Vegecow Lewis Leathers quality

Tom71 · Aug 20, 2021

Thanks all for your kind words of support. I feel (re-) assured that I can live with the lenght as it is. I´d still prefer an inch more, but then it´s nothing I will lose any sleep over.

Thanks, Marc, for the photo-comparison. The sheep Dom indeed drapes MUCH better. What is more, I am sure it will adapt to my torso even more while the HH is notoriously "springy" and doesn´t really break in.
You will notice that the angle of the HH-version is slighty downward while the SH is upward. Indeed back-lenght on both jackets is exactly the same, but I maintain that the HH "felt" longer.

Additional photo of the Addict "Corsair" clone. Same angle as the SH Dominator. Looks like almost identical lenght but indeed has two full inches (!) more in the body.

Re beige zipper tape. I was surprised to see (not unpleasantly!) how prominent the contrast to the black hide is. Addict uses a slightly more grey-ish tape which isn´t as exposed as with LL, so the optical impression is much more muted.

Indeed: Sheep seems to be the flavor of the summer of 21...

MrProper · Aug 20, 2021

Perhaps here is my knowledge regarding VAT and customs.
If you go to the store at Lewis Leathers and select a European country, the UK VAT is automatically deducted from the price (20%).
Sidenote: If you select veg cow, 450 GBP will be added without VAT being deducted. However, I suspect it will be 450 - 20% in the end.

If the delivery comes to Europe, the respective VAT will be charged by DHL. This is quite convenient online and is done in a minute, to the VAT still comes a handling fee.
Customs duty is probably not levied, because there is a customs agreement, which applies if the manufacture and the materials are from the UK. Otherwise 4% duty would be added for leather goods.

I.e. the jacket costs only minimally more in Europe than in the UK.
So different from, for example, Aero.

Marc mndt · Aug 20, 2021

MrProper said:
Perhaps here is my knowledge regarding VAT and customs.
If you go to the store at Lewis Leathers and select a European country, the UK VAT is automatically deducted from the price (20%).
Sidenote: If you select veg cow, 450 GBP will be added without VAT being deducted. However, I suspect it will be 450 - 20% in the end.

If the delivery comes to Europe, the respective VAT will be charged by DHL. This is quite convenient online and is done in a minute, to the VAT still comes a handling fee.
Customs duty is probably not levied, because there is a customs agreement, which applies if the manufacture and the materials are from the UK. Otherwise 4% duty would be added for leather goods.

I.e. the jacket costs only minimally more in Europe than in the UK.
So different from, for example, Aero.

On the LL website my cyclone costs £917 (=€1070). If I select Netherlands it changes to £782.83 (=€914)

DHL charged €222.76 (28.24 Import Duties + 17.44 handling fees + 176.37 VAT)

So in total I payed €1136.76. Which means I payed €66.76 for Brexit BS (€1070-€1136.76). Actually a bit less because the shipping costs are included in that number.

Let say shipping costs to NL are £20.

So in total I payed about €43 more for my jacket post-Brexit as compared to pre-Brexit. Which isn't all that bad.

With Aero, the post-pre Brexit price difference is about €230 (as I was told by a fellow Dutch TFL member who recently imported an Aero jacket)

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead · Aug 20, 2021

Tom71 said:
So, got the Sheep Dom yesterday. Just some very amateurish photos as proof.

The hide is as previously described: Quite heavy and substantial but buttery soft. The hand is very different from any other leather I have handled. It does feel substantial, but I wouldn´t trust it to survive a slide over 10 meters of pavement. I am really interested to see how it will react to rain.
The hide is still very smooth, but the grain already started to faintly show (hint...) upon handling the jacket for a while.

Execution is flawless. The coin-pocket that I added is arguably a bit busy (I think that´s down to the contrast of the beige zipper tape), but - alas - I wanted it that way.

The only thing that bugs me a bit: I could have used an extra inch in the body. I thought about that, but decided to go for the exact measurements that I had in my horsehide Dom. Back-lenght is eactly the same, but somehow the sheep wears shorter. This is on me entirely, and as I am not to paranoid about minor things, I can easily live with this.

I can highly recommend trying LL´s sheep. It´s very different from all other hides, but I am really impressed so far!

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amazing. I might steal this design. Going to see how MrProper's dark brown looks as I could use a "simple" brown jacket in the collection. But yeah, the black looks amazing.

