New member needing info on a nice travel leather coat/jacket

[Fifty150]

In Asia, you can find a tailor to make anything you want, at a much lower cost compared to prices for Euro & US market. You can start by copying a style you like, then adding your own style. Design the pockets to your preference. Design a hood or removable hood. Design a removable liner. Leather is cheap in Asia, and so is talented tailoring.

 

[Mawashi]

I'd also recommend an Aero Long Halfbelt for travel. When I got mine back in 2011 I asked that it be just a bit larger than my usual size as I wanted to be able to layer under it, and Julie Leitch nailed it. The CXL horsehide is a little weighty, but it's sturdy as hell and pretty much rain-resistant. A big plus is also the six pockets, and I keep travel tickets in the zippered chest outside pocket and my passport and credit cards in the inside, buttoned chest pocket. I like to know where everything is when I need it. Good luck.

Hi tropicalbob, great to know and it's worth my consideration. I have one worry as there's another thread about a busted zipper that was sent to a fellow member in Korea. I'm rather leery of zippers cos I'm oversea.

In Asia, you can find a tailor to make anything you want, at a much lower cost compared to prices for Euro & US market. You can start by copying a style you like, then adding your own style. Design the pockets to your preference. Design a hood or removable hood. Design a removable liner. Leather is cheap in Asia, and so is talented tailoring.

Hi Fifty150, to be honest I've had limited success with tailors here. I had to give away 5 custom shirts from Narry tailors Thailand (a very reputable tailor ) cos they insisted on a certain style and fit. Not an experience I want to relive.
Custom tailoring in Singapore is as expensive as some of the better brands but I do get my shirts done locally lol.
As for leathers, it gets even more suspect as only leathers from Korea, Japan, Australia or Nz are worth considering. I'm very skeptical of anything from China unless I can verity the source and that's impossible on tabao.

Ultimately, I could get a 3 or more leather jackets here from China or Thailand for the price of an Aero, Simmons or Johnson but when it comes to something that's going to be this expensive or long lasting, I'll choose a more established brand first and later get some other "fashion" jackets should the need arise. I'll hate to have gotten a few cheaper jackets only to later realise I've been missing out of real quality.
It's like realising I've been drinking cheap booze when I could have paid a bit more and gotten some good stuff lol.

Thanks again guys.

 

[Edward]

One jacket that I found very useful for my travle needs is my Wested Indy. I bought it used in part because I wanted to experiment with taking a jacket on my travels, and if it had turned out that it was a bad idea, or got stolen or whatever, it wasn't too big of a loss. My criteria was a jacket that was light but durable (most of my serious travelling is done to Beijing in warmer months), and with good pockets. The Indy design, with two generously sized inner pockets (one of them a zipper) and those big patch pockets on the front, proved very practical for stowing passport, tickets, all the bits I wanted to hand in an airport. The goat leather is light enough not to be a deadweight when I need to carry it, but equally not likely to rip or tear the way I'd be worried about lamb going. The shape of it, with no knits, lets more air in when it's warmer. The only real problem I found was that the synthetic liningin the sleeves sticks to my arms quickly if it gets hot.

From this experience, I would certainly consider an Aero Royale (the jacket Indy really should have been wearing, had it been an option in 1980!). If you're wanting something to keep a bit of a shower off, but still let heat out / air in, button-front could be helpful.

Having experimented with a denim kutte last year, I'm now giving some thought to an Aero Shackleton for hot weather/climate travel - an internal pocket or two and I think that could do a lot of what I'd like.

In terms of colour, I'd think about what you're most likely to wear travelling - blacks / greys? Or Browns?

Another way in which hide choice matters is that you might want to pick one that won't 'distress' much or quickly as it breaks in, so you have maximum flexibility to dress it up / down - again, goat excels here.

