The Leather Jacket Thread

[Cold Summer]

That's exactly why I went with an A-2 instead of a double rider style jacket. I would have felt like a poser.

[Maynard Friedman]

So now you can pretend to own a WW2 plane rather than a motorbike 

[Cold Summer]

I was a little worried about that, but I got around it by purchasing an immaculate, fully-operational replica of a B-29 (fastidiously made by Japanese artisans in the mountains of Yamagata prefecture.)

Edited November 6, 2019 by Cold Summer

[Maynard Friedman]

Phew! I was hoping you’d say that so I can take you seriously again.

[bartlebyyphonics]

On 11/5/2019 at 8:33 PM, Broark said:

It's more evident on some jackets than others I've noticed.

 

another from delutoro - not maxi-mix, but a nice one nonetheless...

 

[Maynard Friedman]

Those 2 different grains are playing havoc with my OCD!

[dudewuttheheck]

8 hours ago, Cold Summer said:

That's exactly why I went with an A-2 instead of a double rider style jacket. I would have felt like a poser.

This is also in part why I went with the Sunset from freewheelers to satisfy my cross zip craving. I really doubt anyone is going to confuse me for an actual biker or poser-biker wearing a yellow-orange deerskin jacket with button cuffs.

[mpukas]

6 hours ago, Maynard Friedman said:

Those 2 different grains are playing havoc with my OCD!

Mine too. I'm getting that uncontrollable twitch again... 

[DoitsuJin]

8 hours ago, dudewuttheheck said:

This is also in part why I went with the Sunset from freewheelers to satisfy my cross zip craving. I really doubt anyone is going to confuse me for an actual biker or poser-biker wearing a yellow-orange deerskin jacket with button cuffs.

kind of on topic, but this real mccoy x lewis leathers deerskin is my grail jacket.  too bad it has no place in my budget at the moment...

 

http://www.realmccoys.co.jp/blog/shop/2019/03/lewis-leathers-supermonza.html

[JDelage]

IMHO, the perfecto works much better in brown, especially for those of us who are not actual desperado bikers.... Then again, I think black is overrated.

[Aries]

I agree, though very late, the 'James' is a much more versatile wear.

Speaking of, my Flathead Rider and Racer jackets have been worn quite a lot these past few months, thought whilst I have a decent camera in my hands I'd snap some pics.

First 3 pics are of the Rider, next 3 are of the racer. Stitching is immaculate throughout, as you might expect.

I have to say, even for Shinki leather, the Rider leather is on some other planet.

The extra "greasing" process Flathead put this one through (if anyone speaks Japanese - https://www.flat-head.com/items/srj-07c/ ) has resulted in just the juiciest leather I've ever handled, and I've been to Tokyo and handled, bought and worn tonnes of Shinki.

The Racer leather is also gorgeous; a much more familiar Shinki kind of leather for those who've owned any.

Edited November 10, 2019 by Aries

[Double 0 Soul]

Ive had a FW's Brakeman for a good few years now, ive found the sleeves to be in proportion, well maybe 1/2" too long to allow for a bit of stacking, those Rakuten staff have def sized it wrong

I haven't had an issue with single origin sleeve dunkage but that's mainly because im an un-cultured Nescafe Gold Blend kind of fellow...

Edited November 10, 2019 by Double 0 Soul

[MJF9]

Pleased to see faith in the Brakeman sizing restored and coffee dunking fears addressed! Great fit. 

 

Edited November 10, 2019 by MJF9

[MJF9]

@Aries I keep coming back to look at your Rider's leather - great shots - it looks superb.

[Aries]

19 minutes ago, MJF9 said:

@Aries I keep coming back to look at your Rider's leather - great shots - it looks superb.

Ha yeah I understand. I’ve felt all the best shinki, from Freewheelers to RMC and other brands using it, and this particular process Flathead put it through just takes it to another level, the grain and feel in person is insane; one of those where you have slightly strange situations with friends asking to touch you because of your jacket.

[Maynard Friedman]

I thought Nescafe Gold Blend was the height of culture.

[Bobbo]

I've been thinking of getting a B3-jacket, or something like it. Any tips of what brands to look at? 

[MJF9]

^^ Back in  the '93 TV ad, the still unresolved question is was it the Nescafe or really the denim shirt that made the lady so curious?

(Excuse the jovial interjection Bobbo)

[MJF9]

3 hours ago, Aries said:

slightly strange situations with friends asking to touch you because of your jacket.

Ha ha yes I bet

Edited November 10, 2019 by MJF9

[mpukas]

@Broark - whut up w/ ur jacket search at SESF? 

[Iron Horse]

On 11/10/2019 at 7:36 PM, Maynard Friedman said:

I thought Nescafe Gold Blend was the height of culture.

My Nescafe Barista that I had to lug all the way back from Sapporo agrees.

[greathoudini]

On 11/10/2019 at 1:35 PM, Bobbo said:

I've been thinking of getting a B3-jacket, or something like it. Any tips of what brands to look at? 

Same here. I like the avirex ones so far but I'm still undecided.

[Broark]

22 hours ago, mpukas said:

@Broark - whut up w/ ur jacket search at SESF? 

So it turns out the jacket did not fit sadly. Sleeves and shoulders were perfect, but the midsection and chest were too snug. Kiya said he could ask if they’d make me a custom 48. I also got to meet the Fine Creek guys which was really cool. They’re super nice guys, and I’d love to own a leather jacket made by them.

[Max Power]

Evo on my FCL jacket is beginning. It's the 2mm Leon. 

Edited November 29, 2019 by Max Power

[dudewuttheheck]

Looks great @Max Power! Can't wait to see it in two years. It's going to be incredible.

Edited November 29, 2019 by dudewuttheheck

[Max Power]

2 hours ago, dudewuttheheck said:

Looks great @Max Power! Can't wait to see it in two years. It's going to be incredible.

Thank you! It definitely ages faster than my Flathead jacket. 

[dudewuttheheck]

8 hours ago, Max Power said:

Thank you! It definitely ages faster than my Flathead jacket. 

Yeah, the Flat Head jackets with tea core don't seem to age too quickly. There are other Shinki hides that get into the tea core very quickly, but not all. The Fine Creek jackets do seem to start fading to brown almost immediately.

What I like about it is that it's not chipping off like some tea core finishes, but instead is more smoothly and naturally fading to brown.

[Max Power]

You're totally right. My Iron Heart jacket stays pretty dark but gets super light in areas with friction. The FCL just seems to fade to brown smoothly overall. 

[dudewuttheheck]

15 minutes ago, Max Power said:

You're totally right. My Iron Heart jacket stays pretty dark but gets super light in areas with friction. The FCL just seems to fade to brown smoothly overall. 

Yeah all my tea core jackets have been like your Iron Heart jacket. They all chip away to a light color underneath.

I think I have seen some leathers similar to the FCL jacket, including shinki. 

This Shinki jacket, for example, appears to have aged similarly to how yours is aging. 

 

[Max Power]

^that was the reason I got me a FH jacket. Awesome piece. Mine is nowhere near that yet.