Interstate Leather Men's Basic Vest with Side Lace

Especially if you consider quality in relationship to price this vest is a sensational value, in fact if I look back over the past 35 years or so it's one better deals I've come across. Leather unlike any other material only get's better with age. When it comes to say, upholstery for furniture, it's never going to look as good that first day it's delivered. Whereas leather only improves with time. There are a dozen levels of quality with regard to leather. At the top of the line is Full Aniline leather - and costs a fortune. A the bottom rung is Bonded leather which is made from pulverized leather scraps mixed with polymers - it's dreadful stuff. Regarding this vest it's down towards the lower end which is Pigmented Leather. Pigmented leather is ideal for motorcycle jackets, boots and other bike wear. Because it's so thick and strong, if you ride then you know road burn is the last thing you want on your plate, or back as the case may be. Pigmented leather is great for dense dyed primary colors like black. The tanning process incorporates waxes and oils which the color all they way through. Because this type of leather is usually devoid of the natural grain and imperfections which can include actual branding marks in higher end leather - the leather is pressed after tanning to impart a grain. This isn't inherently good or bad - leather like most anything else should meet your needs. If you're looking for a butter soft, easy to break in lamb skin vest - this isn't it. If you're looking for a solid, vest that can take a beating and are willing to wait out the break in period, you're on the right page and this vest I assure you will not disappoint. Quality Touches: * Side Steel eye holes * Steel flat back snaps - stay closed * Re-enforced panels for all snaps and on side lacing * Good quality lining inside and in pockets * Two inside steel snap pockets for wallets, smokes, keys and so on. * Classic Americana styling * Welting - (folded over leather and then stitched) on seams It's good to remember that most all leather clothing runs small. This is intentional. leather has great memory in time it learns every shape and curve of the wearers body. I suppose hence the old saying 'Fit's like an old leather jacket" I'm a big guy and would usually buy a 1X but took a 2X in this piece. It's snug enough without making my lungs collapse - and when it relaxes should fit just fine. Length is a little short even though I ordered a tall but again, this is subjective in every way. In the scheme of things it's not an issue. My advice would be to order a size larger than you think you might need. All things considered there's great bang for your buck here - it's a great vest. Highly Recommended

I had previously purchased a Diamond Plate vest on eBay, but since this isn't a review of that, I'll just say it had a variety of issues. I was relieved though after purchasing this. The leather is much thicker, the vest actually smells like leather, and it just seems so much better made. It's not as thick of a leather of some of the high-end vests I see (think high dollar ones at the HD shop, etc.), but for the price it's not bad and it is definitely a heavier leather than the Diamond Plate. If you are on a budget and need a vest, drop a little extra over the eBay specials and get this one and you'll be happy. One note though... these do seem to run a little small. I am 6 feet and 245 and I normally wear XL t-shirts and coats. I got the XX-Large Tall (four buttons) thinking I would buy large. While the length is fine, with only a t-shirt and the laces with maximum slack it fits about right instead of having the slack I desired. To wear over a hoodie would be tight and to wear over my leather jacket will take some of those vest extender chains. I considered sending it back for a XXX-Large, but thought it might be too large on those days I wear the vest over a shirt and opted to just keep this one.

Ordered last minute hoping it would fit the bill. Exceed expectations! -- Nice fit - my husband typically wears a 2x in T-Shirts I was worried if this would as some reviewers noted it ran small. Ordered a 2x and it fit beautifully ~ was able to close all snaps -- Nice weight to the vest however not stiff - laid nicely along the shoulders -- Well sewn neat seams hangs well along shoulders and waist This was a last minute OMG order as I realized my husband needed a leather vest for his daughters wedding (Western theme). I ordered this next day shipping to arrive day before the wedding. Even my husband who is typically ho hum about clothing gave it a ringing endorsement of "nice" -- for my husband nice is a HUGE complement. paired with with a pair of jeans and Wrangler Men's Sport Western Snap Shirt Dobby Stripe, White, 2X-Large --

Great value, good looks and functionality, perfect sizing! Side lacing will let me expand this to wear over bulkier clothing in winter. Concealed pistol pocket works well with elastic strap to hold my CCW in place. Not sure what's going on with the "Runs small!!!!" reviews here. I am 6'5", 220 lbs, with a 44" chest, so I listened to the reviews and ordered a 3XL Tall. When it arrived, it fit like a 3XL Tall. So, tried the XL Tall - still too big. Went with the Large Tall and it's spot-on. I guess if my belly were bigger than my chest I might have problems with the fit. Thank goodness Amazon's return service is so good. Couldn't be happier with this!

Alright, I read all of the reviews and ordered the vest a couple of sizes over what I normally get. I am an XL (48 inch chest), so I ordered the XXX-L. Well, the vest fits great around me, but it is tall on my shoulders. When I sit on my bike to ride, I have to unbutton the bottom 2 buttons so that it doesn't ride 3 inches above my shoulders...it is a tad bit long. I think the sizing leans more towards length and not width. If I wore a hoodie or sweater underneath, it might fill it out, but I live in Guam, temps rarely drop below 75. Overall, the material, stitching, and amount of pocket space is excellent.

the leather is exceptenual wow what a great quality for such a low price. Do wish that the lace in the side wasn't so stuff. How can I soften it up.

El chaleco me quedó a la medida y el material me parece de primera y a muy buen precio. Entrega súper rápida.

Good vest, well made, very good leather.

Good leather, well sewn together, perfect fit. I am very satisfied

Very nice vest. Well made. I orderd XXXL mabe XXL would have been ok