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My leather jacket database.

zebedee

One Too Many
Messages
1,900
Location
Shanghai
I wouldn't say level of happiness is directly linked to jacket numbers.
If anything the fact that i am struggling to store all that is really making me want to sell off some and making me question my madness...

After a while I got tired of owning too much clothing, and the leather jackets were getting particularly annoying. Ideally, I'd just own two, but it's more likely to be four. I sold or gave away the other four and it was great to see three of them on buddies who otherwise would never have bought one new or necessarily chosen to buy a used one at the (generally high) prices they go for. Other clothing I just gave to charity shops and then chose durable and very smart things for a wardrobe that I can take anywhere and have packed in 15 mins. A possible return to a colder bit of Asia might mean I take the cafe racer and the Maxwell with me, but I could just get by with the former.

Storing jackets is a pain - and, accidentally or not - it's all too easy to end up being precious about them. I was happiest when I'd just taken one with me to SE Asia and I could rotate it when back in the UK for holidays. It meant that the jacket in question got loads of use in the colder months and spring and I didn't have to choose which one I'd wear. The goat HB was handy in that respect because it didn't ever patina and was ok to wear in to and out of work or down to the pub.
 

Davidm

Familiar Face
Messages
75
Location
Netherlands
After a while I got tired of owning too much clothing, and the leather jackets were getting particularly annoying. Ideally, I'd just own two, but it's more likely to be four. I sold or gave away the other four and it was great to see three of them on buddies who otherwise would never have bought one new or necessarily chosen to buy a used one at the (generally high) prices they go for. Other clothing I just gave to charity shops and then chose durable and very smart things for a wardrobe that I can take anywhere and have packed in 15 mins. A possible return to a colder bit of Asia might mean I take the cafe racer and the Maxwell with me, but I could just get by with the former.

Storing jackets is a pain - and, accidentally or not - it's all too easy to end up being precious about them. I was happiest when I'd just taken one with me to SE Asia and I could rotate it when back in the UK for holidays. It meant that the jacket in question got loads of use in the colder months and spring and I didn't have to choose which one I'd wear. The goat HB was handy in that respect because it didn't ever patina and was ok to wear in to and out of work or down to the pub.
well said, this is exactly what im doing, and the aim is to own 2-4 jackets, but all different and all with purpose. And all in some "grail/ ideal" state or close to it. I ended up having too much of stuff and realised it when moved to another country. Now i'm selling unnecessary stuff an keeping/ buying only things what i will actually use. Point is usually this conclusions comes with age and some kind zen haha =)
 

zebedee

One Too Many
Messages
1,900
Location
Shanghai
well said, this is exactly what im doing, and the aim is to own 2-4 jackets, but all different and all with purpose. And all in some "grail/ ideal" state or close to it. I ended up having too much of stuff and realised it when moved to another country. Now i'm selling unnecessary stuff an keeping/ buying only things what i will actually use. Point is usually this conclusions comes with age and some kind zen haha =)

My rule is that if I haven't worn it for longer than six months and I've owned it for more than three years, it can go to charity. I understand that some people are collectors of things like pairs of jeans, but I'm not a collector- I just had too many items of clothing that never got worn or didn't suit me any more (or maybe ever) so they went. I got rid of hundreds of novels to used bookshops and I felt much happier with things gone.
 
Messages
16,796
After a while I got tired of owning too much clothing, and the leather jackets were getting particularly annoying. Ideally, I'd just own two, but it's more likely to be four. I sold or gave away the other four and it was great to see three of them on buddies who otherwise would never have bought one new or necessarily chosen to buy a used one at the (generally high) prices they go for. Other clothing I just gave to charity shops and then chose durable and very smart things for a wardrobe that I can take anywhere and have packed in 15 mins. A possible return to a colder bit of Asia might mean I take the cafe racer and the Maxwell with me, but I could just get by with the former.

Storing jackets is a pain - and, accidentally or not - it's all too easy to end up being precious about them. I was happiest when I'd just taken one with me to SE Asia and I could rotate it when back in the UK for holidays. It meant that the jacket in question got loads of use in the colder months and spring and I didn't have to choose which one I'd wear. The goat HB was handy in that respect because it didn't ever patina and was ok to wear in to and out of work or down to the pub.

Yeah, same. Got very few jackets right now, compared to how many I've piled up over the years and am letting go of most of it. Got two on the way, one will probably be a catch and release and the other I plan on making a keeper but you never know.

In a perfect world, I'd keep three or four jackets at most with two being minimum. I can't wear the same jacket all year, it'll either get too cold or too warm for just one so my plan is to have one winter jacket and something to wear on a warmer spring / fall days.

