Best Sherpa lined denim / canvas jackets?

[Seb Lucas]

I don't believe I would ever again pay a dime over $150 for a denim jacket, no matter how stunning I still find all this top shelf gear to be but... Nah. Take for example Zara truckers, they're really well made, from tough and heavy denim and even the sherpa is of decent weight, yet they cost like $80 tops. I know high-end denim looks better, will fade better, etc. but ultimately, it's not $300+ better and frankly, it's just a denim jacket, not exactly a pinnacle of high-fashion.

After this I got myself a black Zara trucker and you're right. Heavy and robust. Just what I wanted and only $70 Australian. I don't really want to pay more than $100 for bloody denim, it's just a bit of cotton work clobber. I've heard the name Zara mentioned with disdain before so I was surprised since it is almost impossible here to get a decent denim jacket that doesn't cost more than my first car or is a $20 piece of shit.

 

[jimmer_5]

OK, I didn't think it would happen to me, but I've finally been spoiled by real denim. The TL;DR is that I think it's worth paying $150 or so for something with heavy / selvedge / dry / thicker denim.

I just stopped by our local Boot Barn (boot and western store) and it just so happened that they had a whole rack of lined denim jackets, mostly sherpa. And, in all honesty, most of them sucked.

I tried a current Levis Type 3 with sherpa lining, the Wrangler Cowboy cut sherpa lined broken twill jacket, a distressed "fashion" Wrangler denim with sherpa, another fashion Wrangler with flannel lining, and a plain, unlined, broken twill Wrangler Cowboy cut. I tried all of them in a size Large with a light hoodie underneath.

The Levi's looked nice, but the denim felt thin and soft and the sherpa was thin - you could see the mesh that it's attached to where it folded. The body was a big for the size and the sleeves were 2" too short.

The Wrangler Cowboy cut sherpa was better, but still short in the arms, and short in the body, even with my relatively short torso. Not flattering in cut, but it is actual workwear, so it gets a pass from me.

Both of the "fashion" Wranglers were terrible. Huge in the body - at least as big as an XL in width if not larger. Fabric was soft and thin, and they just felt cheap.

The only one I actually liked was the bone simple Wrangler Cowboy cut unlined jacket. It was a nice, trim fit, almost long enough in the arms, and the 14.75 oz broken twill felt thick enough to hold up to some use.

 

[jimmer_5]

After seeing Ton's pictures, I ordered the black Bravestar in a size Large. I'd say I'm trying it out, but since they don't do returns (only exchanges), I'm keeping SOMETHING from them regardless. Fingers crossed that the denim and sherpa are a significant improvement.

I have previously tried a Sherpa lined Tellason Coverall Jacket, and it's beautifully made, but expensive. I was unfortunately right in between sizes - the Large looked great, but I couldn't move in it, and the XL gave me room to breath, but even it was a little snug with layers. It's a chore coat style, but not overly long. The quality of the denim, the construction, and the fit were worlds apart from the cheaper options I've tried, but it was expensive. Still, it's very unique, and worth a look: https://berkeleysupply.com/collecti...on-sherpa-lined-coverall-denim-jacket-14-75oz

 

[Blackadder]

I was looking on their website, and I don't see anything that appears to be USA made - is there a separate site? I do really like broken twill. I've only tried their jackets out but once, and that one (unlined) ran really small.

Regular Wrangler USA items are no longer made in USA. It is just how many people distinguish the different operators under the same brand name. I know it is confusing but both Wrangler and Lee seem to have licensed their brand names to others outside USA i.e. Wrangler Japan is made, designed and controlled by Edwin Japan a licensee and its products are only sold in Japan. It has completely different products from Wrangler USA and Wrangler Europe. I believe Wrangler Europe is also operated by a different subsidiary or even a licensee. Wrangler Europe may be a bit misleading too as it seems to control all the operations outside USA and Japan. Wrangler Europe products are not available in USA or Japan at all (save for parallel imports). So what I mean by Wrangler USA is that the one that still has its base in USA.

 

[ton312]

After seeing Ton's pictures, I ordered the black Bravestar in a size Large. I'd say I'm trying it out, but since they don't do returns (only exchanges), I'm keeping SOMETHING from them regardless. Fingers crossed that the denim and sherpa are a significant improvement.

