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What Jacket Are You Wearing Today?

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,273
Just in JL “Cascade” in Dark Brown Horween Vermont. Just out of the box. Gonna have to turn the AC down tonight and give it some time. Feels a little big, but I’m also getting bigger. All in all the JL crew really executed beautifully. The leather is very soft and pliable right out of the box, very easy wearing.

Only point of concern on first look- it appears the center panel on the chest is thinner, it has a bit of a stretched/wrinkled look even at rest. It won’t be exposed most of the time but dunno. Interested in honest feedback. Can do a dedicated thread if y’all like but will take a few days.

View attachment 340377 View attachment 340378 View attachment 340379
very nice. Tad big in the back, but I think that will settle down some with wears. The grainy-ness on that panel doesn't bother me, but obviously I can't gauge the thickness issue. I'd give it some wears and see how it goes. You got some nice before shots so you can tell in a few weeks.
 

Hh121

Banned
Messages
3,004
Looks good in general! Sleeves and lower back can be trimmer. About uneven thickness on different pannel, here are my observations: It is absolutely normal among many makers, I have LW suburban where the left sleeve is much thinner than other panels, and you will hear an excuse from makers (Not Johnson leather) like "leather is a natural product we can't control it, etc." The same thing can be applied to color matching on each panel.

Normally the finished leather side comes with 1oz different, like 2-3oz, 4-5oz. The makers can definitely match the color and thickness perfectly but it increases the cost as some leather will be wasted.

I don't know how much the jacket cost you, I would guess between $950-1100 for Johnson leather. For that price, I would expect a near-perfect jacket.
 

Will Zach

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,413
Location
SoFlo
Anton Vanek:

IMG_20210528_194448957.jpg
 

marker2037

Practically Family
Messages
834
Location
Curacao/NJ, USA
Just in JL “Cascade” in Dark Brown Horween Vermont. Just out of the box. Gonna have to turn the AC down tonight and give it some time. Feels a little big, but I’m also getting bigger. All in all the JL crew really executed beautifully. The leather is very soft and pliable right out of the box, very easy wearing.

Only point of concern on first look- it appears the center panel on the chest is thinner, it has a bit of a stretched/wrinkled look even at rest. It won’t be exposed most of the time but dunno. Interested in honest feedback. Can do a dedicated thread if y’all like but will take a few days.

View attachment 340377 View attachment 340378 View attachment 340379

Looks great to me! We certainly can't see any "thinner" panels, so that is only subject to your opinion, but as far as fit goes, I think you nailed it. It gives off a very comfortable, casual vibe to me.
 

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,711
Location
East Java
Just in JL “Cascade” in Dark Brown Horween Vermont. Just out of the box. Gonna have to turn the AC down tonight and give it some time. Feels a little big, but I’m also getting bigger. All in all the JL crew really executed beautifully. The leather is very soft and pliable right out of the box, very easy wearing.

Only point of concern on first look- it appears the center panel on the chest is thinner, it has a bit of a stretched/wrinkled look even at rest. It won’t be exposed most of the time but dunno. Interested in honest feedback. Can do a dedicated thread if y’all like but will take a few days.

View attachment 340377 View attachment 340378 View attachment 340379
I think they replicates langlitz look pretty well, how the upper sleeve creases look the same to any brand new LL leathers shown here. kind of classic pattern that needs breaking in to look the part. Honest feedback, I never a fan of football underarm, I know it adds more arm spreading room on a jacket with lower armhole (same paneling is done on low crotch baggy jogger/ dancing pants) but since it is a tailored jacket higher armhole will do better and a lot neater, on your jacket it looks like the jacket doesn't need that football panel and only add excess of material on your upper back and underarm.
 

Jin431

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,912
Location
Bay Area CA
Just in JL “Cascade” in Dark Brown Horween Vermont. Just out of the box. Gonna have to turn the AC down tonight and give it some time. Feels a little big, but I’m also getting bigger. All in all the JL crew really executed beautifully. The leather is very soft and pliable right out of the box, very easy wearing.

