This is a hands-on, unsponsored review of the Peter Manning Lambskin Leather Jacket.
Quick Take
Pros: short sleeve length than most American ready-to-wear leather jackets
Cons: shiny leather, boxy fit, expensive
Verdict: If sleeve length is your #1 priority and you don’t want to pay for alterations, this jacket could be a good choice. Just make sure you’re okay with a roomy/boxy fit in the torso.
Peter Manning Leather Jacket
Shorter men have a hard time finding leather jackets that fit properly. The biggest problem is that the sleeves are usually too long.
This is especially true if you’re a heavier or stockier guy who needs to size up in order to find a jacket that fits across the shoulders and chest.
If you’re 5’5″ wearing a size L or XL, the sleeves will be way too long. Short and skinny men don’t have it any easier. Even an XS is often too baggy and long for our modest frames.
(Of course, you can always go custom with a brand like The Jacket Maker.)
Because it’s so hard to find a leather jacket for shorter guys, many of us simply don’t wear them.
And that sucks, because a nice leather jacket can be an important wardrobe staple (not to mention one of your most loved and worn pieces of outerwear).
That’s why I was glad to see a leather jacket specifically for men 5’8″ and under. They sent me one in brown (size 1) to try on.
With leather jackets, you typically get what you pay for. They can be quite an investment. Here are the specs:
- New Zealand lambskin
- Knit bomber style collar
- Quilted chambray lining
- Double button cuffs
- Two exterior zip pockets
- Two interior pockets (one zip, one button)
- Available in brown or black
The leather feels soft like it’s already broken in. It’s substantial but not too bulky – just the right amount of “heft” to it.
The Color & Style
I got the brown version, and it’s a dark brown without too much red in it. It’s a very versatile color, although black might be a better choice for you, depending on what colors you like to wear.
Granted, this leather is a bit shiny. I’d prefer a slightly more matte finish.
The Fit
But the fit is really what sets this jacket apart from other brands. The length of the jacket is shorter, and the sleeves are shorter too.
Actually, I think the sleeves could be a little shorter than they are (maybe 1-2″) for my arms, but if you have longer arms for your height, this jacket could work for you.
The details, like the collar and cuff size, are scaled down a bit too.
I do wish the fit was a little slimmer, as leather jackets tend to stretch, so it’s always good to buy a bit tight and break it in.
If sleeve length is your biggest issue and you don’t need a super slim fit jacket, this one could be a good option.
If you want a more fitted jacket, I’d recommend looking at brands like Schott or All Saints. Also, consider going with Japanese brands like our friend Javier Rodriguez.
If you have any questions or thoughts about this jacket, leave a comment below!
I’m 5’5 about 125, it recommended size 1…do you think it would fit well? It’s a fairly large purchase so I’m a little hesitant to pull the trigger but I’ve never found a leather jacket that fits me. I think yours looks really great! I’d love to hear from you, maybe another update in a few years to talk about how it’s aged and stuff. Anyway dude, love your content!! Thanks for such a great review
Yeah I’d go with 1. You can always order both and return one. It’s aged well. I just wish it was a little slimmer in the torso and hips.
Thanks for your response! My thing is I have pretty wide shoulders and I guess I was a bit concerned that the leather could be restrictive. I’m a bit closer to 130 as it turns out. I ended up ordering a 2 but if it fits really loose I can always exchange it for a 1. Love the look on you, thanks again for always giving great tips for smaller guys like us! We appreciate you 🙂
I went ahead and got size 2X. It arrived today. Length and sleeve length fits great. It is slightly loose at the chest, and the waist and midsection as you mentioned. With a sweater, it fits perfectly but I don’t see myself wearing it with a sweater much as I live in sunny SD. Would you recommend exchanging it for a ‘4’? It would be better fitting at my chest but at the cost of an extra inch in length and sleeves which might not be too bad.
