WTB: Cafe Racer

cjamesbrough · Sep 5, 2019

Diving into my first leather jacket and I'm enamored with the cafe racer cut.

Looking for something in black, vintage/used preferred. Doesn't have to be spotless. Brooks, Schott, Kehoe, etc is sort of my reference.

Also, nothing super heavy as I plan on wearing it during falls and springs. Oh, and I don't ride, sooooo, more fashion than function.

Anyways, I think something in the 38-40 range size-wise.
Measurements are:
P2P: 21"-22"
Shoulder: 18"
Sleeve: 25"-26"
Length: somewhere in the 27" range, I think.

No real preference in terms of chest pockets vs. side pockets. I do like side/kidney buckles for extra fit.

I dunno, I'm new to this

Any suggestions or jackets?

AeroFan_07 · Sep 5, 2019

Hello and welcome to Fedora Lounge! As you have already figured out, there's no bad questions here in terms of jackets and seeking what you like. Good you know your dimensions.

I don't have a Cafe Racer - but this might be a good topic to post in the Outerwear section, just to get several ideas first. It's a special fit for sure, and I offer you best of luck as you proceed!

Captain Sensible · Sep 5, 2019

Yours for £50 plus postage

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...-jacket-black-lewis-alike.97607/#post-2572417

Will Zach · Sep 5, 2019

^^
That is a nice starter jacket, but not a cafe racer. I second the idea of posting this query in the Outerwear section in addition to here. I did a similar inquiry about cafe racers and got a TON of advice from the regulars here, all excellent. I wound up with 50's Harley Davidson Sportster jacket from eBay on a tip from here, very clean lines, single piece back, very similar to vintage Buco J-100 which was beyond my range. The perpetual challenge with vintage jackets vs bespoke repros is that measurements need to be spot-on, or else alteration will cost more than the jacket...it takes a lot of looking sometimes to find that perfect one. But it is possible - a mint vintage jacket that fits you perfectly. Holy Grail of all here. Some guys here mastered that art.

ksozay · Sep 5, 2019

What is your budget? I have a number of jackets that would work well for you.

cjamesbrough · Sep 5, 2019

Looking around the $200-$400 range

ksozay · Sep 5, 2019

Okay, in that range:

- Brooks Gold label - $100 - $150 depending on which one. sz40/40/42
- British Cycle Leathes/Brimaco - $150 (Highly recommend this one). sz40/42
- Herms Leather Togs - $190 - This is probably your ideal jacket based on stated measurements sz42
- Cal Leather $300 - $400 depending on which one. sz40/42
- Aero CR - $450-$500 depending on which one - 4 pocket steer (Black)/2 pocket horse (cordovan)

Will Zach · Sep 5, 2019

Also, if you can score mint Taubers CR for $400 you've done very well. Terry on here had a 38 for sale here, I think somebody flipped it for a grand.

b1lf · Sep 6, 2019

well, here you go:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/vanson-type-a-size-40.97862/#post-2574459

Kuro · Sep 6, 2019

Ksozay is a solid seller, I have purchased an Aero jacket from him here on this forum.

JMax · Sep 6, 2019

OP, before you do anything, you need to ask ksozay for pics of his Cals.

El Marro · Sep 6, 2019

Kuro said:
Ksozay is a solid seller, I have purchased an Aero jacket from him here on this forum.

Yep, he gave me a great deal on a vintage Cal leather cross zip that fits me perfectly. The man is a pleasure to do business with and as you can see he has a lot of jackets on hand.

AbbaDatDeHat · Sep 6, 2019

^^^^ditto and double ditto.
Great prices, great jackets, great guy!
B

ksozay · Sep 6, 2019

Thank you for the kind words, everyone! Has been my pleasure working with each of you, as well!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lina · Sep 7, 2019

ksozay said:
Okay, in that range:

- Brooks Gold label - $100 - $150 depending on which one. sz40/40/42
- British Cycle Leathes/Brimaco - $150 (Highly recommend this one). sz40/42
- Herms Leather Togs - $190 - This is probably your ideal jacket based on stated measurements sz42
- Cal Leather $300 - $400 depending on which one. sz40/42
- Aero CR - $450-$500 depending on which one - 4 pocket steer (Black)/2 pocket horse (cordovan)

Are these jackets posted anywhere for sale..?

lina · Sep 7, 2019

OP, here's a Taubers with some wear, but still pretty good shape:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Taubers-of...316129?hash=item1eff2f6961:g:ZCMAAOSwwrFdQcEv

cjamesbrough · Sep 7, 2019

Thanks for that heads up. I was looking at it and then it was sold.

Someone from here, maybe?

lina · Sep 7, 2019

cjamesbrough said:
Thanks for that heads up. I was looking at it and then it was sold.

Someone from here, maybe?

Ah, too bad! If I were you I would also keep my eyes open for Excelled jackets. They are fairly plentiful, and usually cheaper than Brooks, etc.

Kalmer · Sep 7, 2019

cjamesbrough said:
Thanks for that heads up. I was looking at it and then it was sold.

Someone from here, maybe?

Check this out:

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/183943079235

I believe it’s Cal leather, looks excellent!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

cjamesbrough · Sep 7, 2019

Beautiful jacket but sadly I think it would be a tad too small

Thanks for suggesting it though! I'm loving this community!

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