Jackets like sheene

[dudewuttheheck]

OK so here is the question that may get me into trouble. Since most companies have or can make a jacket similar to the Sheene, and if money is no option, who makes the best quality jacket other than aero? I know all of the jacket makers that are talked about on TFL are top of the line and I could never go wrong with any of them but out of the top makers who is at the pinnacle?

This could easily open a can of worms, here.

My collection speaks for itself, so I don't have to answer this. I think it's best to go for which jacket's style and fit works best for you and which offers a leather you like best.

 

[Will Zach]

You won't get one answer here. Some people like the top Japanese brands, some love Lost Worlds, some Himel Bros, some Thedi. Field Leathers is a quality up-and-comer. One consensus is that Good Wear makes great jackets but I am not sure if DC makes something that is Sheene-like.

 

[AeroFan_07]

If you spend a little time looking around here, these sorts of conversations come up all the time.

I choose not to participate in them.

It's the old "Chevy Vs Ford" or for other countries and perhaps of more recent times "Honda vs Toyota" arguments. Or two opposing sports teams, just take your pick. Essentially aruguing "who is best" is an argument over opinion without data. See, it just never goes anywhere, and just leads to frustration.

I came very close to having a panic attack after swiping my credit card at Thurston brothers, back in 2014, buying my first ever Aero and also my first ever 4-digit jacket by asking price. My grandfather, had he known, would have had one also, while in the grave. It was 50% of the price of my first car.

I have boundaries. I simply will not spend past a certain $$$ point for any specific item. Once I observed the quality of the jacket I aim for these days, I permitted myself to adjust those boundaries. (But even that took a year of consideration first). There is a level well beyond the boundaries I have set, those for which I have never owned, nor do I plan to own. The quality of the jackets I have been (literally) blessed to own so far exceeds any pre-conceived idea I ever had in earlier times in my life.

An example - a year or so back I briefly owned a Diamond Dave jacket made of Japanese Shinki horsehide. It is the only time I have even handled such a hide. So while that one occurrence does not establish me as "knowledgeable" about the Shinki product, I can state that I did not personally care for the leather itself all that much.

Through experience with Lost Worlds jackets, a J23 I ordered new through Stuart, and an Easy Ryder I purchased secondhand, I found I did not also care for the 4 ounce Chrome tanned horsehide he chooses to use in his jackets.

I have found I prefer the Horween Steerhide and FQHH that are used with Aero products as standard-issue. I have several jackets in both leathers. I have sampled, but not preferred the Vicenza Italian horsehide, however that is still an excellent choice for a daily-wear jacket.

Each maker has it's strong points, each maker has weaknesses (which may indeed only be price itself). So careful research here and in other sites all over will indeed reveal these to you. For myself, I've found a balancing point. Just remember, one person's pinnacle of quality may indeed not be yours! I encourage you to established what you desire most, and then move toward that.

 

[Mich486]

If money is no object, for a casual jacket I’d go with Himel for a custom order or some of the usual Japanese brands if you fit off the rack (Rainbow Country, Fine creek, real McCoy’s, freewheelers, etc).

 

[dudewuttheheck]

If you spend a little time looking around here, these sorts of conversations come up all the time.

I choose not to participate in them.

It's the old "Chevy Vs Ford" or for other countries and perhaps of more recent times "Honda vs Toyota" arguments. Or two opposing sports teams, just take your pick. Essentially aruguing "who is best" is an argument over opinion without data. See, it just never goes anywhere, and just leads to frustration.

I came very close to having a panic attack after swiping my credit card at Thurston brothers, back in 2014, buying my first ever Aero and also my first ever 4-digit jacket by asking price. My grandfather, had he known, would have had one also, while in the grave. It was 50% of the price of my first car.

I have boundaries. I simply will not spend past a certain $$$ point for any specific item. Once I observed the quality of the jacket I aim for these days, I permitted myself to adjust those boundaries. (But even that took a year of consideration first). There is a level well beyond the boundaries I have set, those for which I have never owned, nor do I plan to own. The quality of the jackets I have been (literally) blessed to own so far exceeds any pre-conceived idea I ever had in earlier times in my life.

