Where can I get a copy/replica of my jacket?

randan · Dec 2, 2016

Hi there

I was searching the internet for information about bespoke/custom leather jackets these days, and many links led to the Fedora Lounge, that’s why I became a member here. I have a specific question und would be very glad if the community could help me out.

I have a cotton “Harrington” jacket from Baracuta, and I am looking for a european leather manufacturer where I could have made a replica of this jacket in leather. I asked Wested Leather and Aero Leather but they don’t offer such a service at the moment. Furthermore I asked Simmons Bilt Leather (I am aware about the controversy about this company) but haven’t heard from them so far. There is also Magnoli Clothiers who copy existing jackets but they are based in New Zealand.
Is there any other recommended leather company (preferably in Europe) where I could send my existing Baracuta cotton jacket as a pattern to have it reproduced in leather?

Thank you in advance.

PS: I know that Baracuta offer the jacket in leather as well, but IMHO at a very steep price, therefore I am looking for a custom jacket.

John_Z · Dec 2, 2016

randan said:
Hi there

I was searching the internet for information about bespoke/custom leather jackets these days, and many links led to the Fedora Lounge, that’s why I became a member here. I have a specific question und would be very glad if the community could help me out.

I have a cotton “Harrington” jacket from Baracuta, and I am looking for a european leather manufacturer where I could have made a replica of this jacket in leather. I asked Wested Leather and Aero Leather but they don’t offer such a service at the moment. Furthermore I asked Simmons Bilt Leather (I am aware about the controversy about this company) but haven’t heard from them so far. There is also Magnoli Clothiers who copy existing jackets but they are based in New Zealand.
Is there any other recommended leather company (preferably in Europe) where I could send my existing Baracuta cotton jacket as a pattern to have it reproduced in leather?

Thank you in advance.

PS: I know that Baracuta offer the jacket in leather as well, but IMHO at a very steep price, therefore I am looking for a custom jacket.

By sheer coincidence I have long been looking for someone who could copy one of mine in a POW check cloth for me. I too have considered Magnoli but, being in the UK would prefer someone closer.

A leather Harrington, for me, just wouldn't be 'right' but I wish you luck in your quest, although I can be of no help in that whatsoever I'm afraid.

Seb Lucas · Dec 2, 2016

Magnoli's things are made in Asia so the fact they are based in NZ isn't really an issue. Plenty of American customers.

Having one made will be as much or more than paying for an original in leather, surely?

AdeeC · Dec 3, 2016

Though not in Europe, you can try Steve Sellers from the US who posts here as Steve S. Makes great jackets, is very flexible and comfortable with one off projects. Very agreeable person to deal with. Has made jackets for members here including myself.

John_Z · Dec 3, 2016

Seb Lucas said:
Magnoli's things are made in Asia so the fact they are based in NZ isn't really an issue. Plenty of American customers.

Having one made will be as much or more than paying for an original in leather, surely?

Clothes of Asian origin have no appeal to me. Smacks of cheaply made, poor quality clothing sold for extortionately marked-up prices. Like the offerings of most high street fashion outlets of today.

Also neither of us are American prospective customers. We are both located Europe it would seem. Thanks for the input anyways.

Seb Lucas · Dec 3, 2016

John_Z said:
Clothes of Asian origin have no appeal to me. Smacks of cheaply made, poor quality clothing sold for extortionately marked-up prices. Like the offerings of most high street fashion outlets of today.

Also neither of us are American prospective customers. We are both located Europe it would seem. Thanks for the input anyways.

Asian made leather garments can be of magnificent quality. Certainly not cheap or mall quality. Korean and Japanese leathers are some of the best.

l0fielectronic · Dec 3, 2016

If it were me, and you really like the fit/cut of the Baracuta then I would tend to wait for the post Christmas sales. Looking at the pricing and the retailers selling them I would imagine they will be in the sales with 40%-50% off if you get lucky on size and availability.

randan · Dec 4, 2016

Hi all

thank you for your answers.

