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Field Leathers

MrProper

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,296
Location
Europe
I put my Route 66 in the Classifieds:
I would not have thought that it would happen so quickly.
The jacket is on its way to the new owner. As it looks, the jacket will remain in the forum.

The question now is, what do I get as a replacement?

A3BE4EEE-8365-44C8-8088-A58BBA7D5A57.jpeg
 

Aloysius

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,943
I would not have thought that it would happen so quickly.
The jacket is on its way to the new owner. As it looks, the jacket will remain in the forum.

The question now is, what do I get as a replacement?

View attachment 424613


Did you see the padded cross-zip he made? It's stunning, and there isn't another jacket in your line up quite like it. If you got it in blue, it would occupy a nice place next to your black, green, and brown jackets.
 

MrProper

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,296
Location
Europe
Did you see the padded cross-zip he made? It's stunning, and there isn't another jacket in your line up quite like it. If you got it in blue, it would occupy a nice place next to your black, green, and brown jackets.
Yes, this jacket is great. Just not for me. I have a Cross zip and that's enough for me... although in brown maybe ? ;-)
No, the wait times are too long for me. I told Greg I'll reconsider if I only have to wait 3 months *lol*.
 

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,655
Short Story: I am a born again (FL) believer. FL 44 is really a Vanson 42. (I was wrong) There is Nothing wrong with the pattern or grading. But the sizing label is not very North American. Greg still has the very BEST finishing skills in the game.



Long Story (with pics!)

My Field Leather story started when Greg's lead time was still within 4 months. It was a two tone aniline Shinki Manhattan. I've heard Greg's jackets fits smaller so I went with size 42 instead of 40. When I got the jacket I was very impressed. It was by far the very best top stitched jacket I have. I am not talking about high stitch counts, but how close the top stitch is to the edge of the fold, thus creating a very fine bead, very luxurious.
IMG_3480.JPG


Unfortunately my first FL Manhattan didn't work for me in terms of sizing. Here is the sizing measuring photos of that size 42 Manhattan:

For the longest time I was quite confused and had a Love and Hate relationship (in my head) with the FL brand based on my first Manhattan experience. It was the finest jacket I have but I didn't enjoy it. Blinded by frustration, I blamed it on pattern and grading. There is actually nothing wrong with Greg's pattern or grading.

Luckily, the Leather Gods threw me a bone. An Aviator Manhattan in one size up popped up on Greg's sale page. I was hesitant at first because of the published numbers. But once I asked for nape measurement I knew it'd be fine.

FL Nape Measurements.jpg


Yesterday I received the DHL package!

Fit pics!
IMG_3442.JPG

IMG_3428.JPG

IMG_3449.JPG


Greg's published measurements are bigger than how I measured. I believe the difference is due to the different ways of measuring. He measures the actual pattern going around and divide by 2, where as I just measure the jacket flat. If I measure the jacket with a soft tape I would get the same numbers as Greg. I've found this to be true across brands. Here is me measuring the size 44 Manhattan:

FL 44 XZip.jpg


Nothing is wrong with Greg's pattern or grading. His jackets are cut for the slim look. The sleeves curve is also on par with other highly praised brands. The only difference is that Greg's sleeves are slimmer. The upside is it tunnels on first wear, very evenly tunnel.
IMG_3459.JPG


Greg's pattern vs Vanson vs LW, they are actual very similar (almost identical) in the way they are cut in the shoulder and how the sleeve is attached. P2P will vary slightly, FL being the slimmest.
FL vs Vanson vs LW.jpg
The only small things that could use upgrading is the hardware. The number 8 repro Talon is no good. The number 5 is actually better quality. I'd wish for just USA Brass YKK number 10 main zip. And the zip sleeve could be moto wind tight construction, but that could be a custom request.
8 zipper sucks and wind tight cuff.jpg

Lastly, this 44 Manhattan has the softest Shinki HH. Deerskin soft. Jacket weighs 6lbs. If Greg's Shinki are all tanned to this softness I don't see the need for deerskin. My first Manhattan was a lot stiffer than this one. I believe it has to do with the staking process. And about fit jacket, I would suggest to get two sizes. It can be thick canvas no finishings, just for sizing. This soft Shinki is softer than most canvas. But in order to get the sizing right, gotta try two different sizes. I just did it the expensive way unfortunately.

Anyways, thanks for reading, and one more pic of the jacket!

IMG_3477.JPG
 

MrProper

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,296
Location
Europe
Short Story: I am a born again (FL) believer. FL 44 is really a Vanson 42. (I was wrong) There is Nothing wrong with the pattern or grading. But the sizing label is not very North American. Greg still has the very BEST finishing skills in the game.



Long Story (with pics!)

