Help Choosing: Thedi Memphis vs A-2 Rough Wear (Eastman) vs ELMC Californian

[Ulysse]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently debating between three leather jackets and could really use some advice from the experts here. My choices are:

• Thedi Memphis Half-Belt (Hand-Dyed Cocoa Toscano Buffalo)
• Eastman A-2 Rough Wear 27752/ or Buzz rickson
• ELMC Californian Walnut

I’m looking for a jacket that looks classy and well-crafted, but I don’t want to look like a movie extra either—so nothing too "costume-like" or overly vintage in appearance.

Here’s what I like about each one:

• Thedi Memphis → I love the craftsmanship and the rich texture of the hand-dyed buffalo leather. Seems like a high-end, versatile jacket. But is it too much of a "statement piece"?
• Eastman A-2 Rough Wear → Classic, historical, and timeless. But does it feel too military and rigid for everyday wear?
• ELMC Californian Walnut → A solid, casual choice that seems effortless to wear. But I already own two Californian jackets (Havana and Black), so would this be redundant?

I want something classy, versatile, and easy to wear, but I also want it to have character. Which one would you pick and why?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mandarin]

If you already own two Californians, it's a no brainer: take the Thedi.

 

[Ulysse]

If you already own two Californians, it's a no brainer: take the Thedi.

thanks. so i think i'm gonna leave the californian. but then why thedi and not the A2?

 

[Mandarin]

Thedi has everything you're looking for, including character. The A2 is much more ordinary IMO.

 

[handymike]

Go with the Thedi

 

[Khilij]

Thedi all day long.

 

[Ulysse]

thank you very much guys!! Please could explain to me why my family members and friends are all for the A2 but on this forum you are pro thedi here. what's wrong with the A2? Not so casual?

 

[photo2u]

Thedi. No question.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Eastman calif Havana,,beautiful.

 

[El Marro]

I’m going to break rank with my TFL brothers and say go for the A2. The Thedi you selected is beautiful, but it might as well be another Eastman Californian, same pocket angles and everything.
The A2 gives a whole different vibe, and If you get the right size it will look sharp. The one you posted is too long, too loose, and has a collar big enough for two necks.

 

[Bfd70]

Check history preservation assocates . They have some californians on sale for $800

 

[Ulysse]

I’m going to break rank with my TFL brothers and say go for the A2. The Thedi you selected is beautiful, but it might as well be another Eastman Californian, same pocket angles and everything.
The A2 gives a whole different vibe, and If you get the right size it will look sharp. The one you posted is too long, too loose, and has a collar big enough for two necks.

you've made some very good points. i change the photo for the A2