I have previously tried a Sherpa lined Tellason Coverall Jacket, and it's beautifully made, but expensive. I was unfortunately right in between sizes - the Large looked great, but I couldn't move in it, and the XL gave me room to breath, but even it was a little snug with layers. It's a chore coat style, but not overly long. The quality of the denim, the construction, and the fit were worlds apart from the cheaper options I've tried, but it was expensive. Still, it's very unique, and worth a look: https://berkeleysupply.com/collecti...on-sherpa-lined-coverall-denim-jacket-14-75oz

I think you’re going to like the Bravestar man. I actually love it.

 

[jimmer_5]

One more note - probably nothing that you don't already know, just my perspective. I work in the pocket knife industry, and our company has two brands - one that's more economical, and one that's high end. The less expensive brand has knives that are made in the USA and China, while the high-end brand is all USA made.

Suffice it to say, I hear the the "but is it worth two, three, four times as much?" argument A LOT.

Surprisingly enough, the simple answer is no. However, there's more to it than that.

The cheapest imported knife we make will do the job. It won't hold an edge as long, it may not be as pleasant to look at, it may not have lots of cool materials and features, but it will function properly and do it's job. Even an economical USA made equivalent will cost significantly more, and it does the same thing. It all comes down to priorities. A die-hard knife guy will happily pay $200, $300, $400 or much more for a high-end USA made knife, not because he needs to, but because he appreciates the quality and the high-end features. I think the same applies to even the lowly denim jacket.

Yes, there will always be a point of diminishing returns, but I have now owned enough heavyweight denim jackets to feel that it's worth more than twice the price to me personally. No, it doesn't provide twice the function, but that was never really the point. Nobody needs a $900-$1200 Aero jacket either, but we buy plenty of those around here. It's simply a matter of how much we prioritize quality for a given item. I'm sure you're all well aware that the quality is declining rapidly on the everyday clothing items you buy at retail. I have to pick and choose to keep the finances in line, but I will pay for good fit and quality as often as I can.

I'll also note that I still wear $50 "fashion" Wrangler jeans every day. I clearly I haven't prioritized the $350 Iron heart 21 oz jeans yet, so I'm not saying I'm any better than anyone else. I just like a nice denim jacket and I am well aware that I dress like a truck driver from 1978...

 

[Marc mndt]

Suffice it to say, I hear the the "but is it worth two, three, four times as much?" argument A LOT.

Surprisingly enough, the simple answer is no. However, there's more to it than that.

Keep in mind that to some quality and how much they're willing to pay for something goes beyond the tangible attributes of the products.
I'm happy to pay extra for something when the people who made the products have been paid fair wages. I buy basic white t-shirts which are produced in Portugal using organic cotton. They are 8 times more expensive than a tshirt made in Tunisia. Is 8 times better in terms of tangible attributes? Of course not. Maybe two times better. But I'm happy to pay extra for the intangible attributes.

 

[Seb Lucas]

One more note - probably nothing that you don't already know, just my perspective. I work in the pocket knife industry, and our company has two brands - one that's more economical, and one that's high end. The less expensive brand has knives that are made in the USA and China, while the high-end brand is all USA made.

Suffice it to say, I hear the the "but is it worth two, three, four times as much?" argument A LOT.

Surprisingly enough, the simple answer is no. However, there's more to it than that.

The cheapest imported knife we make will do the job. It won't hold an edge as long, it may not be as pleasant to look at, it may not have lots of cool materials and features, but it will function properly and do it's job. Even an economical USA made equivalent will cost significantly more, and it does the same thing. It all comes down to priorities. A die-hard knife guy will happily pay $200, $300, $400 or much more for a high-end USA made knife, not because he needs to, but because he appreciates the quality and the high-end features. I think the same applies to even the lowly denim jacket.

Yes, there will always be a point of diminishing returns, but I have now owned enough heavyweight denim jackets to feel that it's worth more than twice the price to me personally. No, it doesn't provide twice the function, but that was never really the point. Nobody needs a $900-$1200 Aero jacket either, but we buy plenty of those around here. It's simply a matter of how much we prioritize quality for a given item. I'm sure you're all well aware that the quality is declining rapidly on the everyday clothing items you buy at retail. I have to pick and choose to keep the finances in line, but I will pay for good fit and quality as often as I can.