Hello! I am looking to buy this jacket but I am slightly confused as to what would be the best size for me. My height is 5’6.5″ (169 cm) and I weigh around 158 lbs. I would appreciate it if anyone of similar size who bought this jacket can give their inputs.
Thanks!
My concern is the knit collar . In the past my jackets with knit collars pill . Is this something that will happen with this jacket.
Thanks for the helpful review. I just bought this leather jacket. Any tips for caring for this leather jacket? Do you use any products to protect it?
Was browsing leather jackets on the net and this caught my eye. Looks awesome – perfect size, great style (love the paneling) and that lovely colour goes perfect with the light blue shirt.
I just got this jacket in size 2x, and it’s too tight around the chest, back, and around the elbows. They mentioned it would stretch with time, but I’m worried it won’t stretch enough and I’ll be out $500 for a jacket I can’t really wear.
They said a 4x might be better, but I’m worried it’ll be too baggy in the stomach and maybe a bit too long.
How much has yours stretched? Should I just exchange it for the 4x instead?
I haven’t experienced much stretch with mine, but it also wasn’t very tight on me. It probably will stretch a little because it’s leather, but I really can’t say how much.
In that case, I’ll probably go with the 4x. Does it layer well for cold weather?
Just a follow up:
I went ahead and exchanged it for the 4x. It does for me better, but not without some issues.
There doesn’t appear to be a size that fits someone with a larger chest. The 2x fit me around my stomach perfectly, but I couldn’t really move my arms. The 4x is better around the arms and shoulders, but it still doesn’t give me full mobility, and the stomach is now quite loose.
I think the jacket would benefit greatly from some design changes. Something at the underarm so you can raise your arms without feeling restricted and maybe a pleat (I might be thinking of another word) in the middle of the back so you can cross your arms.
Hey Brock, just want to say that your youtube videos and website are awesome; really help me a lot. I am wondering about the size guide from Peter Manning. According to the spec, and according to your height, you should wear size 2 or 3. So is size 1 of this leather jacket too tight for you or just right? I am the same height as yours and weigh 130lb; struggling which size i should go for. thanks, Chris
This jacket fits me perfectly, but I’m about 10-12 lbs heavier than you. Size 2 might be a better choice.
Thanks Brock. Since you are heavier than me and size 1 fits you perfectly, I am afraid size 2 will be too large to me. It also means that the size guide from the website is not that right. Since i live in Toronto, i have to get it right before i order. thanks
Sorry I meant to say I’m lighter. I weigh around 118.
ah i see. thanks. keep up the good work.
Sue thing! Let me know how it fits.
I was just wondering, here you say you’re 5’5″ but elsewhere I’ve seen 5’6″ ?
I’m about 5’6″ with shoes on.
Really is a testament to fit being paramount. You don’t look short in any of your “outfit ideas”. Being lean as probably helps too, lol
It’s crazy what clothes that fit right can do for your figure. Combine that with the right color combos, and you’ll look at least 1-2 inches taller than you are.
I’m thinking maybe a Christmas gift for my husband. Would probably be great to wear all winter here in FL!
I love it jacket. I literally just got this jacket yesterday (after having some troubles with local delivery for a week) and I’m glad I did because I couldn’t find a detailed review until you posted this today!
This looks like such a handsome jacket, I had to order one in brown. I was just remembering this morning how my old leather jackets were way too big. Your review was right on time for me today. Thanks Brock!
Bought it on the weekend and it’s coming in today. I’m so excited to receive it especially after reading this review. I can see this being my favorite jacket ever. My girl is so going to dig this haha.
Thanks for the read, Brock!
Nice! Let me know how it turns out.
Brock, I purchased a size 1 black jacket a couple of weeks ago from Peter Manning. I love it. I may get a brown one in the future. It fits great!
Gary
Love the jacket. I wish I could afford one.
DITTO! Living on the East Coast, I have difficulty justifying $500 for a jacket I could only comfortably wear during the “shoulder” seasons of fall/spring.