Field Leathers

[jglf]

No offense, but it looks a little short in the sleeves and torso and a little big everywhere else.

 

[Robbie79]

Of all the reasons that make Field leathers jackets attractive, the choice of hides is to me the most important one. I was particularly attracted to shinki, and for the first time, a maker based in Europe provided the opportunity to experience it for an affordable price, and without the hassle of taxes and customs. When Greg posted some of his jackets in the classifieds, I spotted the Manhattan, and after some time, I finally pulled the trigger.
Unlike some of the Field leathers jackets recently acquired by fellow loungers, this one wasn't made to measure (at least not mine). It's sort of off the rack for me, so there was a bit of a gamble. I asked Greg for a few precisions, and it turns out we're both the same size, so the way he models it gave me a good idea of the way the jacket would fit me. It's the one that's featured on the website, so there's many detailed pictures of it. https://fieldleathers.com/product/leather-jacket-three/
When unwrapping it, the first strong impression comes form the smell: subtle but strong, quite alluring with a touch of citrus, if ever that makes sense. Another striking feature is visual: the texture is incredible, and the panels seem to have been chosen to distribute the grainier parts where they're most visible, on the arms and back. The touch is great as well, soft and consistant. It really is the leather that stands out in this jacket. The rest is impressive too: the style is inspired by the Buco J 24, and the construction and stitching are obviously set to a high standard. I'm not a stitch counter, but I couldn't find a flaw. If I would've been given the choice, I probably wouldn't have chosen the quilted lining, but I'm glad it's there. The color's beautiful, and
the lining is in no way too warm, nor thick.
Fit is just right. I was afraid it would be a little tight in the shoulders but they're perfectly comfortable, and although the fit is not boxy at all, it still gives room to layer if necessary. Length is almost short, but I'm getting familiar with this kind of size.
A few pics:


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It looks like made to measure - perfect fit! Very good decision to take this one from the Classifieds. Congrats!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I agree jglf. Especially the too short opinion.
HD

 

[Will Zach]

Crosszips can run a little short. This one is on the border. Sleeves are fine. Shoulders are fine. Can't tell the body because not fully zipped on the pic. Overall fine.

 

[Marc mndt]

I honestly don't think the sleeves are too short, I think they're spot on. I guess tastes differ

 

[sweetfights]

I'm gonna be honest, that jacket doesn't look as good on Harrison Ford there as his earlier Indy jackets look.

He is also way older.

 

[sweetfights]

Here are a few quick'n dirty fit pics.
Basically it's a great jacket. The leather is a dream and the workmanship is world class.
Unfortunately it is 2 cm shorter than I would have liked. This happened due to a misunderstanding in communication and the usual tolerances of 1/2 inch.
So something that I should have considered better with the dimensions.
It is only 2 cm, but it does make a difference visually.
With the rest there is absolutely nothing to complain about.
So I'm torn right now and don't know if I'm 100% happy.

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Looks like a perfect fit to me. Congrats, a stunning keeper.

 

[Mandarin]

Thank you for the feedback.
I can confirm that the sleeve length is right, and the jacket feels comfortable everywhere.
As for the body length, I suppose it was modeled after the 50's pattern, so it's historically correct.
I'm very happy with it, and keeping it as it is.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

He is also way older.

That's true, but I still don't think it fits right.

 

[sweetfights]

That's true, but I still don't think it fits right.

True

 

[marker2037]

Thank you for the feedback.
I can confirm that the sleeve length is right, and the jacket feels comfortable everywhere.
As for the body length, I suppose it was modeled after the 50's pattern, so it's historically correct.
I'm very happy with it, and keeping it as it is.

Great fit! I think the jacket length looks perfect for the style.

 

[navetsea]

Congrats, looks and fit cool.

 

[TheBigEraser]

Which brands hold their value really well on the second hand market? I mean we have all seen how much a brand new Himel went for. Aeros in my experience lose a good 40/50% with almost non wear. The Aero IR in the classifieds is an example. It’s a though market.

Freewheelers Mulholland in size 40/42 can easily sell to $2100 with 9/10 new condition in Chinese second market. The hype train started around 2015/2016 and it reached its peak these two years.

 

[Marc mndt]

Freewheelers Mulholland in size 40/42 can easily sell to $2100 with 9/10 new condition in Chinese second market. The hype train started around 2015/2016 and it reached its peak these two years.

I don't buy my jackets with their resell value in mind. I don't think jackets are great investment pieces. To me it's a hobby which costs money, and that's fine.

 

[TheBigEraser]

I don't buy my jackets with their resell value in mind. I don't think jackets are great investment pieces. To me it's a hobby which costs money, and that's fine.

I fully get your point and respect everyone's own perspective towards jackets. I just saw the question over there and wanted to share some of my own market observation.

 

[Jin431]

I don't buy my jackets with their resell value in mind. I don't think jackets are great investment pieces. To me it's a hobby which costs money, and that's fine.

Agreed, it can be an expensive hobby but it's pretty fun. The cost is just part of it but it's part of the game.

I fully get your point and respect everyone's own perspective towards jackets. I just saw the question over there and wanted to share some of my own market observation.

