Leather Jacket – Vanson – One Star

Leather Jacket – Vanson – One Star

I'll be writing about trends in Japan.

Since I was young, I’ve dreamed of riding a Kawasaki motorcycle while wearing a Simpson helmet and a Vanson One Star leather jacket. As the internet became more accessible, there was a time when One Star leather jackets were frequently traded on auction sites. When I had a bit of extra money, I bought a used one. Back in my teens, an older friend proudly showed off his Vanson leather pants after buying them.

It seems that Vanson originally specialized in leather jackets, but nowadays, they also offer a variety of apparel. Every item has a stylish design. While wearing Vanson from head to toe might look a bit unusual, having either the top or bottom piece makes for an incredibly cool style.

What is the Vanson One Star rider jacket?

The One Star is more than just a logo for Vanson—it’s an iconic design, full of that USA vibe with its signature red star. The One Star leather jacket became a popular fashion trend in Japan during the 1980s, though this was around the time I was just born.

Let me go over some of the unique features of the Vanson One Star. This jacket stands out with its star emblem on the back and its front patch. It’s a cropped style, with the length reaching just around the navel for most Japanese wearers. Wearing an oversized leather jacket doesn’t look good, but wearing one that’s too tight makes it hard to move. No matter how great a guy might look, if the fit is off, it ruins the style.

The ideal fit is based on shoulder width, with a zipper that’s snug but can still close. The main rule is: if the zipper closes, it’s good. Leather jackets should fit based on shoulder width, with the zipper just barely closing. A slightly larger jacket will fit, but you’ll want to avoid going too tight, or it just won’t work. Aim for a size that’s right at the edge of your limit, and you’ll get that perfect fit.

If you plan to wear warm layers underneath, it might throw off the look. This jacket isn’t about ease of movement or warmth—it's about style, first and foremost. There are variations like perforated designs and a yellow star version too. Some fellow riders wear the One Star jacket, and if it ever feels awkward, just go for a different star color!

Mistakes in Choosing the Size of a Leather Jacket

I have purchased a Vanson leather jacket three times in the past, and in all cases, the fit was off. The sizes I bought were 34, 44, and 38. Currently, I am 179 cm tall and weigh 75 kg. For leather jackets, it's generally best to match the size to shoulder width, but there can be individual differences between jackets.

The size 44 seemed ideal for someone who weighs just over 100 kg. Size 34 is quite small, while size 28 would be more suitable for women. For my body type, sizes 36, 38, and 40 fit me best. In the case of a Schott double rider jacket, size 38 felt tight on me.

Use this as a guideline for size fitting. The One Star is a cropped style that often shows the stomach. There are people with a more pronounced belly who can still pull it off well, but this jacket looks best on those who have a muscular and slim physique.

Vanson One Star: Photo Gallery

I want to have a physique that looks great in a leather jacket. However, it seems like achieving that kind of body will take time.

Leather Jacket – Vanson – One Star【summary】

For those looking to buy a leather jacket specifically for motorcycles, the Vanson One Star is definitely one of the recommended options. I believe there are three types of leather jackets: those for motorcycles, those that can also be used for motorcycles, and those for fashion purposes. The Vanson One Star is a jacket that works well for riding.

It might be a bit too flashy for casual streetwear, but it has a strong design that holds its own. Even when not riding, it looks great. The Vanson One Star typically goes for around 40,000 yen on the secondhand market, making it a popular item that’s easy to buy and sell.

This jacket leans toward a bolder style. It’s said that flashy looks are preferable for both golf and motorcycling. In Japan, it gained popularity as a fashion item during the 1980s, and many people wear it even if they don’t ride motorcycles.

Next, I’m thinking about purchasing a new one in a different color. Until next time, see you again!