Mister Freedom Campus jacket review: A nice jacket with both design flaws and construction defects

[58panheadfan]

Sorry Marc, I forgot to mention size... indeed Jacket is tagged as a size 40".

 

[navetsea]

Just my own theory, perhaps the hide was spray/ airbrush painted with pigment, so it started matte since it still have that powdery nozzle texture, but sometime matte texture will develop shiny wear spots just like nubuck wear spots, perhaps along the cuff edges , collar fold, elbow, forearm, and inside elbow creases will develop hi shine patina with wear.

 

[willyto]

To be honest I always liked the style but I never pulled the trigger because I felt like it was too "mainstream" so to speak, like everyone looks the same, all clones wearing the same jacket, denim and red wings, also the natural one isn't that versatile in my wardrobe.

The handwarmer pockets being so small is a huge dealbreaker for me. It doesn't have internal pocket, if it can't fit a thing in those pockets then it's useless for me.

Same happens with my LVC Moleskin Cossack with patch pockets, I don't wear it because the pockets are useless and I can't carry anything on it(For me it's a must, I hate things in my pockets unless it's summer and I'm wearing wide leg linen trousers with big pockets).

I'm glad I never pulled the trigger or I would have been very disappointed. I have never seen anyone mention that before.

I really like Whitefeather's version from @Mysteryo .

 

[Observe]

To be honest I always liked the style but I never pulled the trigger because I felt like it was too "mainstream" so to speak, like everyone looks the same, all clones wearing the same jacket, denim and red wings, also the natural one isn't that versatile in my wardrobe.

The handwarmer pockets being so small is a huge dealbreaker for me. It doesn't have internal pocket, if it can't fit a thing in those pockets then it's useless for me.

Same happens with my LVC Moleskin Cossack with patch pockets, I don't wear it because the pockets are useless and I can't carry anything on it(For me it's a must, I hate things in my pockets unless it's summer and I'm wearing wide leg linen trousers with big pockets).

I'm glad I never pulled the trigger or I would have been very disappointed. I have never seen anyone mention that before.

I really like Whitefeather's version from @Mysteryo .

The Campus pocket, while lacking as a handwarmer due to its size and placement, fits a smart phone quite readily, along with keys, etc. It also has an interesting internal access which I use to hang my sunglasses. I hope my attached picture illustrates my point. That being said, the jacket is not for someone who is looking for a garment with lots of storage space. Despite its impracticality, this jacket has survived multiple closet purges and is a perennial favourite of mine.

 

[Bfd70]

I wanted a cossack style for a long time. It started with the Himel Heron. Once I tried it on, I realized I looked ridiculous in it. Then I went over to the MF which was too short for my tastes. I ened up with a Thedi which was a wonderful mix of these details with a slimmer and slightly longer body proportion.
View attachment 476107

I remember that jacket. It’s the one that got me in this mess!

 

[Motocann]

Thanks for taking the time to breakdown all the various aspects of the MF jacket.

I was just in the MF store a few days ago. As I'm not particularly a fan of the "cossack" style - I did try a few of them on during my visit.

My favorite MF jacket was the Bronco Champ. It's a really cool D pocket jacket with a zipper!
I also liked the leather Ranch Blouse, snaps instead of buttons. But, I'm not a fan of back cinches.

I suggested that they should make their plain Western jacket in leather. Because, that jacket I really DO like!

Below: Bronco Champ in Natural

 

[Marc mndt]

The Campus pocket, while lacking as a handwarmer due to its size and placement, fits a smart phone quite readily,

Which of course depends on the size of the phone lol.

I have been thinking about the biggest gripe I have with this jacket which is the width of the bottom hem, 22" on a 23" ptp jacket which means the jacket is almost square.

I understand that the pattern and fit of a jacket are related to its style, at least to a certain degree. Think of the Cafe racer that's suitable for guys with a \/shaped body, the Highwayman that's suited for guys with a () shaped body.