NYDRH · Aug 20, 2021

Salmosalar said:
Of course you could opt for the vegecow for the best of both worlds…black, THEN brown! I have a Super Monza in mind for a future purchase in the black vegecow, as I think the diamond padding in particular will age really nicely as the brown teacore starts showing through…..for the sheep I think the racing green is probably the nicest colour and quite unusual, though all the colours in that hide look great.

Any chance you have some pics of the British racing green in daylight?

Canuck Panda · Aug 20, 2021

Marc mndt said:
Lucky bastards you Americans

View attachment 355391

Brexit is the problem. It is very expensive to buy British stuff if you are in EU now. No idea what they were thinking. All British manufacturers needs to smuggle their products into the EU and ship from an EU warehouse. Prohibition Era Euro edition 2021.

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead said:
Dang!!!!

Well with some quick Google research, "by the book" the duty for us Americans should be about $60 more or less. So not a wallet buster necessarily. Wondering though as I peruse some prior posts, some have purchased via Stronghold at pretty much the same price as going direct. Could be a way to short cut some duties and shipping, but not sure the limitations with customizations. Anyway, the store is a half hour drive for me. One of these days I'll take a drive down there and see some of these in person. My new fixation. Just great. Just when I thought I was done LOL.

Anything under $800 is duty / custom free. Depending on different states you might get dinged for state taxes, but that's rare. It doesn't hurt to ask the seller to declare $800 max for value.

Tom71 said:
So, got the Sheep Dom yesterday. Just some very amateurish photos as proof.

The hide is as previously described: Quite heavy and substantial but buttery soft. The hand is very different from any other leather I have handled. It does feel substantial, but I wouldn´t trust it to survive a slide over 10 meters of pavement. I am really interested to see how it will react to rain.
The hide is still very smooth, but the grain already started to faintly show (hint...) upon handling the jacket for a while.

Execution is flawless. The coin-pocket that I added is arguably a bit busy (I think that´s down to the contrast of the beige zipper tape), but - alas - I wanted it that way.

The only thing that bugs me a bit: I could have used an extra inch in the body. I thought about that, but decided to go for the exact measurements that I had in my horsehide Dom. Back-lenght is eactly the same, but somehow the sheep wears shorter. This is on me entirely, and as I am not to paranoid about minor things, I can easily live with this.

I can highly recommend trying LL´s sheep. It´s very different from all other hides, but I am really impressed so far!

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I think the length is perfect. It looks cool the way it is now. The brown zip tape take this up to another level. Congratulations!

MrProper said:
Yes, the green is great. But for me it is too special to wear it in everyday life. Since I prefer it more inconspicuous.
On a motorcycle immediately
Since I have sheep so far only as Shearling, that will be the first choice. Further I will see how the adjustments work for me.
Current LL has suggested me a 46 as a base, but in my opinion this is much too wide for my body measurements. Let's see.

46 sounds on the larger side. But you are very tall so maybe that's why. Also it could be one of their slim cut versions. Did Rip give you actual dimensions of the jacket?

Salmosalar · Aug 20, 2021

I just spotted a LL Star Lightning (Lightning but with shoulder and arm pads) up on ebay with 5d to go and no bids yet and a sensible starting price - not my size, but looks to be in great condition and my guess is its sheep from the late 70s, as it clearly has that distinctive rippled grain and it looks like a nice thick hide. I can't copy the link over for some reason to share directly, but I'm sure a few FL bloodhounds will be able to track it down if there is any interest….

MrProper · Aug 20, 2021

Canuck Panda said:
46 sounds on the larger side. But you are very tall so maybe that's why. Also it could be one of their slim cut versions. Did Rip give you actual dimensions of the jacket?

Yes, he did.
This one:
SIZE 46
CHEST 128cm
HEM 118cm
LENGTH 66.5cm
SHOULDER 52cm
SLEEVE LENGTH 65.5cm

He meant add length to the sleeves, the body lenght and possibly reduce the Hem slightly.

I replied by saying I would have guessed more like 42 and think 46 will be too big. Have still sent my body measurements and link to a few photos of my jackets.
And of course the measurements of my current jackets.
Now I'm waiting for an answer or order right away. He comes then anyway because of the dimensions to me.
In any case, it is important to me that the jacket fits the way I imagine and like it.