 

[Mawashi]

One jacket that I found very useful for my travle needs is my Wested Indy. I bought it used in part because I wanted to experiment with taking a jacket on my travels, and if it had turned out that it was a bad idea, or got stolen or whatever, it wasn't too big of a loss. My criteria was a jacket that was light but durable (most of my serious travelling is done to Beijing in warmer months), and with good pockets. The Indy design, with two generously sized inner pockets (one of them a zipper) and those big patch pockets on the front, proved very practical for stowing passport, tickets, all the bits I wanted to hand in an airport. The goat leather is light enough not to be a deadweight when I need to carry it, but equally not likely to rip or tear the way I'd be worried about lamb going. The shape of it, with no knits, lets more air in when it's warmer. The only real problem I found was that the synthetic liningin the sleeves sticks to my arms quickly if it gets hot.

From this experience, I would certainly consider an Aero Royale (the jacket Indy really should have been wearing, had it been an option in 1980!). If you're wanting something to keep a bit of a shower off, but still let heat out / air in, button-front could be helpful.

Having experimented with a denim kutte last year, I'm now giving some thought to an Aero Shackleton for hot weather/climate travel - an internal pocket or two and I think that could do a lot of what I'd like.

In terms of colour, I'd think about what you're most likely to wear travelling - blacks / greys? Or Browns?

Another way in which hide choice matters is that you might want to pick one that won't 'distress' much or quickly as it breaks in, so you have maximum flexibility to dress it up / down - again, goat excels here.

Hi Edward this is great info, thank you!
Goat has risen to the top of the pile now as I rather have a jacket that maintains its looks after years and not look to shabby.

I've been using my Ted Baker Marvin for most of my travels to colder regions but the matrix look is getting a bit old for me until the movie gets a reboot lol. I also feel rather over dressed as I'm basically a tee and shrink to fit jeans type of guy.


As you've been to Beijing many times, you are quite familiar with the fashion in the bigger cities there. It's not quite on the same level as HK or upmarket Japan, but I seldom see any jackets of western designs, in Europe like Italy I see a wider mixture of leather jackets from field, biker and blazer/coat types leather jackets.

On the issue of inner lining I too heading towards heavy cotton or light wool as I tend to perspire a lot and I dislike the feel of synthetics.

I now remember why I dislike zippers so much. I once caught the sleeve of knitted wool sweater on the hooks of a zipper and by the time I freed myself it had unravelled a inch wide hole lol.

A slim Mulligan or long half belf styled jacket with internal pockets and flaps is starting to sound better n better.

As for colours, I would be using the jacket mostly for holiday trips. My usual ensemble would be dark wash jeans, charcoal grey or Khaki pants, brown walking boots. Grey, white tees or polo's, sweaters or black shirts for evening dinner and sometimes a multi coloured scarf.

Many thanks everyone again.

 

[Cornelius]

Consider eliminating the exterior flapped chest pocket on the Mulligan, if you go for that model. I think it would look cleaner, and you could opt for two interior pockets instead for items like a smartphone, passport, and airline tickets. And as has already been mentioned, lining the jacket with cotton drill will allow use across a greater range of temperatures.

Too bad Aero does not offer a goatskin in a shade of brown darker than their russet but lighter than Seal. Goatskin in a color nearer to Brown CXL horsehide would be ideal.

 

[Carlos840]

Having done both the long leather coat and the shorter leather jacket, i can say i would always pick a waist length leather jacket when traveling. ( i usually take the Eurostar every 10 days or so, i have it down to a science!)
I found that coats were just too cumbersome, take too much room when not worn, are uncomfortable when sitting down, get too warm quicker, they are also heavier.
The only advantage a coat has over a jacket is that it will keep your upper thighs dry if it rains. Other than that IMO the shorter jacket wins at everything else.

Currently this is my most used "travel jacket":

Passport and large tickets fit in the D pocket, small tickets in the ticket pocket, iPod and headphones in the interior pocket, when going through security i empty my jeans pockets (keys, phone etc) into the right handwarmer so i don't use the bins for my stuff and save some time, I just take off my jacket and my belt.
It fits in most overhead compartments, and i am not afraid to just pack it in a ball and shove it in there.

