Photos of cool jackets owned by others (non-brand specific)

[Blackadder]

We have a very good example here as Dude has posted a detail photo of the FW jacket in last page and another member has posted the exact same jacket by Toys McCoy. You will notice the proportion and drop of the FW compared to the TM then there is the little details such as the corner of the coin pocket on top of the D pocket. Then you have the Westride one which costs less than half of the FW and the torso part is simply too long.
https://www.realdeal-rd.jp/?pid=148719128
I remember seeing the similar styled Norshor when another member posted his a few years ago. I fell in love with that but when I found the Japanese repros of the style, I lost interest in the Norshor cause Norshor positioned the side strap too high.
At least to me on its own, FW looks the best and I think part of that is what Superfluous meant by the objective component.
IMO the Aquaman's photo did injustice to the FW Centinela. They did a bad job when sizing up and blew the whole jacket out of proportion compared to the regular sizes.
IMO there are beautiful pattern and there are practical/smart pattern. A pattern can still be beautiful even if it looks horrible on a lot of us perhaps except Ton and Carlos then there are the smart pattern which will fit most people and make all of us look very smart.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Mmm... the Mulholland seems to be a pattern that works for most as it does the Brakeman and a few other of their longer styles. The other jackets I don’t know, I think they can be a though fit. Dude you had to go up a size or two and then have the sleeves altered of several of yours... I’m not saying the patterns are bad, I’m not that knowledgeable but many people give up getting one as the measurements are just way off.

No experience with any of their non leather styles. Except for a few I find freewheelers non leather designs a bit too quirky for my taste.

To me, having to shorten sleeves isn't the biggest deal. I did it on two jackets and it was more than worth it. The fact that I have to size up and aside from the sleeves, still have the jackets fit me well would actually do more to prove my point that the patterns are good. I'm not even the ideal person to wear Freewheelers jackets and I still love how they fit and look on me. Also, it's not like I just think this is true with FW. I hold Thedi in very high regard here as well and I've never even handled a Thedi jacket. This is just based off of all the fits I've seen with Thedi jackets.

 

[Marc mndt]

I think there are patterns that fit a lot of different body shapes and are great in that sense. But those patterns might not be the most interesting in terms of looks. They don't accentuate specific lines or make us look 'better'. On the other hand there are patterns that accentuate the v shaped body or a sharp shoulder line or what have you, but those are much less forgiving than the generic pattern that looks ok on most of us. But that doesn't make it a bad pattern. It's just not suitable for everyone.

Then there's bad patterns. I don't mean to offend anyone, but some 5* jackets have really bad patterns. They're 2d instead of 3d. They're square and don't follow the natural curves of the body. They don't fit anyone, no matter what body type.

 

[Blackadder]

I think there are patterns that fit a lot of different body shapes and are great in that sense. But those patterns might not be the most interesting in terms of looks. They don't accentuate specific lines or make us look 'better'. On the other hand there are patterns that accentuate the v shaped body or a sharp shoulder line or what have you, but those are much less forgiving than the generic pattern that looks ok on most of us. But that doesn't make it a bad pattern. It's just not suitable for everyone.

Then there's bad patterns. I don't mean to offend anyone, but some 5* jackets have really bad patterns. They're 2d instead of 3d. They're square and don't follow the natural curves of the body. They don't fit anyone, no matter what body type.

Exactly my thought. I was editing my post to include something similar along this line then you spoke my mind.

 

[Marc mndt]

then there is the little details such as the corner of the coin pocket on top of the D pocket.

This is more about design and not so much about pattern. Same holds for elongated or otherwise out of proportion jackets. They can still have a great pattern.

 

[MrProper]

For me it's very easy, because nothing off the rack fits me anyway. So I make sure that I get something made according to my measurements and if I like what I see in the mirror, then I don't care whether the pattern is good or bad

 

[Blackadder]

This is more about design and not so much about pattern. Same holds for elongated or otherwise out of proportion jackets. They can still have a great pattern.

