Lewis Leathers , Good quality?

[LuddGang]

It's been a sticking point for a lot of folks in these circles. Presumably for Lewis' broader market, they have enough people want it to make it worth their while keeping it as a default norm. TBH, I don't think it would take much more than some nail varnish remover and a bit of time to get rid of the gold paint, though you'd still have the albeit much more subtle embossed leather oval.

I'm had an odd notion this last few years for a straight-zip, mandarin collar jacket. It's a style I flirted with a couple of dozen years ago, but sold o because it never sat right to my eye with a collared shirt. Now I have a few t-shirts again, I'm a little tempted. GoldTop is the one that has drawn my eye (decent jacket, and a much lower price suitable for something that wouldn't get as much wear as a good halfbelt). They have no logos... About a decade or so ago when the brand was revived, they briefly had a sewn-on logo patch, but that disappeared quickly due to market demand. Interesting how it varies for different brands.

It seems to me that a lot of people who want a Lewis want a Lewis. The Rocker revivalists don't seem to care that the logo was a later addition that the heyday of the Rocker movement and the Ace Cafe (the Rocker movement was at its peak in 1960-64; the Ace originally closed in 69, just a year after Lewis started adding the logo patches). There have been so many copies over the years, maybe they just want to flag they have "the real thing". The other big market for Lewis, punks following the example of Joe Strummer et al (gonna get a jacket just like yours, an' give my false support to your cause), would of course have been aspiring to jackets made fully within the era of logos and forearm-pockets, so it makes sense.

To me it'd be a mild annoyance, but given how utterly obnoxious most modern mc gear is with logoing and such, it really seems very mild. I know what you mean, though... I backed out of buying a Schott peacoat when I discovered the ones they sell here in Europe all have an embroidered chest logo, even if it is quite subtle.

Those Goldtop jackets definitely feel like they’re designed to be worn on a bike with the armour inserted and aren’t great as something to wear day to day.

 

[Luc Punksblood]

I'm in love with my Lewis Leathers Memphis jacket. Admittedly I was only drawn to it by their collaborator Guitar Wolf Seiji.

Having been to shy to wear it to work everyday I've had more experience with other more affordable jackets and see the shortcomings of LL but would absolutely make the purchase again. I honestly likely will... when I have the gumption to go through the custom ordering process but alas this go around I was far too impatient.

All depends what you're looking for but it seems Edward hit the nail on the head, '... people who want a Lewis want a Lewis. I'm not going to say quality is relative but much of what one considers quality can be subjective. I dig it. Patch and all.

(PS: I just opened page one in another window to read the original post and I've never handled an Aero or Simmons Bilt so I can't make a direct comparison either but I've already type all this... Can compare it to a few other more affordable brands but plan to make a post once I've worn it some more. Apologies if irrelevant - I just saw LL and felt the need to jump in.)

 

[andyone]

It's been a sticking point for a lot of folks in these circles. Presumably for Lewis' broader market, they have enough people want it to make it worth their while keeping it as a default norm. TBH, I don't think it would take much more than some nail varnish remover and a bit of time to get rid of the gold paint, though you'd still have the albeit much more subtle embossed leather oval.

I'm had an odd notion this last few years for a straight-zip, mandarin collar jacket. It's a style I flirted with a couple of dozen years ago, but sold o because it never sat right to my eye with a collared shirt. Now I have a few t-shirts again, I'm a little tempted. GoldTop is the one that has drawn my eye (decent jacket, and a much lower price suitable for something that wouldn't get as much wear as a good halfbelt). They have no logos... About a decade or so ago when the brand was revived, they briefly had a sewn-on logo patch, but that disappeared quickly due to market demand. Interesting how it varies for different brands.

It seems to me that a lot of people who want a Lewis want a Lewis. The Rocker revivalists don't seem to care that the logo was a later addition that the heyday of the Rocker movement and the Ace Cafe (the Rocker movement was at its peak in 1960-64; the Ace originally closed in 69, just a year after Lewis started adding the logo patches). There have been so many copies over the years, maybe they just want to flag they have "the real thing". The other big market for Lewis, punks following the example of Joe Strummer et al (gonna get a jacket just like yours, an' give my false support to your cause), would of course have been aspiring to jackets made fully within the era of logos and forearm-pockets, so it makes sense.

To me it'd be a mild annoyance, but given how utterly obnoxious most modern mc gear is with logoing and such, it really seems very mild. I know what you mean, though... I backed out of buying a Schott peacoat when I discovered the ones they sell here in Europe all have an embroidered chest logo, even if it is quite subtle.

I have a Triumph-labelled Dominator.
I am ok with the LL Logo but wanted to remove the Triumph logo. As you wrote I was able to get rid of it with some nail varnish remover and polished it with some black shoe cream.
The Triumph logo still can be seen, but it's decent now.