Until i was 25 or so i always wore longer coats, and having spent the last few years wearing mostly belt length jackets i don't think i could go back, it is IMO much more comfortable to wear.
If i had to stand in the rain without moving for 6 hours, i would go long coat, but on the move, in airports, train stations, walking through foreign cities, i go waist length every time.

 

[JMax]

I select different jackets based on length of trip and what I will be doing when on the ground. For short trips where I basically move from the airport, to a hotel, to an office and then I'm outta there, I tend to select lighter weight hides. If I hardly will wear my jacket, then I will not be carrying a heavy hide throughout the airport, on the plane, etc. My Pegasus is a perfect example. Sometimes my Aero Chips or AL Roadster. My Vanson Ike in the brown CW also was great for these kind of trips.

If I am on the ground for an extended period of time, then I always will put up with the inconvenience of carrying a heavy jacket through the airport and on the plane. A minor inconvenience certainly, but I will put up with it only if the juice is worth the squeeze. Then I fly with a Lost Worlds, Cal, perhaps a heavier Vanson. Usually a LW though, they can take anything.

 

[Mawashi]

Consider eliminating the exterior flapped chest pocket on the Mulligan, if you go for that model. I think it would look cleaner, and you could opt for two interior pockets instead for items like a smartphone, passport, and airline tickets. And as has already been mentioned, lining the jacket with cotton drill will allow use across a greater range of temperatures.

Too bad Aero does not offer a goatskin in a shade of brown darker than their russet but lighter than Seal. Goatskin in a color nearer to Brown CXL horsehide would be ideal.

Hey Cornelius,

I had asked aero about modifications but it's mostly minor mods.
If I had to made a lot of mods like having internal from external cargo pockets or whole collars I might as well go fur a whole different jacket or have it completely customised elsewhere.

The Mulligan, Maxwell and long half belt are roughly what I'm looking for. I actually like the pocket flaps of the Mulligan as they keep stuff in if I'm running to catch the plane lol.

Russet is a colour that is about perfect as I don't need the jacket to be that dark.

Having done both the long leather coat and the shorter leather jacket, i can say i would always pick a waist length leather jacket when traveling. ( i usually take the Eurostar every 10 days or so, i have it down to a science!)
I found that coats were just too cumbersome, take too much room when not worn, are uncomfortable when sitting down, get too warm quicker, they are also heavier.
The only advantage a coat has over a jacket is that it will keep your upper thighs dry if it rains. Other than that IMO the shorter jacket wins at everything else.

Currently this is my most used "travel jacket":

Passport and large tickets fit in the D pocket, small tickets in the ticket pocket, iPod and headphones in the interior pocket, when going through security i empty my jeans pockets (keys, phone etc) into the right handwarmer so i don't use the bins for my stuff and save some time, I just take off my jacket and my belt.
It fits in most overhead compartments, and i am not afraid to just pack it in a ball and shove it in there.

Until i was 25 or so i always wore longer coats, and having spent the last few years wearing mostly belt length jackets i don't think i could go back, it is IMO much more comfortable to wear.
If i had to stand in the rain without moving for 6 hours, i would go long coat, but on the move, in airports, train stations, walking through foreign cities, i go waist length every time.

Thanks Carlos840 for the travelling tips I'll certainly consider a waist length jacket. Let me go to some shops to try what feels best when I sit or move about.

I select different jackets based on length of trip and what I will be doing when on the ground. For short trips where I basically move from the airport, to a hotel, to an office and then I'm outta there, I tend to select lighter weight hides. If I hardly will wear my jacket, then I will not be carrying a heavy hide throughout the airport, on the plane, etc. My Pegasus is a perfect example. Sometimes my Aero Chips or AL Roadster. My Vanson Ike in the brown CW also was great for these kind of trips.

If I am on the ground for an extended period of time, then I always will put up with the inconvenience of carrying a heavy jacket through the airport and on the plane. A minor inconvenience certainly, but I will put up with it only if the juice is worth the squeeze. Then I fly with a Lost Worlds, Cal, perhaps a heavier Vanson. Usually a LW though, they can take anything.

