Cal-Leather

[Americanaaa Mark]

I just found out that this brand is still in business. I feel silly. I've only seen their jackets on ebay.

It seems like they are pretty low key and not as out there as Langlitz but apparently they make jackets according to your measurements.

They also have HH which Langlitz does not.

their LAPD CHP jacket

A pullover which is always nice to see since not many people make them

This is their heritage model which is a pattern from the 1930s which they used to make jackets for a company called "Star Glove."

I have to say I am blown away by these patterns.

I'm looking for info on this brand currently. Same family that owns the brand? What is their reputation like? What is their quality and materials like? wait time for a jacket?

Share everything you have on this brand.

 

[Guppy]

I have several (3-4?) vintage Cal Leather jackets presently. They're very heavy, well made. The modern ones are much like the vintage. They're quite expensive new, but arguably worth it for the quality and durability you get with them. Used Cal Leather jackets pop up pretty regularly on eBay and you can sometimes get them for not too much, especially when the seller doesn't realize what they have. They are often mistaken for Langlitz and are about on par, although I think Langlitz are just a little bit more comfortable, while Cal Leather tend to be a bit heavier and stiffer.

 

[regius]

Wow, more pricey than langlitz. I guess you can call them the LA Langlitz, commensurate to the cost of goods and labor in Southern CA.

 

[Americanaaa Mark]

I think they are about the same price as a langlitz Columbia (maybe a couple hundred more) considering that their jackets come standard with a detachable fur collar and sam brown belt.

the heritage jacket however is hella pricey even with all the bells and whistles included with the model (it's ~$3000). Seems like it's the same pattern as the LAPD CHP jacket with just different side pockets.

 

[technovox]

I've got a custom Cal Leathers on order. I'll post some pics when it arrives...

 

[Americanaaa Mark]

I've got a custom Cal Leathers on order. I'll post some pics when it arrives...

What's their waitlist like?

 

[ton312]

Cal makes a really fine jacket. I've owned several over the years from various points in history. Here's a later model I had. Really exceptional jacket.

Both the jackets I sold went to Europe and both fetched around $500. Fully rigged and pretty much mint. Wish I had more pics of them!

 

[Americanaaa Mark]

So nice. Is that hh?

 

[ton312]

So nice. Is that hh?

No...but the other one I had was. I'll have to find the pic...I posted it around here somewhere. It was the heaviest leather jacket I've ever handled. Felt Like 5oz leather, incredibly stiff, weighed well over 10lbs w/out the garrison belt. Good stuff but sadly I became larger and the jacket did not. Sold to a dude in Switzerland.

 

[Monitor]

Cal makes a really fine jacket. I've owned several over the years from various points in history. Here's a later model I had. Really exceptional jacket.
View attachment 65383
Both the jackets I sold went to Europe and both fetched around $500. Fully rigged and pretty much mint. Wish I had more pics of them!

That is SO beautiful!

 

[ton312]

That is SO beautiful!

I love them...I need a 44' or a 46". Both of mine were 42" and they are really true to size...I'd love to get my kiddo in this style, white leather, with a black or brown mouton collar. She would totally kick ass in that.

 

[ton312]

Had this one been one size up... done for life. Most beastly thing I ever put on, and extra long 27" sleeves.

 

[technovox]

Here's a vintage horsehide Cal Leathers jacket I found at the flea market last year. Probably early 60's. The thing is a beast! I really love the overdyed black/brown patina.

 

[Edward]

Love the look of the 'Heritage model'; if they did that with pockets for elbow / shoulder and backplate armour, that weould be an excellent combination of protective biek jacket and good looks. Sounds like they're on the pricey side, alas.

 

[ton312]

They are...I really wanted to have a new CHP done up by them but I balked at the price...

 

[Americanaaa Mark]

I just called them and i have some info to share. They're sending me a fit shit. I think I'm going to go in on a jacket by them. I absolutely love their d pocket.

- the heritage is twice as much as the standard lapd because it factors in the price of hh. (-$700 if you get it in cow)

- they have black, brown, tan and blue cow and hh.

- cow is 3.5 oz, didn't get weight of horse

- zipper is brass with nickle plated snaps.

- wait list is about three months

- lining is sturdy polyester

- hidden snaps on collar is part of their design

 

[01flhr]

I think id take a custom vanson and langlitz for those prices. Im not knocking them, thats just alot of money

 

[Monitor]

That's cool info, Mark! You can't go wrong with Cal. I'd get the leather pullover this instant if I could.

It's a lot of money but theirs is the best cafe racer I've ever handled.

 

[technovox]

I think id take a custom vanson and langlitz for those prices. Im not knocking them, thats just alot of money

I've had a custom Vanson, (in fact Kim Vanson took my measurements in person,) and the jacket they sent me didn't fit right at all...way too tight. So I ended up selling it and taking a big loss. Consequently, I would not order another custom from Vanson.
I've found that the level and accuracy of "customization" varies from maker to maker. So you definitely have to factor that, and the learning curve into the "price".

In the case of Cal Leathers, Gwen measured me, and then sent me a fit jacket, and then after that, a second fit jacket just to be sure...and then some final measurements when I stopped by the shop in Ventura. She also put up with all my numerous changes and indecision. So the level of customization with Cal Leathers has far exceeded my expectations.

 

[Americanaaa Mark]

Yea, their lapd is about a couple hundred more than a Columbia. It comes standard with the fur collar and sam brown belt

The heritage seems kinda up there though. Aside from the HH its an extra $795 just for the different front pocket design ... wat

I think it's just one or two people making these jackets though. When i called it sounded like i was talking to the owner and the seamstress