When it comes to leather jackets and accessories, Wilsons Leather is a brand with over a century of expertise. Founded in 1899, this company has a rich heritage of crafting premium leather goods for men and women. But with so many options on the market today, is Wilsons Leather still a top choice?
In this in-depth review, we‘ll take a close look at the brand‘s products, quality, customer reviews, and more to help you decide if it‘s worth adding to your wardrobe. Let‘s dive in!
About Wilsons Leather
The story of Wilsons Leather began back in 1899, when the Berman brothers opened a business in Minneapolis selling furs, wool, and hides. The company steadily grew over the decades to become a major player in the leather goods industry.
In 1989, after 90 successful years, the company was acquired by a group of California investors and rebranded as Wilsons Leather. This marked the beginning of a new era, combining the brand‘s long tradition of quality craftsmanship with a fresh sense of California cool.
Today, Wilsons Leather is owned by G-III Apparel Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of apparel and accessories. Despite changes in ownership over the years, the brand has stayed true to its core values of delivering stylish, well-made leather goods at accessible prices.
So who exactly shops at Wilsons Leather? According to the company, its target customer is someone who appreciates quality and wants to make a smart investment in their wardrobe. They are fashion-conscious but also value timeless pieces that will last for years. With a range of classic and contemporary styles for all ages, Wilsons Leather aims to offer something for everyone.
Extensive Product Selection
One of the biggest draws of Wilsons Leather is the sheer variety of products available. While leather jackets are the brand‘s bread and butter, that‘s just the tip of the iceberg. Customers can also shop:
- Bags and wallets
- Belts
- Gloves and hats
- Shoes and boots
Within each category, there are options to suit any personal style. Looking for a timeless motorcycle jacket? A trendy colorblock tote? Wilsons Leather has you covered. The brand also keeps its finger on the pulse of current trends, offering fresh new designs each season alongside its classic bestsellers.
Wilsons Leather has an extensive collection for both men and women. Guys can choose from bomber jackets, moto jackets, racer jackets, and more in a range of colors and materials. For the ladies, there are countless silhouettes including motos, trench coats, blazers, and bombers. Plus, Wilsons Leather offers an inclusive size range up to 3X.
While many people shop at Wilsons Leather specifically for genuine leather goods, the brand also carries a selection of faux leather and non-leather outerwear. These pieces provide the same great style at an even more accessible price point. So whether you‘re shopping for real or vegan-friendly leather, you have plenty of options.
Quality and Construction
Of course, all the variety in the world doesn‘t mean much if the products aren‘t well-made. Fortunately, Wilsons Leather has built its reputation on the quality of its goods. Let‘s take a closer look at how they‘re produced.
It all starts with the leather itself. Wilsons Leather sources hides from around the world and hand-selects each one to ensure it meets the company‘s high standards. The leather is then carefully cut and sewn by skilled artisans using time-tested techniques.
Every design detail is carefully considered, from the zippers and snaps to the lining and stitching. Wilsons Leather products are meant to last for years, not just a season or two. Many customers report that their jackets and bags from the brand still look great after a decade of regular wear.
In general, the construction and durability of Wilsons Leather goods are on par with other mall brands like Cole Haan or BOSS. You‘re getting a solidly made product at a fair price. However, the leather quality may not be quite as buttery-soft or luxurious as more expensive designer labels like All Saints or Schott NYC.
Wilsons Leather stands behind the craftsmanship of its products with a one-year limited warranty against defects. It‘s always wise to care for your leather goods properly to keep them looking their best. But if you do experience any issues due to a manufacturing flaw, the company will repair or replace the item free of charge.
Price and Value
Let‘s talk about everyone‘s favorite topic: price! Wilsons Leather is known for offering a great value on its leather goods, but what does that mean in real terms?
In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a Wilsons Leather jacket. Most fall in the $200 to $300 range. That‘s definitely more affordable than high-end designer brands, where a leather jacket can easily cost over $1,000. But it‘s pricier than fast-fashion retailers like Zara or H&M.
Keep in mind that those prices are the MSRP, and Wilsons Leather almost always has sales and discounts available. It‘s rare to have to pay full price. The brand frequently offers coupon codes for 20-50% off, as well as clearance deals up to 80% off. If you‘re patient and willing to shop around, you can snag some serious bargains.
