Hi new here. Is wearing a leather jacket basically an invitation for trouble?

[El Marro]

We need more information. Was it duck season or was it rabbit season?

Definitely duck season around here. but I did bear a striking resemblance to a man named Elmer Fudd.

 

[Zombie_61]

3) concerning the fitment of the jacket the man is wearing, it appears he is going for an oversized look (as popularized in the 90s…feel free to message me about the 90s, I have lots of oversized clothing and memorabilia from that era as well as some essays I’ve put together regarding the style and my experience searching for and wearing said style. But, again, I don’t want to get off topic here). What would be the best way to go about achieving the exact oversized look the man is styling in the photo?

I am on my phone now but will return later to continue writing out the rest of my specific questions in addition to answering each and every one of you directly and at length.

I'm sorry, but ANYONE who thinks a jacket THAT oversized is a good idea shouldn't be allowed out in public without adult supervision. Also, expect to be harassed each and every time you walk into a store because they're going to think you're there to shoplift. I know I'm not the most fashion conscious person around, but gimme' a break.

 

[soundwavvves]

I'm sorry, but ANYONE who thinks a jacket THAT oversized is a good idea shouldn't be allowed out in public without adult supervision. Also, expect to be harassed each and every time you walk into a store because they're going to think you're there to shoplift. I know I'm not the most fashion conscious person around, but gimme' a break.

Yeah that was the overwhelming consensus but there was no talking the person (that my above satire is referencing) out of it. He was adamant the shoulders should drop 4” down on the arm and that the sleeves fall below the knuckles, and that the whole thing generally fit like it was made for a much bigger person, and he would go as far as to have it custom made if he couldn’t find a 90% match that fit him just so. And then he did have it made!

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Sent my 6yo Grandaughter to Pre-school today wearing vintage Excelled cross zip (Thanks @TheOldFashioned ).
Hope she doesn’t get beat up by known ruffians out there waiting to pounce.
Ps: she looked amazing!!
B

First time quoting myself which i consider really weird but…..
To update the condition of my 6yo grandaughter after such a lapse in Grandparenting.
Willow survived the day!
Nary a ruffian accosted, she evaded detention and didn’t have to beat the sh*t out of anyone.
She won’t talk about the blood on her boot knife but i understand.
So…maybe the ghosted OP didn’t fair as well.

Not sure what to do with the extra Princess dress she brought home tho??
B

 

[One Drop]

Things just keep getting worse around here since I first posted in this thread.

Yesterday I wore my vintage Grizzly jacket out to pick up some breakfast, I had just had a small tear repaired the day before. The woman behind the counter at the bakery wouldn't serve me because she said I should be hibernating already, and could I please put that jar of honey back on the shelf. I couldn't bear the shame and put the darned coat away for the winter.

I needed a bit of cheering up and decided to go for a beer, ended up getting kicked out of my local pub for wearing my Thursday boots on a Monday, but not before a guy at the bar had a go at me for wearing my Akubra without thinking about how the rabbit felt. Good thing I wasn't wearing my Stetson clear beaver, I might have ended up getting chewed out by the guy next to him.

Try the veal, I'll be hare all week.

 

[TheBigTimeBecks]

I scanned the previous pages and it appears the OP has ghosted this discussion. Maybe the drawn conclusion was that some people should not wield the power of leather. Because let’s face it…..With great leather, comes great responsibility.……Everyone knows that.

Not quite good sir. I have decided to skip the cross zip style and go with a cafe racer style jacket instead. Now I'm deciding between the 141 and 641. I feel 641 I have to go above one size as it's slim fitted but not sure. Both look great, with the large back panel and underarm footballs.

 

[Fonzie]

Good choice, a more inconspicuous and less feisty design.
I wish you a safe journey with whichever you choose as your companion.

 

[soundwavvves]

Not quite good sir. I have decided to skip the cross zip style and go with a cafe racer style jacket instead. Now I'm deciding between the 141 and 641. I feel 641 I have to go above one size as it's slim fitted but not sure. Both look great, with the large back panel and underarm footballs.

Nice, either will look awesome!

I have heard the gusseting is substantial enough to allow for plenty of movement with the slimmer cut, but it also depends how much layering you plan on doing and how close you prefer your clothing to fit.

