Denim Jackets - New or Vintage

[ton312]

Blanket wars part 2! Lee storm rider arrived. What a jacket. This is the 3rd original storm rider I’ve owned and easily the best fit so far.

I was reminded of the IH version that I owned for about 3 minutes before initiating a return. I think the comparison plainly illustrates the failings of Japanese patterns. The lengthy, tubular bodies, narrow shoulders and almost feminine sleeves. To be fair the modern Lee isn’t much better. I see the same issues across all manner of Japanese jackets…leather, wool or denim. But the IH storm rider might well be the most ludicrous example of all, yet the faithful gobble it up. Why?

 

[TelemarkTumalo]

In warmer climates a denim jacket with inner pockets is super practical. I hate stuffing my pants pockets with car keys and wallet, so jacket pockets come in handy. And a jacket is a must in stores and restaurants where they blast AC to compensate for the heat outside.

I guess I am not the only one. Even in mid-summer, when I travel by plane, I take a sweater or light jacket. Same for restaurants and movie theaters. I know that some folks run hot, but sitting for hours with cold air blowing on my neck is no fun.

 

[mumpy]

Blanket wars part 2! Lee storm rider arrived. What a jacket. This is the 3rd original storm rider I’ve owned and easily the best fit so far.
View attachment 650529 View attachment 650530
I was reminded of the IH version that I owned for about 3 minutes before initiating a return. I think the comparison plainly illustrates the failings of Japanese patterns. The lengthy, tubular bodies, narrow shoulders and almost feminine sleeves. To be fair the modern Lee isn’t much better. I see the same issues across all manner of Japanese jackets…leather, wool or denim. But the IH storm rider might well be the most ludicrous example of all, yet the faithful gobble it up. Why?
View attachment 650531

Great fit on the original! I agree the IH fit is horrible. For reference this is the fit I had with an RMC stormrider, not bad

 

[ton312]

Great fit on the original! I agree the IH fit is horrible. For reference this is the fit I had with an RMC stormrider, not bad

View attachment 650538

That’s actually spectacular! Looks like the OG.

 

[mumpy]

That’s actually spectacular! Looks like the OG.

Yes it had a great fit, unfortunately slightly too small for me (couldn't button it up easily) so had to sell it

 

[Marc mndt]

I think the comparison plainly illustrates the failings of Japanese patterns. The lengthy, tubular bodies, narrow shoulders and almost feminine sleeves.

These are exactly the shortcomings I see when looking at the Rainbow Country Hercules or Windward halfbelt copies. The narrow shoulders, tubular bodies, high armholes and slim sleeves remove all the coolness out of the original designs.

 

[Drzdave58]

Scotch and soda denim/leather thrift store find today. Somewhat vintage perhaps?
I thought it was kinda cool.

 

[One Drop]

Blanket wars part 2! Lee storm rider arrived. What a jacket. This is the 3rd original storm rider I’ve owned and easily the best fit so far.
View attachment 650529 View attachment 650530
I was reminded of the IH version that I owned for about 3 minutes before initiating a return. I think the comparison plainly illustrates the failings of Japanese patterns. The lengthy, tubular bodies, narrow shoulders and almost feminine sleeves. To be fair the modern Lee isn’t much better. I see the same issues across all manner of Japanese jackets…leather, wool or denim. But the IH storm rider might well be the most ludicrous example of all, yet the faithful gobble it up. Why?
View attachment 650531

Looks great, fits you well ! The original Storm Rider is such a perfect design, the V-shaped cut is so flattering and it just looks so cool, and is a very practical jacket for between seasons.

I picked up a used early '70s example on Etsy, it turned out to be virtually unworn and and in perfect condition, the denim hadn't even stretched out at all and is the beautiful vibrant Lee blue. The lining is a relatively poor quality synthetic one, and it has the side pockets, which are pretty invisible when worn, I actually find them quite handy to stash gloves, it being a cold weather denim jacket, which isn't an issue with the standard 101-J jacket.

This version isn't considered as desirable as the earlier no pocket wool blanket lined ones, and for god reason, but mine still looks heaps better than any of the repros I've seen, and is more or less identical looking to the original '60s version when worn, you don't even see the pockets A '60s Storm Rider in VG condition that is not too faded is just far too rich for my blood, though I'd probably pick one up if I saw a real deal, as these are getting more popular and rarer by the day and soon be entirely out of reach.

