Brooks leathers

[tmitchell59]

There's a couple of threads on Brooks already. Here's one.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/gold-label-brooks-cafe-racer.84083/

The older Brooks jackets were not very well made, used thin and indifferent leather and had a bad synthetic lining. Stitching was often off and crooked, zippers were sometimes ill fitted and the lining would quickly tear.

But Brooks are some of the coolest vintage leather jackets around and my favorite vintage leather jacket pattern. And, for me, they are proof that all the reproductions, with their 'perfect' leather, stitching and workmanship are often lifeless things by comparison.

I've owned a few Brooks, like many folks here, I've sold a few and still have my first.

You described them perfectly,

If I ever have another Brooks for sale I am going to quote you. everyone who has one for sale should!

 

[tmitchell59]

These early styles

were called Racing Shirts. They are special. I sold this one. I think it was a 42.

They made a ton of styles through the 60s, 70s

Here are links to some Brooks I've owned. They are gone

Most probably have measurements, so nice reference for sizing

Cafe Racer/Racing Shirt Size 40

Cafe Racer/Racing Shirt Size 42

 

[Seb Lucas]

They show up a lot so you'll find one eventually. Dd you try it on? One thing about Brooks I find is I need a 44 when I am usually a 42 - a 46 fits ok too. They fit small.

 

[Teledan]

Ok, you almost have me convinced to drive back up to Sacramento and buy the jacket if they still have it. It seemed like a well made jacket when I tried it on. For some dumb reason, I talked myself out of buying it. Does the label in my pic indicate Detroit, MI or Massachusetts as the place of manufacture for this jacket?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mass.

 

[Mysteryo]

I have a very nice one, camel color for sale here. Pm if interested.
It’s branded Harley Davidson but I’m 99% sure it’s made by Brooks, sz.42

 

[Grayland]

I'm a 40 and have a size 42 in Brooks. My label is just black and gold, so earlier model I think. Great jackets and affordable enough to wear like it was intended and not babied. Pretty much a leather windbreaker.

 

[BlueSteel]

Just reviving this older thread about Brooks. Have one on its way to me (ebay buy), and excited for it to arrive.

But one thing I noticed when looking at a lot of pics of gold label Brooks CRs...many of them seem to have uneven bottom hems - what I mean by this is that when the jacket is zipped up and you view from the front, the bottom hem on one side of the zipper drops noticeably lower than the bottom hem on the other side of the zipper. This is something that kind of drives me crazy...don't like it.

Is this as common with Brooks as I am perceiving it to be? Was is just slack quality control in Brooks' production that caused this? Does it bother you guys?

 

[Marc mndt]

Is this as common with Brooks as I am perceiving it to be?

Mine was pretty even

 

[handymike]

Mine too!

 

[BlueSteel]

Yes - I agree the two above are nicely even and look great! Hope mine is like these...I have seen quite a few where it looks like the hem is uneven by close to an inch!

 

[AeroFan_07]

Funny the timing here. I was just poking around thier current website while browsing for something else. Seems they are down to only a few models of jackets (leather) on current offer. They are a shadow of thier former selves it appears. https://www.brooksleather.com/

 

[BlueSteel]

Just reviving this older thread about Brooks. Have one on its way to me (ebay buy), and excited for it to arrive.

But one thing I noticed when looking at a lot of pics of gold label Brooks CRs...many of them seem to have uneven bottom hems - what I mean by this is that when the jacket is zipped up and you view from the front, the bottom hem on one side of the zipper drops noticeably lower than the bottom hem on the other side of the zipper. This is something that kind of drives me crazy...don't like it.

Is this as common with Brooks as I am perceiving it to be? Was is just slack quality control in Brooks' production that caused this? Does it bother you guys?

Just as an illustration of what I'm talking about, here is a link to a later Brooks sold by Thurston Bros that has this issue...but I have seen many where the uneven hem is even more prominent:

https://www.thurston-bros.com/products/vintage-brooks-cafe-racer-jacket-size-38

 

[BlueSteel]

Hi Folks,

The Brooks landed today and I am thrilled!

The jacket looks practically unworn for an item near 50 years old. In fantastic condition!

That bottom hem is soooooo close to even...close enough for me to be very happy.

BTW the jacket is labelled as a 46 and it is TTS, but considering the range of sizes that could fairly be called a true 46 this would be at the trimmer end of the range (ie. 46 towards 44) than the more generous side (ie. 46 towards 48).

I am a true 46, and this jacket fits wonderfully and trim with a T-shirt...which is what I had in mind!

Pics:

View media item 4630View media item 4631View media item 4632

 

[handymike]

Glad it worked out! These jackets are pretty special in their way. Congratulations!

 

[AeroFan_07]

Looks really nice!

 

[newtojackets]

How are Brooks current offerings? Seen a lot of old brooks mentioned here, but seems like they’re still active?

E.g. https://www.brooksleather.com/511n-road-warrior.html

This one looks like their old cafe racers and is still made in the US

 

[ProteinNerd]

I don't believe its the original company, someone just bought the name. Although I could be wrong.

I remember someone here reporting they weren't too impressed with the new stuff. I'm just waiting on an old Gold Label to arrive myself, great jackets and usually reasonably priced.

 

[newtojackets]

Feel like it might be worth sharing my gold label:

When I got it it was in great condition. However there was mouldy smell to it. Put it in the tub for 30 mins and sprayed some vinegar on it and the smell was mostly gone. However the leather was now super dry:



Bought some leather conditioner / wax, rubbed it over and here the end result:





Is the leather the best I’ve ever seen? Not by a long shot (it is quite thin and has mismatched graining). Is the build quality outstanding? No- sititching is occasionally wonky.

Despite that it is still one of the best jackets I’ve handled. The pattern is perfection, the fit is amazing and it looks great when worn. As others have said, these things are great

 

[newtojackets]

Does anyone know what type of leather Brooks used? Steer?

 

[Monitor]

Does anyone know what type of leather Brooks used? Steer?

Cowhide, yes.