Leather fringe jackets only work if the material is soft enough to let the fringing move. Stiff hide makes the strands hang like a fence. Everything in this category is cut in supple suede with a matte nap, which is what lets the fringe separate and swing instead of sitting in a slab.Fringing comes out of western tailoring, and it tips into fancy dress faster than almost any other detail in clothing. What keeps these wearable is restraint everywhere else: no yokes, no piping, no contrast stitching, no studs. Plain body, plain zip, one idea carried properly.Brush the fringe in the direction it hangs rather than across it and the strands stay separated instead of matting. Suede spots in rain until it dries and marks more easily than smooth leather, which is the price of the drape.Cropped jackets live and die on the shoulder measurement. Send yours to info@cordwainleather.com and we will tell you which size to take.

Why fringe has to be cut in suede

Fringing only works if the material is soft enough to let the strands separate and swing. Cut it in stiff hide and it hangs in a slab, like a fence. Everything in this category is suede with a matte nap, which is what lets the fringe move with your arm instead of sitting still against it.

The fringing here runs the full length of both sleeves rather than sitting in a panel across the yoke. That is the difference between a jacket with fringe on it and a fringe jacket.

Western, without the costume

Fringe comes out of western tailoring and it tips into fancy dress faster than almost any other detail in clothing. What keeps it the right side of the line is a plain body: no contrast stitching, no yoke piping, no conchos. Cropped at the waist, band collar, straight zip, and nothing else competing with the sleeves.

The colors

  • Hot Pink — a saturated fuchsia, not a pastel. The louder of the two by some distance.
  • Rich Burgundy — reads almost oxblood in daylight and considerably darker indoors. The one you will wear on an ordinary Tuesday.

Fit

Cropped and cut close through the body, meant to sit at the waist. XS to 3XL. If you are between sizes, take the larger one — the fringe needs the sleeve to hang properly and a tight sleeve spoils the effect.

Shipping, duties and returns

Free worldwide shipping, 4 to 9 business days. Duties settled before dispatch wherever the carrier supports Delivered Duty Paid to your country. 30 days to return.

Questions

Will the fringe tangle?

Not in wear. If it has been packed flat, shake the sleeves and run your fingers through once and it hangs straight again. Store it hanging, never folded.

Can I wear a fringe jacket over a sweater?

No — it is cropped and close. A t-shirt or a thin knit is as much as it takes.

How do I stop the fringe matting?

Hang it on a wide hanger with the sleeves free, out of direct sunlight, and never in a sealed plastic cover. Suede needs air.

Is fringe still in style?

It moves in and out faster than most details. What lasts is the plain-bodied western cut underneath, which has looked the same for decades.