Tenjin rocks!

BlueWallpaper · Jun 30, 2018

jerez said:
I got the JS02 in tan. I am looking forward to seeing it change over time.

Nice, that seems to be their most popular design. Tan is probably the way to go, it's what I originally ordered before a switching to cobalt blue in a moment of madness.... actually have always liked blue jackets so, although pensive, I don't regret it. Could see myself getting a JW03 in tan if I really like the jacket though!

BlueWallpaper · Jul 3, 2018

jerez said:
I placed the order and should be getting it by December. Hopefully, the fit will be good, and you won’t see it on the classifieds shortly thereafter

fyi, and for anyone else thinking about one, mine took 6-7 weeks from finalizing the order to being shipped.

red devil · Jul 3, 2018

BlueWallpaper said:
fyi, and for anyone else thinking about one, mine took 6-7 weeks from finalizing the order to being shipped.

Pics when it reaches you please

barnabus · Jul 3, 2018

red devil said:
Pics when it reaches you please

Absolutely! I'm amazed at how excited I am to see this jacket.

sweetfights · Jul 3, 2018

barnabus said:
Absolutely! I'm amazed at how excited I am to see this jacket.

me too!!!

Winthorpe · Jul 6, 2018

I just came back from a trip to Tokyo that included visiting Tenjin Works, Addict Clothes, Rolling Dub Trio and Iron Heart (in Hachioji).

Tenjin Works was my first stop as I was interested in their JT-01 jacket in Black. I’m 6’5”, which makes it impossible to buy anything off the rack in Japan. Made to order was my only option and I already knew upfront that they allow you to customize sleeve and body length.

They did have multiple jackets in stock (and for sale), but only one JT-01 (in Tan). It’s the jacket that they posted on Instagram and, unfortunately for me, it was made in a smaller size. It did look great though and they told me that I could add back the chest pocket if desired. They also said that I could get any color for the liner; if not even any type of liner (although I’m not sure if that was the intended translation).

The only larger jacket they had in stock was a JS-01 in size 48. They said it fit me well, but for me it was clearly too large -- particularly around the waist. Not sure if that was the intention of that cut to allow for layering (as they suggested), but it felt a bit like a tent around the waist. I then tried on the JW-02 in size 44 and it felt better than the JS-01 in size 48. Probably a bit too snug though. I figured that a JT-01 in size 46 with added sleeve and body length would probably work best.

That said, I didn’t intend to order the jacket that day as I still wanted to check out Addict Clothes. Also, my wife is Japanese, and my plan was to come back with her to be able to nail down all the details. While the communication was fine for things like sizes and colors (using Google Translate at times) it did break down when asking about more specific details like a particular jacket is supposed to fit and what other customizations they offer.

I visited Addict Clothes the following weekend and, to my surprise, found out that they do MTOs in sizes larger than 42 with added sleeve length. I ended up ordering their AD-10 jacket in a Black horsehide in size 46 with added sleeve length the day after (brought along the wife for a fit check only; no translations needed at Addict Clothes). Full write-up here.

If not for finding the perfect fit for me at Addict Clothes (in every aspect) I would have ordered a JT-01 from Tenjin Works in Black (I know, boring…). I think the Tochigi leather they use for their jackets is as good as it gets for a cow hide. It ages like nothing else I’ve seen before (they have multiple examples in their store to showcase that). It’s thick yet supple and feels substantial once you put on one of their jackets. I just might go back one day and order one as well…

BlueWallpaper · Jul 8, 2018

Thanks @red devil, @barnabus, @sweetfights, @jerez and everyone else that had interest! The jacket arrived and here's some details to help anyone else that might be considering a Tenjin. I'll try to take some better photos when I get a chance (the first photo is especially bad in terms of reflecting what it actually looks like, the color and shape look very off in that photo).

Firstly, I found Tenjin very easy to deal with. There ended up being quite a bit of back and forth (due to my asking questions) and they were always very helpful with recommendations on sizing and so forth. I never ran into any misunderstandings due to language or any other reason. Sizing of the jacket was entirely expected too. I was bracing myself for Japanese small-than-you-might-be-expecting sizing but my jacket is a 42 and fit exactly as I'd have expected from a US or European brand. Also the added length (the only customization other than color) was spot on. I would be surprised if anyone had an issue getting a jacket to fit through Tenjin.

