Looking for an understated Perfecto style jacket

[ckramer]

As the title would imply I am looking for a Perfecto-style leather jacket but as it will not be solely for riding purposes I don't want it to be quite as hardware heavy as the 618 and the various Aero styles (i.e. the MC or the J106). Basically I really like the asymmetrical styling and the sort of trench coat collar of the Perfecto but I don't need a lot of zippers or the belt.

The IDEAL would be zippered cuffs and a D pocket and not much else as far as hardware goes. Epaulettes are fine too.

Thanks for any and all help you guys can give!

-A

 

[armscye]

I have an Excelled Perfecto-style jacket that presented the same issue: I wanted its beefy leather, offset zipper, and zip sleeves, but not the young-Brando "Wild Bunch" vibe that seems to scare waitresses and convenience store clerks.

My solution was to have the epaulets removed, stop wearing the belt, change the nickel snaps for antique brass, and dull-down the finish a bit with a machine washing. Luckily, it had no D-pocket. Now it looks almost like an aviation-pattern jacket, but more substantial.

 

[zhz]

Maybe you can try lewis leather？ I think their jacket is more stylish and not that hard core.

 

[IXL]

You might consider a Vanson CHP model. It does have belt loops but is supplied sans belt. Lancer zip front, no epaulets, only two hand warmer pockets, zip sleeves, and brass hardware.

 

[Monitor]

This Alexander Leather Detroit is also very nice: http://filmjackets.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5389

Also, I'm certain Aero can customize their J-106 or Daytona in a way you'd want. Ditto for Alexander. Basically, they would only have to remove the belt and the breast pocket.

 

[Bunyip]

As the title would imply I am looking for a Perfecto-style leather jacket but as it will not be solely for riding purposes I don't want it to be quite as hardware heavy as the 618 and the various Aero styles (i.e. the MC or the J106). Basically I really like the asymmetrical styling and the sort of trench coat collar of the Perfecto but I don't need a lot of zippers or the belt.

The IDEAL would be zippered cuffs and a D pocket and not much else as far as hardware goes. Epaulettes are fine too.

Thanks for any and all help you guys can give!

-A

I would get a Langlitz cascade with a dress collar. They are great, simple jackets, with superb craftsmanship and service. No d pocket though.
If you need a d pocket get onto Alan at Johnson leathers. He will make you one to any spec you desire. A great price, great quality, and he is a lovely guy to deal with and has many fans.

 

[Worf]

Like Monitor suggested, the Alexander Detroit seems to be just what you're looking for and Bunyip's suggestion about a modded jacket from Langlitz or J.L. is also "first rate"! Vanso's Captain America also sounds like something you'd like

Worf

 

[wanz]

I've been very happy with my Detroit (the one posted on filmjackets.com - didn't feel like taking part in the Aero / Alexander arguing that was going on here at the time which is why I didn't post it here). I had the same basic requirements asymmetrical design without much hardware. It has a bit of edge to it without scaring off the townfolk.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I really dislike all the extra "bing" on the perfectos as well, I ended up with an AL Detroit as has been suggested which is very much the same as the Aero Bootlegger. They both hare the same basic style as the perfectos without too many zips, belts or epaulettes.

 

[tropicalbob]

Take a look at Nick123's Johnson Leathers jacket in the classifieds right now. Might be what you're looking for. They're out of San Francisco and I've heard nothing but good thigs about them.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Here's a pic of my FQHH zip sleeve Aero Bootlegger when new. I wear it more than any of my other Aero jackets...but I'm not sure if something like this is what you are looking for.
HD

 

[wanz]

That's a great looking jacket in brown!

Here's a shot of my Detroit for those without filmjackets access...

 

[pipvh]

I think the ELMC Windward is pretty nice.

But the Detroit is great, and so is the AL Oakland (which I like better, personally - alas, I've been forbidden any new lancer-type jackets on the grounds that I've reached mutton-dressed-as-lamb territory... ).

 

[Edward]

The Aero Bootlegger design is the one I'd recommend. Mine was my third Aero (after a AN6552 and a wool Waterfront), and of wll of them it gets the most wear. The Detroit name I didn't know, but from the photo obviously it's their take on the Bootlegger design. Schott do a really nice looking jacket called something like the Vintage Perfecto.... basically this with a D pocket. I looked at them on eBay recently, though at the kind of money they were (LE, I think), personally I'd much rather go Aero.

 

[Dickie Teenie]

Thedi leathers in Greece as some nice jackets, here's one. Zips can be added of course. They have a facebook page to see more styles, Thedileathers.

 

[nick123]

Take a look at Nick123's Johnson Leathers jacket in the classifieds right now. Might be what you're looking for. They're out of San Francisco and I've heard nothing but good thigs about them.

Yes and I'm a fool for selling it, but with that being said, the Johnson route would fit the bill. Also Norshor leather or a BK Duke possibly?

 

[ckramer]

Wow thank you all for responding so quickly! All great responses and I will be looking over all the above mentioned options over the next few days. I won't be able to order anything for a month or so but it's nice to have so many good options!

 

[Superfluous]

FWIW, I am told that Flat Head is about to release a Perfecto style jacket for Self Edge.

 

[ckramer]

If anyone else is looking, you can order the "Escape (From New York)" jacket from Magnoli Clothiers in brown, dark brown, and black without the antique/screen accurate finishing, thus leaving it a beautiful reproduction 1930s motorcycle jacket similar to the Detroit jacket mentioned earlier.

 

[Interbak]

If you are really after a D pocket, with zip sleeves, and epaulettes like the Aero King of the Road or Daytona, but toned down, I'm sure they could remove the belt, and use blacked out hardware. Simple change, all the style, less bling.

B