Under the Hide
Intro: Why Leather Matters
At Crank & Stroker, leather isn’t a trend — it’s the core of everything we build.
We don’t source materials from big-box inventories or cut corners to hit price points.
We select our hides by hand, one at a time, to match grain, texture, and strength.
If it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t ship. It’s that simple.
There’s a lot of confusion in the market around leather terms.
We’ll clear that up — and show you why what’s under the hide matters most.
True Top Grain — Not the Fake Kind
We use true, uncorrected top grain leather — the kind that still shows real character from the hide.
That’s how it forms to your body, develops a deep patina, and lasts for years.
Most brands use corrected grain leather — heavily sanded hides with a fake texture stamped over the top to hide imperfections. It looks clean out of the box — and falls apart down the road.
When the coating breaks down, what’s underneath isn’t built to last.
We don’t correct leather.
We reject it.
Hand Selection: The C&S Difference
We don’t just say “premium leather” — we prove it through process:
- We hand-match grain and tone across each garment
- We scrap full panels that don’t meet our standards
- We’ve donated entire production runs rather than compromise
- We don’t buy what we can’t touch, inspect, or stand behind
This level of control is only possible because we own our manufacturing.
That means our standard is the only one that matters — and we hold to it with every piece we make.
Thread & Trim: Small Details, Big Impact
Leather’s only as strong as the seams that hold it.
That’s why we use bonded poly-core thread — built to perform in heat, rain, and real-world abuse.
We’ve tested dozens of alternatives. Most failed. Ours didn’t.
Every snap and zipper is authentic YKK hardware.
No off-brand trim. No zinc junk. Just gear you can trust with gloves on and grit in the wind.
Why It Feels Better
Uncorrected top grain leather has a different kind of flex.
It shapes to your body, breathes better, and never feels like a vinyl jacket trying to play tough.
It’s the real deal — from the first ride to the hundredth.
Final Word: No Shortcuts. No Excuses.
If it’s not the best, it’s not worth building. That’s the bar we set.
That’s the promise in every stitch.
You don’t need marketing gimmicks.
You need a vest or jacket that earns your respect — the same way you earned the miles behind it.
Let customers speak for us
from 846 reviewsHands down the best vest I’ve owned. This vest will be sun bleached white just like your bones before this vest begins to fray.

"Explore high-quality workwear at Addos Store, where durability and comfort come together. From protective clothing to custom-branded uniforms, we offer a wide range of apparel to suit professionals in various industries. Shop now and elevate your workday with reliable, stylish gear designed for performance."

"Whether you're a biker or not, the flannel shirts on sale here are the perfect riding buddy as well as the most splendidly tailored shirts on the market. Recommend highly. Have bought all available and one extra as a gift!"
I cancelled the order there was no date of “in stock “ it was more then 6months out.

"Amazing company thank you will be sending more guys to get vests"
"It's a great flannel shirt, my only complaint is
I wish it were longer at the bottom ....
If given the chance I would buy this same shirt again
Same exact color ."

"These shirts are awesome. Warm heavyweight and comfortable. Fits like a glove. Great product and customer service. You won't find any better shirts for the price and value. Highly recommend 👌"
"Looking forward to my 3 shirts"
"Quality at a reasonable price. You get what you paid for, I have no complaints. Fits perfectly and looks amazing. Im glad with my purchase. I definitely recommend you owning on of these Dugout Perforated Leather Jersey. Would make a great gift for that special someone in your life.
Thank you Crank & Stroker"

"The billy club is awesome. The suede is perfect. And it’s a little heavier than the other c&s vest I have. I went a size down for a fitted look. Couldn’t be happier."

"I had a few questions as it seems that my measurements were "in between" sizing and received the most helpful and honest feedback directly from Andy (Owner)... Ordered a leather vest (looking forward to receipt) and bookmarked the website for future purchases!"
"Awesome material and design put into Crank & Stroker products."