That's pretty good but for that amount why not buy a new jacket instead?
It's pretty cool though for some brands to have a high resell value but it's mostly your Japanese makers that have that though

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

I think once you understand your body shape and size, and what style you like, I think it's ok to go all in on a fine piece.

Most of the mistakes I made were just buying based on something "looked" good at literally first 10 second reaction to it. I didn't understand how a biswing back or underarm gussets or sleeve taper, etc. was going to change the look. How different leather types would age and change. And I also didn't understand how a jacket should fit.

Luckily for me, most of my early purchases were cheaper mall style jackets or those always on discount stuff like Andrew Marc or All Saints. They're decent jackets and had I not ever been exposed to higher end stuff, I would have gone through life blissfully thinking I had a really nice jacket. But even then I bought a couple more expensive jackets thinking I'll lose some weight or this will be my "when I want to wear a sweater underneath" version, or that funky pocket or extra zipper won't be so bad over time, etc.

It's sort of like a curse of being an expert in anything. Once your palate can pickup little nuances in a glass of red wine (or cigar, or white truffle, etc.), the good news is that a glass of wine becomes a completely different experience for you. The bad news is you can't enjoy a cheap glass of wine again because you know better.

I know we've all had this feeling of someone saying, "hey, nice jacket". But it's a completely different level when someone says "hey nice jacket, is that a _____". That recognition slash appreciation is part of the reason of the journey beyond just the fact you've done your homework, bought a perfect piece, nailed the perfect fit, and potentially acquired your grail item.

Once I walked into the LA Schott store I was both hooked and doomed. And then finding these boards, oh wow. It's a fun journey, but no doubt money has been spent and it's logical to think that money has also been wasted or not spent as wisely. I'm lucky in a lot of ways so don't take anything for granted. If I had more closet space and lived in a colder climate, I would no doubt have more jackets. But I'm just about at the end of it. I've rounded out the collection, kind have a 1 of everything I like sort of thing and a couple wtf jackets.

I've literally come down to the last couple jackets I want. I know that'll probably change the next time someone posts a cool pic of something and I'll really have to fight the urge. But for the time being, I wanted that showcase piece, custom fit, feel and look like a bad ass jacket. I've looked high and low and decided to go with a Field Leathers Route 66. Greg has been awesome to work with. And part of me has learned during these Covid times, don't take anything for granted, support the smaller shops because there's a lot of good people on the edge. And I think it's just going to be cool when someone stops me and says, "hey, really nice jacket, is that a ____". I can say "nah, it's a Field Leathers, small custom made to order shop" I'm basically in a club where maybe what 100 or 200 other people in the world can say they're also in.

I'll hopefully have the jacket just in time for the holidays. And absolutely can't wait. A few hundred bucks over an Aero or SB and to get Shinki, hand designed/tailored fit to me was a no brainer. But I also acknowledge that yeah, if I don't like it or turns out wrong for whatever, I'm pretty much stuck. It's that risk/reward balance we sometimes play.

 

[Marc mndt]

I know we've all had this feeling of someone saying, "hey, nice jacket". But it's a completely different level when someone says "hey nice jacket, is that a _____". That recognition slash appreciation is part of the reason of the journey beyond just the fact you've done your homework, bought a perfect piece, nailed the perfect fit, and potentially acquired your grail item.

I had this interesting realization the other day. I own a lot of nice jackets, leather and non-leather. Nice as in, being well constructed from the best materials, being a good fit, having lots of details. Most of them stand out in one way or the other. Bright colors, beautiful cashmeres, mouton collars, etc. But I hardly receive complements from people. Not that it really matters because I like to dress nice for other reasons. But remarkably I have been complemented a lot on my Field Leathers jacket, both by people I know as by strangers. Even my gf told me she likes this jacket better than my others, even though she usually doesn't really care because I have so many. I think that's interesting because my FL jacket doesn't really stand out like most of my other jackets do. It's a simple and clean design. Nothing frivolous. Maybe it's the Shinki leather, or maybe it's the collar which I think is the best part of my FL jacket. Anyway it is nice to know that people do notice it's something special. I hope your Route 66 will be just that, something extra special

 

[TheBigEraser]

Agreed, it can be an expensive hobby but it's pretty fun. The cost is just part of it but it's part of the game.



That's pretty good but for that amount why not buy a new jacket instead?
It's pretty cool though for some brands to have a high resell value but it's mostly your Japanese makers that have that though

Haha, like I said, it's on the hype train. Many Chinese heritage wear enthusiasts consider FW Mulholland as their grail jacket. This season a new 2020FW Mulholland cost you almost 2700 USD retail price. So people would be happy to pay around 2,000 USD to get a good condition second hand one.

Japanese brands are usually with a relatively high resell value, we can further discuss this topic but I feel this is not the right thread to talk about this topic.

Yesterday I also studied Field Leathers' IG, and I find the cross zip with cossack collar looks interesting to me. But he said he is not 100% happy with the pattern so the product is not officially open for sale at this moment.

 

[Mich486]

Japanese brands are usually with a relatively high resell value, we can further discuss this topic but I feel this is not the right thread to talk about this topic.

I don’t know if there is a cult for the FW mulholland in certain circles but going by the prices jackets sell for here in the classifieds, Japanese or not, a good 30% of the value is knocked off just by opening the box.