instead a rectangle, almost as if someone had cut it in half and only used one half of it. I feel like if it had been a larger piece of Velcro, perhaps more square, it might hold better. It might also be because of my shoulder size pulling it apart, but I don't believe it's because of my chest size, because it feels like there's still enough room in the chest, even with the strap fastened. I'm considering modifying the strap at some point later and installing some kind of latch or snap button, or perhaps more Velcro, although I don't have the equipment for sewing leather. Also, I don't think I'll fasten the strap all of the time, anyway. Overall, though, I think this jacket is well constructed.A few more points on how it looks compared to the look in the video game: The strap that Aiden Pearce has on his jacket in the game almost looks like an aftermarket addition and is much larger than any real life manufacturers' versions of this jacket, and is pulled much more to one side than this jacket. All of the other versions of this jacket are similar to BlingSoul's, in that there is a small gap left under the front enclosure strap. The only exception is the "official" version of this jacket, which has added a single lapel to the side the strap is sewn to, so that it encloses very far to the other side. This lapel, I feel, throws off the look of the whole jacket, which is one of the many reasons (including the lining, and especially the exorbitant price) that quickly steered me away from even considering purchasing the "official" jacket. Another thing is the ends of the sleeves and the position of the belts there, along with the position of the cuts at the wrist: compared to the game, the sleeves extend a few inches longer than the belts, and the cuts are facing the wrong direction (at the back instead of at the front of the sleeves). The collar, which does stand up nicely, is a big longer/larger than in the game, although Aiden doesn't have his standing all the way up, anyway (it's kind of frumpy looking in the game, like the back part is standing up, but he has the sides of the collar out to the sides). It's easy enough to fold the back of the collar in on itself a bit so that it stands up, with the leather facing out, and the sides naturally flip outward. Also, I think the tail section of the jacket has a lower cut than the in-game jacket (it appears to be a higher cut in game). These are minor nitpicks, though, but I figured I'd point that out for anyone who is comparing this jacket to the in game version. However, I don't think you'll find any versions of this jacket that have everything exactly replicated.The color of this jacket is quite a bit darker than the in-game version, as pictured, but I don't feel as though that's a bad thing. I prefer darker browns for the most part. It also lacks the contrasted leather color (light brown for the body and darker brown on the shoulders and outer arms), but again, I don't see any reason why the lack of that feature would subtract from this jacket. I had hoped that the lining color would be similar to the way it is pictured in the store page: a sort of cream/tan color, but the jacket I received had more of a chocolate color, instead. I don't entirely dislike its color, though (hence, not docking a star from the rating), but I had assumed that the lining color would be as it is pictured here.To conclude this already too long review:-I credit the customer service at BlingSoul for its response time and care taken to get measurements right. That's very good of them to do that for their customers to help them save some hassle at both ends.-It's not an exact replica, if that's what you're going for, but then again, I haven't found any other manufacturers that have replicated the in-game jacket exactly down to every single detail, either (including the "official" version). This jacket doesn't make it obvious that it's from some video game or movie, yet still has some of its character from the video game. I've found that the distressed stitching on some other manufacturer's versions is far too obviously distressed, or not distressed enough, or that the leather in the rest of the jacket is either way too distressed/not distressed enough. In my opinion, BlingSoul's jacket has just the right amount in both areas.-The jacket has a great design, which I prefer over many other versions, including the incredibly expensive "official" version. I enjoy its overall design in itself, and think it looks good on its own and with a variety of clothing.-It feels like it will be a great jacket/coat for all weather between 30 and ~60 degrees. I wore it outside for a little bit in some chilly wind, and it kept the wind and the chill out, just as I'd imagined it would. It's also not so heavy that it just hangs stiffly, but actually flutters in the wind a little bit at the waist level (sort of how it looks int he game!), plus being leather, it breaths, so it doesn't trap too much heat in if you're just wearing it with a shirt.Like I said, I'm leaning towards keeping the "Small" size I have now, but I haven't yet removed the tags. If I do return it, it will only be to get a larger size, because I do very much like this jacket and want this particular company's version of it. Based on the quick shipment and delivery, I don't think I'd have to wait very long to get a size up. On the other hand, if I'm keeping the "Small," I may help stretch it out a bit by leaving it hang on a broad-backed chair. I think getting a broad wooden hangar for it will help it keep its correct shape in the shoulers, and I might modify it later with a snap button in the chest strap, to it closes better (hopefully).I hope this review has been helpful!**********************************Update (October 30, 2014): I ended up sending back my size Small for a size Medium, about three weeks ago. I think I was right about the shoulders being too small for me. The customer service was very helpful in getting the return process started, but I'm currently waiting to get my jacket back to me. I know they received my return just a few days after I shipped it back, but I had hoped to get my larger size quickly, as well, like when I first received it. As it is, I have been waiting for an update for if the jacket has even begun to ship, for nearly three weeks, now. I'm not taking off any stars for this, but I'm just anxious now to try on the slightly larger size. I'll update again, hopefully soon, when I get the larger size, and I might take a few photos of it.**********************************I normally don't take the time to write a review, but felt strongly enough about this coat to take the time to write. The coat seems to be good quality, well-made, etc. The problem is that it has a very strong animal smell -- cow or goat -- I can't tell which. We have had it hanging in the garage for three weeks to air out. I'm not sure that we'll ever be able to bring it into the house to hang in a closet. The smell will permeate everything.I love this Jacket it fits good and has a great Cafe racer style .This fits as expected but the sizing chart is unconventional is it worth your time to take a measuring tape and then reviewing the chart so make sure you get the right size.I mean, I bought it in the middle of the summer, so I haven't had a chance to truly try it out, but I look badass in it.The jacket came a lot sooner than expected, and it was very well made. The amount of detail is amazing and it is very comfortable. The material is very nice, and the interior is great too. Overall, a very high quality jacket.Good jacket, but runs small. I normally wear an xl, but xl was a little small. Recommend buying one size bigger than normal.It's a great jacket and like everyone else has said...you really can wear this anytime. I would however recommend airing it out for several days before wearing.I bought this knowing the men's XS would be too big for me, as an average woman, but the size measurements were great! The quality of the product is far better than I expected, and it's a super cozy jacket! The authentic buttons are really cool (albeit slow to unclasp), it's rare to see a product that has that these days.Worth getting the express shipping, it came in 4 days! I am very impressed with the product!