Brandrea33
One Too Many
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- 1,091
Good day all. I just thought I’d share my very first “good” leather jacket with you all.
Admittedly I’m very green when it comes to this but when I started doing research, I somehow landed here on this forum. Thanks to everyone who contributes. The information I have learned here was invaluable to helping me decide where to buy.
I’m not going to pretend to know what things to look for in a good jacket, but from what I gathered here, there are a few top tier jacket makers and luckily one of them happens to be right here in my backyard (so to speak). I decided on Himel Bros. It was a huge bonus to be able to get measured in person and I also think it’s nice to support a local crafts person like David.
I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with David. He measured me up, and 4 weeks later I have my jacket! I met him just yesterday to pick it up and got a chance to see some of his collection as well ... very cool.
Anyway onto the jacket:
Imperial: shinki HH, black oil tanned, mitchel Camo lining.
bespoke 44 (David altered it through the body and chest to what he called a 43. Alot went into this as he measured, and “gathered” at the material on a stock 44 to simulate his alterations. I was amazed at how proficient he was (I guess it should come as no surprise).
We added about an inch to the body
Added 3/4” to the sleeves
Old stock half belt buckles and buttons
Two inside pockets with snaps.
I’m 6’2” 180 lbs fwiw.
I absolutely love the finished result. The hide he uses is just sublime. It’s very tough to describe as it’s smooth with a slight grain. I’m sure you more experienced folks know what I’m referring to. I also love the color of this jacket. Sometimes depending on light conditions it almost looks more like a deep deep brown. It’s everything I had hoped for. The fit is spot on in my opinion. The arm holes are perhaps a tad high for my liking but then again I’ve never worn a “fitted” leather jacket, so I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
The highlight of the whole experience (beyond the jacket) was getting to know David a bit. We literally spent several hours chatting about everything from his vintage clothing business and transition into bespoke jackets, along with a whole lots of topics not clothing related ... it was just a great day overall. I highly recommend him and his work to anyone looking for “one good thing.” Here’s a few pics, I hope they turn out ok.
Cheers, Brian
Admittedly I’m very green when it comes to this but when I started doing research, I somehow landed here on this forum. Thanks to everyone who contributes. The information I have learned here was invaluable to helping me decide where to buy.
I’m not going to pretend to know what things to look for in a good jacket, but from what I gathered here, there are a few top tier jacket makers and luckily one of them happens to be right here in my backyard (so to speak). I decided on Himel Bros. It was a huge bonus to be able to get measured in person and I also think it’s nice to support a local crafts person like David.
I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with David. He measured me up, and 4 weeks later I have my jacket! I met him just yesterday to pick it up and got a chance to see some of his collection as well ... very cool.
Anyway onto the jacket:
Imperial: shinki HH, black oil tanned, mitchel Camo lining.
bespoke 44 (David altered it through the body and chest to what he called a 43. Alot went into this as he measured, and “gathered” at the material on a stock 44 to simulate his alterations. I was amazed at how proficient he was (I guess it should come as no surprise).
We added about an inch to the body
Added 3/4” to the sleeves
Old stock half belt buckles and buttons
Two inside pockets with snaps.
I’m 6’2” 180 lbs fwiw.
I absolutely love the finished result. The hide he uses is just sublime. It’s very tough to describe as it’s smooth with a slight grain. I’m sure you more experienced folks know what I’m referring to. I also love the color of this jacket. Sometimes depending on light conditions it almost looks more like a deep deep brown. It’s everything I had hoped for. The fit is spot on in my opinion. The arm holes are perhaps a tad high for my liking but then again I’ve never worn a “fitted” leather jacket, so I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
The highlight of the whole experience (beyond the jacket) was getting to know David a bit. We literally spent several hours chatting about everything from his vintage clothing business and transition into bespoke jackets, along with a whole lots of topics not clothing related ... it was just a great day overall. I highly recommend him and his work to anyone looking for “one good thing.” Here’s a few pics, I hope they turn out ok.
Cheers, Brian
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, and you got to spend time with the craftsman to boot! This closely resembles my experience with John Chapman when he created my Imperial. I will never sell it as it holds a very special spot in my heart- also my first custom jacket.
