Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about Skinner & Vale jackets, gilets, bespoke commissions and personalisation. Can't find what you need? Contact us.

How do I order a bespoke custom jacket from Skinner & Vale?

Bespoke commissions start in our 3D Customiser at skinnerandvale.com — choose your base jacket or gilet, pick the denim wash, hardware, badges and personalised text, then submit your design. Each commission is hand-made to order in the UK from upcycled denim, vegan leather and reclaimed fabrics. Lead time is typically 3 to 6 weeks depending on the complexity of the build and the materials selected. After you submit your design you'll receive a confirmation email; we may contact you to refine any details before production begins. Custom text is charged at £10 per word, and each uploaded custom badge is £10.

Are Skinner & Vale jackets made in the UK?

Yes. Every Skinner & Vale jacket and gilet is hand-made in the United Kingdom. We source materials from UK suppliers wherever possible, including reclaimed and upcycled denim, vegan leather panels and reclaimed tweed. Because each piece is constructed by hand from a mix of salvaged and new materials, no two Skinner & Vale jackets are ever identical — each is a one-off, signed off by the maker before despatch.

What materials are used in a Skinner & Vale jacket or gilet?

Skinner & Vale pieces are built from a mix of: upcycled denim (the structural body of every jacket and gilet); vegan leather panels (for accents, collars and contrasting yokes); reclaimed boucle tweed (for textural panels and pocket flaps); and solid metal dome studs and hardware. Some pieces include additional accents such as diamanté, embroidery, or hand-applied designer badges from our forty-three-piece curated badge library. The exact mix varies per piece — view any individual product page for its specific material breakdown.

How do I know what size to order?

Skinner & Vale jackets and gilets run true to standard UK sizing. We cut with a tailored shoulder and a relaxed body so the jacket sits cleanly over a t-shirt or knitwear without restricting movement. If you prefer a more fitted look — closer to the body, sleeves shorter — size down by one. For a more oversized streetwear silhouette, take your usual size. A full size guide with measurements in centimetres is available on every product page via the View Size Chart link. If you're between sizes or building a bespoke commission, contact us directly and we can advise.

What's the difference between a ready-to-ship Skinner & Vale jacket and a bespoke commission?

Our ready-to-ship range consists of one-off jackets and gilets in stock and available in sizes XS through XL — each is photographed individually and ships within 2 to 3 working days of order. A bespoke commission is fully custom: you design the piece in our 3D Customiser (or contact us directly for fully one-to-one builds) choosing your own colour palette, badge configuration, custom text and material mix. Bespoke commissions are made to order, take 3 to 6 weeks to produce, and arrive as a piece designed solely for you.

Are Skinner & Vale jackets sustainable?

Sustainability sits at the centre of what we do. The denim body of every Skinner & Vale jacket and gilet is upcycled — sourced from reclaimed denim that would otherwise have entered waste streams. Tweed accents, hardware and embellishments are likewise reclaimed or sourced from small UK suppliers where possible. Because every piece is hand-made from salvaged material, no two are identical, and the construction is built to last decades rather than seasons. Vegan leather is used in place of animal leather throughout the range.

How should I care for my Skinner & Vale jacket?

Skinner & Vale jackets are dry clean only. The mixed-media construction — upcycled denim, boucle tweed, vegan leather panels, metal hardware, and (on some pieces) diamanté or hand-applied badges — does not tolerate domestic washing. A professional dry cleaner experienced with mixed-fabric garments will preserve the structural integrity, prevent colour migration between fabric types, and protect the hardware and embellishments. Spot-clean small marks with a dry cloth between cleans. Store hanging in a breathable garment bag away from direct sunlight.

Can I get a jacket personalised with my name or a custom badge?

Yes. Our 3D Customiser supports two kinds of personalisation. Custom text — add your name, initials or a short phrase to be embroidered onto your jacket; £10 per word. Custom badges — choose from our forty-three-piece curated designer badge library, OR upload your own image for a one-off hand-applied badge at £10 per badge. You can combine multiple badges on a single jacket and position them anywhere on the design. All personalisation is added by hand by our makers in the UK before despatch.