I have a big chest and a relatively small waist and therefore jackets with a boxy fit aren't the best choice for me. But is this jacket really designed to be as boxy as it is or is it a pattern grading issue?

I wonder because I owned a lot of jackets but I don't think I ever handled a size 42 with a 22" bottom hem.

Also, this jacket doesn't look all that wide on other guys. This is John, IG vintage_engineer_boots, who owns both the natural and the stallion MF campus. The jackets look great on him, don't look all that wide. As you can see he hardly cinched the sides at all. He probably wears the jacket in a size 36 or 38, which makes me wonder. Are the smaller sizes more tapered than the larger ones, or is my particular jacket an anomaly and are other size 42 jacket not as wide as mine? Any Campus owners who can chime in?

How it looks on me

Edit: typos

 

[Carlos840]

To be honest I always liked the style but I never pulled the trigger because I felt like it was too "mainstream" so to speak, like everyone looks the same, all clones wearing the same jacket, denim and red wings, also the natural one isn't that versatile in my wardrobe.

The handwarmer pockets being so small is a huge dealbreaker for me. It doesn't have internal pocket, if it can't fit a thing in those pockets then it's useless for me.

Same happens with my LVC Moleskin Cossack with patch pockets, I don't wear it because the pockets are useless and I can't carry anything on it(For me it's a must, I hate things in my pockets unless it's summer and I'm wearing wide leg linen trousers with big pockets).

I'm glad I never pulled the trigger or I would have been very disappointed. I have never seen anyone mention that before.

I really like Whitefeather's version from @Mysteryo .

East solution my friend:

You are welcome!

 

[Marc mndt]

East solution my friend:

You are welcome!

And this one for those who own the natural Campus lol

Or the Baloo

 

[Corky Corcovado]

I must mention this nice one made by Whitefeather Mfg
Very unique construction.
View attachment 476101 R

#mancavegoals

 

[Canuck Panda]

Which of course depends on the size of the phone lol.

View attachment 477783

I have been thinking about the biggest gripe I have with this jacket which is the width of the bottom hem, 22" on a 23" ptp jacket which means the jacket is almost square.

I understand that the pattern and fit of a jacket are related to its style, at least to a certain degree. Think of the Cafe racer that's suitable for guys with a \/shaped body, the Highwayman that's suited for guys with a () shaped body.

I have a big chest and a relatively small waist and therefore jackets with a boxy fit aren't the best choice for me. But is this jacket really designed to be as boxy as it is or is it a pattern grading issue?

I wonder because I owned a lot of jackets but I don't think I ever handled a size 42 with a 22" bottom hem.

Also, this jacket doesn't look all that wide on other guys. This is John, IG vintage_engineer_boots, who owns both the natural and the stallion MF campus. The jackets look great on him, don't look all that wide. As you can see he hardly cinched the sides at all. He probably wears the jacket in a size 36 or 38, which makes me wonder. Are the smaller sizes more tapered than the larger ones, or is my particular jacket an anomaly and are other size 42 jacket not as wide as mine? Any Campus owners who can chime in?

View attachment 477787 View attachment 477784 View attachment 477788 View attachment 477789 View attachment 477786

How it looks on me

View attachment 477792

Edit: typos

The collar on the Instagram guy jacket is unibody construction, where as yours is set in collar. Could be from two different vendors. Or maybe the Instagram guy jacket was an early sample to get publicity and details we’re changed for actual production.

 

[willyto]

East solution my friend:

You are welcome!

I wouldn’t be caught dead in anything like that.

I already have a leather bag but I prefer to be able to carry items on me. Specially if I go out. Also it’s less risk that anyone can just grab it and get away with your things.

 

[Leigh H]

@Marc mndt

I've just measured my 42 natural campus and its pit to pit 22 and bottom hem 21, not much between the two but they seem an inch smaller than yours.

 

[calvin006]

Instead I went ahead and asked Theodoros from Thedi if he could make a similiar jacket, so I went ahead and ordered a custom Cossack jacket in teacore Bruciato horsehide from him. Can’t wait to receive it!

