Since pure hide is also an investment, vintage leather jackets have their own market and are, thankfully, plenty available in the city. In any case, new or used, the era of tough-skinned individuals looking for rebellious statement pieces began decades ago and has yet to go out of style.
Here are my picks for the top places to buy a leather jacket in Toronto.
m0851
With two locations in Toronto (one in Yorkville and the other in North York), m0851 stocks leather jackets and accessories year-round. They're proof that buying new, while it is a pricier option, is key to a lasting piece of outerwear for your closet. The brand's mission is to provide functionality in each product by using the best materials available and creating versatile garments appropriate for fall and winter wear. m0851's leather jackets are by far the sleekest looking leather jackets on the Canadian market. Prices start at $730.
Rudsak
Rudsak is a Canadian label that sells chic outerwear with a rock'n'roll vibe. While their styles change according to seasonal trends, their signature look always manages to make day-to-day wear a little rebellious. Many of their leathers come in transitional fabrics (suited for winter or fall weather) with lush fur trims and a bag to match. At their Queen West store, you'll find puffy coats made from lamb leather and all the moto jackets you need. Prices range from $350 to $1400.
Doc's Leather and Motorcycle Gear
This West Queen West storefront boasts a tough exterior and enduring charm, much like the many leather jackets stocked inside. Customers looking for street style leathers, racing jackets, motorcycle jackets, and shape-accentuating jackets (mostly for ladies) can find a vast selection at Doc's. Don't be scared off by the hairy goon decorating the exterior of the store if you're serious about getting some biker gear.
Danier Factory Outlet
Since buying leather often means going used or shelling out good money for new, Danier's Factory Outlet offers the luxury of a new coat without the pain of paying for it. Men's and women's jackets come in the structured styles Danier has become known for and cater to changing trends in the leather market - on the men's side, there are aviator and racing jackets while the women's jackets present a sleek and professional minimalist exterior. Prices are knocked down from as high as the $500 range to as low as $100, depending on style.
All Leather
All Leather on the north-east corner of Yonge and Gerrard may appear to be like the other questionable fashion stores on Yonge, however like many of those stores, it holds surprising treasures worth taking a look at. Amidst a stock of bongs, pipes, and cowboy boots are a load of various styles of leather jackets--biker jackets with racing stripes, classic moto jackets with buckles and slanted zippers, bombers, and hides in all shades with fringe décor and beading.
Black Market Vintage
As usual, anything considered badass can be found at Black Market Vintage. Their leather jacket selection mirrors the rest of the Queen West store's stock, with plenty of military era and biker gang gear. Black Market also does a great job in providing neatly organized vintage stock, so the leather jacket section is hard to miss. Prices vary depending on style and condition, though it's typically more than budget-friendly.
Leather Toronto Spadina's Leather Toronto is a near 30-year operation that specializes in simple leather jacket designs for both men and women. Plain bombers and collared coats with little detailing come in shades of brown, tan, and black for women and men. There's also an often hard to come by selection of mid-length men's jackets with a synched waist in a classic military style.
Exile Vintage
Another well-stocked vintage provider is Exile Vintage on Kensington Avenue, where used products are easy to find and the biker or military bomber jacket are the prevailing style. Exile's inventory of leather goods are set up for folks interesting in looking like a laid-back rockabilly or decked-out biker with brands like Brimaco, Harley Davidson, Schott, and Brooks Brothers. The store also has a selection of maxi leather jackets for better coverage in winter.
Export Leather Garments
Export Leather Garments is the place to go for custom order personal jackets for or streamlined company or team outerwear. The staff at Export can make leather jackets for entire high school sports teams with all the fixings: leather detailing, embroidery, logo printing, etc. If you want something on a leather jacket, it's likely they can do it for you. Prices vary according to style, proportions, and design, though a single jacket starts in the $500 range.
Perfect Leather Goods
Perfect leather goods is best known for supplying the city's interior and fashion designers with premium hide for projects, however, they do stock a number of unused vintage leather military and moto jackets and offer custom services for leather jacket requests. The store carries everything from Mongolian lamb skin to ostrich and snake skin, so don't hesitate to get a little wild with your requests.
Did I miss any? Leave your favourite spot to shop for leather jackets in Toronto in the comments.
Photo via Perfect Leather website.
by Alex Brown via blogTO
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