Five Star Leather Jackets

[Hobbes1]

Fresh out of the box!! Shawn nailed it again!! My only fear is that this is going to get expensive. I want to redo two of my previous designs in this new horse. It’s sublime. I’m calling 2.75oz. Very easy to wear, plenty of body and grain. I freak’n love it. As I thought, it is more a true russet than a pull up hide. Which is perfectly good to me. No need to alter the color. Exceptional value! Well done Shawn! He finally did it!!!!
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Awesome! Looks really, really excellent.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Fresh out of the box!! Shawn nailed it again!! My only fear is that this is going to get expensive. I want to redo two of my previous designs in this new horse. It’s sublime. I’m calling 2.75oz. Very easy to wear, plenty of body and grain. I freak’n love it. As I thought, it is more a true russet than a pull up hide. Which is perfectly good to me. No need to alter the color. Exceptional value! Well done Shawn! He finally did it!!!!
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Does the finish look somewhat transparent? Like aniline ish dye vs the old pigment? The top finish on the pull up brown looks better than my mid brown one which has a very thick top coat.

Waiting to see the seal version.

This 30s HB is the better HB pattern out of the other ones available on his website. I have the winter HB pattern too and even with gussets and one size up not as good as this 30s one with no gusset.

 

[Canuck Panda]

You went with the snaps? Is it possible to ask for metal donut buttons?

I didn't want to risk the donut buttons. If you look back in the earlier posts they weren't ideal. I know there is a new one now but I don't want to risk on the 2mm horsehide. I might try it on the thinner hides down the road but I'd more comfortable with it if I see a few more new donuts posted here first.

 

[Rugby]

I didn't want to risk the donut buttons. If you look back in the earlier posts they weren't ideal. I know there is a new one now but I don't want to risk on the 2mm horsehide. I might try it on the thinner hides down the road but I'd more comfortable with it if I see a few more new donuts posted here first.

Ok I agree for a thick hide such as the one you've ordered. I think I'm going with 2.5oz, if available, horsehide, otherwise for a thicker hide I will stick with snaps

 

[KBlake]

Does the finish look somewhat transparent? Like aniline ish dye vs the old pigment? The top finish on the pull up brown looks better than my mid brown one which has a very thick top coat.

Waiting to see the seal version.

This 30s HB is the better HB pattern out of the other ones available on his website. I have the winter HB pattern too and even with gussets and one size up not as good as this 30s one with no gusset.

Is that why you put yours in the wash? I wamted to know why you did that. I really like that mid brown color.

 

[Griemersma]

It's here! My jacket showed up this evening.

Specs:
30's Halfbelt in Seal Horsehide
Size L/44
Wine Red Satin Lining
Talon Repro zippers

Things I modded:
Tilted front pockets
Trimmed sleeves 8-7-6 (I haven't measured to see if they did this yet)
Straight back yoke
Zipper 1.5” up from bottom front hem.

Here are a few pictures. It was already dark outside, so hopefully I can post some better ones with natural light soon.

Straight out of the box:

Back:

Initial thoughts: I’m still on the fence about the color. It is very dark— which I expected, but having seen the pull-up HH, now I’m not sure which I like better. I’ll have to see it in the daylight tomorrow. There is some really interesting grain, which I like. There are definitely some variations in thickness throughout, but I don’t think it is that much of an issue. My only previous (limited) experience with horsehide is with vintage jackets. The sleeve leather feels a bit thinner than what I know from vintage examples. Out of the box, the finish was a bit dry and matte, so I went ahead and hit it with some conditioner— a combo of Bick 4 and some Black Rock. That softened it up and gave it a bit of a dull shine that I prefer:

I really love the lining. I went with the wine red. I asked for rayon satin. I don’t know if this is the rayon or poly, but whatever it is feels great and makes the jacket easy to put on. The color is deeper and less pink than in these pictures.

I requested the “Western Style” and horsehide interior labels.

I am very happy with the fit. I’ll try to post some fit pictures at some point.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with the whole thing! If I were to do it over, there are a few things I might have done differently, though:

Zippers: I requested the Talon repros, which are fine, but I think I might have preferred brass color. Also, I probably would go with a narrower pull, as this bell one kind of sticks out a bit more than I like. Also, I ended up with a chest pocket pull that I don’t like (it was in one of the reference pictures I sent, so I guess they assumed that was what I wanted). I already removed that and replaced it with the traditional ring type (which you can currently get a pack of five of on ebay— just search “vintage pull ring zipper”).

Cuffs: I think I would go with either simplified cuffs like @ton312 got, or perhaps with strap cuffs. These are fine, but are a bit thick and barrel out a little. Hopefully they will relax some— they still have a bit of a crease from shipping.

