GRAN ORIENTE Faux Leather Jacket Review: Worth it?

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I hit a wall every winter with my wardrobe. I call it the “Michelin Man Effect.” To stay warm, I usually have to sacrifice every ounce of style, burying myself in shapeless, bulky puffer jackets. I feel like a walking sleeping bag. I wanted a coat that actually had a shape—something that looked like an outfit, not just a shield against the wind. I wanted drama. I wanted a waistline.

I started looking for vintage-style coats, the kind with cinched waists and big collars that you see in 1950s movies. However, I didn’t want to deal with the maintenance of real vintage fur or the price tag of genuine leather. That search led me to the GRAN ORIENTE Faux Leather Jacket with Faux Fur Collar.

It looked incredibly glamorous in the photos, almost too good to be true for an Amazon find. I ordered it with a healthy dose of skepticism, fully expecting it to look like a plastic Halloween costume. I’ve been wearing it for the past three weeks to see if it’s actually wearable or just good for a photo op.

The Unboxing: The “Smell” Test

Let’s address the elephant in the room with affordable faux leather: the smell. When I first opened the package, there was a distinct chemical scent. It smells a bit like a new shower curtain. This is standard for PU (polyurethane) leather that has been sealed in plastic for transit. I hung it outside on my covered porch for 24 hours, and the smell dissipated completely. If you plan to wear this the moment it arrives for a big event, don’t. Give it a day to air out.

Once the scent cleared, I examined the texture. The faux leather is surprisingly soft. It has a matte finish rather than that cheap, high-gloss shine that screams “plastic.” It feels supple, not stiff or crinkly.

How It Solved My Style Rut

Putting this jacket on was a transformative experience compared to my usual winter gear. Here is how it performed in the real world.

1. The Hourglass Silhouette

The cut of this jacket is aggressive in the best way. It is a true peplum. It fits tight against the torso and then flares out at the hips. When you tie the belt, it forces an hourglass shape even if you don’t naturally have one. I wore this over a simple black turtleneck and jeans, and suddenly I looked like I put massive effort into my appearance. It completely elevates a basic outfit.

2. The Fur Factor

The faux fur collar is the showstopper. It is thick, dense, and fluffy. I was worried it would look matted or sparse, but it actually has a nice bounce to it. It’s also removable. I tested taking it off for a milder day, and the jacket looks like a sleek, edgy biker coat without it. It’s essentially two coats in one.

3. Wind Protection

I wore this on a windy 40-degree night. While faux leather doesn’t insulate like down feathers, it is excellent at blocking wind. The material is non-porous. The wind didn’t cut through it at all. However, because it lacks thick internal padding, you rely on the faux fur lining for warmth. It’s warm enough for a dinner date or walking from the car to the office, but I wouldn’t wear it for a two-hour hike in the snow.

⚠️ It’s Not Perfect: The Downsides

While I love the look, there are functional issues you need to be aware of.

Restricted Arm Movement: This is a fitted garment. The armholes are cut high and tight to maintain that sleek look. I found that I couldn’t raise my arms straight above my head without the whole jacket lifting up. Driving was fine, but if you have to reach for things on high shelves or plan on dancing wildly, you might feel restricted. If you have broad shoulders or thick upper arms, you must size up.

The Belt Buckle is Decorative: The belt comes with a buckle, but the faux leather is slippery. I found that the buckle slid loose constantly. The better way to wear it—and honestly the more stylish way—is to ditch the buckle mechanism and just knot the belt tightly around your waist. It stays secure that way.

Fur Shedding: For the first two wears, I found little black hairs on my white sweater. The faux fur sheds a bit initially. I recommend taking a lint roller to the collar before you wear it over light-colored clothing.

Pros & Cons Breakdown

Why It Beats the “Old Way”

I compared this to two other staples in my closet: a real leather jacket and a wool trench coat.

Vs. Real Leather: A real leather jacket with this amount of material (the flare, the length) would cost a fortune and be incredibly heavy. Real leather is also high maintenance—you can’t wear it in the rain without worrying. This GRAN ORIENTE jacket is water-resistant. If it rains, I just wipe it off. It gives the leather “look” without the leather anxiety.

Vs. The Wool Trench: My wool coat is warm, but it attracts lint, dog hair, and dust like a magnet. This faux leather jacket repels everything. I can hug my dog and not look like a fuzzball afterwards.

Fit and Sizing Advice

This is crucial: This jacket runs small. It is Asian sizing designed for a very slim frame. I am usually a Medium, but I ordered a Large to accommodate a sweater underneath, and I am glad I did. It fits perfectly in the Large. If you are between sizes, go up. If you are busty, go up two sizes, or the zipper will not close over your chest.

Final Recommendation

The GRAN ORIENTE Faux Leather Jacket is not a survival coat for the Arctic tundra. It is a fashion piece designed to make you feel polished and feminine in the dead of winter.

You should buy this if:

• You are tired of boxy winter coats and want to show off your waist.
• You want a “statement piece” for holiday parties or date nights.
• You live in a climate with wet winters (rain/sleet) where wool gets soggy.
• You are on a budget but want the “rich aunt” aesthetic.

Skip this if:

• You have very broad shoulders or muscular arms (the fit will annoy you).
• You need a coat for sub-zero temperatures.
• You are sensitive to synthetic fabrics that don’t breathe well.

For me, it solved the problem of feeling frumpy in January. It’s fun, it’s dramatic, and it keeps the wind out.