Golden Bear review

Golden Bear is the pick for a US-made bomber with a long local history. The brand says it began making hard-wearing coats for San Francisco longshoremen in 1922, and its homepage says its jackets are handcrafted in San Francisco. The leather jackets page includes naked cowhide, horsehide and goat suede in bomber, biker, raglan and dockworker cuts, plus leather and wool varsity jackets. The Ashbury in black leather was $1,250 at full price, and the Pacific MA-1 leather bomber and the Weldon were $1,295. Product pages are specific: the Waterfront lists premium naked cowhide, a 2-way zipper, adjustable side buckles and a cotton chambray body lining. Several styles, including the horsehide Lodi, were marked 30% off when we checked. Prices sit above Schott's entry Perfecto, shipments need a signature, and the site gives less detail on leather weights.

Who it is for

buyers who want a US-made bomber or varsity-style leather jacket

Price

Leather jackets from $1,250 at full price; some styles on sale.

THE ASHBURY - Black Leather Contemporary Fit $1,250.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Jackets handcrafted in San Francisco
• Leathers include naked cowhide, horsehide and goat suede
• Bomber, biker, dockworker, raglan and varsity styles
• Waterfront dockworker style has a 2-way zipper and cotton chambray body lining
• Leather and wool varsity jackets alongside all-leather styles

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Made in San Francisco, where the brand has worked since 1922
• Strength: Several jackets were 30% off when we checked, such as the Lodi in horsehide
• Strength: Contemporary, classic and slim fits
• Weakness: Full-price leather jackets we saw started at $1,250
• Weakness: All shipments require a signature on delivery
• Weakness: The leather range is smaller than Schott's

Key facts

• Founded: 1922, San Francisco
• Made in: San Francisco
• Cheapest full-price jacket seen: The Ashbury, $1,250
• Hides: Naked cowhide, horsehide, goat suede
• Fits: Contemporary, classic, slim

Where it ranks

Golden Bear is No. 5 in our Best Leather Jacket Brands verdict.