New forum member brand (Rugged West)

[zacharge]

Just got the stockman in today. Per conversation with Leilah, I went with an XXS 34. I wear a size small shirt and 30 waist for Levi’s.

My first impressions:

1. Smells like a new couch! Not a bad thing, but my wife certainly doesn’t like it haha. I’m generally not used to clothing with such a strong smell, as I wear vintage / used leathers, but not a bad thing at all.

2. The color is wonderful! I do want to know what oil is best to darken it up when I break it in, though.

3. Longer than expected- not a deal breaker at all. I’m just someone who prefers jackets to sit right above the waist line. No biggie, I’ll get used to it!

4. Real soft leather! I was half expecting a rougher, “harder” leather if that makes sense? Like the 70s Levi’s trucker leather I have.

Over all, worth the wait! I’m excited to see how it breaks in.

 

[leatherhead]

3. Longer than expected- not a deal breaker at all. I’m just someone who prefers jackets to sit right above the waist line. No biggie, I’ll get used to it!

I don't know if that's how your pants usually sit on your waist, but it looks like the right length to me. The cuff could be a little more narrow. Everything else is great to me.

 

[herculance]

Just got the stockman in today. Per conversation with Leilah, I went with an XXS 34. I wear a size small shirt and 30 waist for Levi’s.

My first impressions:

1. Smells like a new couch! Not a bad thing, but my wife certainly doesn’t like it haha. I’m generally not used to clothing with such a strong smell, as I wear vintage / used leathers, but not a bad thing at all.

2. The color is wonderful! I do want to know what oil is best to darken it up when I break it in, though.

3. Longer than expected- not a deal breaker at all. I’m just someone who prefers jackets to sit right above the waist line. No biggie, I’ll get used to it!

4. Real soft leather! I was half expecting a rougher, “harder” leather if that makes sense? Like the 70s Levi’s trucker leather I have.

Over all, worth the wait! I’m excited to see how it breaks in. View attachment 695183

thanks for the review man! Leather looks great and looks like it fits you well. Hopefully better with time as you break it in!

 

[Vintageinspired]

Anyone know where the Jackets are manufactured?

 

[LeatherHunter]

Anyone know where the Jackets are manufactured?

I believe Pakistan.

 

[Vintageinspired]

Quite expensive for made in Pakistan

 

[Leilah Wilde]

Anyone know where the Jackets are manufactured?

Quite expensive for made in Pakistan

Hey! Thanks for your comment. I completely understand the hesitation around pricing, especially when people see “Made in Pakistan” and immediately make assumptions. But there’s a bit more to it, so I thought I’d share some context.

While the jackets are currently produced in Pakistan, the majority of the leather we use nowadays isn’t locally sourced. I work directly with tanneries to develop custom hides, often importing from outside the country. This brings up the cost significantly. If I were using standard ready made or local hides, things would be cheaper, but that’s not the route I’ve taken. Two decades of collecting vintage high end leather jackets means that I just couldn’t settle for anything that’s “meh”. I’m very particular about the materials, and I want the leather to be created to my spec.

All MTM jackets and alterations are handled in our teeny tiny London workshop. This allows me to be more hands on with bespoke patterns and measurements - those who know me will know that I am borderline obsessive with ensuring measurements are accurate. It’s also just me running the show. I’m looking to bring someone else on board in the coming months because to put it bluntly, I’m a bit knackered . Totally cream crackered. The workload is insane.

The team I work with in Pakistan is also small and paid well, well above the local average. I could pay other stitchers a fraction of what I’m paying my team, but I’d rather not. They’re bringing my patterns to life beautifully and I’m paying them a salary that enables them to live a fantastic, lucrative lifestyle there. To see them being able to afford to travel the world and take more vacations than I do brings me so much joy. I’ve built a close relationship with them, and the level of craftsmanship they bring is exceptional.

That said, I’d love to eventually bring more of my production into the UK. It’s my dream to be able to be present from the beginning, right to the end of production for all jackets, stock sized and MTM. It’s something I’m actively trying to navigate as the business grows. The challenge is balancing that with my original vision for Rugged West: to create a mid-priced brand that offers real value without entering the luxury bracket. If I moved full production to London today, costs would rise significantly and I’d be operating in a completely different space, both in terms of pricing and audience.

The stigma around “Made in Pakistan” is definitely something I encounter daily. I get messages all the time from people who lose interest the moment they hear that’s where the jacket’s made. And that’s tough, especially when I know how much knowledge, effort and precision goes into every jacket we produce. The goal is to break that stigma and show that outstanding quality can come from anywhere, especially when it’s guided by years of experience, strong quality control, and a genuine passion for leather jackets.

Apols for the essay. If you think I bang on via text, just wait till any of you meet me in person. When I start talking, even Siri stops listening.