Only point of concern on first look- it appears the center panel on the chest is thinner, it has a bit of a stretched/wrinkled look even at rest. It won’t be exposed most of the time but dunno. Interested in honest feedback. Can do a dedicated thread if y’all like but will take a few days.

View attachment 340377 View attachment 340378 View attachment 340379
Love the leather on this, it really looks dark. How does it look when outnin the sun? I personally don't mind the uneven thickness especially in the upper chest/back since that part doesn't get any movement. The fit from the front looks nice and the lower back looks bigger with excess material probably because the jacket is on the longer side? And maybe the sleeves could have been more tapered. Can't wait to get my jacket
 

Psant25

One Too Many
Messages
1,555
Just in JL “Cascade” in Dark Brown Horween Vermont. Just out of the box. Gonna have to turn the AC down tonight and give it some time. Feels a little big, but I’m also getting bigger. All in all the JL crew really executed beautifully. The leather is very soft and pliable right out of the box, very easy wearing.

Only point of concern on first look- it appears the center panel on the chest is thinner, it has a bit of a stretched/wrinkled look even at rest. It won’t be exposed most of the time but dunno. Interested in honest feedback. Can do a dedicated thread if y’all like but will take a few days.

View attachment 340377 View attachment 340378 View attachment 340379
I think it looks great if that part is thinner that would bug me as well sure they would make it right. May I ask why you did not go with a Langlitz cascade? Maybe you already said. I have only had their black cow and black goat but I think they have or can get all sorts of leather. They made an awesome columbia for shipjohn owner in a dark brown veg tan cow.
6E1805B1-7226-4E99-8AD9-B31326153980.png
 
Messages
17,105
Location
Chicago
Just in JL “Cascade” in Dark Brown Horween Vermont. Just out of the box. Gonna have to turn the AC down tonight and give it some time. Feels a little big, but I’m also getting bigger. All in all the JL crew really executed beautifully. The leather is very soft and pliable right out of the box, very easy wearing.

Only point of concern on first look- it appears the center panel on the chest is thinner, it has a bit of a stretched/wrinkled look even at rest. It won’t be exposed most of the time but dunno. Interested in honest feedback. Can do a dedicated thread if y’all like but will take a few days.

View attachment 340377 View attachment 340378 View attachment 340379
To my eye, the creases on the fully zipped lapel look to be a result of how the zipper was sewn in the jacket. It would bother me but I also wouldn’t wear it that way so I’m not sure how much.
 

Mrfrown

One Too Many
Messages
1,584
very nice. Tad big in the back, but I think that will settle down some with wears. The grainy-ness on that panel doesn't bother me, but obviously I can't gauge the thickness issue. I'd give it some wears and see how it goes. You got some nice before shots so you can tell in a few weeks.

Thanks. Yeah it’s my jacket so the plan is 100% wear the hell out of it. Gonna see how it settles in then go from there.

Looks good in general! Sleeves and lower back can be trimmer. About uneven thickness on different pannel, here are my observations: It is absolutely normal among many makers, I have LW suburban where the left sleeve is much thinner than other panels, and you will hear an excuse from makers (Not Johnson leather) like "leather is a natural product we can't control it, etc." The same thing can be applied to color matching on each panel.

Normally the finished leather side comes with 1oz different, like 2-3oz, 4-5oz. The makers can definitely match the color and thickness perfectly but it increases the cost as some leather will be wasted.

I don't know how much the jacket cost you, I would guess between $950-1100 for Johnson leather. For that price, I would expect a near-perfect jacket.

Yeah it’s interesting with that panel. I wonder also if they just handled that area more getting the snap placement, zips, collar work, etc done. The more I think about it the less I worry.

And yes it’s vegetable tanned horsehide.