I think if you have the same design that they are all copying from the same 30s type aviator jacket i.e. same D pocket, same sunburst, then one being elongated or having a very low pocket or very high straps, that is pattern but that is just my view of things.
Then you have the Muholland which is basically a centre zip CHP with an extra chest pocket without belt loop, straps in stead of laces and a small wide collar modification that I consider design tweak in stead of a pattern tweak. As said just my view.

 

[Marc mndt]

I think if you have the same design that they are all copying from the same 30s type aviator jacket i.e. same D pocket, same sunburst, then one being elongated or having a very low pocket, that is pattern but that is just my view of things.
Then you have the Muholland which is basically a CHP with an extra pocket without belt loop, straps in stead of laces and a small wide collar modification that I consider design tweak in stead of a pattern tweak. As said just my view.

My Thedi snake plissken jacket has a 24' back length. I know others here on tfl wear the same jacket with a 27.5' back length. To me those jackets look elongated (of course that's totally subjective). Yet both jackets have exactly the same pattern.

 

[Blackadder]

My Thedi snake plissken jacket has a 24' back length. I know others here on tfl wear the same jacket with a 27.5' back length. To me those jackets look elongated (of course that's totally subjective). Yet both jackets have exactly the same pattern.

That IMO means same design different pattern but I am not a designer or maker.

 

[sweetfights]

That is exactly what I am referring to. One example of this is how my Freewheelers Caboose technically has a smaller chest and basically the same shoulder measurement as my new RMC and yet even without a bi swing back, the Freewheelers is more comfortable to move around in and gives me more freedom of movement.

Another example is when I posted pictures of my size 42 Caboose jackets after they were FAR too big for me, people were still telling me that they looked great.



I didn't say second rate nor did I say plan B. I literally said that I would probably still buy a jacket from Greg even if I wasn't having him make this jacket, so no, Greg was not a plan B. There was never a plan A for this jacket. As I mentioned in another thread, I sent Greg pictures of vintage and other brands' versions of this jacket. We just both agreed that the Freewheelers version was the best version to go off of.

I'm very excited for this jacket and while I personally expect the pattern to not be at FW level, I also think it has a very high chance of becoming my favorite jacket. I didn't say Greg is just "worse" than Freewheelers. I think I've talked to him enough for him to not be upset by reading what I'm writing here. Honestly feels like you're putting words in my mouth a bit. I expect the jacket to be top notch overall, not second rate. I literally only said that I didn't expect the pattern to be as good. Why would I expect anything different? It's not his original design, he's going off of pictures of a jacket rather than the real jacket itself, and he does a lot more than just make patterns. He also makes all the jackets himself and I don't think he actually was a pattern designer at Aero, so he's likely much newer to that. I think it would be a little silly of me to expect him to perfectly nail the pattern and would be unfair to expect him to do that.

I did also say that maybe he won't be as great at skiving yet because he only just got the machine and Aero doesn't skive their leather. Again, how is this an insult? I didn't say he would do a poor job and I am not insulting his skill. I'm saying that as far as I know, he has a miniscule amount of experience doing this. Nobody is perfect at anything when they first start out at it. Everything takes practice to improve.

I'm probably overly explaining, but yeah I think Greg is awesome and I am very excited for this jacket. I expect it to be amazing.

I originally thought you sent Greg your FW Mulhollland jacket, but now understand he does not have the exact pattern in hand. Gutsy move! I was hoping you did send your Mulholland to him because I would be eagerly awaiting the results and then would get in line for one of my own. Greg- if you are reading this please consider sending me samples of your shinki.
Cheers,
Jarrod

 

[Marc mndt]

That IMO means same design different pattern but I am not a designer or maker.

Neither am I, so the above is nothing more than my personal view. It's perfectly possible that I'm wrong

 

[sweetfights]

I know there is a lot of subjectivity involved. I could discuss how I think it does actually go beyond that a bit in this case and that in fact it is not entirely subjective, but there's no point and nobody will agree with me anyway so I won't.

Please do, I would like to hear it.

 

[Marc mndt]

Greg- if you are reading this please consider sending me samples of your shinki.
Cheers,
Jarrod

Greg told me had some problems with his website email. He might not have received your messages if you tried to reach out to him via his website. Best way to contact him is via his instagram account. If you're not on instagram, send me a pm and I'll give you Greg's personal email address.