Hardware: If I did it again, I might see if they have different halfbelt strap buckles. The ones I got work fine, but are a little bit rough cast and look a little too modern to me. Not that big of deal, but I might end up replacing them at some point.

 

[MTS]

Jacket looks great overall and the leather looks nice as well

 

[TREEMAN]

Congrats Ton… Beautiful jacket & perfect fit !!

 

[MTS]

Damn @ton312 that leather looks so amazing. Fit and details look spot on

 

[Sharp]

It's here! My jacket showed up this evening.

Specs:
30's Halfbelt in Seal Horsehide
Size L/44
Wine Red Satin Lining
Talon Repro zippers

Things I modded:
Tilted front pockets
Trimmed sleeves 8-7-6 (I haven't measured to see if they did this yet)
Straight back yoke
Zipper 1.5” up from bottom front hem.

Here are a few pictures. It was already dark outside, so hopefully I can post some better ones with natural light soon.

Straight out of the box: View attachment 408390
Back: View attachment 408391
Initial thoughts: I’m still on the fence about the color. It is very dark— which I expected, but having seen the pull-up HH, now I’m not sure which I like better. I’ll have to see it in the daylight tomorrow. There is some really interesting grain, which I like. There are definitely some variations in thickness throughout, but I don’t think it is that much of an issue. My only previous (limited) experience with horsehide is with vintage jackets. The sleeve leather feels a bit thinner than what I know from vintage examples. Out of the box, the finish was a bit dry and matte, so I went ahead and hit it with some conditioner— a combo of Bick 4 and some Black Rock. That softened it up and gave it a bit of a dull shine that I prefer: View attachment 408400

I really love the lining. I went with the wine red. I asked for rayon satin. I don’t know if this is the rayon or poly, but whatever it is feels great and makes the jacket easy to put on. The color is deeper and less pink than in these pictures. View attachment 408405
View attachment 408409
I requested the “Western Style” and horsehide interior labels.

I am very happy with the fit. I’ll try to post some fit pictures at some point.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with the whole thing! If I were to do it over, there are a few things I might have done differently, though:

Zippers: I requested the Talon repros, which are fine, but I think I might have preferred brass color. Also, I probably would go with a narrower pull, as this bell one kind of sticks out a bit more than I like. Also, I ended up with a chest pocket pull that I don’t like (it was in one of the reference pictures I sent, so I guess they assumed that was what I wanted). I already removed that and replaced it with the traditional ring type (which you can currently get a pack of five of on ebay— just search “vintage pull ring zipper”).

Cuffs: I think I would go with either simplified cuffs like @ton312 got, or perhaps with strap cuffs. These are fine, but are a bit thick and barrel out a little. Hopefully they will relax some— they still have a bit of a crease from shipping.

Hardware: If I did it again, I might see if they have different halfbelt strap buckles. The ones I got work fine, but are a little bit rough cast and look a little too modern to me. Not that big of deal, but I might end up replacing them at some point.

Very nice jacket, this new horsehide really brings another dimension to the brand.
Quick question, are the handwarmer pockets on your 5* leather or fabric lined?

 

[Canuck Panda]

Is that why you put yours in the wash? I wamted to know why you did that. I really like that mid brown color.

I put mine through the wash to see if they shrink. And they didn't. And to see if the paint would peel. And they didn't. Just checking up on Shawn's horsehide quality before I get more jackets in the new horse hides.
Now seeing all the browns I think either Seal or Pull up are the better choices. Mid brown is like the old russet goat, the middle child. But mine does feel thicker (mid brown). So it would be interesting to find out how much other 44 jackets in different color horses weighs. Mine weighed in at exactly 4.8lbs according to my bath room scale and my math skills. Just under 5lbs. Weight is right in the middle too.

It's here! My jacket showed up this evening.

Specs:
30's Halfbelt in Seal Horsehide
Size L/44
Wine Red Satin Lining
Talon Repro zippers

Things I modded:
Tilted front pockets
Trimmed sleeves 8-7-6 (I haven't measured to see if they did this yet)
Straight back yoke
Zipper 1.5” up from bottom front hem.

Here are a few pictures. It was already dark outside, so hopefully I can post some better ones with natural light soon.