Looks great to me! We certainly can't see any "thinner" panels, so that is only subject to your opinion, but as far as fit goes, I think you nailed it. It gives off a very comfortable, casual vibe to me.

Thanks man! It is in fact super comfortable. The most comfortable leather jacket I’ve worn.

I think they replicates langlitz look pretty well, how the upper sleeve creases look the same to any brand new LL leathers shown here. kind of classic pattern that needs breaking in to look the part. Honest feedback, I never a fan of football underarm, I know it adds more arm spreading room on a jacket with lower armhole (same paneling is done on low crotch baggy jogger/ dancing pants) but since it is a tailored jacket higher armhole will do better and a lot neater, on your jacket it looks like the jacket doesn't need that football panel and only add excess of material on your upper back and underarm.

I went back and forth about the footballs. I think they’re probably fine to have. However, the jacket is just a bit wide as it is so having the footballs too is overkill. Will see over time- my chest and shoulders are getting bigger every week so I may just grow into it. Excess material in the mid back may need to be trimmed?

Love the leather on this, it really looks dark. How does it look when outnin the sun? I personally don't mind the uneven thickness especially in the upper chest/back since that part doesn't get any movement. The fit from the front looks nice and the lower back looks bigger with excess material probably because the jacket is on the longer side? And maybe the sleeves could have been more tapered. Can't wait to get my jacket

The upper right of this frame is afternoon sun shining on me. So yeah the leather is quite dark. It’s a good contrast to my tan jackets heh.

Basically after the fitting pics Damon recommended I add to the chest, body, hem, bicep, and elbow width.

Perhaps we added a bit too much? I’d say seems like a yes at the waist and possibly chest but the rest looks pretty good to me. The hem now doesn’t rest on my hips. Basically we eliminated bunching but traded for a little poof at the lower back.

Not sure really overall though with the sizing. I have basically til late October before I’ll be able to wear it regularly so I’ll have a few more pounds of muscle to fill it in.

I think it looks great if that part is thinner that would bug me as well sure they would make it right. May I ask why you did not go with a Langlitz cascade? Maybe you already said. I have only had their black cow and black goat but I think they have or can get all sorts of leather. They made an awesome columbia for shipjohn owner in a dark brown veg tan cow.
View attachment 340415

Thanks man. Been wearing it around the house, the more I move it in the better I like it. With a mid weight sweater on it fits perfectly, will see how that works when the time comes. Either way the hide drapes very well already, it’s hard to tell in the pics but moving around it looks like a better fit

I actually intended on a completely different project when I started talking with Damon. I was familiar with working with JL from getting the vest made, and ended up just going with it. I also liked the leather on offer. That being said I do have a deposit down at Langlitz which is supposed to come up at the beginning of ‘22. I have a vest in mind with them but may change my mind to jacket in the long wait heh.
 

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,273
I think it looks great if that part is thinner that would bug me as well sure they would make it right. May I ask why you did not go with a Langlitz cascade? Maybe you already said. I have only had their black cow and black goat but I think they have or can get all sorts of leather. They made an awesome columbia for shipjohn owner in a dark brown veg tan cow.
View attachment 340415
this is pure fire. Keeping a picture of this for the files. Would love to have this with a one piece back.
 

Jin431

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,912
Location
Bay Area CA
@Mrfrown got it, it's got a nice shine to it and definitely different from your lighter colored jackets. hopefully i get that same rich dark brown for my jacket.

Well that's good that you sized up a little if you are trying to bulk up and like always it will be better when the jacket forms to your physique. The extra space in the chest and waste will work out since I did notice that you wear a lot of vests and that extra space should fill up nicely when you layer up. The poof on the lower back will look so good after it breaks in and when it has those horizontal/perpendicular creasing.
 

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,273
Really thrilled with these two. Good deals from Japan and wanted to dip my toes into the military style.