An example - a year or so back I briefly owned a Diamond Dave jacket made of Japanese Shinki horsehide. It is the only time I have even handled such a hide. So while that one occurrence does not establish me as "knowledgeable" about the Shinki product, I can state that I did not personally care for the leather itself all that much.

Through experience with Lost Worlds jackets, a J23 I ordered new through Stuart, and an Easy Ryder I purchased secondhand, I found I did not also care for the 4 ounce Chrome tanned horsehide he chooses to use in his jackets.

I have found I prefer the Horween Steerhide and FQHH that are used with Aero products as standard-issue. I have several jackets in both leathers. I have sampled, but not preferred the Vicenza Italian horsehide, however that is still an excellent choice for a daily-wear jacket.

Each maker has it's strong points, each maker has weaknesses (which may indeed only be price itself). So careful research here and in other sites all over will indeed reveal these to you. For myself, I've found a balancing point. Just remember, one person's pinnacle of quality may indeed not be yours! I encourage you to established what you desire most, and then move toward that.

Very well said. I would say that all of the brands suggested so far would make for more than satisfactory jackets on their own.

The OP may need a custom jacket, which would change the criteria a bit. They might prefer certain leathers, or like the exact design of one jacket over another.

I certainly care about quality, but one of my favorite pairs of boots is one of my worst made pairs because the design and leather are so perfect for me.

 

[El Marro]

If money is no object, for a casual jacket I’d go with Himel for a custom order or some of the usual Japanese brands if you fit off the rack (Rainbow Country, Fine creek, real McCoy’s, freewheelers, etc).

I second this and I would add Thedi to the list. I personally love Lost Worlds but I think you would be likely to end up with a jacket that fits looser than the Sheene. Good Wear makes a great jacket but you are looking at a wait time of anywhere between 2 to 5 years.
I also think that AeroFan made a great point that you really can’t go wrong with any of the top makers we discuss here. Another way to go about this would be to think about what features are you really interested in, which hide do yow want?

 

[rockandrollrabbit]

If you spend a little time looking around here, these sorts of conversations come up all the time.

I choose not to participate in them.

It's the old "Chevy Vs Ford" or for other countries and perhaps of more recent times "Honda vs Toyota" arguments. Or two opposing sports teams, just take your pick. Essentially aruguing "who is best" is an argument over opinion without data. See, it just never goes anywhere, and just leads to frustration.

I came very close to having a panic attack after swiping my credit card at Thurston brothers, back in 2014, buying my first ever Aero and also my first ever 4-digit jacket by asking price. My grandfather, had he known, would have had one also, while in the grave. It was 50% of the price of my first car.

I have boundaries. I simply will not spend past a certain $$$ point for any specific item. Once I observed the quality of the jacket I aim for these days, I permitted myself to adjust those boundaries. (But even that took a year of consideration first). There is a level well beyond the boundaries I have set, those for which I have never owned, nor do I plan to own. The quality of the jackets I have been (literally) blessed to own so far exceeds any pre-conceived idea I ever had in earlier times in my life.

An example - a year or so back I briefly owned a Diamond Dave jacket made of Japanese Shinki horsehide. It is the only time I have even handled such a hide. So while that one occurrence does not establish me as "knowledgeable" about the Shinki product, I can state that I did not personally care for the leather itself all that much.

Through experience with Lost Worlds jackets, a J23 I ordered new through Stuart, and an Easy Ryder I purchased secondhand, I found I did not also care for the 4 ounce Chrome tanned horsehide he chooses to use in his jackets.

I have found I prefer the Horween Steerhide and FQHH that are used with Aero products as standard-issue. I have several jackets in both leathers. I have sampled, but not preferred the Vicenza Italian horsehide, however that is still an excellent choice for a daily-wear jacket.

Each maker has it's strong points, each maker has weaknesses (which may indeed only be price itself). So careful research here and in other sites all over will indeed reveal these to you. For myself, I've found a balancing point. Just remember, one person's pinnacle of quality may indeed not be yours! I encourage you to established what you desire most, and then move toward that.

Well said man.

 

[Monitor]

Yep, great post @AeroFan_07 !

There is no best. There's different. At $1000+, you'll get a good jacket regardless of the maker you chose. What's best for one person, doesn't mean anything at all for the next one.
I mean, you won't feel like you've been cheated & your money stolen.

