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Experiences with Johnson Leathers?

gtrplyr

A-List Customer
Messages
319
Location
Wisconsin
Hello,

I am considering ordering a custom D-pocket jacket from Johnson Leathers and was wondering if anyone could speak to their quality, or even post some pics of their jackets? I live in Michigan so going to San Fran is not an option at this time, which makes this a "sight unseen" adventure. I have been trading emails with Alan at Johnson Leathers and he has been very gracious with me. His customer service alone makes me want to do business with them. But before I jump the gun I want to make sure I'm thinking through everything.

Thanks for the help!
 

red devil

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,958
Location
London
I am in talks with them regarding a jacket as well, and this is due to the jackets posted here. :)
 

jacketjunkie

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,321
Location
Germany
Best place you can go for a custom jacket. Their off the rack stuff is very functional stuff, but the custom work is outstanding. This forum is full of beautiful jackets made by them. Alan is great to work with. Couldn't recommend anyone more than JL.
 

53Effie

A-List Customer
Messages
420
Location
Orygun
They have re-lined two of my Aero jackets and they turned out fine. Also, I have had them make me a couple of jackets: An M-200 custom out of heavy dark brown naked cowhide which turned out well. The second one was a less positive experience...a jacket based on what I remember as their W-500 model and made of the heavy black over-dye cow or steer hide. It's not a terrible jacket. I wore it to work today in fact. There was an error in the original build and they tried to fix it but it just didn't turn out as well as might be expected for a new jacket. I think it is just very difficult to take that heavy leather apart and reassemble it so that it looks brand new. In retrospect, I should have insisted on a total remake or a refund, but I got tired of shipping it back and forth and just kept it. Alan is a nice fellow and they have always finished things on schedule, certainly no issues in that respect.
 
Messages
17,511
Location
Chicago
Alan and Johnson Leathers produce some truly amazing stuff!!! They have access to some really incredible hides and they are an absolute pleasure to work with. JL will provide a fit jacket to work off and get you exactly wang you want in a timely manner. My jacket was literally in my hands the very day it was promised. Here's a couple pics, CXL 4oz overdye. It's really sublime stuff. Super heavy but softens quite quickly, especially in the sleeves.
IMG_8095.JPG

IMG_0238.JPG
 

Peacoat

*
Bartender
Messages
6,464
Location
South of Nashville
I have two of their jackets, and they do very good work. Plus, as you have found out, Alan is a pleasure to work with. I believe he will send a test jacket to nail down the fit.
 

gtrplyr

A-List Customer
Messages
319
Location
Wisconsin
Alan and Johnson Leathers produce some truly amazing stuff!!! They have access to some really incredible hides and they are an absolute pleasure to work with. JL will provide a fit jacket to work off and get you exactly wang you want in a timely manner. My jacket was literally in my hands the very day it was promised. Here's a couple pics, CXL 4oz overdye. It's really sublime stuff. Super heavy but softens quite quickly, especially in the sleeves.
View attachment 67212
View attachment 67213

Ton,

I've seen your jacket on the forum before and it was the whole reason I reached out to Johnson Leathers. That jacket is beautiful. JL doesn't have the CXL overdye leather anymore, but they do have a 3.25-3.5 SFPD leather that is very smooth and soft. I'm looking at doing a d-pocket in it based of a Buco J-23.

Thanks,
B.
 
Messages
17,511
Location
Chicago
Ton,

I've seen your jacket on the forum before and it was the whole reason I reached out to Johnson Leathers. That jacket is beautiful. JL doesn't have the CXL overdye leather anymore, but they do have a 3.25-3.5 SFPD leather that is very smooth and soft. I'm looking at doing a d-pocket in it based of a Buco J-23.

Thanks,
B.
Last I checked he had something called "rocky" that looked incredible and a legit 5oz CXL cognac. That's what's in my on deck circle. Would love to see how yours turns out!!! Alan is literally the best and a joy to work with!
 

nick123

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,371
Location
California
Has anyone ever got a classic biker jacket from them? As in Perfecto style asymmetrical ?

I had that model. Can't remember who I sold it to, Ton I think?? and I attribute that to the trauma of the sale lol.

It was the M-500 I believe. Ran true to size, with a tad bit of room. I want my old one back. So much. I've sold spectactular jackets but that one was marriage material.

Here she was. I hate to think she's with another man at this very moment getting creased. I need therapy.
IMG_3834.JPG
 

El Marro

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,603
Location
California
My first leather jacket was a stock M-200L from Johnson Leather. Alan helped me select the jacket and he was very patient and helpful, taking time to answer all my questions and making sure I got the jacket I wanted.
A few months later I had them make me a custom M-200L using brown CXL steerhide I purchased from Horween (Tannery Row). Again I found Alan to be a good guy to work with on my first custom jacket project.
If I could offer you one piece of advice it would be this: listen to Alan! I was so excited about the process of creating this jacket that I went overboard and insisted on some things (primaloft insulation for one) that I now regret. I have ordered a couple custom jackets since then and I have learned not to try to reinvent the wheel. Ask Alan what he thinks, and follow his advice. Johnson Leather has almost 40 years of experience making jackets and I'm sure they will make a nice one for you.
 

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