My Field Leather story started when Greg's lead time was still within 4 months. It was a two tone aniline Shinki Manhattan. I've heard Greg's jackets fits smaller so I went with size 42 instead of 40. When I got the jacket I was very impressed. It was by far the very best top stitched jacket I have. I am not talking about high stitch counts, but how close the top stitch is to the edge of the fold, thus creating a very fine bead, very luxurious.
View attachment 426417

Unfortunately my first FL Manhattan didn't work for me in terms of sizing. Here is the sizing measuring photos of that size 42 Manhattan:

For the longest time I was quite confused and had a Love and Hate relationship (in my head) with the FL brand based on my first Manhattan experience. It was the finest jacket I have but I didn't enjoy it. Blinded by frustration, I blamed it on pattern and grading. There is actually nothing wrong with Greg's pattern or grading.

Luckily, the Leather Gods threw me a bone. An Aviator Manhattan in one size up popped up on Greg's sale page. I was hesitant at first because of the published numbers. But once I asked for nape measurement I knew it'd be fine.

View attachment 426419

Yesterday I received the DHL package!

Fit pics!
View attachment 426420
View attachment 426421
View attachment 426422

Greg's published measurements are bigger than how I measured. I believe the difference is due to the different ways of measuring. He measures the actual pattern going around and divide by 2, where as I just measure the jacket flat. If I measure the jacket with a soft tape I would get the same numbers as Greg. I've found this to be true across brands. Here is me measuring the size 44 Manhattan:

View attachment 426423

Nothing is wrong with Greg's pattern or grading. His jackets are cut for the slim look. The sleeves curve is also on par with other highly praised brands. The only difference is that Greg's sleeves are slimmer. The upside is it tunnels on first wear, very evenly tunnel.
View attachment 426427

Greg's pattern vs Vanson vs LW, they are actual very similar (almost identical) in the way they are cut in the shoulder and how the sleeve is attached. P2P will vary slightly, FL being the slimmest.
View attachment 426442 The only small things that could use upgrading is the hardware. The number 8 repro Talon is no good. The number 5 is actually better quality. I'd wish for just USA Brass YKK number 10 main zip. And the zip sleeve could be moto wind tight construction, but that could be a custom request.
View attachment 426450
Lastly, this 44 Manhattan has the softest Shinki HH. Deerskin soft. Jacket weighs 6lbs. If Greg's Shinki are all tanned to this softness I don't see the need for deerskin. My first Manhattan was a lot stiffer than this one. I believe it has to do with the staking process. And about fit jacket, I would suggest to get two sizes. It can be thick canvas no finishings, just for sizing. This soft Shinki is softer than most canvas. But in order to get the sizing right, gotta try two different sizes. I just did it the expensive way unfortunately.

Anyways, thanks for reading, and one more pic of the jacket!

View attachment 426451
Perfect I would say. Congratulations.
My envy is with you LOL
 

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,655
Perfect I would say. Congratulations.
My envy is with you LOL
Perhaps a second FL jacket to replace the brown one?

There are only three design options on his website now. But many different custom patterns posted here and on Instagram. I was really tempted to get in line now and wait to see what happens with his new designs. Hoping for a trucker style...
 

Damon141

Practically Family
Messages
928
Congratulations! I know that must have been disappointing for your Fields not to fit given the construction quality.
Now if only the same good luck would happen to MrProper since his was the first one out the gate.
 
Messages
17,483
Location
Chicago
Short Story: I am a born again (FL) believer. FL 44 is really a Vanson 42. (I was wrong) There is Nothing wrong with the pattern or grading. But the sizing label is not very North American. Greg still has the very BEST finishing skills in the game.



Long Story (with pics!)

My Field Leather story started when Greg's lead time was still within 4 months. It was a two tone aniline Shinki Manhattan. I've heard Greg's jackets fits smaller so I went with size 42 instead of 40. When I got the jacket I was very impressed. It was by far the very best top stitched jacket I have. I am not talking about high stitch counts, but how close the top stitch is to the edge of the fold, thus creating a very fine bead, very luxurious.
View attachment 426417

Unfortunately my first FL Manhattan didn't work for me in terms of sizing. Here is the sizing measuring photos of that size 42 Manhattan:

For the longest time I was quite confused and had a Love and Hate relationship (in my head) with the FL brand based on my first Manhattan experience. It was the finest jacket I have but I didn't enjoy it. Blinded by frustration, I blamed it on pattern and grading. There is actually nothing wrong with Greg's pattern or grading.

Luckily, the Leather Gods threw me a bone. An Aviator Manhattan in one size up popped up on Greg's sale page. I was hesitant at first because of the published numbers. But once I asked for nape measurement I knew it'd be fine.

View attachment 426419

Yesterday I received the DHL package!