 

[ton312]

Looks great, fit you well ! The original Storm Rider is such a perfect design, the V-shaped cut is so flattering and it just looks so cool.

I picked up a used early '70s example on Etsy, it turned out to be virtually unworn and and in perfect condition, the denim hadn't even stretched out at all iand s a beautiful deep blue. The lining is a relatively poor quality synthetic, and it has the side pockets, which are pretty invisible when worn, I actually find them quite handy to stash gloves, it being a cold weather denim jacket, which isn't an issue with the standard 101-J jacket.

This version isn't considered as desirable as the earlier no pocket wool blanket lined ones, and for god reason, but mine still looks heaps better than any of the repros I've seen, and is more or less identical looking to the original '60s version. A '60s Storm Rider in VG condition that is not too faded is just far too rich for my blood, though I'de probably pick one up if I saw a real deal, as these are getting more popular and rarer by the day.

These have gotten expensive! And yes the older ones with the woven wool liner are super expensive and hard to find in wearable shape. I consulted with our resident expert on these jackets and I believe mine is from the 80’s. They are great. Wonderful pattern, easy to wear and look the part!

 

[One Drop]

These have gotten expensive! And yes the older ones with the woven wool liner are super expensive and hard to find in wearable shape. I consulted with our resident expert on these jackets and I believe mine is from the 80’s. They are great. Wonderful pattern, easy to wear and look the part!

It seems no one has got the collar colour just right either, the earthy brown of the originals is so much nicer than the pale tan of most copies, and goes better with the original thread colour, which is also so much nicer on this jacket than the brighter yellow and orange of some copies.

 

[El Marro]

I was reminded of the IH version that I owned for about 3 minutes before initiating a return. I think the comparison plainly illustrates the failings of Japanese patterns. The lengthy, tubular bodies, narrow shoulders and almost feminine sleeves

Yes, I still own the IH Storm Rider and your description is spot on. I own a number of jackets from them and they all fit well with the exception of this one. The narrow shoulders and high armholes make it painful to wear.

 

[ton312]

Yes, I still own the IH Storm Rider and your description is spot on. I own a number of jackets from them and they all fit well with the exception of this one. The narrow shoulders and high armholes make it painful to wear.

I’m surprised you kept it! Fit and pattern issues aside, the materials also felt subpar for IH and the price tag.

 

[navetsea]

how long to wait until you wash denim jacket?
also how many wears out of denim shirt between washing?
I've been wearing my light weight denim shirt for a week and a half now, but it still feel and smell fresh, I wonder if I should wash it anyway, but I hope for some creases fades a bit.

 

[jchance]

how long to wait until you wash denim jacket?
also how many wears out of denim shirt between washing?
I've been wearing my light weight denim shirt for a week and a half now, but it still feel and smell fresh, I wonder if I should wash it anyway, but I hope for some creases fades a bit.

If you’re hoping for fades, only wash when you feel like it needs a wash… which, for denim pants, is at least 6 months and, for denim jacket, a lot longer. You don’t sweat as much for jacket as for pants.

 

[mumpy]

how long to wait until you wash denim jacket?
also how many wears out of denim shirt between washing?
I've been wearing my light weight denim shirt for a week and a half now, but it still feel and smell fresh, I wonder if I should wash it anyway, but I hope for some creases fades a bit.

I wash my trousers every few weeks (they do get quite a bit of wear though), my shirts whenever they start to smell at the armpits (every couple of months but I do let them air out frequently) and my jacket maybe once every year or couple of years depending on use. I don’t care about optimising the fades though.

I wash all of them in cold water in the machine, inside out and buttoned up in a laundry bag with no spin and dark wool detergent.

I start wearing them again when they are ever so slightly damp (not hard in British weather where clothes take ages to dry).

For my wool flannels I can go much longer because they air out fine.

Keep in mind I don’t rotate my clothes that frequently (except jackets). I can go wearing the same pants for 2 weeks and eventually throw them in the laundry before I pick another one.

Just smell your clothes before putting them on. If they smell, wash them

 

[mishakhan21]

Denim jackets are just like Leather jackets - once you buy ONE, you will need another.....

exactly there is no going back