Cross zip nation

[handymike]

My all-time favorite is this Grais in deerskin.


I even spoke to JC about making one since it's basically a cross-zip Ventura.

 

[tmitchell59]

I’ve seen a repro of that Durable Aviator, or some approximation. Thedi? I can’t remember. Very nice though.

I am very partial to the Sportclad MC jacket. Someone needs to repro that bad boy.

 

[handymike]

Ralphs-Pugh

 

[lina]

 

[tmitchell59]

Ralphs-Pugh
View attachment 230552

Is this Steer or Horsehide? Nice looking. I know this is a favorite. What time frame is this one?

 

[handymike]

Is this Steer or Horsehide? Nice looking. I know this is a favorite. What time frame is this one?

It doesn't have a label, but I'm convinced it's Steer. I had a conversation with Mr. Ralphs' granddaughter, and she says the jackets were only made for a short time in the 40s. Their main business is making conveyor belts and parts. During the War Years, her grandpa thought jackets would be a good way to keep the factory going.

 

[regius]

I one has yet to post their Aero aviator here?

 

[regius]

My all-time favorite is this Grais in deerskin.
View attachment 230549
View attachment 230548
I even spoke to JC about making one since it's basically a cross-zip Ventura.

Wested now offers a captain America version, I have a feeling it’s actually good

 

[tmitchell59]

Thats cool, maker?

Alexander Leathers

 

[tmitchell59]

It doesn't have a label, but I'm convinced it's Steer. I had a conversation with Mr. Ralphs' granddaughter, and she says the jackets were only made for a short time in the 40s. Their main business is making conveyor belts and parts. During the War Years, her grandpa thought jackets would be a good way to keep the factory going.

Most of their jackets I have seen are Steerhide. They have a style, cut, design, pattern unlike any other jackets. Sort of bits and pieces of jacket styles with a flair! Interesting to consider who designed their jackets. Why they even chose to make jackets!

 

[sweetfights]

I personally think that the cross zip (whether a motorcycle or an aviator style jacket) brings a certain beauty and magnificence that a straight zip jacket doesn't possess. The presence of a cross zip effortlessly oozes masculinity ,and individualism. In my opinion its a stand out, stand on its own, head turner. To put it bluntly, a bad a$$ jacket, man are they cool! My intention is to collect opinions, experiences, knowledge, preferences, and pictures of cross zip jackets. Wether its your favorite jacket, your wish jacket, or your jacket of recommendation i want in on it. You may have a cool idea circulating in your mind, stealing sleep from you, a dream jacket that has to be cordovan cxl horsehide, with mismatched vintage hardware, 3 front slash pockets( lined with moleskin )with zippers, a western back yoke, a halfbelt with side tabs, faux cuffs with zippers, sateen lining with corduroy strip at the bottom, and a big collar with double stitching. I want a similiar build after i found this old catalog picture View attachment 230508

I agree with your style review on this. But in my case the style just did not feel right on me. Sold my beautiful Lost World's J23 with mutton collar without any wear. Lesson learned. You have to feel good wearing it.

 

[sweetfights]

Wow- what leather is this??? Fantastic looking!!!!

 

[steve u]

Sheeley 30's aviator

 

[handymike]

Another great lookin' Grais design:

 

[tmitchell59]

Wow- what leather is this??? Fantastic looking!!!!

Eastman Windward

 

[JMax]

We can’t forget cross-zip royalty...

 

[JMax]

Another one - with contrast stitching and brown collar.

 

[JMax]

I think the lapels on the cross-zip add certain elegance to it. I would like to explore a cross-zip plus a tie look as a certain bad-ass look/elegance dichotomy.. If someone has pics, please post.

@Gamma68 rocks this look perfectly.

If I ever have to wear a tie, I will too.

 

[J Leather Investigater]

My all-time favorite is this Grais in deerskin.
View attachment 230549
View attachment 230548
I even spoke to JC about making one since it's basically a cross-zip Ventura.

Bro, thats epic, absolutely legendary, and if john made that it would down right make me jealous. Im copying this image. I might sell two jackets and get l.w. to make this omg. Mike done started something!!!!

 

[J Leather Investigater]

Another one - with contrast stitching and brown collar.

View attachment 230585

J Max- I COMMAND YOU to SELL ME THIS ROYAL JACKET!!! (And if your reluctant, please i adjure you in the name of the jacket gods to consider me 1st when you depart from it, that i may also partake of your jacket GLORY!!!!!