Wilsons Leather also partners with Affirm to offer financing on larger purchases. So if you have your eye on a $400 leather jacket, you could split it into monthly payments as low as $35 per month. Just be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms before signing up.
All in all, we think Wilsons Leather offers a lot of bang for your buck. You‘re getting a genuine leather product that‘s made to last, with timeless style that works for all ages. And with so many promotions and discounts available, it‘s easy to find a great deal.
Customer Feedback
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this review, but what do real customers have to say about their experience with Wilsons Leather? Let‘s take a look at some common feedback.
On Trustpilot, Wilsons Leather earns an average rating of 1.2 out of 5 stars across 158 reviews. While there are certainly some positive comments praising the products and customer service, the overall sentiment skews negative. Many complaints focus on issues with returns, refunds, or missing orders. Several reviews also mention disappointment with the quality or fit of certain items.
However, it‘s important to take online reviews with a grain of salt. Unhappy customers are often more motivated to post feedback than satisfied ones. And with any large company, there are bound to be occasional hiccups in service or one-off issues with products.
On the Better Business Bureau website, Wilsons Leather maintains an A+ rating and is shown as "accredited" since 1994. The company makes an effort to respond to and resolve any customer complaints. That‘s generally a positive sign that they take feedback seriously and strive to keep customers happy.
Wilsons Leather also allows customers to post reviews directly on its website, where products tend to have average ratings of 4-5 stars. Many reviews mention the great style, fit, and quality of the jackets and other items. Of course, it‘s common practice for brands to highlight their most positive customer testimonials. But the volume and specificity of the website reviews seem genuine.
Overall, customer reviews for Wilsons Leather are mixed but skew positive. While the brand may have room for improvement when it comes to returns and consistency, most shoppers seem happy with their purchases. As with any online shopping, it‘s wise to read the product details carefully and check the sizing chart before ordering.
Shipping and Returns
Here‘s what you need to know about shipping and returns when shopping at Wilsons Leather:
The company offers four shipping options within the contiguous United States:
- Economy (5-9 business days): $8 on orders under $50, free on orders over $50
- Standard (3 business days): $12
- Express (2 business days): $20
- Priority (next business day): $35
For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S Virgin Islands, and Guam, standard shipping is $18 and takes 10-14 days. Wilson Leather also ships to most countries worldwide through FedEx. Be sure to check the website and enter your location for specific shipping cost and timeframe estimates.
If you need to return or exchange an item, Wilsons Leather accepts most new, unused merchandise within 60 days of the delivery date. Anything that was marked Final Sale is not eligible for return.
You can return in-store at Wilsons Leather or G.H. Bass locations, or by mail. Start by filling out the return form that came with your order, then pack up the items securely. Use the prepaid return label provided for a flat fee of $6.50, or pay for your own return shipping.
Once Wilsons Leather receives your return, it may take 5-7 business days to process. You‘ll then be issued a refund to your original method of payment. One important thing to note: the original shipping fees are not refundable, and $4 will be deducted from your refund to cover return shipping (even if you paid your own return shipping).
Final Verdict
So is Wilsons Leather worth it? Based on our research, the answer is a resounding yes – with a few caveats.
There‘s no denying that Wilsons Leather offers an impressive range of high-quality, stylish leather goods at reasonable prices. With over 120 years in the business, the company definitely knows its stuff when it comes to craftsmanship and timeless design. You can shop confidently knowing you‘re getting a product that‘s made to last.
We also love the variety of options available, from classic biker jackets to colorful crossbody bags. And with inclusive sizing and vegan leather alternatives, there really is something for everyone.
Frequent sales and promotions are the icing on the cake, making it easy to score a great deal on a leather piece you‘ll wear for years to come. Just be sure to double-check the final sale terms before purchasing.
The main drawbacks seem to be around customer service and returns. Wilsons Leather could do more to streamline the return process and minimize long wait times or miscommunications. Customers should carefully review the return policy and be prepared for potential hassles.
Overall though, we believe the pros outweigh the cons. If you‘re looking to invest in a high-quality leather jacket or accessory, Wilsons Leather should definitely be on your radar. With a little savvy shopping and patience, you can build a leather wardrobe that will carry you through every season in style.