What you need to do is make sure if you prefer heavy or lighter leather, if the historical accuracy plays any role in your choice, if you want your jacket to look new for a long time or not...

I love Lost Worlds black HH and I'd NEVER pay money for their brown HH. I just strongly dislike the look of it. So if I wanted a brown jacket, I'm forced to look elsewhere.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference.

 

[handymike]

I just want to give Freenote Cloth a plug here. They have a new jacket in this style which is very nice looking (and made here in LA).

 

[Downunder G Man]

Just looked Freenote up. VERY nice !

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Well..over the years I've owned many of the top tier brands. Most made to my measurements since I am tall with long arms. Then I tried a certain brand...and when slipping it on, it slid into place and fit me better than any jacket I had. Loved the unusual finish and feel of their leather so much so that I sold most of my other jackets and ordered another of the same style and brand only in a different color. Although they are not a Sheene design, the style, leather and fit is my pick. So I think it may be best to try different brands until you find the best one for you.

I don't care for LW leather jackets. The hvy finish and stretch marks just isn't my thing.

Is Freenote jackets 'off the rack' sized for those prices?

 

[Superfluous]

Without question, the best jacket manufacturer is . . .

 

[Monitor]

Without question, the best jacket manufacturer is . . .

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a Japanese jacket maker called Rabbit Hole.

 

[Caber]

This is all really good advice! I've been thinking about specific details I would want in such a jacket (which I think is what some of the first posters were trying to get me to do anyway). Here are some specifics I'm thinking of.
1. custom jacket
2. I want leather that has similar properties as the FQHH or the steer CXL ( super tough and able to take a beating), But is lighter weight and retains its new look for longer while still able to develop a nice patina. I have a Hooch Hauler in Vicenza and it is my favorite jacket of all time so far but doesn't patina well
3. Looks and fits like a Sheene
4. Looking for a maker who is very precise in stitching and makes one tough jacket.

Does this Help any ?

 

[Monitor]

This is all really good advice! I've been thinking about specific details I would want in such a jacket (which I think is what some of the first posters were trying to get me to do anyway). Here are some specifics I'm thinking of.
1. custom jacket
2. I want leather that has similar properties as the FQHH or the steer CXL ( super tough and able to take a beating), But is lighter weight and retains its new look for longer while still able to develop a nice patina. I have a Hooch Hauler in Vicenza and it is my favorite jacket of all time so far but doesn't patina well
3. Looks and fits like a Sheene
4. Looking for a maker who is very precise in stitching and makes one tough jacket.

Does this Help any ?

Sounds like Shinki might be what you're after. Though the specific one with brown core. As for the model...

Four Speed Leather

Real McCoy J-25

Himel Forbisher

Fine Creek

Schott P653, though that's possibly the same kind of CXL Aero is using.

 

[AeroFan_07]

^^ Those are amazing!!

 

[handymike]

The Himel has a half-belt back. But it is a fantastic looking jacket, and it fits really well.

 

[Caber]

I like the Himel and schott. Supper sharp. shinki leather? I hear that leather talked about quite a bit on here but don't know much about it. I'll have to do some research on it

 

[sweetfights]

If money is no object, for a casual jacket I’d go with Himel for a custom order or some of the usual Japanese brands if you fit off the rack (Rainbow Country, Fine creek, real McCoy’s, freewheelers, etc).

Agreed, based on my personal taste and preference. Himel is a huge win.

 

[sweetfights]

Yep, great post @AeroFan_07 !

There is no best. There's different. At $1000+, you'll get a good jacket regardless of the maker you chose. What's best for one person, doesn't mean anything at all for the next one.
I mean, you won't feel like you've been cheated & your money stolen.

What you need to do is make sure if you prefer heavy or lighter leather, if the historical accuracy plays any role in your choice, if you want your jacket to look new for a long time or not...

I love Lost Worlds black HH and I'd NEVER pay money for their brown HH. I just strongly dislike the look of it. So if I wanted a brown jacket, I'm forced to look elsewhere.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference.

Monitor. Funny you mention LW russet. In the photo's online- not too impressive. In person I found the russet to be fantastic- compliments from many. Have you seen the LW russet in person??