The leather itself is incredible. It's substantial, the cow hide is noticeably weighty but also very soft. I'd say the leather surface is 'perfect' by which I mean whilst there's plenty of grain and character there are no spots where the variations approach what visibly might look like a flaw. Similarly the color appears very evenly applied and there are no scuffs on the jacket. The hardwear gets the job done, looks good and the zippers slide a lot more easily than other leather jackets I've had (read, not reproduction Talon zippers!)

The construction is again excellent. Two things that are less than ideal about my Aero are that the lines of stitches are not a consistent distance from the edge of the jacket and also there seems to be quite a lot of leather in a rectangle behind the pocket openings which really starts to show through with wear. I always wondered whether the pockets just had to be like that and the construction just wouldn't be sturdy enough with only a small amount of 'hidden' leather at the pocket. It wasn't until I had (albeit a for a short amount of time) a Good Wear that I realized you could actually finish the pockets with a small amount of leather behind the opening and so not effect the surface of the jacket. The Tenjin pockets are very similar to the Good Wear, there's not enough doubled up leather on the pocket to effect how the jacket will wear in. The stitching is spot on, a consistent distance from the edge of the jacket and appears completely straight (or following the curve of the jacket at the collar etc). I had very high, faultless, expectations of the stitching and it's not disappointed. Certainly on a par with RMC, the only note I'd make is that the stitches per inch whilst on a par with RMC were probably on the margin a bit lower than the Good Wear I had which had very small stitches (however that was a much thinner leather and thread). Personally I think it looks great and I wouldn't want the stitches to be smaller but thought I'd note it for those that care.

Overall I'm very happy with the jacket! I won't lie, I've had the occasional 'oh my god, I have an electric blue jacket' moment but I didn't want to miss my opportunity for something a bit different and every time I put it on I'm very happy with it. The proof of the pudding is in the eating though, the true test will be how much I wear it once it's cool enough to look at a jacket without breaking out into a sweat!

handymike · Jul 8, 2018

Welcome to the Blue Club!!!!
This is crazy cool...can't wait to see more. It should darken with age, no?

barnabus · Jul 8, 2018

That looks incredible! More pictures this instant!!

sweetfights · Jul 8, 2018

You sir are now a true blue. Congratulations!!
My one big question: I have a 43 inch chest. Will this fit me?
What is your chest and weight/height, if I may ask. And chest measurement.

Great looking jacket!!!

And to be certain - which model number is this?

red devil · Jul 8, 2018

Congratulations!!
And yes that is a proper blue! Really enjoyed reading your thoughts about it, much better described than I was ever able to write. Looking forward to the pics now!!

jerez · Jul 8, 2018

Beautiful jacket blue! The leather looks fantastic. I am very happy to hear that the measurements were spot on. That gives me hope for mine.

Superfluous · Jul 8, 2018

Monitor · Jul 8, 2018

BlueWallpaper said:
Thanks @red devil, @barnabus, @sweetfights, @jerez and everyone else that had interest! The jacket arrived and here's some details to help anyone else that might be considering a Tenjin. I'll try to take some better photos when I get a chance (the first photo is especially bad in terms of reflecting what it actually looks like, the color and shape look very off in that photo).

Firstly, I found Tenjin very easy to deal with. There ended up being quite a bit of back and forth (due to my asking questions) and they were always very helpful with recommendations on sizing and so forth. I never ran into any misunderstandings due to language or any other reason. Sizing of the jacket was entirely expected too. I was bracing myself for Japanese small-than-you-might-be-expecting sizing but my jacket is a 42 and fit exactly as I'd have expected from a US or European brand. Also the added length (the only customization other than color) was spot on. I would be surprised if anyone had an issue getting a jacket to fit through Tenjin.

The leather itself is incredible. It's substantial, the cow hide is noticeably weighty but also very soft. I'd say the leather surface is 'perfect' by which I mean whilst there's plenty of grain and character there are no spots where the variations approach what visibly might look like a flaw. Similarly the color appears very evenly applied and there are no scuffs on the jacket. The hardwear gets the job done, looks good and the zippers slide a lot more easily than other leather jackets I've had (read, not reproduction Talon zippers!)