JMax, I think it's kidda unanimous that the choice of leather weight, length etc is pretty much settled as I don't need heavy leather or too long a length but be it waist length or just slightly longer is the question and how many pockets lol.

This isn't going to be a winter jacket and so long as it looks good, keeps me toasty and dry when turns a bit cold at night or there's a slight shower I'm good.

Thanks again guys.

 

[zebedee]

Long Half Belt. Probably the most versatile option.

 

[handymike]

Y2 Leather in Japan makes some really nice longer styles like the Indigo shirt-jacket:

http://y-2leather.com/product/is-83/
Or their car coat:

 

[Fifty150]

it gets even more suspect as only leathers from Korea, Japan, Australia or Nz

Opinions vary. A lot of people look at cost, and judge by price point. More expensive does not always mean "better". You can find good quality at low prices. In Pakistan & Turkey, they have a huge leather tanning industry. While most people think of that as low cost and low quality, there are pieces which are good.

If you are really picky, think of a tailored jacket like a tailored suit. A lot of guys will first search for the perfect bolt of fabric, then look for a tailor to make the suit. Find your perfect piece of leather first. Then look for the craftsman.

I could get a 3 or more leather jackets here from China or Thailand for the price of an Aero, Simmons or Johnson

I think that ultimately, a jacket tailored to your specifications, to fit your needs, will be better than an "off-the-rack" jacket from any "name brand" seller. I live in The City. I've been to Johnson. The tailored items are good. But "off the rack" isn't worth the price they charge. Good jackets. Nothing wrong with the jacket. Just too expensive for "off the rack".

 

[Fifty150]

Y2 Leather in Japan makes some really nice longer styles like the Indigo shirt-jacket:
View attachment 215096
http://y-2leather.com/product/is-83/
Or their car coat:
View attachment 215097

I like this coat.

I own this coat.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I am curious why the idea of a "travel jacket" necessitates a longer jacket. The jacket that I have worn the most while travelling is my Freewheelers Caboose half belt jacket. I would imagine a longer leather jacket would actually get in the way more often. If I really need to carry a lot, I would just bring a good travel bag.

 

[Imuricecreamman]

For me a travel jacket needs to have pockets. I'm like Carlos and have certain pockets for certain things when traveling. My newly ordered 30's halfbelt is modded with two studded inner pockets for the things I carry around around daily. Phone in one pocket and keys and cardholder in the other. Slashpockets are only for hands

 

[Seb Lucas]

I am curious why the idea of a "travel jacket" necessitates a longer jacket. The jacket that I have worn the most while travelling is my Freewheelers Caboose half belt jacket. I would imagine a longer leather jacket would actually get in the way more often. If I really need to carry a lot, I would just bring a good travel bag.

I don't think anyone has said travel needs to happen in a long coat. It's just the original question was framed in the context of finding a "blazer". It seemed to be his personal preference. If I am travelling in cooler weather, I choose a longer coat style myself to keep my lower back warm.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I don't think anyone has said travel needs to happen in a long coat. It's just the original question was framed in the context of finding a "blazer". It seemed to be his personal preference. If I am travelling in cooler weather, I choose a longer coat style myself to keep my lower back warm.

Gotcha. I guess my confusion is just based around the idea that if I were travelling, I would not want a long jacket. Even when I was in Japan in winter, I was perfectly happy in a half belt. To each their own, of course!

 

[Mawashi]

Long Half Belt. Probably the most versatile option.

Hi zebedee, the LHB is a great jackets if I wasn't a little wary of zippers. However, the choices are still the LHB, Maxwell and the Mulligan as they all have the features I'm looking for.

Y2 Leather in Japan makes some really nice longer styles like the Indigo shirt-jacket:
View attachment 215096
http://y-2leather.com/product/is-83/
Or their car coat:
View attachment 215097

Thanks handymike, the Japanese do make very refine stuff albeit expensive stuff. As this is going to be my first jacket I'm not going to go overboard till I get what I've had some experience to know what I really want/need. For now something decent but won't break the bank is what I'll be getting.

