The Belstaff Douglas is a legendary piece of moto gear history. Loved by riders and celebrities alike since the 1950s, this vintage-inspired leather jacket oozes classic cool.
But does the hefty price tag accurately reflect its quality and character? And is this the best waterproof motorcycle jacket for you?
In this Belstaff Douglas jacket review, we will take a closer look at whether the Douglas lives up to Belstaff’s heritage hype.
Belstaff Douglas Jacket Review
Our Belstaff Douglas Final Verdict
I’ve been impressed with the Belstaff Douglas as a stylish, lightweight option for casual urban riding.
The rubberized fleece material is super comfortable against the skin and provides good wind resistance without feeling bulky or restrictive. I can wear it all day without feeling fatigued or overheated.
The water-resistant treatment on the fleece has held up well in light rain and road spray. While it’s not fully waterproof like a hardshell, the Douglas keeps me dry enough for short hops around town.
I really like the sleek, minimalist styling, too – it’s a jacket I can wear straight from the bike to the office or pub without looking out of place.
After using the Douglas as my daily commuter for the past few months, I’ve found it to be a versatile and comfortable option for mild-weather riding.
The CE-rated armor provides decent impact protection without sacrificing comfort or range of motion. I hardly notice I’m wearing it, which is a big plus in my book.
That said, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind.
The lightweight fleece material isn’t as abrasion-resistant as heavier-duty textile or leather, so it may not hold up as well in a slide.
I’ve also found the ventilation to be a bit lacking in hot weather – the underarm vents are pretty small and don’t flow a ton of air.
Our data shows that prices on the Belstaff Douglas Jacket can fluctuate quite a bit, especially when Revzilla.com runs special promotions. Before you buy elsewhere, I highly recommend checking their site for the latest deals.
You may be able to score this jacket at a significant discount. Plus, Revzilla offers a price match guarantee
, so you can shop with confidence, knowing you’re getting the best possible price.
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Key Takeaways
An Overview Of Belstaff Douglas
Belstaff is a prestigious British clothing company founded in 1924 that specializes in weatherproof leather and waxed cotton jackets.
Originally making outerwear for motorcyclists, Belstaff has gained a reputation for impeccable quality and craftsmanship over its near-century of operation.
The Douglas, named after aviation pioneer Donald Douglas, exemplifies Belstaff’s heritage. This snap-button leather jacket rose to popularity after being worn by Steve McQueen in the 1950s. Its clean, straight-cut design offers versatility for casual daily wear or protection on the bike.
Belstaff leverages its proprietary wax called Belwax to weatherproof the Douglas calf leather exterior.
This Waxed treatment makes the leather highly water-resistant. The Douglas features ribbed cuffs, a belted waist, a throat latch, and tartan cotton lining. It’s handcrafted in Italy from premium materials.
So, in terms of heritage credibility, Belstaff and the Douglas are delivered in spades. But let’s scrutinize whether these venerable credentials translate into a $600 jacket that outperforms expectations.
Putting The Douglas To The Test
To evaluate if the Douglas warrants its lofty price tag, we tested it hands-on during real-world motorcycle rides and daily use.
Our criteria included design, quality of materials, weather protection, comfort, versatility, and overall value. Here’s how the iconic Belstaff jacket stacked up:
Timeless Design That Evokes Vintage Cool
The Douglas nails its visual identity. The slim tapered fit, snap collar, and belted waist deliver on the vintage Moto styling promise.
Union Jack sleeve patch, brass zippers, and subtle Belstaff branding hit the heritage fashion notes. No surprises here — it’s a great-looking jacket.
Premium Construction With Minor Quibbles
The Douglas feels sturdy thanks to quality leather, tidy stitching, and solid hardware. It lacks any cheap or flimsy components.
The exceptions? The main zipper seems a bit lightweight for a motorcycle jacket, though the zipper pulls and sliders feel substantial.
Windproof and Water-Resistant Protection
Windproof and Water-Resistant Protection
The Belstaff Douglas offers solid windproofing and water resistance to keep you comfortable in unpredictable weather.
The outer shell is made from a rubberized fleece material that Belstaff calls “exploded fleece”. This unique fabric has a closed-cell structure that blocks wind from cutting through.
On top of the windproof fleece, the Douglas has a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment. When rain hits the jacket, you’ll see it bead up and roll right off rather than soaking in. This DWR coating provides good water resistance for light to moderate