MrProper · Aug 20, 2021

Marc mndt said:
On the LL website my cyclone costs £917 (=€1070). If I select Netherlands it changes to £782.83 (=€914)

DHL charged €222.76 (28.24 Import Duties + 17.44 handling fees + 176.37 VAT)

So in total I payed €1136.76. Which means I payed €66.76 for Brexit BS (€1070-€1136.76). Actually a bit less because the shipping costs are included in that number.

Let say shipping costs to NL are £20.

So in total I payed about €43 more for my jacket post-Brexit as compared to pre-Brexit. Which isn't all that bad.

With Aero, the post-pre Brexit price difference is about €230 (as I was told by a fellow Dutch TFL member who recently imported an Aero jacket)

View attachment 355501 View attachment 355502 View attachment 355503

Hm... somehow I don't get the numbers.
I would have expected UK VAT (20%) to be deducted by LL. And I mean that was the case when I did the math.
But now the website shows me 780 GBP for a gross price of 900 GBP instead of the expected 750 GBP. Maybe that's because the shipping is added to the net price of 750 with 30 GBP?
But maybe it is also some other costs.

Normally an import to the EU should work like this:
Gross UK price - 20% UK VAT = Net UK price
Net price + Shipping = base for duty
Base for duty + 4% duty on leather goods (unless free trade agreement applies) = Basis for VAT
Basis for VAT + 21% NL VAT = Gross NL price
Gross price NL + DHL administration fee 2% of ? = total cost

Since I don't think your numbers from DHL are wrong, I guess the error must be mine. But I do not know which one.

Edit:
Funny. The prizes seem to be drawn. lol
I tried several jackets in LL's store and some are 20% off and others are only 15% off. Since the prices change even with different EU countries, I suspect shipping costs play into it.

Pandemic · Aug 21, 2021

The wife and kids went out for a couple of hours today, so I cranked-up the aircon and pulled out the new jacket and a water spray bottle to shape the collar a little. I wouldn’t use the term ‘break-in’ because it was so soft and pliable to begin with, but it’s definitely forming some nice creases:

PS: I think this has become the official LL thread, for all hides.

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead · Aug 21, 2021

Looks amazing. Take my wallet. Just waiting to see a few more pics from other TFLers. Curious about the green and dark brown. But may end up reverting to classic black. I'm down to my last jacket I think. Just sold a bunch and rounded out a few. My big 5-0 bday coming up and I think the LL would be the cherry on top. then time to just start wearing the hell out of everything.

Jin431 · Aug 21, 2021

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead said:
Looks amazing. Take my wallet. Just waiting to see a few more pics from other TFLers. Curious about the green and dark brown. But may end up reverting to classic black. I'm down to my last jacket I think. Just sold a bunch and rounded out a few. My big 5-0 bday coming up and I think the LL would be the cherry on top. then time to just start wearing the hell out of everything.

advanced happy birthday good sir! get in on the sheepskin train lol the green is very interesting for sure but if you go with the classic black or dark brown it will come out just as good. god knows I want one too lol but the patterns I like the corsair/dominator looks so much alike with my current stock lol

Can you make alterations to the jacket pattern i.e. Removing the central seam on the super monza or the trucker with a 1 piece back design?

Pandemic · Aug 21, 2021

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead said:
Looks amazing. Take my wallet. Just waiting to see a few more pics from other TFLers. Curious about the green and dark brown. But may end up reverting to classic black. I'm down to my last jacket I think. Just sold a bunch and rounded out a few. My big 5-0 bday coming up and I think the LL would be the cherry on top. then time to just start wearing the hell out of everything.

I got myself a 50th birthday jacket this year. And another. And another, lol.

Black is pretty trad LL - you can’t go wrong there. The green sheep looks amazing!! I’m dying to see @Marc mndt’s when it arrives. I must admit none of the browns have really blown me away. If you wanted brown or red-brown sheep, Addict might be another option.

Pandemic · Aug 21, 2021

They have a very clear vision of their style and won’t let you stray too far. Everything that leaves the shop is true LL. While the measurements are fully customizable, they won’t let you go too baggy or too long for example. In the same way, there are pretty firm limits on what design aspects you can customize. It’s pretty much the opposite business philosophy to FL!