Opinions vary. A lot of people look at cost, and judge by price point. More expensive does not always mean "better". You can find good quality at low prices. In Pakistan & Turkey, they have a huge leather tanning industry. While most people think of that as low cost and low quality, there are pieces which are good.

If you are really picky, think of a tailored jacket like a tailored suit. A lot of guys will first search for the perfect bolt of fabric, then look for a tailor to make the suit. Find your perfect piece of leather first. Then look for the craftsman.




I think that ultimately, a jacket tailored to your specifications, to fit your needs, will be better than an "off-the-rack" jacket from any "name brand" seller. I live in The City. I've been to Johnson. The tailored items are good. But "off the rack" isn't worth the price they charge. Good jackets. Nothing wrong with the jacket. Just too expensive for "off the rack".

Hi Fifty150,

I completely agree about getting the cloth then the tailor.
It'll be great if I can get the perfect leather and inner lining then ship them off to the right craftsman but, I've neither the knowledge nor the contacts to source much less tailor such a piece so I rather get a jacket from guys who at least have a website I can order from.

Aero has good jackets but modifications are limited, Simmons is a possibility but another brand Magnoli has popped up as they claim to be able to build from scratch a jacket from just pictures.
Ultimately, I'm looking for something that has 2 to 3 pockets on the outside and another 2 on the inside, my phone is usually in my pants pocket anyway.

I'll transfer my wallet into the inside jacket pocket with my passport but I'm not going to turn my jacket into a hold-it-all lol. A messager bag or day bag will do that.

Although, I agree that a waist length jacket is more comfortable, I've found longer jackets to offer better protection against the elements.

Thx guys

 

[handymike]

I love my Barbour International when traveling...lots of pockets, and waterproof waxed cotton. Not too heavy. Edward mentioned an Indy jacket. They are cool. Here is the Toys McCoys version

I have a longer version (27in) from the 40s that works great. There are a couple on ebay right now...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-1950s-...ther-Half-Belt-Sports-Jacket-S-M/233489459028

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-19...Sports-Jacket-Car-Coat-Half-Belt/274140809297

 

[Wardo1974]

In Asia, you can find a tailor to make anything you want, at a much lower cost compared to prices for Euro & US market. You can start by copying a style you like, then adding your own style. Design the pockets to your preference. Design a hood or removable hood. Design a removable liner. Leather is cheap in Asia, and so is talented tailoring.

I wanted to second this. Indonesia is famous for their leather crafts. I have gotten two pairs of boots from there. I know footwear is maybe unrelated to jackets but maybe an Indonesian maker could produce what you need? Here's a pic of my boots built totally to my specs from Indonesia.

 

[Mawashi]

I like this coat.

I own this coat.

Not sure if I'll be able to pull those off lol.
One Mike make me look like a gangster while the other looks like I came off the set of Hellraiser.

I am curious why the idea of a "travel jacket" necessitates a longer jacket. The jacket that I have worn the most while travelling is my Freewheelers Caboose half belt jacket. I would imagine a longer leather jacket would actually get in the way more often. If I really need to carry a lot, I would just bring a good travel bag.

For me a travel jacket needs to have pockets. I'm like Carlos and have certain pockets for certain things when traveling. My newly ordered 30's halfbelt is modded with two studded inner pockets for the things I carry around around daily. Phone in one pocket and keys and cardholder in the other. Slashpockets are only for hands

I don't think anyone has said travel needs to happen in a long coat. It's just the original question was framed in the context of finding a "blazer". It seemed to be his personal preference. If I am travelling in cooler weather, I choose a longer coat style myself to keep my lower back warm.

Gotcha. I guess my confusion is just based around the idea that if I were travelling, I would not want a long jacket. Even when I was in Japan in winter, I was perfectly happy in a half belt. To each their own, of course!

A longer jacket isn't necessary but having worn battle fatigues the standard length is one like that of a field jacket.

When I first thought of a travel jacket that's what came to mind, something like this.

I shall keep my eyes open n do more research as to what's both practical n somewhat fashionable.

Thx guys