How I fell in love with Johnson Leathers N-200 CR

[NamoAmituofo]

One of my first jackets bought from TFL members was a JL white CR - yes THAT CR @Monitor (https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...cafe-racer-leather-jacket-sz-m-40-ish.112184/)

I wore it occasionally for one season, but stupidly sold it on - that jacket was like made to order for my measurement - something I only appreciated after buying /selling multiple jackets - non of which fitted me like the jacket I sold.

I missed it so much - after lots of frustration of finding ‘the one jacket’ - I reached out to Damon at JL for a custom order. It’s a funny one as I basically supplied the same measurement for the white CR that Monitor took, with small alternations on the chest as it will be unlined unpadded, and added a touch to the hem so I can wear it over a big belt /buckle.

I just received this jacket - in 5oz overdye CXL - and despite it being new and stiff and armor like all that - I finally have that well fitted jacket feeling back!! So over the moon!

The original white CR had armor slots sewn into the elbows and shoulders - my new jacket has the same shape patches.

Unbelievable JL pulled off this jacket so well.

Also a shout out to @Canuck Panda who intrigued me into exploring custom options with JL - the curved kidney panel, and side adjusters to name a couple. Hope you’re keeping well old friend.

Thank you for reading. Namo Amituofo

 

[cbez]

Looks nice and some good grain.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

Looks like a good fit and well made.

Why didn't you want to get it in white? I know you mentioned the previous one you had was still some thick leather.

Not sure how I feel about having an unlined CR jacket.

Anyhow, wear it in good health!

 

[jchance]

Sometimes a pattern just works—for no particular reason other than having tried it on in-person. It doesn’t have to be fancy or brand name; it could have been a vintage or mall jacket for that matter. Leather or not, forgiving or not, a jacket is meant to complement and flatter the human body.

 

[NamoAmituofo]

Looks like a good fit and well made.

Why didn't you want to get it in white? I know you mentioned the previous one you had was still some thick leather.

Not sure how I feel about having an unlined CR jacket.

Anyhow, wear it in good health!

3 reasons I want this unlined:

- it’s a summer jacket so unlined just makes it a touch cooler

- given how thick the hide is I expect some threads to pop during breaking in period - unlined means I can sew up easily without having to go to a tailor who will need to open up the lining

- at some stage once fully broken in I plan to grease the whole flesh side of the hide, and use a slicker to smoothen the grease in - resulting in a waxed look and of course the hide would be conditioned on flesh side allowing the grease to permeate and keep the thick hide supple - something not really possible when done on the grainside of CXL (not that the grain side needs any conditioning). I’ve done this with a few veg tanned belts to good results - a sealed flesh side that won’t dry out overtime. A bit overkill for CXL I know but I like my leather well fed and stuffed

 

[jfive67]

Do your handwarmer pockets have zippers? I have a CR in the works with JL with handwarmers and I dont want them to sag... but yours look pretty good