Fit pics!
View attachment 426420
View attachment 426421
View attachment 426422

Greg's published measurements are bigger than how I measured. I believe the difference is due to the different ways of measuring. He measures the actual pattern going around and divide by 2, where as I just measure the jacket flat. If I measure the jacket with a soft tape I would get the same numbers as Greg. I've found this to be true across brands. Here is me measuring the size 44 Manhattan:

View attachment 426423

Nothing is wrong with Greg's pattern or grading. His jackets are cut for the slim look. The sleeves curve is also on par with other highly praised brands. The only difference is that Greg's sleeves are slimmer. The upside is it tunnels on first wear, very evenly tunnel.
View attachment 426427

Greg's pattern vs Vanson vs LW, they are actual very similar (almost identical) in the way they are cut in the shoulder and how the sleeve is attached. P2P will vary slightly, FL being the slimmest.
View attachment 426442 The only small things that could use upgrading is the hardware. The number 8 repro Talon is no good. The number 5 is actually better quality. I'd wish for just USA Brass YKK number 10 main zip. And the zip sleeve could be moto wind tight construction, but that could be a custom request.
View attachment 426450
Lastly, this 44 Manhattan has the softest Shinki HH. Deerskin soft. Jacket weighs 6lbs. If Greg's Shinki are all tanned to this softness I don't see the need for deerskin. My first Manhattan was a lot stiffer than this one. I believe it has to do with the staking process. And about fit jacket, I would suggest to get two sizes. It can be thick canvas no finishings, just for sizing. This soft Shinki is softer than most canvas. But in order to get the sizing right, gotta try two different sizes. I just did it the expensive way unfortunately.

Anyways, thanks for reading, and one more pic of the jacket!

View attachment 426451
Fit looks great! The handwamer pockets look really off to me though. The right is nearly touching the main zip. Is this due to the chest pocket height? It's weird b/c they look evenly placed next to the side panels....I dunno, maybe I just forgot how cross zips work.
 

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,655
Fit looks great! The handwamer pockets look really off to me though. The right is nearly touching the main zip. Is this due to the chest pocket height? It's weird b/c they look evenly placed next to the side panels....I dunno, maybe I just forgot how cross zips work.
Good eye! I also had the same worries about pocket placements. And you’re spot on that they are aesthetically off. Ergonomically they work fine. But look wise it’d be better if they are like the Monarch or this Herc
41759F0C-33A5-46DC-AF53-418E46BD52FC.jpeg

I think I know what I’m gonna get in line for now. Mk3 with this pocket set up and maybe the Peters fan back.
Or if a trucker design pops up…
 

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Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,655
Wish I could magically fix this with my craft skills…

1E1BC641-ECB1-4399-9C1D-B68BAA603395.jpeg


Has anyone here had a FL Xzip with the curved main zip? Or are those results of long term wear?
 
Messages
17,483
Location
Chicago
Wish I could magically fix this with my craft skills…

View attachment 426545

Has anyone here had a FL Xzip with the curved main zip? Or are those results of long term wear?
I’d send this pic to Greg. I hate to be a dick about it but I’d hope for the same if it were my jacket…those handwarmers just aren’t right! It’s an expensive piece. I expect this stuff from 5 Star but Greg is in a different league. Frankly a league of his own. I just can’t help but feel he should’ve known better about the angle, spacing and placement. I don’t think it can be fixed. Needs to be redone. I’m also not trying to piss on your parade….it’s a great jacket but that’s a detail I personally couldn’t live with. The angle of those hand warmers is better suited to a zipper that is arrow straight, right down the middle.
 

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,655
I’d send this pic to Greg. I hate to be a dick about it but I’d hope for the same if it were my jacket…those handwarmers just aren’t right! It’s an expensive piece. I expect this stuff from 5 Star but Greg is in a different league. Frankly a league of his own. I just can’t help but feel he should’ve known better about the angle, spacing and placement. I don’t think it can be fixed. Needs to be redone. I’m also not trying to piss on your parade….it’s a great jacket but that’s a detail I personally couldn’t live with. The angle of those hand warmers is better suited to a zipper that is arrow straight, right down the middle.
Yes that's what I am doing. Haha. But since this is just a sale jacket I will give him some slack. Had it be a full priced custom jacket I'd be pissed for sure and would totally ask for a remake.
So I guess the pockets were important on that Peters mock up after all. Better to catch it at the fitting stage than doing remakes in expensive leather!
I've gotten jacket from all three Highlander brands now, and I have to say Aero doesn't make pocket mistake like this. But Greg the new kid is also light years ahead in finishing skills. And the middle child SB still offers the best bang for the buck for leather variety. Just can't seem to have it all, and this game keeps going...
 

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,655
Sometimes I wonder if these ended up on the sale page because they don’t meet his standards because clearly he aims for perfection.
He told me it was returned due to sizing. I do believe him. Quality is top notch. But I see the point of making pockets on the mock up jackets now.

So get your mock up jacket as close as possible people! Especially if you're doing a brand new design pattern!
 

oskar

One of the Regulars
Messages
158
Sometimes I wonder if these ended up on the sale page because they don’t meet his standards because clearly he aims for perfection.
This is not the case. Greg made the jacket for me, but there was a small misstake with the chest size. He offered me a remake. When I tried the jacket on the handwarmers looked very normal. I am sure it has to do with our different body types. I think he sold it for 750 which is a great price in my opinion.
 

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