For me, personally, 2” of ease in the chest is the sweet spot. It’s enough to allow for a thick sweater underneath while still being trim enough to not appear oversized in just a t-shirt. Some prefer more ease but 3-4” tends to swallow my t-shirts.

 

[navetsea]

cafe racers are the usual gateway leather jacket for most people, although to be honest they give off far more real biker vibe than MC jacket nowadays.

 

[Madhouse27]

Not quite good sir. I have decided to skip the cross zip style and go with a cafe racer style jacket instead. Now I'm deciding between the 141 and 641. I feel 641 I have to go above one size as it's slim fitted but not sure. Both look great, with the large back panel and underarm footballs.

Pattern wise, the two jackets are identical but off one size. The Schott “One” series jackets (118, 141 etc.) fit the same as a one size larger “Six“ series jacket (618, 641 etc.).

As an example: A 141 in a size 42 is the same as a 641 in a size 44.

Besides Schott’s strange sizing decision, the main different between the two jackets are in how the leather is finished. The 141 is what they call naked cowhide which basically just doesn’t have a topcoat and seems to appear a little more matte, is quite a bit less water repellent and to my eyes maybe not quite as dark black. The 641 feels more “sealed”, tends to repel water better and might look a little darker. Of the two, the naked leather on the 141 might feel a bit more soft and luxurious, the 641 might feel a bit stiffer and tougher but both are good-looking, heavy rugged jackets. Of course the other option is the 641hh (horsehide) which is my personal favorite of the line. It’s pretty shiny, really dark black and feels absolutely bulletproof. The shine might feel like a little too much bling if you’re just kind of easing into your first leather, but if you can rock it, I think the horsehide jackets are the best stuff Schott makes.

 

[TheBigTimeBecks]

I will have to

Pattern wise, the two jackets are identical but off one size. The Schott “One” series jackets (118, 141 etc.) fit the same as a one size larger “Six“ series jacket (618, 641 etc.).

As an example: A 141 in a size 42 is the same as a 641 in a size 44.

Besides Schott’s strange sizing decision, the main different between the two jackets are in how the leather is finished. The 141 is what they call naked cowhide which basically just doesn’t have a topcoat and seems to appear a little more matte, is quite a bit less water repellent and to my eyes maybe not quite as dark black. The 641 feels more “sealed”, tends to repel water better and might look a little darker. Of the two, the naked leather on the 141 might feel a bit more soft and luxurious, the 641 might feel a bit stiffer and tougher but both are good-looking, heavy rugged jackets. Of course the other option is the 641hh (horsehide) which is my personal favorite of the line. It’s pretty shiny, really dark black and feels absolutely bulletproof. The shine might feel like a little too much bling if you’re just kind of easing into your first leather, but if you can rock it, I think the horsehide jackets are the best stuff Schott makes.

cafe racers are the usual gateway leather jacket for most people, although to be honest they give off far more real biker vibe than MC jacket nowadays.

Pattern wise, the two jackets are identical but off one size. The Schott “One” series jackets (118, 141 etc.) fit the same as a one size larger “Six“ series jacket (618, 641 etc.).

As an example: A 141 in a size 42 is the same as a 641 in a size 44.

Besides Schott’s strange sizing decision, the main different between the two jackets are in how the leather is finished. The 141 is what they call naked cowhide which basically just doesn’t have a topcoat and seems to appear a little more matte, is quite a bit less water repellent and to my eyes maybe not quite as dark black. The 641 feels more “sealed”, tends to repel water better and might look a little darker. Of the two, the naked leather on the 141 might feel a bit more soft and luxurious, the 641 might feel a bit stiffer and tougher but both are good-looking, heavy rugged jackets. Of course the other option is the 641hh (horsehide) which is my personal favorite of the line. It’s pretty shiny, really dark black and feels absolutely bulletproof. The shine might feel like a little too much bling if you’re just kind of easing into your first leather, but if you can rock it, I think the horsehide jackets are the best stuff Schott makes.

If I normally wear a size 36 suit I should go with a sz36 141 *or* a sz38 641? I think I would go with 641 based on the finish of the jacket being more safe to wear if there is light snowfall or rain. I think I'd be terribly upset if hypothetically, I get caught in the rain wearing a the 141 and end up having to sell the jacket online since it'd be ruined for me.

