Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Leather Jackets & Police Gear in Streamwood, IL
For over half a century, Nate's Leather & Police Equipment has dedicated itself to crafting premium protective gear and custom leather apparel for law enforcement professionals. Founded in 1958 by WWII veteran Nate Chernoff, our company built its reputation on unwavering quality and service to Chicago's police departments. We specialize in handcrafted leather police jackets that meet rigorous safety standards, featuring protective properties against contaminants and bodily fluids. Our manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern ballistic technology to create durable, functional uniforms that often last decades.As a family-owned business now led by President Josh Chernoff, we maintain strict quality control over every product, from tailored police jackets to custom load-bearing vest carriers. Our commitment extends beyond manufacturingwe offer comprehensive repair services for duty holsters and leather gear, ensuring long-term value for our clients. With on-site tailoring capabilities and nationwide distribution, we work directly with law enforcement agencies to meet exact specifications while maintaining our founding principle: providing superior protection through meticulous craftsmanship.
Services
Custom Police Jackets
Leather Repair
Body Armor Vests
Load Bearing Vests
Concealed Carry Jackets
Riot Gear
Leather Holsters
Motorcycle Vests
Uniform Alterations
Ballistic Protection
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of specialized experience serving law enforcement professionals
- Handcrafted products with materials that resist blood, saliva, and contaminants
- Custom tailoring to meet exact department specifications
- On-site manufacturing and quality control oversight
- Nationwide service with local craftsmanship heritage
Services
Custom Police Jackets
Handcrafted leather police jackets with official patches and buttons. Features protective materials that resist contaminants and bodily fluids. Includes tailored sizing options for perfect fit and comfort during duty shifts.
Body Armor Vests
Level II and IIIA pre-worn bulletproof vests meeting safety standards. Available in custom configurations with molle webbing and pouch systems. Provides reliable protection for law enforcement and security personnel.
Leather Repair
Professional repair services for duty holsters, jackets, and leather equipment. Restores worn gear to extend service life. Uses matching materials to maintain original quality and appearance.
Load Bearing Vests
Custom external vest carriers with modular pouch configurations. Designed to department specifications with sewn-on or molle-compatible attachments. Durable construction for daily operational demands.
Concealed Carry Jackets
Specially designed jackets with integrated gun pockets. Combines discreet carry options with protective materials. Available in civilian styles without official department patches.
People
Josh Chernoff
President
Third-generation leader of Nate's Leather & Police Equipment. Oversees operations and client relations while maintaining family commitment to quality. Brings decades of industry experience to product development and customer service.
Questions
Do you offer custom sizing for police jackets?
Yes, we provide made-to-measure jackets with alterations available for sleeve length, coat size, and specific department requirements.
What protection levels do your bulletproof vests offer?
We carry Level II and Level IIIA pre-worn vests meeting NIJ standards, with optional Level IV rifle plates available.
Can you repair older duty gear?
Yes, we specialize in restoring worn holsters and leather equipment to extend their service life at significant cost savings.
Are your products made in the USA?
All our leather goods are handcrafted in our Streamwood, Illinois facility using domestic materials.
Do you serve agencies outside Chicago?
Yes, while we started serving Chicago PD, we now provide gear to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
What materials do you use for protective gear?
We use specially treated leathers that resist blood, bodily fluids, and common contaminants while maintaining durability.
Reviews (6)
Mike Collins
Jan 13, 2022
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Josh @ Nates leather is great! He measured me and made for me a custom fit Police leather jacket! The jacket is awesome, it fits great, looks and feels awesome! It is not cheap, very thick nice grade of leather! Should last 20-30 years! I get lots of compliments on the jacket all the time, I highly recommend Nates Leather and their custom made police jackets; you will not be disappointed!
Larry Sklodowski
Jan 11, 2022
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I bought my Nates police leather in 1995 and retired in 1998.I still have it and it looks like it's brand new.And I'm retired 24 yrs.My first names I got in 1969 and had it til I bought my new one in 95.
Dawid Bonarek
Nov 18, 2021
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Went into Nate's looking for a leather jacket for work. I was amazed at the quality of their custom work, when they pulled out a vintage jacket from the back that was the perfect size, I fell in love. The jacket fit like a glove, they customized it with my department patches and buttons, and I went home with a piece of history. Can't wait to wear the jacket for many years to come! Highly recommend. Thank you!
Max Ostrowski
Aug 17, 2021
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I highly recommend Nate's Leather for anyone looking for a vest carrier or jacket. Nate's is reasonably priced, extremely fast (much faster than any other Police store) and offers excellent customer service. Josh was fantastic to deal with and was extremely helpful!
Stephen Litchfield
Jul 30, 2021
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Josh and his team did quick and quality work on my motorcycle vest, adding patches and correcting mistakes made by another company that claimed to do leather work. Highly recommend Nates and will use them again!
Robert Crudele
Jun 05, 2021
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I called Nates and I spoke to Josh. He said he could make me the jacket I wanted I just needed to give him the details and my measurements over the phone .Of course I had some reservations but I provided all my information. A month later Josh called me with some questions and said my jacket would be shipped in a few days. Well I received my jacket and it far surpassed any and all my expectations.
This is by far the most superior leather jacket I have ever seen. It's thick and sturdy and warm but flexible and lighter than other police leathers. The inside is awesome pockets and lining it has it
This is by far the most superior leather jacket I have ever seen. It's thick and sturdy and warm but flexible and lighter than other police leathers. The inside is awesome pockets and lining it has it