As soon as I tried them on, I was transported back 40 years, watching old war movies like The Great Escape with my grandma. Then i realized that all this chasing down jackets the past year was really about trying to be as cool as Steve McQueen with an A2 lol.

They got a wash and about 5 coats of skidmores. Super gorgeous patina. The pictures are crap and I'll take some proper ones outside once I get new knits. They're ok, a little fuzzy and stretched out, but I dont like the green. Think I'm going to match the mutton collar with a med brown and then do black to contrast on the other.

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jacketjunkie

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,213
Location
Germany
i
Just in JL “Cascade” in Dark Brown Horween Vermont. Just out of the box. Gonna have to turn the AC down tonight and give it some time. Feels a little big, but I’m also getting bigger. All in all the JL crew really executed beautifully. The leather is very soft and pliable right out of the box, very easy wearing.

Only point of concern on first look- it appears the center panel on the chest is thinner, it has a bit of a stretched/wrinkled look even at rest. It won’t be exposed most of the time but dunno. Interested in honest feedback. Can do a dedicated thread if y’all like but will take a few days.

View attachment 340377 View attachment 340378 View attachment 340379
Jacket is gorgeous. Fit is good too, good to a point where noone outside of our bubble would give a second thought about it, but yeah this is TFL, so room for improvement will always be found. If you plan to always wear it with just a t-shirt, I would want it a tad tighter in the body (Alan can easily take it in at the side seams to achieve that), however if you plan to also occasionally wear a sweater under it, it is fine as it is. As for the back, it will settle down with wear, the only way to avoid any excess material in a jacket that long would be an hourglass-shaped pattern to accöunt for the jacket to sit trim at both your waist and your hips which to me has always looked feminine and unappealing. The super trim v-taper only works on a shorter style.
 
Last edited:

Edward

Bartender
Messages
24,736
Location
London, UK
I have bought quite a lot of their stuff. I feel the quality is great for the money. Their hoodies are amazing. I bought these pants and they turned out waaay to big so I finally gave in and put them on a 90c cycle and now they kinda fit. I have no experience measuring pants, but Branson put out great size charts for people more experienced than me.

Bronson have a really nice range of stuff. Arguably not the most original in design (but then I'm not the fashion-forward type myself!), but what I really like is that they are putting out versions of designs that a lot of us either can't or don't feel able to stretch to. The RMC version of one of the Aviator vest styles they do is GBP800..... That's the price of a seriously good, English tailored three piece suit! Bronson do a version I could justify spending on. The only reason I'm holding off buying a load of stuff from them is sizing: I always get the impression I'm just between the top end of the size range and one size more. I hold out hope that as they expand into the Western market they'll widen the size range a bit (and I'll shrink a bit too... ;) ).

for sure. I have a 118 as well which I love. Wore it today and it just exudes positive vibes.

I have a 618 I'm well enough pleased with for what I paid for it used, though I also have half an eye out for a 118 at a crazy deal, be interested to try for the different hide. My first leather jacket way back in 1990 was a P-style; the label was white print on a black (p?)leather oblong; it bore the legends "New York City" (can't recall if there was a "made in") and "Naked Cowhide". I have nil idea what the brand was, though - how I regret that I never photographed the label! I don't think it could have been a Schott as they were much more expensive in those days, but I regret not knowing what it was. Long gone now, but I loved that thing more than anything else I'd ever worn at that point. I even named it.

Cross post from the thread I just started on this jacket - new Mister Freedom Campus Stallion jacket.

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Nice utilitarian vibe off the whole outfit. I really like this style of jacket with 'handwarmers' instead of patch pockets; the simplicity of the look really works.

Where's the hair!?

Hair?? What about the eyes man?? I think this is the first time I've seen Dude without the aviators on? :D Looks good! (If anything, to my eye it makes the whole vibe look more authentic).

@Monitor it had to go. I never wanted my hair to get like that. It was only that long because of Covid. Now that I can cmget my hair cut the way I like, I'm going to do so.