The construction is again excellent. Two things that are less than ideal about my Aero are that the lines of stitches are not a consistent distance from the edge of the jacket and also there seems to be quite a lot of leather in a rectangle behind the pocket openings which really starts to show through with wear. I always wondered whether the pockets just had to be like that and the construction just wouldn't be sturdy enough with only a small amount of 'hidden' leather at the pocket. It wasn't until I had (albeit a for a short amount of time) a Good Wear that I realized you could actually finish the pockets with a small amount of leather behind the opening and so not effect the surface of the jacket. The Tenjin pockets are very similar to the Good Wear, there's not enough doubled up leather on the pocket to effect how the jacket will wear in. The stitching is spot on, a consistent distance from the edge of the jacket and appears completely straight (or following the curve of the jacket at the collar etc). I had very high, faultless, expectations of the stitching and it's not disappointed. Certainly on a par with RMC, the only note I'd make is that the stitches per inch whilst on a par with RMC were probably on the margin a bit lower than the Good Wear I had which had very small stitches (however that was a much thinner leather and thread). Personally I think it looks great and I wouldn't want the stitches to be smaller but thought I'd note it for those that care.

Overall I'm very happy with the jacket! I won't lie, I've had the occasional 'oh my god, I have an electric blue jacket' moment but I didn't want to miss my opportunity for something a bit different and every time I put it on I'm very happy with it. The proof of the pudding is in the eating though, the true test will be how much I wear it once it's cool enough to look at a jacket without breaking out into a sweat!

View attachment 126101
View attachment 126102

That is one beautiful jacket right there!

BlueWallpaper · Jul 9, 2018

handymike said:
Welcome to the Blue Club!!!!
This is crazy cool...can't wait to see more. It should darken with age, no?

Tenjin thinks it will darken but I’ve also seen photos (and posted one here) where it fades to a grayish color. I like both which is why I went with the color.

barnabus said:
That looks incredible! More pictures this instant!!

Will do! The photo’s awful, will to get someone to take a better fit picture that also captures the color.

sweetfights said:
You sir are now a true blue. Congratulations!!
My one big question: I have a 43 inch chest. Will this fit me?
What is your chest and weight/height, if I may ask. And chest measurement.

Great looking jacket!!!

And to be certain - which model number is this?

This is the JT01, they changed the design and removed the chest pocket. There’s a better looking picture of the new design on their Instagram account from December 22nd 2017. When you say 43 chest, do you mean you usually wear a 42/44 or you mean that’s what you measure around your chest? For the former this would fit, for the latter you might want to go with the 44. Happy to help further, their advice is probably better than mine but I can least offer an opinion!

jerez said:
Beautiful jacket blue! The leather looks fantastic. I am very happy to hear that the measurements were spot on. That gives me hope for mine.

You went with the 44 right? I’d definitely consider whether the 42 would work. There didn’t seem to be any US-Japanese sizing differential which I was expecting (I’m midway between a 40 and 42 in all but length and this, as a 42, is fine but I could’ve gone either way). Happy to send measurement photos if you want.

Superfluous said:

Monitor said:
That is one beautiful jacket right there!

Thanks guys!!!!

jerez · Jul 9, 2018

Thanks Blue! I ended up ordering the 42. I gave my measurements to Tenjin, and the person replied that 42 would fit me well. I only wished freewheelers would have similar sizes....

BlueWallpaper · Jul 9, 2018

jerez said:
Thanks Blue! I ended up ordering the 42. I gave my measurements to Tenjin, and the person replied that 42 would fit me well. I only wished freewheelers would have similar sizes....

Me too, a Speed Master with some extra length would be nice as my third jacket (which is what I've mentally set as the limit which I'm willing to own at any one time).

handymike · Jul 14, 2018

Rockin' even harder with a sale!

ton312 · Jul 14, 2018

would love to see some fit pics @BlueWallpaper!! Very cool jacket. Love the elegant simplicity of the design. And the color. Well that goes without saying.

dudewuttheheck · Jul 14, 2018

Absolutely gorgeous jacket! Can't wait to see the fit pics

Tenjin rocks!

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