Levis LVC 1930s Menlo leather jacket

Marv · Mar 8, 2018

I have just picked up (well waiting for it to arrive) a Levis LVC 1930s Menlo leather jacket and have a question regarding applying a leather conditioner to it.

The jacket is made from sheepskin so was wondering what the best type of leather conditioner would be suitable to use on this type of hide.

The jacket is a dark seal brown colour with factory distressing so wanted to tone this down a little, not too bothered about whether the hide darkens once the conditioner has been applied.

Probably looking for a non greasy application / finish to the hide so any suggestions would be appreciated - as I am UK based, anything suitable which can be purchased here would be preferable.

thanks

Marv · Mar 8, 2018

cl044-levis-vintage-clothing-menlo-leather-jacket-m.jpg

l0fielectronic · Mar 8, 2018

I know they did a few runs of this jacket with various levels of distressing. Maybe close up photos of the jacket when you get it might help people advise better.

I tried the light sand suede colour of this jacket they released and that was slightly distressed in places to the extent it seemed they'd sanded the top layer off in places. It looked better than it sounds but if this is similar then I'm not sure what could be done to to take that back.

The photo here doesn't really look distressed at all?

Seb Lucas · Mar 9, 2018

Lexol for lamb. But the leather distressing on these is for fashion, so damaged I'm not sure you can do much with it.

ProteinNerd · Mar 9, 2018

Isn't that the same as the "Skyfall" jacket?

Marv · Mar 9, 2018

This is the actual jacket -

Dr H · Mar 9, 2018

I’d avoid messing with it. I’ve recently sold an LVC Menlo in washed goatskin. It’s not to everybody’s taste, but it’s a very convincing treatment and you risk losing the patina.

58panheadfan · Mar 9, 2018

Westhill Trading Limited
Suite 111 Legacy Centre, Hanworth Trading Estate, Hampton Road West, Hanworth TW13 6DH, United Kingdom
Tel. (+44) 203 793 9125
Mobile (+44) 7739 579 694
info@colourlock.com
https://www.colourlock.com/

Colourlock has a large range of products all about leather care... also for open-pore leathers. Site includes also some basic infos about leather (types):
https://www.colourlock.com/all-about-leather

58panheadfan · Mar 9, 2018

Also I am using Elephant Leather Preserver on my pigmented and semi-aniline Leather Jackets since years with satisfaction due the fact this Preserver is "Made out of 100% synthetic fat, it is acid free, odour neutral and free of vegetable or animal fats...".

A new leather jacket originally doesn't need any treatment as a leading jacket manufacturer these days says: "This leather is packed with waxes and oils in the tanning process...". "Do nothing, absolutely nothing. Do not oil it, don't treat it with hide food - even ours, this is for old steerhide jackets and dried up old vintage horsehide jackets from the 1930s and 1940s, not for your Aero, well not until maybe 2035."

As you can see, it's not needed to treat some more oil or (bee)wax in a new (<20 years) jacket... but a slightly application e.g. Elephant Leather Preserver without any additional oil/wax can't be wrong and wouldn't oversoak the leather.

There is also a great range for aniline leather products... even you like to wash or have to repair your leather jacket.

Here is a country reseller map.

Btw: I don't have any business connections with colourlock... just a happy customer since years

58panheadfan · Mar 9, 2018

Marv said:
The jacket is made from sheepskin so was wondering what the best type of leather conditioner would be suitable to use on this type of hide.
Probably looking for a non greasy application / finish to the hide so any suggestions would be appreciated - as I am UK based, anything suitable which can be purchased here would be preferable.

thanks

To answer your question, this product should work for your jacket... if your jacket is dry that could be an option but from my experience it will darken the leather.

handymike · Mar 9, 2018

I use Dr. Jacksons Hide Rejuvenator. It darkens things a bit. The lighter areas could be hit with some boot cream in the color of your choice.

galvestonokie · Mar 9, 2018

IMHO, don't do it. the jacket is intended to look that way. you risk ruining the jacket and there is little upside to a treatment. i owned the same jacket and appreciated it for what it is.

Seb Lucas · Mar 9, 2018

58panheadfan said:
A new leather jacket originally doesn't need any treatment as a leading jacket manufacturer these days says: "This leather is packed with waxes and oils in the tanning process...". "Do nothing, absolutely nothing. Do not oil it, don't treat it with hide food - even ours, this is for old steerhide jackets and dried up old vintage horsehide jackets from the 1930s and 1940s, not for your Aero, well not until maybe 2035."

As you can see, it's not needed to treat some more oil or (bee)wax in a new (<20 years) jacket... but a slightly application e.g. Elephant Leather Preserver without any additional oil/wax can't be wrong and wouldn't oversoak the leather.

Let's be honest, that information doesn't apply to the Menlo here which has had it's surface abraided and the leather's integrity undermined by a very aggressive distressing process involving abrasives and mild acids. I'm not sure a dressing will help it, it will just go darker for a few months till the dressing evaporates from the surface leaving a still very distressed looking leather. These jackets have fake wear to make them look like they are 70 years old which can't be good for the longevity of this fragile lambskin, but you either love or hate the effect. Some of them look pretty good.

58panheadfan · Mar 10, 2018

That's true. You can not beat an original patina of a 70 year old leather jacket ... a fake is what it is: a fake ... better or worse.

OldOilPull · Mar 10, 2018

Obenauf's LP (wax) will do a fine job without darkening leather too much. Thing is though, don't mistake it for Obenauf's oil (liquid) which WILL not only darken leather permanently but leave it looking dank and greasy forever or at least for several years. I found this out to my cost with a pair of tan Fryes. You live and learn. On the other hand, I happily put the LP on my kid's tan Clark's boots which have an almost nubuck finish and they come out really nice once they've dried.

Marv · Mar 12, 2018

OldOilPull · Mar 12, 2018

That is a really great aging job. It often looks so fake but that doesn't at all.

Flightengineer · Mar 14, 2018

Very beautiful jacket. One of my colleagues is a big fan and he has one. In real life , not in pics, this jacket looks even better.

Maxwell Von Chesapeake · Oct 18, 2021

I've always wondered what the two little metal holes are at the very bottom of the zipper, along the waistline. Anyone have an idea?

Aloysius · Oct 18, 2021

Maxwell Von Chesapeake said:
I've always wondered what the two little metal holes are at the very bottom of the zipper, along the waistline. Anyone have an idea?

A-2s have the same at the top of their zippers.

Levis LVC 1930s Menlo leather jacket

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