 

[Edward]

I have a Triumph-labelled Dominator.
I am ok with the LL Logo but wanted to remove the Triumph logo. As you wrote I was able to get rid of it with some nail varnish remover and polished it with some black shoe cream.
The Triumph logo still can be seen, but it's decent now.


View attachment 785159 View attachment 785160

H
I remember that run. Missed out on my size when a lot were sold a fair bit cheaper by Triumph later on. Much subtler branding than more recent Triumph jackets.

 

[LuddGang]

I'm in love with my Lewis Leathers Memphis jacket. Admittedly I was only drawn to it by their collaborator Guitar Wolf Seiji.

Having been to shy to wear it to work everyday I've had more experience with other more affordable jackets and see the shortcomings of LL but would absolutely make the purchase again. I honestly likely will... when I have the gumption to go through the custom ordering process but alas this go around I was far too impatient.

All depends what you're looking for but it seems Edward hit the nail on the head, '... people who want a Lewis want a Lewis. I'm not going to say quality is relative but much of what one considers quality can be subjective. I dig it. Patch and all.

(PS: I just opened page one in another window to read the original post and I've never handled an Aero or Simmons Bilt so I can't make a direct comparison either but I've already type all this... Can compare it to a few other more affordable brands but plan to make a post once I've worn it some more. Apologies if irrelevant - I just saw LL and felt the need to jump in.)

I have one of these too - I don't wear it often because it's pretty full-on, but it has completely and utterly scratched the 'black cross-zip' itch for me and I can't see me ever considering moving it on. It's funny that it's the Guitar Wolf jacket too, I absolutely love a lot of bands in their general orbit (Oblivians and the Goner Records bands, Teengenerate in Japan) but have never been a particularly big fan of Guitar Wolf themselves.

 

[Edward]

Those Goldtop jackets definitely feel like they’re designed to be worn on a bike with the armour inserted and aren’t great as something to wear day to day.

I've yet to try one on, but bike use is definitely their primary market. When they first relaunched they didn't do armour at all, but clearly spotted the gap in the market. Always struck me as bizarre how the retro bike trend that's been around for, what, twenty five odd years now hadn't inspired any of the other producers to do a regular run of retro style jackets with modern safety features. It's a market Lewis might have had open to them (albeit not as open, given the price difference), but other than a short run of Super Phantoms and Super Monzas (70s designs, really very modern) in conjunction with Motolegends (iirc), they've never done anything armoured or CE certified. They have a bit of a pull for me - not able to run a bike where I live for now, but bike jackets were very much my start point.

I'm in love with my Lewis Leathers Memphis jacket. Admittedly I was only drawn to it by their collaborator Guitar Wolf Seiji.

Having been to shy to wear it to work everyday I've had more experience with other more affordable jackets and see the shortcomings of LL but would absolutely make the purchase again. I honestly likely will... when I have the gumption to go through the custom ordering process but alas this go around I was far too impatient.

All depends what you're looking for but it seems Edward hit the nail on the head, '... people who want a Lewis want a Lewis. I'm not going to say quality is relative but much of what one considers quality can be subjective. I dig it. Patch and all.

(PS: I just opened page one in another window to read the original post and I've never handled an Aero or Simmons Bilt so I can't make a direct comparison either but I've already type all this... Can compare it to a few other more affordable brands but plan to make a post once I've worn it some more. Apologies if irrelevant - I just saw LL and felt the need to jump in.)

SB have never called to me, though in part that's about other baggage. Aero is the brand from which I've had more jackets than another other (though I've also had Lost Worlds, Eastman, Johnson Leathers, Schott, Taylors among others). Never owned a Lewis but handled many of them. Where Lewis fit in.... well, for me it's not a case of playing them off against each other so much as what I'm looking for in any specific jacket. For a shirt collar, straight-zip style, the archetypal ton-up / rocker jacket, that's where there's a blur. The Lewis Dominator and Corsair are the famous ones, though Lewis only introduced those in 1962, some years after rival brand Highwayman (from Rivetts of Leytonstone - a house brand, though no-one seems to quite known who actually manufactured them) had theirs on the market. The highwayman version was out by at least 1958; it was an original 1959 model that inspired (in an Americanised form) the now standard Aero Highwayman in 1983. The more recently introduced Original 59er Highwayman from Aero is a faithful recreation of the model that predated Lewis' offerings, and probably the one I'd ideally go for if I wanted one of those. Otherwise, really, if you want the quintessentially English lancer front, it has the be the Lewis Lightning. At that sort of priced bracket, though, it really does just come down to what the individual wants - all subjective.

The Memphis (based on a rare Sixties original Lewis of unknown model designation) is an interesting jacket. It has that real feel of Lewis doing a Perfecto in much the same way as the Bronx was somewhat their 1956 take on a D pocket, albeit with a 'silent' D... I like that they've stayed true to the Lewis heritage of the front belt having no pin and a leather covered buckle. Looks sharp, and keeps its link back to the ton up boys crouched over the tank of a BSA GoldStar or similar.