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead · Aug 21, 2021

If the green is like really dark, dark green (i.e. almost black with a subdued green hue), kind of like evil villain lizard murky green kind of thing, I might do it. I'm thinking Dominator in that case. and I might add the extra coin pocket like Thomas for extra flair. But every time I see a pic of that Lightning 402, I'm like wow. Just wondering if green is going to be way over the top for the cross zip. Don't want the jacket to become just a halloween Riddler costume piece LOL.

And Jin, I was wondering the same about pattern changes. I think no, but then again, who knows. If I go dominator I might take out the hand warmers if they allow. They always tend to flair out. But every jacket I've seen so far looks like they nail the fit perfectly, so might not be an issue in case they don't allow. And I think I'm pretty set on getting a square logo patch.

I was laughing with Marc yesterday. Few months ago I was like I don't like LL because of the patch and extra bling. Now I'm considering one in green, logo patch, contrasting tape, adding extra flare. LOL. the madness never stops.

Salmosalar · Aug 21, 2021

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead said:
If the green is like really dark, dark green (i.e. almost black with a subdued green hue), kind of like evil villain lizard murky green kind of thing, I might do it. I'm thinking Dominator in that case. and I might add the extra coin pocket like Thomas for extra flair. But every time I see a pic of that Lightning 402, I'm like wow. Just wondering if green is going to be way over the top for the cross zip. Don't want the jacket to become just a halloween Riddler costume piece LOL.

And Jin, I was wondering the same about pattern changes. I think no, but then again, who knows. If I go dominator I might take out the hand warmers if they allow. They always tend to flair out. But every jacket I've seen so far looks like they nail the fit perfectly, so might not be an issue in case they don't allow. And I think I'm pretty set on getting a square logo patch.

I was laughing with Marc yesterday. Few months ago I was like I don't like LL because of the patch and extra bling. Now I'm considering one in green, logo patch, contrasting tape, adding extra flare. LOL. the madness never stops.

The green is indeed v dark - its a classic British racing green, as seen on the old Aston Martins, Mini Coopers, E-type jags etc - think something along these lines https://www.ronsusser.com/inventory...en-metallic-fully-restored-gorgeous-series-1/

Pandemic · Aug 21, 2021

Go green Lighting:

Salmosalar · Aug 21, 2021

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead said:
If the green is like really dark, dark green (i.e. almost black with a subdued green hue), kind of like evil villain lizard murky green kind of thing, I might do it. I'm thinking Dominator in that case. and I might add the extra coin pocket like Thomas for extra flair. But every time I see a pic of that Lightning 402, I'm like wow. Just wondering if green is going to be way over the top for the cross zip. Don't want the jacket to become just a halloween Riddler costume piece LOL.

And Jin, I was wondering the same about pattern changes. I think no, but then again, who knows. If I go dominator I might take out the hand warmers if they allow. They always tend to flair out. But every jacket I've seen so far looks like they nail the fit perfectly, so might not be an issue in case they don't allow. And I think I'm pretty set on getting a square logo patch.

I was laughing with Marc yesterday. Few months ago I was like I don't like LL because of the patch and extra bling. Now I'm considering one in green, logo patch, contrasting tape, adding extra flare. LOL. the madness never stops.

Ps - they won't do the Dominator without the handwarmers - as others have said they are v protective of their legacy, so won't stray too far away from the base patterns. You could always go for an option with the zipped handwarmers - I think the green with the beige zip tape would be great - mine is with the black tape and if I did it again would only change that one detail. It still looks fantastic but the brown tape with the green sheep has a more classic vintage feel to it.

The blue sheep is also v nice - my next one from LL will be their Western jacket in blue sheep…..

Salmosalar · Aug 21, 2021

Pandemic said:
Go green Lighting:

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View attachment 355900

Fantastic! You can see in those shots just how much the zip tape colour alters the overall look of the jacket - the beige version gives it a more vintage flavour, whereas the black is more edgy to my mind. Both are great either way….probably best to get one of each, just to be sure

TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead · Aug 21, 2021

thanks for your input, Sal. LL should give you some commission. Our resident guru. And nice pics, Justin. That green looks amazing. Now to flip a coin on the lightning or dominator. Curious about Marc's Cyclone (I think that's what he ordered) as well. And I agree, definitely beige tape. Don't even want to look at the blue LOL for fear it will spur another project. Ive got a midnight blue Aero racer anyway. I'm literally down to my last jacket unless I sell off another 5 LOL. So going to make it count.

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