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Fine Creek Leathers Tyler
Approximately two years ago, I reached a state of mind rarely found in this community: leather jacket contentment. Yes, I know: blasphemy! I liked my assortment of jackets and I did not feel the need to purchase any more. Nevertheless, in the recesses of my (tiny) mind, I had a small yearning for one more black jacket. The yearning was mostly in the background and I rarely entertained it. I briefly toyed with the idea of purchasing a Himel Imperial in black, but I already have a good number of Himel jackets, as well as a GW Imperial in brown. Thus, I successfully resisted that temptation. However, the notion of “just one more black jacket” remained and, while not aggressively searching, I kept my eyes open – at least one eye.
Over the years, I had tried on several Fine Creek Leather models at Self Edge and, while I liked much about the jackets, the fits did not work. Moreover, I was not interested in mismatched panels, which eliminated certain of their offerings.
Recently, I discovered the FCL Tyler. This jacket appeared to be what I was kinda, sorta looking for and really appealed to me. However, no retailers near me carried the Tyler and, given the fit issues with the other FCL models, I was reluctant to buy a FCL jacket without trying it on. The published measurements appeared to be perfect, but we all know how often published measurements do not translate to a good fit. After hemming and hawing for a bit, I decided to give it a try.
Executive summary: This jacket rocks and fits me better than any prior OTR jacket – frankly, it fits me better than many custom jackets.
Provenience
The FCL Tyler is a reproduction of a prior version of the Lewis Leathers Corsair. Why didn’t I simply buy a Corsair? First, the version of the Corsair reproduced by FCL is not currently made by LL. Rather, the current LL Corsair does not have a sleeve zipper (the Lightening does, but not the Corsair). Second, I hate the LL patch – this is a deal breaker for me. Third, I prefer Shinki HH over LL HH.
Leather
The leather is veg-tanned, aniline finished 1.3 mm Shinki HH (I confirmed the leather with two different retailers). It is quite robust, yet pliable and immediately wearable without a break-in. Exactly what I prefer. The color is a dull black – not at all shiny. It is a tea-core HH. I love the leather!
Cut
The cut of this jacket is stellar! The relationship between the shoulders and the chest is perfect (for me). The waist is trim. The sleeve width is great (up to the cuffs). No excess material under the shoulders. The extra length in the back is fantastic (more below on this).
One nit about the cut: The sleeve openings are just a tad too wide. If it bothers me, I will have them narrowed.
Design
I was looking for something a tad sportier than my Himel Frobisher and RMC Steinbeck, so as to distinguish the jacket from a typical half-belt design. On the other hand, I did not want a jacket that was too busy. The Tyler fits the bill perfectly. The cuff zippers, sleeve zipper, and waistband tab add the additional character I was seeking, without being too bold or ornate. Years ago, I was on the fence about the waistband tab, but it grew on me.
I am not in love with the collar. It currently sits a bit oddly. I may have to call upon one of our resident collar experts – e.g., @handymike – for an assist.
I also do not love the red liner. Can liner be dyed?
Stitching
The stitching is very, very good, but not perfect. Definitely better than mid-tier jackets, but not the best I have ever seen.
The top stitching is rather simple.
Seams
There is nothing noteworthy about the seams.
Zipper
The CLIX main zipper is super robust. I previously scoffed at some who exalted larger zippers, but I really like this one so maybe I am a convert.
I poked around a bit and discovered that CLIX zippers were used as far back as the 50’s or 60’s (not sure about earlier), including by LL and other brands.
In general, I prefer leather on each side of the zipper partially covering the teeth, as opposed to a fully exposed zipper. That said, I like the lack of covering here as it adds to the character of the jacket.
Fit
The best fitting OTR leather jacket I have ever purchased. It fits like a custom jacket – actually, better than many of my custom jackets. The shoulder / chest drop is perfect for me, as is the length.
One of my gripes with many jackets is that, in order to get the back length where I want it, the front becomes too long. This jacket has a dip in the back, such that I have the desired length in back without extra length in front. I love this about the jacket.
In case its not obvious, I am very pleased with this purchase.