Sizing is also an issue. I've been wearing Lost Worlds this whole winter over layers but now that it's warm again, the jacket feels too large which means if I wanna stick to my plan to wear only cross zips, I gotta get something smaller.
And while I'm perfectly aware nobody's ever gonna notice anything, it's just something that I know is going to annoy me. And if I decide it shouldn't, well, then I'm back at square one, where I was before starting this journey and I don't want that.
We got this clear idea how we wanna roll and can't really see things objectively but then again, that's why this place exists.

I have however gotten to the point of knowing there isn't much else to see and that can surprise me anymore, which is a good thing! This is a fun past time and I'm still passionate about jackets but knowing what to expect does bring zen into my life and I don't compulsively obsess over something.
 

red devil

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,948
Location
London
I am happy with my current selection and excited about what is to come and as excited about there is to discover still. If I had to pare down my collection to say just 4 jackets, I would have a lot of trouble.
Then again, I do not have a wide selection jeans and shirts at the moment, only jackets really.
 

Carlos840

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,944
Location
London
I am happy with my current selection and excited about what is to come and as excited about there is to discover still. If I had to pare down my collection to say just 4 jackets, I would have a lot of trouble.
Then again, I do not have a wide selection jeans and shirts at the moment, only jackets really.

I have to say that is my technique as well...
I wear the exact same thing every single day, IH 634 jeans, American Apparel T-shirt and Uniqloo V neck jumper, that's it, only variation is different colours of T-shirt and jumpers...
I don't have or believe in different "outfits", the only way i get to dress differently from day to day is wearing a different jacket.
It works for me.
 

red devil

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,948
Location
London
I have to say that is my technique as well...
I wear the exact same thing every single day, IH 634 jeans, American Apparel T-shirt and Uniqloo V neck jumper, that's it, only variation is different colours of T-shirt and jumpers...
I don't have or believe in different "outfits", the only way i get to dress differently from day to day is wearing a different jacket.
It works for me.

Pretty much, it is the jacket that is emphasised :)
 

Seb Lucas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,562
Location
Australia
Yeah, many jackets does not equal happiness. I have owned several dozen and have been dumb about it. I really only need two or three leather jackets to satisfy. A mid length and two shorter styles. Done. Like Carlos I wear the same type of items almost every day although mine are mainly black. Again like Carlos I'm not interested in having different outfits or looks. I have never been into boots or footwear and just have Blundstones x7 pairs. I change them each day for feet hygiene.
 

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,836
Location
East Java
I can't live with jeans the same t-shirt model everyday, my day is already repetitively boring I try to live it up by at least pick different color scheme. I have only small number in everything I own though and so far I never splurge into anything, I luckily can quickly move from buying mode into wearing, mix and match, watching the item crease or patina mode and spend nothing more while keep enjoying the hobby.
 

J Leather Investigater

One Too Many
Messages
1,661
Location
Wilmington n.c.
Thank you Robbie, I have to say the LW Leathertogs is also my favourite. LW is the peak of the mountain for me, i don't think there is anywhere else for me to go after that...
The Imperial was the one Terry sold in the classifieds a while back. Unfortunately it was too large for me and i sold it on to another TFL member. It was Shinki, very nice Shinki at that, thicker than other Shinki i had before.
I got a refund from JC last year, 4 years being ignored was enough for me... So unless i get very lucky there won't be another GW for me.
True statement carlos, and impressive id say, after owning all of theses jackets from all different makers from Japan to Canada to Scotland, to America; "LOST WORLDS is the peak of the mountain for me, i dont think there is anywhere else for me to go after that.." yea there is carlos you go right back to stuart
 

red devil

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,948
Location
London
True statement carlos, and impressive id say, after owning all of theses jackets from all different makers from Japan to Canada to Scotland, to America; "LOST WORLDS is the peak of the mountain for me, i dont think there is anywhere else for me to go after that.." yea there is carlos you go right back to stuart


We've been doing this quite a bit :D
 

Carlos840

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,944
Location
London
True statement carlos, and impressive id say, after owning all of theses jackets from all different makers from Japan to Canada to Scotland, to America; "LOST WORLDS is the peak of the mountain for me, i dont think there is anywhere else for me to go after that.." yea there is carlos you go right back to stuart

I know, it feels a bit like going full circle.
LW was one of the first makers i really wanted to get into, but because of his weird website i avoided it for years.
The "no return on Long sizes" policy, the general prose and looks of the site and the fact that Stuart doesn't lke to give measurements of jackets away kept me away for very long. It felt like too big a risk to take.
It's only when i saw @red devil 's J-24 for real at the TFL meeting that i realized what i was missing out on and put down my first order. (the fact that i could use his jacket to help size definitely helped me take the first step)

As things stand now i have 2 LW, 2 more on order and LW is one of the few makers i would still consider ordering new from.
It offers IMO a perfect balance of leather quality/character, craftsmanship, and pattern design/fit/comfort that i haven't experienced in any other maker. With every other maker i own there is a compromise to make in one of these areas, with LW i get IMO close to as good as it gets in all three categories, there is no compromise, and i love that.
 

