Nate's Leather

[AeroFan_07]

So it took a bit more time, but I stopped by Nate's Leathers this afternoon. I was in the neighborhood, so to speak, so I planned in a little extra time and visited them in person. Really nice to meet a real leather jacket fan with the original owner's grandson - Josh. He now runs Nate's leather and is just an all around great guy.

I took several photos and this is him with a 1980's - produced motorcycle style jacket, back when they had more machinists and product offerings. This jacket was immaculate that he is wearing...



I spent a little time here today, checking out Brand new as well as Vintage Chicago Police jackets. Here is a brand-new one that appears to be made of Goatskin, rather soft of feel but quite durable:



Here is one of the very first Chicago Police jackets they produced. It was a side-line offering for them at first, this is ~ 45 years old.



This dark blue Chicago Police jacket is currently for sale in their store, it is from the early 1980's.



Here is one of their original storefront signs, note the telephone number (in the city of Chicago proper)



They had an array of offerings, including a few other pre-owned jackets on trade, as well as a selection of police style vests, and safety gear:



Here are a couple detailed shots of the traditional cross-zip style motorcycle jacket the owner was wearing in the initial photo. This jacket has a very nice pattern to it, I hope they would consider making it again. The back-panel fringe was a customer-specified option. It is from the 1980's as well (this tag was used from ~ 1980 - 1990)






So it was quite a lot of fun to visit here. I did not go in back, but there were a couple people making new jackets, as well as repairing vintage ones while I was in the shop.

I would encourage anyone with any interest in leather jackets to consider visiting here if in the Chicago area. It is also a good place to have repairs done, if you live near that area. Do check out their website and note the hours, as they are not open on weekends.

 

[Bahabp100]

My theory is that there are a lot of these single operator leather makers in the States. And they use to supply to retail stores like Walter Dyer. These guys would also bid on regional contracts. I would also imagine this is how Langlitz, Vanson...etc. got started, except they had better luck and grew their brand faster and bigger. There are two types of moto chap cowhide used, one is the stiffer one with a coating (like Vanson) and the other is a soft nappa (like Walter Dyer). Very solid hide.

I've looked at this Nate guy on Etsy store before. Thanks to Bahabp's posts. He has more patterns to offer. The only thing is his pricing. They are about 200 dollars more than what a stock Johnson would cost. But to be fair, the Nate jacket has a lot more details inside like pockets and fur.

There is 95% chance I will try one...

I’ve had several Walter Dyer “nappa” hand MC jackets . Is this Nappa always lamb skin ? Or is it sometimes cowhide ? Specifically the Walter Dyer . Thanks !!

 

[Biff42]

I found this video on youtube about Nate's leather. Looks like it was shot in the late 80's or early 90's.

I loved this video. I miss these wackyregional TV shows.

 

[f2002q]

Not related to Nate's, but in the spirit of small, local leather shops, there is one near me called U. S. 1 Leathers. The name probably taken from US Route 1, where they used to be located. The've moved to a new town, but kept the name.
The better half got a leather jacket made to her measurements from a style that she chose. She wanted the side zippers added and they said no problem. It was done in a few weeks and she's perfectly happy with it. Good little shop.

https://us1leathers.com/

 

[AeroFan_07]

^^Nice company there and very reasonable prices. Just wish they showed the backs of the jackets...

Thinking about ordering 370B (Brass hardware) to do a review on.

 

[f2002q]

^^Nice company there and very reasonable prices. Just wish they showed the backs of the jackets...

Thinking about ordering 370B (Brass hardware) to do a review on.

Like most leather sellers, they suck at selling their wares online properly. Even the big names, their website sucks. The Better Half's jacket leather is not super thick or stiff (she didn't want it that way, why I don't know...) but good quality. She also got to choose the lining and they even offered her a zip out extra liner. I would have purchased one for me as well if I didn't have a bunch of leather already. I'm also under penalty of divorce if one more jacket shows up in the house.

 

[Viking752]

Not related to Nate's, but in the spirit of small, local leather shops, there is one near me called U. S. 1 Leathers. The name probably taken from US Route 1, where they used to be located. The've moved to a new town, but kept the name.
The better half got a leather jacket made to her measurements from a style that she chose. She wanted the side zippers added and they said no problem. It was done in a few weeks and she's perfectly happy with it. Good little shop.

https://us1leathers.com/

View attachment 669085

I confirmed with US1 that they are the original US Made Co leather from Middleton and Danvers. This is my US Made Co. very heavy and well made.

 

[Biff42]

Not related to Nate's, but in the spirit of small, local leather shops, there is one near me called U. S. 1 Leathers. The name probably taken from US Route 1, where they used to be located. The've moved to a new town, but kept the name.
The better half got a leather jacket made to her measurements from a style that she chose. She wanted the side zippers added and they said no problem. It was done in a few weeks and she's perfectly happy with it. Good little shop.

https://us1leathers.com/

View attachment 669085

Is this not a different iteration of US Made Leathers or is it a totally different company?

NM just saw @Viking752 post.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Ah, good. I've owned several US-Made (Middletown, MA) jackets including a great two-tone one in the same pattern as @Viking752 's jacket. I regret a lot selling off a super-heavy Cafe Racer they made.