Back to the 80's

Big J · Jan 15, 2019

Not really 'Golden Era', but I reckon there must be some knowledge.

Last November I signed a contract with my wife that I wouldn't buy anymore flight jackets for a year. Just for the challenge.

So now I'm looking at other jackets. It's high time I got me that James Dean Cal Leather CHP jacket I've been wanting.

Maybe a James Dean red nylon windbreaker too...

But over Christmas I caught Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club and Beverly Hills Cop on TV, and now I'm thinking I should get a denim trucker jacket and a down vest to wear over it, and a Letterman's/Varsity jacket.

But I've got no background knowledge on which brands to check.

Trucker jackets are pretty straightforward; Levi's or Lee, I guess. But what about the vest?

Aero does a real neat Letterman's jacket, but are there other choices? (I won't go to Ebbets Field; they were a disaster to buy sweatshirts from).

This might all sound dumb, but I just feel like indulging my nostalgia because I can.

Edward · Jan 15, 2019

If you're channelling the eighties, you're probably going to want the fifties version of the Aero (from memory, they do a 40s and a 50s version, but I don't recall the differences). For full eighties effect, buy it at least one size too large.

Bodywarmers, I have no idea.... Was made to wear one in the eighties, hated it, not even looked at one since.

Doctor Damage · Jan 15, 2019

Varsity jackets can be had from a wide variety of sources and companies at all price points so you don't need to go to a posh brand (but you will, since spending vast amounts of money on clothing is what people do in this forum).

RMF308 · Jan 15, 2019

For a varsity jacket I suggest Dehen1920 in Portland/OR.

Lebowski · Jan 15, 2019

Look at BK Relic Hunter, 'cause Indiana Jones jacket is definiitely from 80s. It's one of the best from that period I reckon. Moreover, for someones it's one of the best ever)

HanauMan · Jan 15, 2019

Get a old M65 field jacket (think Rambo I or Flashdance with Jennifer Beal wearing one).

For 1980s denim, can't beat a old store brand J.C. Penney Plain Pockets trucker jacket. I prefer my old blue J. C. Penney denim jacket but if you're looking for authentic 1980s style it just has to be ice washed!

ton312 · Jan 15, 2019

I like the Schott 770 Varsity jacket: https://www.schottnyc.com/products/70s-varsity-jacket.htm

Lebowski · Jan 15, 2019

HanauMan said:
Get a old M65 field jacket

It's rather from 60s than from 80s.

HanauMan · Jan 15, 2019

Lebowski said:
It's rather from 60s than from 80s.

D'uh, guess that is why it is called a M65!

Both movies came out in the 1980s though.....

Lebowski · Jan 15, 2019

HanauMan said:
D'uh, guess that is why it is called a M65!

Both movies came out in the 1980s though.....

M65 is a jacket from Vietnam War period, Rambo and Rambo II are movies about that particular time, so no matter when those movies were shot - M65 is a jacket from 60s.

Colin G · Jan 15, 2019

Like Ton mentioned, there is Schott. There is also Dehen, which I have started to grow fond of. I have a couple of their club jackets and the quality is very good. I am a fan.

https://www.dehen1920.com/shop?category=Jackets

dannyk · Jan 15, 2019

Colin G said:
Like Ton mentioned, there is Schott. There is also Dehen, which I have started to grow fond of. I have a couple of their club jackets and the quality is very good. I am a fan.

https://www.dehen1920.com/shop?category=Jackets

Dehen has been around a long time, still made in the USA at a Union factory. Prices are a bit high but Ive been wanting a few for a bit now...My birthday is March I think Im going to have to tell the gf Its about time I jumped on a Dehen.

Sloan1874 · Jan 15, 2019

Lots of Degen varsity jackets available on eBay for relatively little, so you can indulge without too much pain.

Monitor · Jan 15, 2019

Nothing to contribute but I support your quest, @Big J !

Doctor Damage · Jan 15, 2019

I can't shake the feeling that most people around here don't actually remember the 1980s. Big J, if you want some retro-styling, you're gonna have to go with dropped shoulders, big chest measurements, and narrow high waists. Pretty much all modern jackets are not going to get it right and you'll look like a 25 year old hipster stylist's idea of what the 1980s was like, i.e. totally f-ing wrong.

ton312 · Jan 15, 2019

Doctor Damage said:
I can't shake the feeling that most people around here don't actually remember the 1980s. Big J, if you want some retro-styling, you're gonna have to go with dropped shoulders, big chest measurements, and narrow high waists. Pretty much all modern jackets are not going to get it right and you'll look like a 25 year old hipster stylist's idea of what the 1980s was like, i.e. totally f-ing wrong.

Oh I remember the 80’s. Call this number and see just how well:
(719)266-2837

dannyk · Jan 15, 2019

ton312 said:
Oh I remember the 80’s. Call this number and see just how well:
(719)266-2837

I pressed 2. Why did I have to be the guy to call? You got me Ton. Not even the “good” 80s haha!

ton312 · Jan 15, 2019

dannyk said:
I pressed 2. Why did I have to be the guy to call? You got me Ton. Not even the “good” 80s haha!

You should’ve pressed three. Everybody knows that’s where it’s at. LOL. Thanks for playing @dannyk. First prize is a cabbage patch kid.

Big J · Jan 16, 2019

Good morning gentlemen!
Thank you all for your replies! It was a pleasant surprise this morning.
Last night I dreamt I was in high school with Kevin Bacon; all that guy does is dance, how the hell is he going to graduate and get into college?

@Edward, I'm loving that Aero 40's jacket in blue and cream. The raglan sleeves are awesome. I'd need to score some red chenille letters for the 'J' on the left breast and a motto on the back.

@Doctor Damage, I'd rather not drop big bucks on this. If there are cheaper options, I'm all ears. So I thought asking would be the way to go.
And you're right, 80's fashion was cut in a very unflattering way, and that is not a look I'd want to emulate. The thread title may give the wrong impression. I caught a couple of 80's movies, and it kind of reminded me that flight jackets aren't the only jackets. The 80's varsity and trucker jackets were interpretations of something from the 50's, so I guess I'm really trying to get closer to the original inspiration rather than the 80's reinterpretation.

@RMF308, that's a good tip! Thanks! I'd never heard of them before.

@Sloan, I'll check the bay, I love a bargain!

@Lebowski, Andy from BK wants to take me to court, so I'll have to pass on his jackets.

@HanauMan, Flashdance! Another 80's dancing movie! Lol! JC Penny trucker jackets are probably good enough, but Levi's and Lee are easier to get here (no snow-wash though). And I'm way ahead of you on the M65 brother! I got one a couple of years ago and put the flag patch on the sleeve! Only wear it with a steely look of determination (^-^)b

@ton312, that's a good looking Schott jacket but I'll have to see if it's available without the brand name on the back, I got my own thing going on. Bad phone number! Lol!

@Monitor, thanks for your support brother! Much appreciated!

'It's a long road, when you're on your own...'

Doctor Damage · Jan 16, 2019

ton312 said:
Oh I remember the 80’s. Call this number and see just how well:
(719)266-2837

dannyk said:
I pressed 2. Why did I have to be the guy to call? You got me Ton. Not even the “good” 80s haha!

Did you leave your credit card number???

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