Straight out of the box: View attachment 408390
Back: View attachment 408391
Initial thoughts: I’m still on the fence about the color. It is very dark— which I expected, but having seen the pull-up HH, now I’m not sure which I like better. I’ll have to see it in the daylight tomorrow. There is some really interesting grain, which I like. There are definitely some variations in thickness throughout, but I don’t think it is that much of an issue. My only previous (limited) experience with horsehide is with vintage jackets. The sleeve leather feels a bit thinner than what I know from vintage examples. Out of the box, the finish was a bit dry and matte, so I went ahead and hit it with some conditioner— a combo of Bick 4 and some Black Rock. That softened it up and gave it a bit of a dull shine that I prefer: View attachment 408400

I really love the lining. I went with the wine red. I asked for rayon satin. I don’t know if this is the rayon or poly, but whatever it is feels great and makes the jacket easy to put on. The color is deeper and less pink than in these pictures. View attachment 408405
View attachment 408409
I requested the “Western Style” and horsehide interior labels.

I am very happy with the fit. I’ll try to post some fit pictures at some point.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with the whole thing! If I were to do it over, there are a few things I might have done differently, though:

Zippers: I requested the Talon repros, which are fine, but I think I might have preferred brass color. Also, I probably would go with a narrower pull, as this bell one kind of sticks out a bit more than I like. Also, I ended up with a chest pocket pull that I don’t like (it was in one of the reference pictures I sent, so I guess they assumed that was what I wanted). I already removed that and replaced it with the traditional ring type (which you can currently get a pack of five of on ebay— just search “vintage pull ring zipper”).

Cuffs: I think I would go with either simplified cuffs like @ton312 got, or perhaps with strap cuffs. These are fine, but are a bit thick and barrel out a little. Hopefully they will relax some— they still have a bit of a crease from shipping.

Hardware: If I did it again, I might see if they have different halfbelt strap buckles. The ones I got work fine, but are a little bit rough cast and look a little too modern to me. Not that big of deal, but I might end up replacing them at some point.

Sold! Seal it is.

 

[Imuricecreamman]

Fresh out of the box!! Shawn nailed it again!! My only fear is that this is going to get expensive. I want to redo two of my previous designs in this new horse. It’s sublime. I’m calling 2.75oz. Very easy to wear, plenty of body and grain. I freak’n love it. As I thought, it is more a true russet than a pull up hide. Which is perfectly good to me. No need to alter the color. Exceptional value! Well done Shawn! He finally did it!!!!
View attachment 408310 View attachment 408311
View attachment 408312
View attachment 408313

That looks almost like a grainy version of whatever Eastman uses for their "Havana"

 

[ton312]

That looks almost like a grainy version of whatever Eastman uses for their "Havana"

Exactly my thoughts! Reminds me very much of ELMC's lightweight HH!
I’m really thrilled with it. Will be rebuilding previous designs with this and other HH’s from Shawn. First up is the californian.

 

[Imuricecreamman]

Exactly my thoughts! Reminds me very much of ELMC's lightweight HH!
I’m really thrilled with it. Will be rebuilding previous designs with this and other HH’s from Shawn. First up is the californian.
View attachment 408506

That looks pretty incredible.

 

[KBlake]

Can someone post some good photos of the mid brown HH?

 

[ton312]

That looks pretty incredible.

I love it man. Color is good, grain and weight are perfect for vintage design. I'm giving the black a shot next. Would love to see him develop a true vintage maroon.

 

[Rawky]

I have a question about Five Star if anyone would be so kind as to indulge me.

It's about my favourite topic - sizing.

On the website, it lists a size 38 jackets as XXS. Is this inline with how the jackets fit from your experience? I am normally a size 38 in most tops. Sometimes I size down a little - especially with jackets - to get a more fitted look. I'm just concerned that even their "XXS" may even be a little too big for me in places. Which sounds nuts for an XXS sizing.

In general, I've been looking at A2 styles.

 

[KBlake]

I put mine through the wash to see if they shrink. And they didn't. And to see if the paint would peel. And they didn't. Just checking up on Shawn's horsehide quality before I get more jackets in the new horse hides.
Now seeing all the browns I think either Seal or Pull up are the better choices. Mid brown is like the old russet goat, the middle child. But mine does feel thicker (mid brown). So it would be interesting to find out how much other 44 jackets in different color horses weighs. Mine weighed in at exactly 4.8lbs according to my bath room scale and my math skills. Just under 5lbs. Weight is right in the middle too.




Sold! Seal it is.

Is the brown half belt you washed mid brown, russet or pull up? It's a great chocolate brown color with little to no red in it.

 

[Griemersma]

Very nice jacket, this new horsehide really brings another dimension to the brand.
Quick question, are the handwarmer pockets on your 5* leather or fabric lined?

I requested heavy cotton for the pocket linings.

 

[KBlake]

I think I might be addicted to these jackets :/