First, i know that for some a Harrington jacket in leather is a no go. I am aware of that. I just really like the style/fit of these jackets and having one in leather would be the best of two worlds for me.

The reason I am looking for a European company and not for one from Asia or American is, that I think it would be easier to send my cotton jacket within Europe to a leather manufacturer so that they can reproduce it from my jacket directly than taking the measurements from my Baracuta myself and transmit them overseas (I have no clue how to measure a garment). Furthermore I would not have to deal with customs if I would buy in Europe etc.

I know, that a custom jacket will be quite expensive. But I think also, that the Baracuta leather jackets that one can buy are expensive for what you get, because in my eyes it's more a fashion piece where the brand name is responsable for the high price tag.

Thanks as welll for the information about Steve Sellers and the advise for waiting for a Baracuta sale - I am considering this as an option as well.

zebedee · Dec 4, 2016

Simmons Bilt might do it. They're doing a replica of one of my jackets now. Although they receive a lot of negative comment here, I have found dealing with them to be a pleasure.

randan · Dec 4, 2016

That's great news! How did you proceed? Did you send them your original jacket or just its measurements?

Fanch · Dec 4, 2016

When I looked at the Harrington images, I noted that your jacket is made with raglan sleeves and also has a mandarin two-button collar arrangement. The jacket you present is a cloth jacket, and I question how such a pattern made from leather might drape and function. Personally I would be hesitant to proceed with a leather jacket based on this pattern and would tend go with an already established pattern that is similar in look, such as an A-1, A-2, Langlitz flight jacket, "Happy Days" etc. Just my thoughts ...

Seb Lucas · Dec 4, 2016

Not European, but O'Connell's Clothing in Buffalo NY make a special Baracuta in goat. It's US made.

zebedee · Dec 4, 2016

I sent them the original as it's a good fit. Wested Leather could also do it for you, but I have found that communication with them is very hit and miss. Contact Debs at Simmons Bilt and see what they can do. As I say, I found them really helpful and the process from initial enquiry to production has been relatively quick.

El Marro · Dec 4, 2016

Seb Lucas said:
Not European, but O'Connell's Clothing in Buffalo NY make a special Baracuta in goat. It's US made.

That looks like a very nice version of the Baracuta in leather.

randan · Dec 5, 2016

Thank you guys for all replys.

@Fanch: I see your point. I just checked with the Baracuta website, they offer a leather Harrington with raglan sleeves as well as a version with standard sleeves. I think it depends all on the thickness of leather how the jacket will drape and function.

The O'Connels Baracuta Harrington looks indeed great, but i would be just too big for my. I am a tiny guy and wear size 36...

I did contact Wested Leather some time ago, they are not doing full custom services at the moment.

I just got a mail from Debs from Simmons Bilt. They are able to duplicate my jacket. I just ordered some leather swatches. I keep you guys updated on this project.

zebedee · Dec 6, 2016

From the original arriving at Simmons Bilt (as the dimensions are the same because the original is a good fit no measurements were needed) to cutting and now production, I think the time has been six or seven weeks. Considering that they had to wait for a hide delivery, that's pretty good, I think.

randan · Dec 6, 2016

Wow that's quick! Great to hear.

John_Z · Dec 6, 2016

I saw this & thought of you. http://www.nymp.co.uk/g9-leather-harrington-jacket-p-392.html. Obviously Chinese or similar but if you can live with the extra seams over & above that of a cloth jacket it looks pretty good at the price. At least it has the period raglan sleeves & open 'umbrella' vented back yoke.

John_Z · Dec 7, 2016

Here's another somewhat truer to an original. Made & sold by a UK company. A fair bit pricier though. http://www.wearwolf.co.uk/acatalog/mens-leather-harrington-jacket.html

randan · Dec 7, 2016

@John_Z: thank you for the links. The first one looks somehow suspect, the second one i did find myself while browsing the web.
It looks like I am not the only one, interested in a leather Harrington jacket. Today I got a mail from weargustin.com, they will produce a suede Harrington if they can rise enough funds to do so. The jacket does look nice IMHO.

https://www.weargustin.com/store/4580

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