I'll also note that I still wear $50 "fashion" Wrangler jeans every day. I clearly I haven't prioritized the $350 Iron heart 21 oz jeans yet, so I'm not saying I'm any better than anyone else. I just like a nice denim jacket and I am well aware that I dress like a truck driver from 1978...

Some truth to that but I'm not sure it is just about how people prioritise quality. It can also be about being deeply involved in a niche interest which builds its own momentum, with its own seductive narratives and lore, plus we have influential internet communities and forums which have a powerful enabling effect.

Incidentally when it comes to knives - many of my favourites and best quality knives came to me through thrift shops and junk sales and cost a few bucks. Often better than knives which cost 20 times that. The knife community, like some other high collectable/high artisan focused groups has a tendency to prioritise exotic materials and techniques and cult makers that can render some knives super expensive and collectable but not actually better. Which is close to your point above. It's not so much quality as it is overkill to my way of thinking. When objects are rendered as high artisanal things, they kind of transcend what they are and may well be works of art. As such they hold less interest to me personally.

Nevertheless I'd be interested is seeing and maybe buying a premium denim jacket and duck cotton jacket. If they last longer than a $60 jacket and wear better then one, then perhaps they are worth getting (whether they are worth the money is a different matter).

 

[pak]

I have a Carhartt sherpa lined type 3. Good jacket and fits well. Unfortunately now discontinued. Oddly, 3 of my best fitting jackets are discontinued Carhartts.

 

[jimmer_5]

Keep in mind that to some quality and how much they're willing to pay for something goes beyond the tangible attributes of the products.
I'm happy to pay extra for something when the people who made the products have been paid fair wages. I buy basic white t-shirts which are produced in Portugal using organic cotton. They are 8 times more expensive than a tshirt made in Tunisia. Is 8 times better in terms of tangible attributes? Of course not. Maybe two times better. But I'm happy to pay extra for the intangible attributes.

Marc, I agree, I didn't mention social issues, but there are lots of those that can play into our purchase decisions.

Companies also feel the need to be political these days, and I think they lose as many customers as they gain regardless of their specific stance.

 

[jimmer_5]

Some truth to that but I'm not sure it is just about how people prioritise quality. It can also be about being deeply involved in a niche interest which builds its own momentum, with its own seductive narratives and lore, plus we have influential internet communities and forums which have a powerful enabling effect.

Incidentally when it comes to knives - many of my favourites and best quality knives came to me through thrift shops and junk sales and cost a few bucks. Often better than knives which cost 20 times that. The knife community, like some other high collectable/high artisan focused groups has a tendency to prioritise exotic materials and techniques and cult makers that can render some knives super expensive and collectable but not actually better. Which is close to your point above. It's not so much quality as it is overkill to my way of thinking. When objects are rendered as high artisanal things, they kind of transcend what they are and may well be works of art. As such they hold less interest to me personally.

Nevertheless I'd be interested is seeing and maybe buying a premium denim jacket and duck cotton jacket. If they last longer than a $60 jacket and wear better then one, then perhaps they are worth getting (whether they are worth the money is a different matter).

Seb, I've clearly opened a can of worms here. I agree, getting into the details of a niche interest plays a big part, especially when you can follow and interact with companies through social media. I love how some of my favorite brands will take you behind the scenes through posts and livestreams. Being able to ask questions in real time and learn is so cool. The experience is important to many of us, and the idea of participating in an authentic experience.

There are lots of cool vintage knives out there, and some of the old methods of manufacturing are uncommon today. And yes, people get really hung up on high end materials that push the price WAY past the point of diminishing returns. I like craftsmanship, but I don't need everything gold plated either.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Seb, I've clearly opened a can of worms here. I agree, getting into the details of a niche interest plays a big part, especially when you can follow and interact with companies through social media. I love how some of my favorite brands will take you behind the scenes through posts and livestreams. Being able to ask questions in real time and learn is so cool. The experience is important to many of us, and the idea of participating in an authentic experience.

There are lots of cool vintage knives out there, and some of the old methods of manufacturing are uncommon today. And yes, people get really hung up on high end materials that push the price WAY past the point of diminishing returns. I like craftsmanship, but I don't need everything gold plated either.

