Any advice on a more retro-looking D-pocket jacket that won’t break the bank?

[Rick Dalton]

Hi all — any advice on what jacket could scratch that old-school biker jacket itch?


I’ve got a CAL Leathers CHP which I love, and a Schott 618 that’s built amazingly — all the hardware (zippers and snaps) works extremely smooth (even smoother than on my ELC). Problem is I’m not fond of the collar design and that big, shiny square buckle. After being in this hobby a while I have to say the Vanson C2 also looks a bit too “new” for my taste.


I know Buco and Durable stuff exists, but they’re out of my price range. I’m basically looking for a D-pocket jacket that matches Schott-level quality, looks more retro/classic, and doesn’t cost a fortune.


I expect some replies will be “good luck,” but if anyone has specific models (schott 568vn ?), brands, used-market tips, or makers who do vintage-style details without the vintage price, I’d appreciate it.


Thanks in advance — cheers!

 

[photo2u]

The SCHOTT 611H is a nice repro for about $550-600.

 

[Bfd70]

What do you mean “looks more retro classic”?
D pockets in general are a retro design. Do you mean something that looks heavily used?

 

[jchance]

Sears Oakbrook. Several on eBay for $100-$150 bidding.

 

[Zoro]

Chinese repros, perhaps? There was this review recently in the Chinese jackets thread.

 

[El Marro]

Vanson x Left Field Commando.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Harder to find for a good price now (were pretty common 4-6 years back on ebay) but Aero Ridley's with D-pockets approach what you are seeking. Some of what passes now for D-pockets to my eyes just look odd, but some folks like all kinds of "unique" D-pockets. I like D-pockets like J23/J24 and some of the Cafe Racers with them as well.

On edit - how about this Rugged West - this one is a Brown one and size Large, almost looks brand new - $445 BIN or offer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/167871207047?

 

[AHP91]

Canadian brimaco is what you’re looking for

https://www.salvageandsawdust.co.uk...ton/vintage-brimaco-d-pocket-horsehide-jacket

 

[Aloysius]

If Schott is your comparison, why not get one of many Schott D-pockets?

They had a really nice one on clearance a couple of years ago for $600 or so (it's the same quality as their $1000 jackets, just that design was discontinued) so I expect the secondary market is flooded with them.

And if you're willing to pay Schott retail there are some options that way too.

 

[TartuWolf]

From my Rugged West review:

Value / Price:​

I’d say this jacket sits at the upper end of the “budget” tier for getting a NEW D-pocket.
I probably missed some, but here are some notable D-pocket alternatives (new) off the top of my head – to give you an idea where this jacket sits in terms of price/value:

• Tailor Brando (China): $200–400 (depending on model)
• Five Star (Pakistan): $200–500 (depending on model)
• Avi Leather (Pakistan?): $500–550
• Rugged West: ~$700 (current stock budget line)
• Vanson Commando / Custom: $900–1000
• Simmons Bilt: ~$1000
• I’m sure JL could cook something up for $1000–1500
• Aero Leather: ~$1400–1800
• Field Leathers: ~$1700–2000
• ELMC: ~$1700–1800
• JP brands / Himmel / Lost Worlds: usually over $2000

 

[Tom71]

Another vote for RuggedWest.

 

[Aloysius]

Looks like this place in Chicago still has stock of the Schott 625.

 

[Aloysius]

After hours of trying, that message finally sent but without the link lol.
https://mildblend.com/products/scho...UI6UjCAOPVeQkzcN-FHKxaLuNYUGIZgsCRzTZgium91-R

 

[Bfd70]

I can vouch for mildblend. Wonderful people.

 

[MacLean]

Chinese repros, perhaps? There was this review recently in the Chinese jackets thread.

The jacket is wearing in nicely, and turning buttery in places. I should post a follow up pic or two...

 

[MacLean]

Thirded (Fourthed?) for the RW RR3. I ordered one, should be getting here in Jan/Feb.

 

[Rick Dalton]

Thanks everyone — you guys are amazing!
Wow, I knew I should ask you. I’d never heard of Rugged West before and it looks absolutely amazing in the pics; the price also seems very reasonable, especially for used ones.

Quick question for anyone familiar with Rugged West: is the build quality on par with a Schott Perfecto (leather, hardware, stitching), or is it noticeably a step down because of the lower price? And for used Rugged West jackets — any red flags to look out for?

Really appreciate all the insights so far — thanks again!

 

[Rick Dalton]

Harder to find for a good price now (were pretty common 4-6 years back on ebay) but Aero Ridley's with D-pockets approach what you are seeking. Some of what passes now for D-pockets to my eyes just look odd, but some folks like all kinds of "unique" D-pockets. I like D-pockets like J23/J24 and some of the Cafe Racers with them as well.

On edit - how about this Rugged West - this one is a Brown one and size Large, almost looks brand new - $445 BIN or offer

https://www.ebay.com/itm/167871207047?

View attachment 753281

This one would be perfect, and the size looks spot on (not entirely sure about the sleeves, but they’d probably work). The only problem is that I’m in the EU and the seller is in the US — and with the current situation, customs would probably cost a fortune. Combined with the jacket price and shipping, it’s just too much for me to justify another jacket right now.

Thanks for pointing it out though — it really does look great!

 

[Aloysius]

Look, I was the one who started the RW thread here in the first place but if your benchmark is a Perfecto, get a Perfecto.

You’re not going to be getting the same thing for a third of the price.

 

[AeroFan_07]

This one would be perfect, and the size looks spot on (not entirely sure about the sleeves, but they’d probably work). The only problem is that I’m in the EU and the seller is in the US — and with the current situation, customs would probably cost a fortune. Combined with the jacket price and shipping, it’s just too much for me to justify another jacket right now.

Thanks for pointing it out though — it really does look great!

Spoiler alert, I snagged that brown one purely due to it being in the US and not having to pay customs and fees. I have wanted to check this brand out for some time, and a brown or cordovan D-pocket sounds good. If it does not work out it will be back up for sale at the same price I picked it up for on this site.

Being you are in Europe, just order one from them directly...I would think that's pretty easy to do. It will not be a made in Europe jacket, but they (at least in the photos) look good on the quality, construction standpoint. The person making the website at least knows how to take good photos of their products.