New Womens ladies Genuine Real Leather Braided Black Waistcoat Gillette Vest
The braiding is what sets this waistcoat apart. Narrow strips of the same leather are woven by hand into a braid that runs along the front edges and around the yoke, so the detail is worked into the garment rather than stitched on top of it. It is a western technique, done properly it takes hours, and it is the difference between a plain black vest and one that reads as made rather than manufactured.
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Material: Genuine real leather with hand-braided detail
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Fit: Shaped womens fit
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Closure: Front fastening
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Color: Black
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Care: Dry cloth, do not pull at the braiding, condition twice a year
How the braiding is made
Thin strips are cut from the same hide as the vest, then woven into a flat braid and set into the seam line rather than glued to the surface. Setting it into the seam is the important part: braid applied on top of a panel catches, lifts at the ends and eventually comes away. Braid anchored in a seam is held at both edges and stays put.
Because it is hand work, the braid pattern is consistent but not machine-identical from one vest to the next. That is normal on braided leather and is how you tell hand braiding from an embossed imitation.
Where it runs
Along both front edges and around the yoke across the chest and shoulders. Those lines follow the structure of the vest, so the braid emphasises the shape rather than cutting across it. The back panel below the yoke is left plain.
The leather and build
Genuine leather chosen firm enough to hold its shape at the shoulders and to take the braiding without the seam distorting. Braid puts load on the seam it sits in, so those seams are reinforced.
Seams are double stitched, armholes are bound rather than left raw, and there is an interior pocket.
Fit and styling
Shaped womens fit with higher armholes so the vest stays on the shoulder. Take your normal size over a top or fine knit, and size up if a thicker layer is going underneath.
Because the braiding already gives the vest its detail, keep everything else plain — a simple shirt or knit, jeans or a skirt, boots. It suits western styling naturally but works without that reference too. See the rest of our Women Leather Vests, or our Women Leather Jackets for sleeves.
Sizes and made to order
Each waistcoat is cut and braided after you order. Standard sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL and 5XL, plus Custom — send chest, waist and back length after checkout at no extra charge. Hand braiding adds real production time over a plain vest. Free worldwide shipping and secure checkout are included.
Shop Related Styles at Leather Outlet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the braiding real leather?
Yes, cut from the same hide as the vest and woven by hand, not embossed or printed to look braided.
Is the braid glued on?
No. It is set into the seam line and anchored at both edges, which is why it does not lift or catch.
Will the braiding come loose?
Not with normal wear. Avoid pulling at it and the seams it sits in are reinforced to carry the load.
Is each vest identical?
The pattern is the same, but hand braiding varies very slightly between pieces. That is how you tell it from a machine-embossed imitation.
What size should I order?
Your normal size over a top or fine knit, one size up for a thicker layer. Custom sizing is free.
How long does it take to make?
Longer than a plain vest, because the braiding is hand work. Free shipping is included and tracking is emailed on dispatch.
How do I care for it?
Wipe with a dry cloth, avoid pulling at the braid, and condition twice a year. Never machine wash or dry clean.
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