The knife world is fascinating. I think you've hit the nail on the head when you use the word authenticity. I think the search for this elusive value is very much what defines many thinking consumers these days. And a lot of marketing has really played to the idea that certain products are authentic and mirror a golden past in some way, when people and life were better. And I doubt that any customer ever pays less for authenticity.

 

[jimmer_5]

I finally got my Bravestar Sherpa lined jacket - sort of.... Admittedly, it's my fault. I ordered the blue selvedge / white sherpa version, but I called Bravestar the day after I ordered and asked them to switch my order to black. They agreed, but apparently that didn't actually reserve me a jacket. 5 days or so later, my order shipped, and they ended up selling out of black before they pulled my order, so they shipped me the blue one. Disappointed, I went to eBay, and got lucky - someone was selling a black one in my size! I snagged it, and now I unintentionally ended up with both colors. My wife isn't really happy with me..... I'll likely end up selling the blue one, even though I really like the color.

As Ton has said before, these are running consistently small. I got a size Large, and the chest measures 23" across - the measurements on the website say the large chest is 49" (24.5" across). The thick sherpa lining is part of this, but that's still a whole size off (the website says a medium should measure 47"/23.5" across).

That being said, this is a perfect 'fashion' fit for me (42" chest / size 36 pants). I can just barely fit a close fitting hoodie underneath, and it looks best over just a long sleeved shirt. The sleeves are just barely long enough for my long arms, but the length should be perfect for most people. I would probably step up to an XL if I wanted to layer more frequently, but for Oregon winters this should be perfect.

So, is it worth 2-3 times the cost of the imported Levi's equivalent? Sort of? The selvedge denim is nice, but I feel like I've handled nicer. Nicer does cost more though, and for the a USA made item, I do think this is good value. An Iron Heart would be better, but that would cost another 2-3 times as much as this Bravestar. The fit is head and shoulders above the cheaper Levi's and Wranglers that I tried on - that alone is worth the price of admission. Add in USA manufacturing and selvedge denim, and I'd give it my recommendation.

Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 01 by jimmacnair, on Flickr
Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 02 by jimmacnair, on Flickr
Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 03 by jimmacnair, on Flickr

 

[jimmer_5]

The only thing that I didn't care for about buying from Bravestar is the "no returns" policy (exchanges only, you pay shipping). I'm sure this helps keep the prices low, but limited availability mixed with sizing issues can lead to disappointing results. For example, I would have happily paid return shipping if I could have bought two sizes and returned the one that didn't fit. Perhaps it's a little dirty to do this, but I'm amazed how often the advertised measurements are correct for me, but the item still doesn't fit as expected. On a higher-end item, a little more wiggle room is greatly appreciated.

EDITED TO ADD: This comment may come off like complaining, but in the time it took them to pull my order they ran out of the color I asked for (that one was my fault for changing my mind, but I was a little surprised that they didn't reserve one when I changed the order).

In addition, when I ordered, all sizes were available, but by the time I actually received the blue jacket that they sent, both colors were totally sold out. It was a pre-order item, so it's somewhat understandable, but it's disappointing when the item runs a size small, and there are none left in reserve for exchanges. I got lucky and mine fits, but I was considering exchanging the blue one for an XL, and I don't even have the option at this point.

If the chest sizing was accurate I wouldn't complain, but given that it was off a whole size, I can't be the only one who feels this way.

 

[Jin431]

^^ Looks great, congratulations on a good purchase.

 

[Marc mndt]

The only thing that I didn't care for about buying from Bravestar is the "no returns" policy (exchanges only, you pay shipping).

Is that allowed by law, a no return policy?

Here in the European union Webshops must offer a 14 day return policy for internet purchases. They must also cover shipping costs of the return.

 

[DrMacabre]

Can’t compare with Levis because i only have corduroy sherpa but the Lee i’ve gotten from Vinted is pretty great for the price.