I think either HH or steerhide of 641 would be great for me. Searching eBay, there are many listings of the 641, mainly from Japan which is interesting to say the least.

I don't want the leather to be right or super fitted as I am skinny and would be self conscious. If I was bulkier/buff I wouldnt care if it was super form fitting or slightly "baggy".

 

[J_mo75]

I will have to





If I normally wear a size 36 suit I should go with a sz36 141 *or* a sz38 641? I think I would go with 641 based on the finish of the jacket being more safe to wear if there is light snowfall or rain. I think I'd be terribly upset if hypothetically, I get caught in the rain wearing a the 141 and end up having to sell the jacket online since it'd be ruined for me.

I think either HH or steerhide of 641 would be great for me. Searching eBay, there are many listings of the 641, mainly from Japan which is interesting to say the least.

I don't want the leather to be right or super fitted as I am skinny and would be self conscious. If I was bulkier/buff I wouldnt care if it was super form fitting or slightly "baggy".

Not quite good sir. I have decided to skip the cross zip style and go with a cafe racer style jacket instead. Now I'm deciding between the 141 and 641. I feel 641 I have to go above one size as it's slim fitted but not sure. Both look great, with the large back panel and underarm footballs.

Cafe racer is a great choice in starting your leather jacket collection. Have you looked at the Schott 530 cafe racer?

 

[navetsea]

wet jacket from snow or rain won't ruin it, I wash all my jackets without soap both in washing machine or by hand. I think naked hide will absorb all the water and become very heavy and even transfer the water to your clothes, that's the only downside, it won't ruin the jacket itself, however stain from oil is a real risk for naked hide, oil like mayonaise, etc will stain it, while varnished jacket would slide it off

 

[Madhouse27]

Becks, what does your chest actually measure? This would be the best info to share when asking for sizing advice.

Also, when shopping used Schott jackets (and others) on EBay, it’s a good idea to get some actual measurements of the particular jacket that you’re interested in. Different eras had slightly different cuts and I believe jackets made for the Japanese market may have some tweaks to the pattern.…or at least did at one time. I wouldn’t assume that size 38 641 jacket listed from a seller in Japan has the same size dimensions as an identical looking listing from Cleveland.

 

[Aloysius]

If I normally wear a size 36 suit I should go with a sz36 141 *or* a sz38 641? I think I would go with 641 based on the finish of the jacket being more safe to wear if there is light snowfall or rain. I think I'd be terribly upset if hypothetically, I get caught in the rain wearing a the 141 and end up having to sell the jacket online since it'd be ruined for me.

Correct. They are the same jacket (except material) but the size number is one higher on the 6. I prefer the 6 leather, both steerhide and horsehide.

The naked cowhide to me is less interesting (I do own it, and I think it suits some jackets like the trucker really well); the Vanson comp weight is like a similar but better leather, in my view.

I think either HH or steerhide of 641 would be great for me. Searching eBay, there are many listings of the 641, mainly from Japan which is interesting to say the least.

I would be wary of ordering a Schott Japan jacket because until recently (and even now for some models) they were severely undersized, so something would be marked 38 but measure like a snug size 34.

 

[TheBigTimeBecks]

I will have to

Pattern wise, the two jackets are identical but off one size. The Schott “One” series jackets (118, 141 etc.) fit the same as a one size larger “Six“ series jacket (618, 641 etc.).

As an example: A 141 in a size 42 is the same as a 641 in a size 44.

Besides Schott’s strange sizing decision, the main different between the two jackets are in how the leather is finished. The 141 is what they call naked cowhide which basically just doesn’t have a topcoat and seems to appear a little more matte, is quite a bit less water repellent and to my eyes maybe not quite as dark black. The 641 feels more “sealed”, tends to repel water better and might look a little darker. Of the two, the naked leather on the 141 might feel a bit more soft and luxurious, the 641 might feel a bit stiffer and tougher but both are good-looking, heavy rugged jackets. Of course the other option is the 641hh (horsehide) which is my personal favorite of the line. It’s pretty shiny, really dark black and feels absolutely bulletproof. The shine might feel like a little too much bling if you’re just kind of easing into your first leather, but if you can rock it, I think the horsehide jackets are the best stuff Schott makes.

cafe racers are the usual gateway leather jacket for most people, although to be honest they give off far more real biker vibe than MC jacket nowadays.

