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New Left Field x Vanson Commando

El Marro

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,474
Location
California
So I came across the Vanson Commando a couple years ago here on the lounge and while I liked the looks of it I stopped short of ordering one. This was for two reasons, The first being that I had only recently started wearing cross zip jackets and I wasn’t sure that I was ready to go full on D pocket yet... The second reason is that I saw that the jacket was a little longer then I thought a cross zip should be. I think they made this alteration to the classic pattern in order to accommodate low rise jeans and untucked T-shirts, since I wear high-rise jeans and tuck my shirts in this did not strike me as a positive but rather as a negative.
Those two reasons were enough for me to keep my wallet in my back pocket for two years. I’m not sure exactly what changed, I think part of it was seeing a couple members here who owned a Commando and realizing that it looked like a pretty damn nice jacket. Whatever the reason I finally decided I wanted one for myself, only to find that Left Field was completely sold out of them. I put a “want to buy” ad up here but nobody popped up to sell me one. I did get some feedback and input on that thread from folks here who own the jacket and that only made me want one even more.
In August I reached out to Left Field to inquire about buying one in size L. To my surprise and delight they said that it would be no problem to have Vanson make me a one off jacket. Fast forward to Friday, October 4th (my birthday!) and the jacket arrived here at my doorstep:
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The leather is Vanson’s X-150 and I think it might be my new favorite from them. Seems to be a bit thinner than their comp weight but with a smooth, hard waxy finish. Grain is just starting to pop out a bit at the arm creases and I think this one is going to be something special as it breaks in. I chose their standard red rayon for the lining for it’s easy wearing quality as well as its durability.
I am really happy with the fit. This is a trim pattern with higher armholes than other Vanson jackets I’ve owned. The length that I had worried about is actually not a problem. If I had my choice I would make this jacket in inch shorter all around but it is just fine as it is.
To sum it up I just want to say how happy I am with this Commando. I have always respected Vanson as a maker of quality jackets but now that I’ve got my hands on this one I am even more impressed with their abilities.
 
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10,197
Happy Birthday, with the postman delivering a beautiful Commando. Can’t imagine your day going better than that.
 

El Marro

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,474
Location
California
That's a beautiful jacket and the fit looks great from what I can see. Would love to see a couple full outfit shots!
Funny you should mention that because I was just reviewing my photos and shaking my head at how bad I am at taking them...
You set the bar pretty high yourself but I agree that with a little effort I could do better! For now, here’s another shot from this morning at the coffee shop:
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Messages
17,106
Location
Chicago
Spectacular!! Fit looks spot on! I really like the details on this jacket. The little things really do add up to complete it as a well thought out piece. Thanks for the photos as well. Since left field was sold out of the large did they let you decide on the liner? I thought the originals (stock) were blanket or tartan. The red rayon looks superb! Happy Birthday man. Perfect gift to receive!
 

El Marro

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,474
Location
California
Spectacular!! Fit looks spot on! I really like the details on this jacket. The little things really do add up to complete it as a well thought out piece. Thanks for the photos as well. Since left field was sold out of the large did they let you decide on the liner? I thought the originals (stock) were blanket or tartan. The red rayon looks superb! Happy Birthday man. Perfect gift to receive!
So the liner is kind of a funny story. Midway through September I sent a couple emails to Left Field since they told me the jacket should be ready about that time. I didn’t hear anything back for a couple days so I decided to call Vanson directly, since they were the ones who would be making the jacket and I had enjoyed my conversations with them in the past. I spoke to Constantine and after a little digging around he found my order. Not only did he tell me that the jacket was slated to be made towards the end of September but he also reviewed the particulars of the order with me. He told me that they did not have the blue plaid available, which had been my first choice for the lining, and asked me what I would like to substitute. Having seen a couple really cool jackets on here lately with red lining (JMax’s CHP for one!) it was really a no brainer. I really like the look of the red liner and I also like the idea that it truly makes this jacket a one of a kind. That is until someone else orders one just like it, and that would be pretty cool too!
 

dudewuttheheck

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,260
Funny you should mention that because I was just reviewing my photos and shaking my head at how bad I am at taking them...
You set the bar pretty high yourself but I agree that with a little effort I could do better! For now, here’s another shot from this morning at the coffee shop:
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Haha! Well my pictures are only good because I have someone taking them for me so it has nothing to do with my own skill.
I just personally prefer seeing full outfit shots with jackets. It's basically seeing them in context :) It's also easier to judge the fit IMO.
 
Messages
17,106
Location
Chicago
You will have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.

I'll be home for lunch and will check.
They've got that same jacket still available but not in a large...I feel like the large might be too long but all the other numbers would be fine...not sure I could get one of these to work but I do love the pattern.
 
Messages
10,197
They've got that same jacket still available but not in a large...I feel like the large might be too long but all the other numbers would be fine...not sure I could get one of these to work but I do love the pattern.

It looks like they have M and L in the Navajo, at least according to the website. Other than in the chest, the sizing of the L would be too much for me (I like the 23.5 to 24.5 chest range). I spoke with LF and they recommended the M. Definitely a t-shirt only jacket but living where I do, that all I need. I think our torsos are similar length and the L may be too much, though your longer legs may allow it to work. My shorter legs certainly do not.
 

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