Have you received this Thedi yet? I’d be very interested to see it. I really like the MF Campus design. I’m sure a Thedi version would be a step up in a lot ways.

 

[Kenan]

Have you received this Thedi yet? I’d be very interested to see it. I really like the MF Campus design. I’m sure a Thedi version would be a step up in a lot ways.

I dropped the idea of a cossack jacket, so he is now in the progress of making a café racer style jacket for me instead. This is the jacket I have incoming:

 

[Jasonissm]

I dropped the idea of a cossack jacket, so he is now in the progress of making a café racer style jacket for me instead. This is the jacket I have incoming:
View attachment 500050

Which design is this called? Never seen this Thedi before and I really like it, nice thick waist band, nice D-pocket and good proportions and length. Definitely have to consider one myself!

 

[Kenan]

Which design is this called? Never seen this Thedi before and I really like it, nice thick waist band, nice D-pocket and good proportions and length. Definitely have to consider one myself!

Here is a link to the jacket https://thedi-leathers.com/product/mtc-127956/

 

[jchance]

The Mister Freedom leather jackets are made by Sugar Cane. In Japan, used Sugar Cane leather jackets go for $200s-300s. It appears that most of what one is paying for is the design by Mister Freedom and the process of tanning the natural leather.

I’m contemplating the MF Ranch Blouse in natural leather, but the price is even steeper than the Campus version by $200. At 15% off, the Ranch Blouse still comes out at $1100 after tax. It’s like overpaying for the experience of owning and playing with a natural leather jacket.

 

[Marc mndt]

The Mister Freedom leather jackets are made by Sugar Cane. In Japan, used Sugar Cane leather jackets go for $200s-300s. It appears that most of what one is paying for is the design by Mister Freedom and the process of tanning the natural leather.

Are you sure about that? Their website says they're made in California.

 

[jchance]

Are you sure about that? Their website says they're made in California.


View attachment 576477

Sugar Cane makes some of its products in USA: for example, made in USA denim jacket, https://franklinandpoe.com/products/sugar-cane-lot-no-sc11967us-made-in-usa-nos-14oz-type-iii-jacket

My source is from Hinoya, which claims that the Bronco and Ranch Blouse are made by Sugar Cane.

SUGAR CANE - Mister Freedom - HOOPER COLLECTION - RANCH BLOUSE - BISON - SC80624

HOOPER COLLECTIONRANCH BLOUSE-BISON- デザイナー クリストフ・ルアロン氏が愛する「RANCH BLOUSE」のレザーヴァージョン。レザーを使いながらも、エフォートレスな雰囲気が魅力のジャケットです。革はアメリカ産の約2-3ozフルグレインカウハイド。鞣しはベジタブルタンニング。着用を重ねることで経年変化が味わえるレザーです。襟と袖の裏はヘビーコーデュロイ生地を使用。プリーツなど革の重なる部分は高度な縫製技術が必要になりますが、匠の技で見事に仕上がっております。 レザー: ベジタブルタンニン フルグレインカウハイド(牛革) 襟裏: コットンコーデュロイ...

hinoya.shop

SUGAR CANE - Mister Freedom - HOOPER COLLECTION - BRONCO CHAMP TYPE II - SC80623

HOOPER COLLECTION-BRONCO CHAMP TYPE II- 1960年代スタイルのカフェレーサーライダースジャケット。素材はベジタブルタンニン鞣しのフルグレインカウハイドレザー。茶芯仕上げなので着用を重ね、経年変化で茶の部分が露出してきます。裏地には鮮やかなフランネル生地を採用。保温性の目的だけでなく、ちらりと見えた時に鮮烈な印象を与えます。 レザー: ベジタブルタンニン フルグレインカウハイド (牛革) 裏地: コットンフランネル アメリカ製 モデル着用サイズ: 40 (身長180cm 72kg) Size Chart サイズ 肩幅 身幅 着丈 袖丈 36...

hinoya.shop