 

[Jin431]

^^ way to go EU, wished we have that here too

 

[marker2037]

I finally got my Bravestar Sherpa lined jacket - sort of.... Admittedly, it's my fault. I ordered the blue seledge / white sherpa version, but I called Bravestar the day after I ordered and asked them to switch my order to black. They agreed, but apparently that didn't actually reserve me a jacket. 5 days or so later, my order shipped, and in they ended up selling out of black before they pulled my order, so they shipped me the blue one. Disappointed, I went to eBay, and got lucky - someone was selling a black one in my size! I snagged it, and now I unintentionally ended up with both colors. My wife isn't really happy with me..... I'll likely end up selling the blue one, even though I really like the color.

As Ton has said before, these are running consistently small. I got a size Large, and the chest measures 23" across - the measurements on the website say the large chest is 49" (24.5" across). The thick sherpa lining is part of this, but that's still a whole size off (the website says a medium should measure 47"/23.5" across).

That being said, this is a perfect 'fashion' fit for me (42" chest / size 36 pants). I can just barely fit a close fitting hoodie underneath, and it looks best over just a long sleeved shirt. The sleeves are just barely long enough for my long arms, but the length should be perfect for most people. I could probably step up to an XL if I wanted to layer more frequently, but for Oregon winters this should be perfect.

So, is it worth 2-3 times the cost of the imported Levi's equivalent? Sort of? The selvedge denim is nice, but I feel like I've handled nicer. Nicer does cost more though, and for the a USA made item, I do think this is good value. An Iron Heart would be better, but that would cost another 2-3 times as much as this Bravestar. The fit is head and shoulders above the cheaper Levi's and Wranglers that I tried on - that alone is worth the price of admission. Add in USA manufacturing and selvedge denim, and I'd give it my recommendation.

Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 01 by jimmacnair, on Flickr
Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 02 by jimmacnair, on Flickr
Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 03 by jimmacnair, on Flickr

Perfect fit IMO. I'm your exact size in chest and waist so it's good to know a Large would be my size should I ever desire one. I have a normal Bravestar Ironside in a Large, unworn besides at a desk a couple times, and it is super long and rather roomy in the chest. Seems bigger than the site dimensions. I have been debating on whether I will try to shrink it in hot water and see if that does anything, but I am also considering just selling it for a Steadfast since that seems like a better fit, plus I like the Lee 101J styling more these days.

 

[ton312]

I finally got my Bravestar Sherpa lined jacket - sort of.... Admittedly, it's my fault. I ordered the blue seledge / white sherpa version, but I called Bravestar the day after I ordered and asked them to switch my order to black. They agreed, but apparently that didn't actually reserve me a jacket. 5 days or so later, my order shipped, and in they ended up selling out of black before they pulled my order, so they shipped me the blue one. Disappointed, I went to eBay, and got lucky - someone was selling a black one in my size! I snagged it, and now I unintentionally ended up with both colors. My wife isn't really happy with me..... I'll likely end up selling the blue one, even though I really like the color.

As Ton has said before, these are running consistently small. I got a size Large, and the chest measures 23" across - the measurements on the website say the large chest is 49" (24.5" across). The thick sherpa lining is part of this, but that's still a whole size off (the website says a medium should measure 47"/23.5" across).

That being said, this is a perfect 'fashion' fit for me (42" chest / size 36 pants). I can just barely fit a close fitting hoodie underneath, and it looks best over just a long sleeved shirt. The sleeves are just barely long enough for my long arms, but the length should be perfect for most people. I could probably step up to an XL if I wanted to layer more frequently, but for Oregon winters this should be perfect.

So, is it worth 2-3 times the cost of the imported Levi's equivalent? Sort of? The selvedge denim is nice, but I feel like I've handled nicer. Nicer does cost more though, and for the a USA made item, I do think this is good value. An Iron Heart would be better, but that would cost another 2-3 times as much as this Bravestar. The fit is head and shoulders above the cheaper Levi's and Wranglers that I tried on - that alone is worth the price of admission. Add in USA manufacturing and selvedge denim, and I'd give it my recommendation.

Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 01 by jimmacnair, on Flickr
Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 02 by jimmacnair, on Flickr
Bravestar Selvage Black Sherpa 03 by jimmacnair, on Flickr

Looks perfect!! I’ve been wearing mine almost daily and I suspect you will too. How does the indigo version compare in terms of the weight of the denim? Having one of each is not a bad thing! You can avoid the tux-deluxe with both colors!