Levis Cafe Racer

[Przemek]

Hello All

I wanted to ask you for help, because I wonder if this jacket is vegetable tanned leather and will it take on a patina over time?

https://www.vinted.pl/mezczyzni/ubr...kurtki/kurtki-skorzane/175805942-kurtka-levis

Thank You for Your help
Przemek

 

[Will Zach]

Czesc Przemek,

It is difficult to say, but since the jacket is mass-produced by Levi's, chances are the leather is chrome tanned (a quicker, cheaper process). The leather has a yellow topcoat (paint) on it, and that layer would have to wear off to show aging/patina. It might take many years as the jacket looks new.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Looks Top-coated to me as well, much like what Will said.

Can you reach out to the seller?

 

[Przemek]

Thank you very much for your help..
I have contacted the seller but unfortunately he does not know what type of leather it is and the label does not say anything.
Sales said that for a very long time this jacket was hanging on the hanger and practically no one dressed it.
Thank You one agein
Przemek

 

[Monitor]

Fantastic looking jacket for a bargain. Looks like a Vanson copy but that's only a good thing. I don't see how you could score a better jacket.

 

[Carlos840]

The label says "genuine leather" which is as low grade as you can get whilst still being called leather.
I doubt any maker would use veg tan leather and stick a "genuine leather" tag on it, it doesn't make any sens.

But then any leather will take patina with time, patina is just dirt...

 

[Marc mndt]

The label says "gnuine leather" which is as low grade as you can get whislt still being called leather.

I agree that 'genuine leather' screams 80s / 90s junk. But not as a rule...

 

[Carlos840]

I agree that 'genuine leather' screams 80s / 90s junk. But not as a rule...

View attachment 377651 View attachment 377652

I'm not saying "genuine leather" means it is junk, just that if the leather was indeed veg tanned it would most likely not have a "genuine leather" tag.
That would be the equivalent of putting a "red wine" label on a bottle of St Emilion Grand Cru...

 

[ton312]

The best thing for that Levi's jacket is acetone, oil, dye and wax. I wrestled with these ugly, heavily topcoated (almost plastic) finishes and they can be made to look good. Takes some elbow grease.

 

[Przemek]

I know that I am repeating myself, but it is really nice of you and I would like to thank everyone again.

I am asking about this jacket because I have been looking for a nice cafe racer for a long time. I would like to add that the color does not like me, and if with time it became darker than my vegtan belt, then I would choose it without thinking. I got the dimensions from the owner and they are perfect for me. Only this light color, hmm, I thought the sun would make it darker, but if it's top coatet leather, I can't count on it.
The price is around 50 euros, so quite attractive.

 

[Przemek]

This one looks similar, only a different color

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2838982493...rentrq:0ffb80f117d0a7b8bc83f30cffefe040|iid:1

 

[Will Zach]

Przemek, keep looking on Vinted in Europe, there are some amazing deals there. Keep checking the Finds and Deals thread here, @Marc mndt often posts some Vinted jackets that are great value and super-high quality. Marc knows his stuff and never posts crappy jackets.

 

[Przemek]

Okay, you are right. I will look for something else from Europe.
Thanks again for your help.

 

[Marc mndt]

Przemek, keep looking on Vinted in Europe, there are some amazing deals there. Keep checking the Finds and Deals thread here, @Marc mndt often posts some Vinted jackets that are great value and super-high quality. Marc knows his stuff and never posts crappy jackets.

Here's a nice cafe racer listed on German ebay.

Waddington Pirate was an English maker, they made great jacket during the 60s and 70s. These jackets are pretty rare.

It does need some work but €49 (or best offer) is a steal.

 

[Przemek]

Thank You Marc
I'm looking for something more classic in one color. Thanks for your help

 

[Monitor]

Those Korean 90's made Levi's leather jackets are of outstanding quality, made in super sturdy leather. @Przemek , if you can get that Levi's jacket for 50 Euros, absolutely go for it. You won't find anything vintage that comes close early Korean production, back when they got a hold of vtg patterns. By far the best outsourced production until Japan got their s**t together.

Also "Genuine leather" tag doesn't indicate quality or there lack of in any way. It's just a standard tag.

 

[Przemek]

Monitor, thank you for your help. I would buy it without hesitation, only this color is absolutely not to my liking. The question is whether there is a chance that it will get darker in the sun, and as you write, I'm afraid rather not.

 

[Will Zach]

@Przemek, keep looking. The racer @Marc mndt posted would be perfect if it were not for the stripes, right? A classic, simple style.