Field Leathers "The Michigan"

[JMax]

Awesome jacket, awesome fit, and that Shinki is out of this world. Congrats. Now, are you done (for a little while at least) or is something else already percolating?

 

[Colin G]

I really dig it and the cuff snaps as well. Good choice on everything.

 

[Fonzie]

Wow that is really nice! Great fit and beautiful jacket, Greg is doing some impressive work. Your reviews are very good too, keep’em coming!

 

[dudewuttheheck]

That is a great looking jacket!

 

[handymike]

Congratulations!
Beautiful leather, and a cool design.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Looks like nice work. How much more does it cost than an Aero 1930's half-belt?

 

[Marc mndt]

Looks like nice work. How much more does it cost than an Aero 1930's half-belt?

I haven't seen a field leathers jacket in the flesh, yet. But I don't think its in the same category as Aero. Yes it's more expensive. But I think that's comparing apples and oranges.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I haven't seen a field leathers jacket in the flesh, yet. But I don't think its in the same category as Aero. Yes it's more expensive. But I think that's comparing apples and oranges.

Well no, it's actually comparing leather jackets. You can leave fruit out of this.

 

[Marc mndt]

Well no, it's actually comparing leather jackets. You can leave fruit out of this.

On second thought, Field Leathers Idaho is £820, badalassi leather.
Aero's premium halfbelt in Italian horsehide goes for £825. I guess a comparison could be made since they're in the same price range.
I don't own either of them so I couldn't tell.

 

[Seb Lucas]

On second thought, Field Leathers Idaho is £820, badalassi leather.
Aero's premium halfbelt in Italian horsehide goes for £825. I guess a comparison could be made since they're in the same price range.
I don't own either of them so I couldn't tell.

My view on jackets is you can compare any jacket with any other jacket. How else can you tell what you like or prefer? I compare my Gibson and Barnes with my Aero, say, and although the Aero cost more, I think the G&B is as well made and possibly better. But it is really just aesthetics and these have minimal functional difference.

 

[l0fielectronic]

Looks a great piece of work and a perfect fit too.

 

[Marc mndt]

But it is really just aesthetics and these have minimal functional difference.

A Himel jacket has no function difference to an aero jacket. Just esthetics.

 

[navetsea]

Great fit, and the color combo with the thread is refreshing. Congrats!!

 

[Mich486]

Very nice jacket! That double row of stitching looks very neatly done.

 

[Tom71]

Awesome jacket, awesome fit, and that Shinki is out of this world. Congrats. Now, are you done (for a little while at least) or is something else already percolating?

Oh boy, if I only knew...

Seriously, there are always some ideas on future projects. I originally wanted to go for Greg‘s Café Racer (The Route 66), but I always think this pattern is extra hard to fit right. Now of course with Greg having my measurements...
Long answer short: I hope I am done for now.

 

[Tom71]

Looks like nice work. How much more does it cost than an Aero 1930's half-belt?

The jacket as it is set me back GBP 1.100. The Shinki carries an extra of GBP 150, and I have 2 inside pockets. The rest are adjustments to the pattern for P2P, sleeves and body.

 

[handymike]

Let’s see the back!

 

[Tom71]

My view on jackets is you can compare any jacket with any other jacket. How else can you tell what you like or prefer? I compare my Gibson and Barnes with my Aero, say, and although the Aero cost more, I think the G&B is as well made and possibly better. But it is really just aesthetics and these have minimal functional difference.

All I can say to that is, I feel I got very good value for money with this jacket.
I wanted the blue Shinki, so there was really no other option available for me. Shinki is always expensive and most makers are japanese OTR manufacturers. Prices are usually higher than what I paid.
Himel offers great jackets, of course but at top prices too. Thedi is very nice (and very Special), and the prices are slightly above Field Leathers too. LW easily surpasses FL as well, and that is not including custom.

Bottom Line (and this is really just my personal view): You can’t get a Shinki-jacket substantially cheaper if you are set on this hide.
With Greg you get classic patterns (that he is willing to tweak to your preferences) and superb craftsmanship.
Aero is slightly cheaper at entry-level, but they use totally different leathers. I will always be a big fan of both Aero (as a jacket maker as well as as people) and Horween CXL, but it is a different product IMO.

 

[Tom71]

Very nice jacket! That double row of stitching looks very neatly done.

Not an expert here, but I couldn’t find any flaw in the construction including the stitching. Very even, very neat, very tight.

 

[Tom71]

Let’s see the back!

Will do!