J Leather Investigater

One Too Many
Messages
1,661
Location
Wilmington n.c.
I know, it feels a bit like going full circle.
LW was one of the first makers i really wanted to get into, but because of his weird website i avoided it for years.
The "no return on Long sizes" policy, the general prose and looks of the site and the fact that Stuart doesn't lke to give measurements of jackets away kept me away for very long. It felt like too big a risk to take.
It's only when i saw @red devil 's J-24 for real at the TFL meeting that i realized what i was missing out on and put down my first order. (the fact that i could use his jacket to help size definitely helped me take the first step)

As things stand now i have 2 LW, 2 more on order and LW is one of the few makers i would still consider ordering new from.
It offers IMO a perfect balance of leather quality/character, craftsmanship, and pattern design/fit/comfort that i haven't experienced in any other maker. With every other maker i own there is a compromise to make in one of these areas, with LW i get IMO close to as good as it gets in all three categories, there is no compromise, and i love that.

Very cool story Carlos. I started shopping around for high end leather jackets 5 years ago and schott was my first experience, i have had jackets from many of the elite makers. I always looked at stuarts site and wanted to try a jacket but i wanted to find one used before i bought new. My first l.w. find was an black a-2. Right away i could tell that the jacket stood apart, it stands alone, it stands all by itself also! This is the part i really wanted to share. I knew lost worlds stood alone and i wondered why only a few tfl members had this opinion. To me its obvious that they are top tier, the best.
So when i saw your review on the j23 i was thrilled of your feedback. And now to see where you stand is an elation. For you to hold this view of lost worlds makes me feel like "finally" a long time tfl member with more experience than a lot of other members is now telling the truth,.....Lost worlds is the peak of the mountain. Red devil has done well advertising his j24, ill send him a "that a boy" message aswell
 

red devil

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,948
Location
London
I know, it feels a bit like going full circle.
LW was one of the first makers i really wanted to get into, but because of his weird website i avoided it for years.
The "no return on Long sizes" policy, the general prose and looks of the site and the fact that Stuart doesn't lke to give measurements of jackets away kept me away for very long. It felt like too big a risk to take.
It's only when i saw @red devil 's J-24 for real at the TFL meeting that i realized what i was missing out on and put down my first order. (the fact that i could use his jacket to help size definitely helped me take the first step)

As things stand now i have 2 LW, 2 more on order and LW is one of the few makers i would still consider ordering new from.
It offers IMO a perfect balance of leather quality/character, craftsmanship, and pattern design/fit/comfort that i haven't experienced in any other maker. With every other maker i own there is a compromise to make in one of these areas, with LW i get IMO close to as good as it gets in all three categories, there is no compromise, and i love that.

That meet up in London was definitely a good thing! I can't stress enough how good it is to meet up with other members and share experiences, we will be holding another one by the ned of the year if all goes well! Couldn't resist this shameless plug :D

My experience is slightly different, when I first joined the forum, Stuart from LW had an undeserved bad reputation. I remember thinking that it would be a big gamble ordering from him because of what I had seen. But I was still very curious. So I gave Stuart a call to ask some questions and what a surprise! He took all the time to explain to me all the details of his jackets, giving me some hostorical background and best of all not pushing for a sale. He just gave me all the info freely.
After such a call, I ordered in full confidence and got the brown suburban. Comfortable, versatile and indestructible... these are the adjective that came to mind back then and still relevant today: I have been all over the place with it.
The sequence after that goes like that

- Moose hide Trojan
- Black HH J24
- Navy Leathertogs
- Courrier peacoat which became a standard model
- Navy Deerskin J24
- Black HH Speed Demon

And upcoming the much awaited Hussar/Cutlass. Oh, I forgot to mention that I also ordered a green HH car coat, will update the other thread with that.
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,705
Location
Illinois
Thurlow Leatherworld, Size 44, 2019:

Pit to pit: 24”
Back length: 26.5”
Front length: 22”
Bottom hem: 20.5”
Shoulders: 20”
Arms length:25”

Weight: 1,51kg / 3.32Lb

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I had one just like that, two way zipper size 44. How do you like it?
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,705
Location
Illinois
Interesting how the attitude about Lost Worlds has changed through the years. When I bought my Test all the discussion was about his website comments and his attitude. Pretty much condemnation. Folks could not seem to look past his comments and see the jackets.

His jacket were criticized as too heavy, lack of character, no patina.

I don't think he has toned down his website and the jacket look the same.

So what changed?
 

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