 

[Luc Punksblood]

I've heard a little about the SB situation and understand some folk's moral apprehension though not invested in the history myself. I like the way their jackets look and many people seem satisfied.

I agree that, especially for actual bike riding, Aero repros would probably be my choice as well. They seem to have modernized durability and a better weight to them. Lewis Leathers is very vintage bike culture turned fashion revival where Aero seems beefy enough to constitute roadwear (from what I've seen and read anyways.)

I think Lewis Leathers is better than anything sleeveless or pure cotton and great for puttering around the town. I don't think I'd put too much trust into it if I were at all an aggressive rider or on anything more zippy than a modern retro ride. I do feel vulnerable on north american highways but absolutely sharp by the time I've made it downtown. Feels so good off the bike for dancing in dive bars to a lil' rock'n'roll!

My daily driver feels like a brick sh*thouse, which I imagine Aero and SB to be as well, but my Memphis is a finely constructed pinewood ****er. The badge is the crescent moon cutout on the door, the CLIX zipper an operable handle that keeps it shut, the lapel snap buttons that let you know it's occupied, and the leather covered buckle half belt originally designed not to scratch your tank a simple locking mechanism to prevent inattentional intrusion.

Poorly fitted fast fashion mall leather by comparison I suppose would be a 5 gallon bucket with a seat. No protection whatsoever. Budget options on Amazon/mass market made overseas in presumably poor working conditions but are at least knowable by weight and origin are porta-johns and at the very least functional and affordable but nothing to brag about.

That's how I'd sum up the levels of quality. Each have their place, utility, and quality relative to the purpose they serve. Not a whole slew of QC reports from any mentioned brands.

 

[JonS1967]

I've heard a little about the SB situation and understand some folk's moral apprehension though not invested in the history myself. I like the way their jackets look and many people seem satisfied.

I agree that, especially for actual bike riding, Aero repros would probably be my choice as well. They seem to have modernized durability and a better weight to them. Lewis Leathers is very vintage bike culture turned fashion revival where Aero seems beefy enough to constitute roadwear (from what I've seen and read anyways.)

I think Lewis Leathers is better than anything sleeveless or pure cotton and great for puttering around the town. I don't think I'd put too much trust into it if I were at all an aggressive rider or on anything more zippy than a modern retro ride. I do feel vulnerable on north american highways but absolutely sharp by the time I've made it downtown. Feels so good off the bike for dancing in dive bars to a lil' rock'n'roll!

My daily driver feels like a brick sh*thouse, which I imagine Aero and SB to be as well, but my Memphis is a finely constructed pinewood ****er. The badge is the crescent moon cutout on the door, the CLIX zipper an operable handle that keeps it shut, the lapel snap buttons that let you know it's occupied, and the leather covered buckle half belt originally designed not to scratch your tank a simple locking mechanism to prevent inattentional intrusion.

Poorly fitted fast fashion mall leather by comparison I suppose would be a 5 gallon bucket with a seat. No protection whatsoever. Budget options on Amazon/mass market made overseas in presumably poor working conditions but are at least knowable by weight and origin are porta-johns and at the very least functional and affordable but nothing to brag about.

That's how I'd sum up the levels of quality. Each have their place, utility, and quality relative to the purpose they serve. Not a whole slew of QC reports from any mentioned brands.

I bought my Dominator and Bronx sometime around 2003 or 2004, back when I was riding. I never preferred either on my bikes, instead I relied on my trusty Vanson’s or Langlitz.

Recently, I realized the Bronx was just too roomy for me (looked horrible on me) and I would never wear it so I gifted to a dear friend who I knew would appreciate it. I still love the Dominator; it’s one of my all-time favorites.

If I was ever to get a bike again, I would stick with Vanson and Langlitz. Although the Gold Top offerings sure look nice.

 

[belopsky]

I, dare say, am interested in a Lewis. I've reached out to them to ask about stock sizing. It seems that there are not many stockists in the US (The Stronghold ?) and I don't know about a 10month wait..

Lewis Leathers Dominator in Black Sheepskin

Lewis Leathers: London, England, 1892- Black sheepskin, tanned in France- Red twill lining- Zippered chest pockets with chain pullers- Angled single-welt lower pockets- Interior wallet pocket- Custom stainless steel reproduction "Flash Ltd" zipper pullers- "Aviakit" & "Lewis Leathers" dual satin...

thestronghold.com

Looks nice. Price is a bit steep?

 

[konadog]

Wow, the price went up considerably at the Stronghold from when I purchased my Dominator off the rack in January 2024. They occasionally have sales. If they have your size, give them a call and see if they can offer a discount.

 

[Edward]

Wow, the price went up considerably at the Stronghold from when I purchased my Dominator off the rack in January 2024. They occasionally have sales. If they have your size, give them a call and see if they can offer a discount.

Lewis raised their priced by £200 across the board within the last couple of months, though it would be a lot worse in the US if the pound hadn't remained at a historical low against the dollar for the last decade or so.