Pattern wise, the two jackets are identical but off one size. The Schott “One” series jackets (118, 141 etc.) fit the same as a one size larger “Six“ series jacket (618, 641 etc.).

As an example: A 141 in a size 42 is the same as a 641 in a size 44.

Besides Schott’s strange sizing decision, the main different between the two jackets are in how the leather is finished. The 141 is what they call naked cowhide which basically just doesn’t have a topcoat and seems to appear a little more matte, is quite a bit less water repellent and to my eyes maybe not quite as dark black. The 641 feels more “sealed”, tends to repel water better and might look a little darker. Of the two, the naked leather on the 141 might feel a bit more soft and luxurious, the 641 might feel a bit stiffer and tougher but both are good-looking, heavy rugged jackets. Of course the other option is the 641hh (horsehide) which is my personal favorite of the line. It’s pretty shiny, really dark black and feels absolutely bulletproof. The shine might feel like a little too much bling if you’re just kind of easing into your first leather, but if you can rock it, I think the horsehide jackets are the best stuff Schott makes.

Cafe racer is a great choice in starting your leather jacket collection. Have you looked at the Schott 530 cafe racer?

I have actually. The only thing that turned me off slightly is more of a style preference of mine, but I really love the look of the large single back panel with the gussets, on 141 and 641. I love that look on the perfecto 613/618 too.

 

[TheBigTimeBecks]

Correct. They are the same jacket (except material) but the size number is one higher on the 6. I prefer the 6 leather, both steerhide and horsehide.

The naked cowhide to me is less interesting (I do own it, and I think it suits some jackets like the trucker really well); the Vanson comp weight is like a similar but better leather, in my view.



I would be wary of ordering a Schott Japan jacket because until recently (and even now for some models) they were severely undersized, so something would be marked 38 but measure like a snug size 34.

Oh crap, I didn't know this was a thing there! Do you think I can work around this by asking for measurements beforehand for shoulder to shoulder, total length and sleeve length? Assuming the measurements the seller provides equals or looks the same as a medium/small size jacket, it should be ok right?

The Japanese Schotts listings, have pictures that show "made in USA" on the neck label.

 

[Aloysius]

Oh crap, I didn't know this was a thing there! Do you think I can work around this by asking for measurements beforehand for shoulder to shoulder, total length and sleeve length? Assuming the measurements the seller provides equals or looks the same as a medium/small size jacket, it should be ok right?

The Japanese Schotts listings, have pictures that show "made in USA" on the neck label.

They're made in USA but to Schott Japan patterns. I wouldn't go that route. The 141/641 aren't lesser jackets in any way; simply more normal in sizing.

 

[TheBigTimeBecks]

Becks, what does your chest actually measure? This would be the best info to share when asking for sizing advice.

Also, when shopping used Schott jackets (and others) on EBay, it’s a good idea to get some actual measurements of the particular jacket that you’re interested in. Different eras had slightly different cuts and I believe jackets made for the Japanese market may have some tweaks to the pattern.…or at least did at one time. I wouldn’t assume that size 38 641 jacket listed from a seller in Japan has the same size dimensions as an identical looking listing from Cleveland.

I will need to get this remeasured again at a reputable clothier or even tailor shop. I had to buy a Moores suit last year (off the rack of course and on sale), but I got 2 measurements at 2 different stores last year. I am either a true 35" chest or a true 36" chest based from two different stores' measurements. Anyways, I tried on the suits they had at Moore's, size 34R and 36R for Calvin Klein and DKNY brands. The 34 was slightly too tight whereas the 36 felt just right for the Klein one. I ended up buying with 36, wore it once last year and still have it. When I wear the 36 CK suit, and lean shoulder first against a wall, no extra fabric to bunch up. I remember 34's armholes were right up against armpits and felt unpleasant.

 

[TheBigTimeBecks]

They're made in USA but to Schott Japan patterns. I wouldn't go that route. The 141/641 aren't lesser jackets in any way; simply more normal in sizing.

That makes sense but also doesn't. I wish there was a international/universal measurement for mens and womens garments used by every decent brand out there.