Approximately two years ago, I reached a state of mind rarely found in this community: leather jacket contentment. Yes, I know: blasphemy! I liked my assortment of jackets and I did not feel the need to purchase any more. Nevertheless, in the recesses of my (tiny) mind, I had a small yearning for one more black jacket. The yearning was mostly in the background and I rarely entertained it. I briefly toyed with the idea of purchasing a Himel Imperial in black, but I already have a good number of Himel jackets, as well as a GW Imperial in brown. Thus, I successfully resisted that temptation. However, the notion of “just one more black jacket” remained and, while not aggressively searching, I kept my eyes open – at least one eye.
Over the years, I had tried on several Fine Creek Leather models at Self Edge and, while I liked much about the jackets, the fits did not work. Moreover, I was not interested in mismatched panels, which eliminated certain of their offerings.
Recently, I discovered the FCL Tyler. This jacket appeared to be what I was kinda, sorta looking for and really appealed to me. However, no retailers near me carried the Tyler and, given the fit issues with the other FCL models, I was reluctant to buy a FCL jacket without trying it on. The published measurements appeared to be perfect, but we all know how often published measurements do not translate to a good fit. After hemming and hawing for a bit, I decided to give it a try.
Executive summary: This jacket rocks and fits me better than any prior OTR jacket – frankly, it fits me better than many custom jackets.
Provenience
The FCL Tyler is a reproduction of a prior version of the Lewis Leathers Corsair. Why didn’t I simply buy a Corsair? First, the version of the Corsair reproduced by FCL is not currently made by LL. Rather, the current LL Corsair does not have a sleeve zipper (the Lightening does, but not the Corsair). Second, I hate the LL patch – this is a deal breaker for me. Third, I prefer Shinki HH over LL HH.
Leather
The leather is veg-tanned, aniline finished 1.3 mm Shinki HH (I confirmed the leather with two different retailers). It is quite robust, yet pliable and immediately wearable without a break-in. Exactly what I prefer. The color is a dull black – not at all shiny. It is a tea-core HH. I love the leather!
Cut
The cut of this jacket is stellar! The relationship between the shoulders and the chest is perfect (for me). The waist is trim. The sleeve width is great (up to the cuffs). No excess material under the shoulders. The extra length in the back is fantastic (more below on this).
One nit about the cut: The sleeve openings are just a tad too wide. If it bothers me, I will have them narrowed.
Design
I was looking for something a tad sportier than my Himel Frobisher and RMC Steinbeck, so as to distinguish the jacket from a typical half-belt design. On the other hand, I did not want a jacket that was too busy. The Tyler fits the bill perfectly. The cuff zippers, sleeve zipper, and waistband tab add the additional character I was seeking, without being too bold or ornate. Years ago, I was on the fence about the waistband tab, but it grew on me.
I am not in love with the collar. It currently sits a bit oddly. I may have to call upon one of our resident collar experts – e.g., @handymike – for an assist.
I also do not love the red liner. Can liner be dyed?
Stitching
The stitching is very, very good, but not perfect. Definitely better than mid-tier jackets, but not the best I have ever seen.
The top stitching is rather simple.
Seams
There is nothing noteworthy about the seams.
Zipper
The CLIX main zipper is super robust. I previously scoffed at some who exalted larger zippers, but I really like this one so maybe I am a convert.
I poked around a bit and discovered that CLIX zippers were used as far back as the 50’s or 60’s (not sure about earlier), including by LL and other brands.
In general, I prefer leather on each side of the zipper partially covering the teeth, as opposed to a fully exposed zipper. That said, I like the lack of covering here as it adds to the character of the jacket.
Fit
The best fitting OTR leather jacket I have ever purchased. It fits like a custom jacket – actually, better than many of my custom jackets. The shoulder / chest drop is perfect for me, as is the length.
One of my gripes with many jackets is that, in order to get the back length where I want it, the front becomes too long. This jacket has a dip in the back, such that I have the desired length in back without extra length in front. I love this about the jacket.
In case its not obvious, I am very pleased with this purchase.