Oh, please - please tell us bald guys all about your young person's problems with having so much hair.... :p ;) :D :D :D (I kid, I kid!!)


Really interesting design. Echoes of the dominant style trend in mc jackets here in the UK from c.1978-88ish, but as if the basic design features have been taken and re-rendered in a 30s-style jacket. I've seen a few pre-war European jackets, predominantly German I believe, which have a similar style vibe. I really like how a Mandarin collar can look so neat. I had a cafe-racer style jacket some years back then moved away from it (it was for casual wear to the office where the P-type I also had them seemed a bit too.... statement, but I was never quite happy with how it went with a collared shirt). I'm increasingly taken with the look now, though.... I think they look especially sharp fully zipped-up.


My first non-MC style leather jacket was something akin to these. I see this sort of thing a lot on the rockabilly circuit. There's a wonderful authenticity to these in a civilian context that the full-on milspec doesn't have in the same way. I'm very tempted to go looking for a used Schott version; the removable collar and body lining are nice features.
 

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,273
My first non-MC style leather jacket was something akin to these. I see this sort of thing a lot on the rockabilly circuit. There's a wonderful authenticity to these in a civilian context that the full-on milspec doesn't have in the same way. I'm very tempted to go looking for a used Schott version; the removable collar and body lining are nice features.

It took about 2 weeks to sort out all the variants of the tagged IS674 M/S (zip out liner, removable collar, non removable collar, quilted lining, different leather types, action back, no action back). I know the one without the mutton collar is a 184. I wasn't sure if I would like it because I'm usually not an action back fan, but the fit is amazing. Was about an inch shorter on ptp than usual, so I got a nice slim fit on it with the extra range of motion.

The one with the mutton (probably synthetic actually) I believe is a 174. But there's no tag. It predates the pocket tag system. Has a talon zipper. Leather was in desperate need of conditioning. Hoping I caught it in time, but feels much better than how it arrived. But in both cases, the patina is unreal. My photos don't do justice, plus they're still a little wet from all the conditioner. Probably has like 10 shades of brown.

There's a couple for sale in the $80 range on Ebay right now. Those look like newer models though. I was trying to get an older one with Talon or other zipper. They're super light and the kind of thing I'd roll up and toss in the back of the trunk in case you're ever caught in a cold front. Super comfy and versatile. Highly recommend it at sub $200 price.

I have a 618 I'm well enough pleased with for what I paid for it used, though I also have half an eye out for a 118 at a crazy deal, be interested to try for the different hide.

I have both hides, although my 618 is a 1970s model so not sure how much the formula changed. Keep in mind, I don't ride so I know the naked leather isn't ideal, but my 118 is the epitome of how I wish all my leather jackets felt. It's basically like super thick lamb skin. It's not flashy leather like a CXL or grainy like Shinki, but the feel of it is just dreamy. I've only worn mine like maybe 20-30 times as well, so can't even imagine in 20 years from now.
 

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,129
Just in JL “Cascade” in Dark Brown Horween Vermont. Just out of the box. Gonna have to turn the AC down tonight and give it some time. Feels a little big, but I’m also getting bigger. All in all the JL crew really executed beautifully. The leather is very soft and pliable right out of the box, very easy wearing.

Only point of concern on first look- it appears the center panel on the chest is thinner, it has a bit of a stretched/wrinkled look even at rest. It won’t be exposed most of the time but dunno. Interested in honest feedback. Can do a dedicated thread if y’all like but will take a few days.

View attachment 340377 View attachment 340378 View attachment 340379

Your jacket looks pretty awesome right out of the box! Reading about it in the Johnson's thread was the reason I took the dive with JL myself too.
Every single one of my leather jackets has a few spots that could use thicker leather. I find that makers tend to use the thinner and grainier hides on the side gussets, under arms and inside lapel. I guess this is just how the game is played.
 

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