Leather is one of the most popular things at Ava Vintage. In our shop on Weserstraße in Neukölln you'll find vintage leather and motorcycle jackets, leather coats, vests and trousers, plus leather bags, belts and shoes – for women and men, from the 70s to the Y2K era. Every piece is picked, checked and cleaned by hand.
The best way to find yours is to drop by and try a few on: vintage sizes vary, and we're happy to help you find the right fit.
Leather jackets are the heart of our leather selection. Two cuts come up again and again – which one suits you depends on how you want to wear it.
You'll know a biker jacket by its diagonal zip, wide lapels and short cut, often with a belt at the waist. First made for motorcyclists, it fits close to the body and is cut from heavy leather. Proper motorcycle jackets often add padding at the shoulders and elbows. Both work with jeans and a T-shirt just as well as with a dress.
Blousons and bombers have a relaxed fit and stop at the hip, usually with ribbed cuffs and hem. They're comfortable, leave room for a jumper underneath and feel more casual than a biker. Pieces from the 80s and 90s often come with broad shoulders and a generous cut.
Brands you might find here: Avirex, Schott NYC, Harley-Davidson, Belstaff, Uncle Sam, Route 66.
A leather coat falls past the hip, often down to the knee. It keeps the wind out and, with a thick jumper underneath, gets you through a Berlin autumn and winter. Three-quarter lengths are easier for everyday wear; long coats look more polished.
With coats, pay extra attention to the shoulders – they're very hard to alter later. Sleeve length, on the other hand, is something a tailor can often adjust.
A leather vest is the easiest way into leather: wear it over a shirt, tee or jumper, and with no sleeves to worry about, it almost always fits. With jeans and boots it looks relaxed; over a shirt, more classic.
Leather trousers usually start out snug and give with wear. So try them on a little close-fitting – but make sure you can sit down comfortably.
Looked after well, leather bags and belts last for decades – and often get better with age. Our bag shelves hold leather bags in all shapes and colours, plus leather belts.
With leather shoes and boots, check the sole and heel: a cobbler can replace both as long as the upper is in good shape.
Shoes and boots from Dr. Martens and Sancho, among others – from cowboy and western boots to biker and engineer boots.
With vintage, the size on the label is only a rough guide. Sizing has changed over the decades, and the same size can fit very differently depending on the country and the brand. A size L from the 80s might fit like a medium today – or the other way round.
Two things matter more than the number: shoulders and sleeves. The shoulder seam should sit roughly on the edge of your shoulder bone. Too far in and the jacket pulls every time you move; too far out and it quickly looks too big – unless that oversized look is exactly what you're after. With your arms relaxed, the sleeves should reach about to your wrist.
Leather gives a little over time and moulds to your body. A piece that feels slightly snug – but not uncomfortable – the first time often fits just right after a few weeks. Shoulders that are too narrow won't get any wider, though.
In the shop you can try on women's and men's sizes from XS to XXL. Wear the jacket the way you plan to – with a hoodie or jumper if it needs to see you through winter. Lift your arms, do up the zip and check you can move freely. We'll tell you honestly how it fits.
Opening hours and directions are on our visit page.
Not everything that looks like leather actually is. A few quick checks you can do yourself:
Age gives it away as well: real leather develops a patina over the years and softens. Faux leather ages differently – the surface cracks and peels.
We stock both real and faux leather – just ask and we'll tell you which is which.
Treat it right and a leather jacket can last for many years. The essentials:
Dab stains with a soft, slightly damp cloth – no soap or harsh cleaners. For stubborn stains, take it to a leather cleaner.
Small scratches and signs of wear are part of vintage. They give a piece its character, and a little care often makes them less visible.
Yes, you can pay by card or cash.
Women's and men's sizes from XS to XXL. Vintage sizes vary, so trying on is best.
Yes: bring an undamaged piece back within 24 hours and you'll get a store voucher.
Yes, you can try everything on in the shop.
Leather is just one part of what we carry – see everything else on the home page.
| Monday – Friday | 12 pm – 8 pm |
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| Saturday | 11 am – 8 pm |
| Sunday | closed |
