This or That? Gustin or Iron Heart

collarless jacket is so versatile, edgy, and non discriminating toward the size of one's neck looks good on people with thick neck or thin neck short or long neck I wonder why they don't get more love

 

In part I imagine it's because they weren't exactly common in the era in which TFL is primarily interested (outerwear is a bit of an outlier in that regard, but....). I don't think I've seen one earlier than.... sixtieS? I think they originated primarily as a racetrack thing too,and they've never really made their way fully into civilan fashion.

I like the collarless cut on a sleeveless jacket, though - especially if to be worn over another jacket.

 

I would hold onto the IH until the FC arrives. Don't make the "ton312 mistake" where you sell a perfect jacket in order to replace it with something you perceive as better only to later find out:

 

As I understand it, the collarless racing shirt - generally unlined - is a 1920's and 30's creation and is from the very early days of motorbike racing. But yeah, they didn't leave the race track too often and become a jacket you would wear in public until 30-40 years later.

For the last decade, the badly made, ugly and modern cafe racer has been ubiquitous and is probably responsible for those who shudder and cross themselves when they see a beautiful Buco J100.

 

As I see it that’s really the only option here. The only responsible option anyway...

 

Neither. There are so many better options out there for this style jacket

 

Like which ones?

 

I'd hold to an IH, period. You won't find a better CR. Man, I'm tired of hearing all that crap about oh this is so much better, that is so much better when in reality it's all exactly the same. It's just a leather jacket. If it fits you the way you want & if you like it, you're done. Everything else is a waste of money. In this range, you won't find a bad jacket. Nor a better one, for that matter.

 

Possible! I had one soem years ago, around 2003. It was modern, but still a nice cut. Long yokes on the front like an Aero Hercules, zipped Handwarmers only, no chest pockets. In the end, I just found the mandarin collar too casual to be able to make it work with a collared shirt, which mattered as I'd bought it in order to have less of a 'statement' leather to wear to the office than a Perfecto style. (While there is no dress code at all here in academia day to day, The P-type just felt a bit, eh.... try too hard somehow to wear to work, especially when I don't ride to the office.) I wear a tie more often than not, and the cafe cut looked especially odd with that. Which is, in effect, how I got into half belts and the likes after I stumbled across this place....

I'd be tempted to try a cafe racer again some time, but with the rarity that I wear an uncollared shirt now (and t-shirts basically being underwear in my wardrobe), I just odn't think I'd get the use out of it.