Everyone’s got their own personal wardrobe staples and for me, the motorcycle jacket is one of them. I love how it instantly makes any outfit edgier. Today I’m sharing the Maha Leather Jacket from Able. Last year I wrote a detailed review of several moto jackets, so I’ll also compare Able’s jacket to other brands I’ve tried.
Maha leather moto jacket, courtesy of – $398
About Able’s Ethics
Able is a Nashville-based company that partners with women-led and run factories, chosen for their wage levels and treatment of women, who make up most of the workforce in clothing production. (Here’s a glimpse at their store when I visited.) The brand says they’re continuing “to work toward living wages at all our manufacturers,” so it sounds like not all workers currently make living wages, though for them to do so is the goal.
This jacket was made in India, one of the world’s top leather producers. When asked, a rep for Able didn’t provide any specifics about the factory, but did point me towards this blog post about their leather.
While the leather for Able products is not from a Leather Working Group-certified tannery, the company touts that they source from tanneries with closed water systems that don’t pollute local waterways. Able is also mindful of reducing waste and using scraps.
Able gifted this jacket to me and this post contains affiliate links. If you shop through my links, I may earn a commission. As always, I decide what to write about and all opinions are my own.
Materials
Before we dive in, some relevant stats for this review: I’m 5′ 4″ so this post is from a petite perspective. In most brands, I wear a size S.
Able Jacket c/o // Everlane Tee [review] // Everlane Jeans [review] // Asics Sneakers
The jacket is shorter in the back, creating a nice visual line.
Leather: Lamb leather with a polyester lining. The leather is soft and supple.
Hardware: The hardware is a tastefully muted gunmetal. I’m a fan of the minimal design, which eschews extra hardware or flourishes. There’s no belt or shoulder epaulettes. Where most other moto jackets have zippers on the pockets, there are none here. The only hardware are the snaps at the lapel, zipper vents on each sleeve, and the front zipper — all of it functional.
Sizing & Fit
Able Jacket c/o // Dress, secondhand // Lo & Sons Bag c/o [review] // dr. Liza Boots [review]
I probably wouldn’t wear this zipped up that often, but it’s nice to know that I can if I get chilly.
Sizing is available from XXS to 3X, however, this jacket has a slim cut and runs small. Able suggests going up one size, or even two if you want to wear a thick sweater under your jacket. I’m generally a small in most brands, so I sized up to a medium. Able’s sizing recommendations are spot on. I’d definitely have to go up to a large if I wanted to wear a sweatshirt or chunky sweater.
Measurements by my tape measure (size medium):
15.5″” shoulder to shoulder
19” chest from pit to pit
21.5” length front
19” length back
23.5” sleeve (from shoulder seam to end of sleeve)
1 pound, 6.4 oz (it’s lightweight)
Design Details & How the Maha Has Worn
On initial wear, the medium felt snugger than I’d prefer in the arms. However, the sleeves have eased up over time as I continue to wear the jacket. Quality wise, it seems well made. The zippers glide easily. It’s a beautiful jacket that drapes nicely and moves with you.
Design wise, I appreciate the slightly shrunken proportions. The front length is one to two inches shorter than other brands I tried. The fact that it’s a bit cropped makes it a great choice for petites (or someone with a short torso). The sleeves are admittedly a bit long on me, but that’s the case with most jackets.
Price (plus an exclusive Able promo code)
The classic colors of black and whiskey are $398 while the slate is marked down. (Exchanges and store credit only, though, for the slate!) While $400 is a good chunk of change to spend, I think the price is fair, especially considering that the brand is conscious of ethical production. Most leather jackets, including from bigger corporate brands I note below, cost more.
Happily, I have an exclusive promo code for Welcome Objects readers. Use WOFAM for 25% off the Maha Leather Jacket (or anything else) through 10/28/24. That brings the price of the Maha down to $299.
UPDATE 11/14/24: Able is offering an early holiday sale for Welcome Objects readers. Use WOHOLIDAY for 40% off sitewide through 12/3/24.
How Does Able’s Moto Jacket Compare to Madewell, Quince, and AllSaints?
Last year, I tried out minimalist motorcycle jackets from Madewell, Quince, and AllSaints. Aside from the lack of zippers on the pockets, how does Able’s Maha Leather Jacket compare?
Able vs. Madewell: The Madewell Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket is similar to the Maha in terms of feel and a lighter weight. I prefer Able’s jacket for the fit. The Madewell jacket tented away from my body in the back while Able’s fit closer. Able’s shorter length and sleeves also works better for me. If you have long arms, Madewell will be more suitable as their jacket had the longest sleeves out of the bunch. But for being similar products, I think Able is the winner. It’s also significantly cheaper (the Madewell jacket runs $525) while being not fast fashion.
Able vs. Quince: Quince’s 100% Washed Leather Biker Jacket is less than half the price at $180, but that shows in the materials. Although similar in weight the Quince jacket feels thinner, and has a slightly shiny finish. It also didn’t drape as well on me, possibly due to its being so thin. Able is the better product.
Able vs. AllSaints: The leather of the $500 AllSaints Dalby Slim Fit Leather Biker Jacket is thicker and weightier. Even its zippers feel more substantial. AllSaints seems like it’s in a class of its own with its heftier jacket compared to these other brands. It’s a bit of an apples and oranges situation here.
Last Thoughts
Able Jacket c/o // Dress, secondhand // Lo & Sons Bag c/o [review] // dr. Liza Boots [review]
If you’re looking for a thick leather jacket, then the Maha isn’t it. But if you’re looking for that moto style in a lightweight jacket that’s useful for transitional weather, I recommend the Maha.
For me, the Maha is the Goldilocks of leather moto jackets. Out of the lightweight moto jackets I tried, it’s my favorite. It’s slim but not too tight. It’s slightly shorter than other brands, which works better for petite me. (Conversely, it may not work as well on the long-limbed.)
The minimal hardware makes it easy to style, as you can see from my photos. It’s classic and timeless. Throw it on over a T-shirt and jeans for a casual look or balance out the sweetness of a dress for a dressier look.
I think it’s almost perfect! Perfect would be if the sleeves had a bit more room, and were also an inch shorter. (But I recognize that’s a specific short-limbed me problem.) The Maha Leather Jacket is a versatile piece I’ll reach for again and again.
If this review has been helpful, consider shopping through my link. Thanks! And to save 35% off Able sitewide, use my coupon code WOHOLIDAY. Code may not be combined with other promotions. Valid through 12/3/24.