 

[sweetfights]

Greg told me had some problems with his website email. He might not have received your messages if you tried to reach out to him via his website. Best way to contact him is via his instagram account. If you're not on instagram, send me a pm and I'll give you Greg's personal email address.

Thank you.

 

[Blackadder]

I went back and discovered that this discussion also started with the "price" issue. So in interest of disclosure, each but one of my RM, RC and FW jackets even the brand new/unworn ones cost me around the same as a LL or Aero would at the time. For example, my brand new RM Buco J-100 padded and JH-1 cost me less than USD 900 each. Each of my unworn RC A-2 costs around 600-700 quid. There is no import duties or sales tax where I live so if I were to buy a jacket from say Lewis Leather, Eastman or Aero, I would be paying UK VAT in stead.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Please do, I would like to hear it.

Well, the shorter version of it is that I do think there are patterns that are just better in certain ways than others. I know there is a degree of subjectivity there, but I really do think that some patterns are super flattering on certain body types, some that look pretty darn good on almost everyone, and some that just don't really look fantastic on ANYONE, even if they do fit. @Marc mndt kind of already said what I wanted to at least in part.

In my view, there is a difference between something that technically fits and something that is actually truly flattering and actually looks great on a person. I would assume that in the world of bespoke suitmaking, this may be one in the same, but we wear casual clothing so I think most of us are a bit more forgiving in terms of what makes a "perfect" fit. In fact, I don't think I've ever owned a leather jacket that actually fits me perfectly, and yes that includes all my Freewheelers jackets.

There are certain brands that I won't name that I think I have never seen a truly flattering or great fit from in all of the photos that I have seen or if I have, it is extremely rare. There are other certain brands that offer patterns that are hard to fit into for some people, but fit absolutely incredibly well when they do fit someone and are highly flattering. Then there are jackets that tend to be quite versatile and look really good on almost anyone that wears them, even if they don't actually fit amazingly well.

I know it seems like I only praise Freewheelers, but I think Thedi jackets tend to be pretty universally good looking on most people. I actually cannot think of a truly bad looking Thedi on anyone on this forum. I have not experienced a Thedi myself, but from my perspective they seem to know what they're doing with their patterns. Sure, the models will wear the stock jackets too short, but in terms of members here on the forum, the jackets tend to look pretty fantastic on everyone.

The RMC Buco J-24 and most Flat Head jackets are great examples of fantastic patterns that are super flattering on people that they actually fit. Both have slim chests and when I was heavier, I looked terrible in these jackets. However, they look seriously incredible on people that they fit.

Freewheelers has a bit of both. They have some like the La Brea, which is not an easy fit, but flatters everyone that can fit into it. Some other brand just made a similar jacket and looks terrible even on the slim models that wear it. To me it is an objectively worse pattern than the Freewheelers version. Someone also mentioned the comparison of the FW Pasadena I showed, and another version from some other Japanese brand. Again, that jacket looks out of proportion and too long with the pocket not scaled up to fit the pattern and again, I think the FW pattern just straight up looks better. I am certain that there are many more examples of this, but I have more experience with FW and own more of their jackets and therefore I have more examples in regard to them.

They also have patterns that are pretty flattering on a lot of people. The Mulholland seems to do this well. As I mentioned, even when I was way too small for my size 42 jackets, people even on this very forum told me that they still looked good on me. It's pretty rare for jackets that are obviously too big to look decent on someone, especially someone as short as me. Someone else mentioned the Brakeman and I agree this tends to look pretty great on a lot of people, even if the technical fit is not perfect.

In this case, I don't want to name any of the makers that I think make generally unflattering patterns but there are quite a few. There are plenty of jackets that don't fit me that I think are fantastic patterns. I actually don't really fit into a brakeman jacket well, nor do I fit an RMC A-1, RMC J-24, Flat Head Jackets (at least in the past), but I still think they are fantastic patterns. I've never owned a Thedi and I think they do a great job with this as well. Himel's Kensington is another example of this. I have tried on that jacket and it doesn't work for me, but it looks incredible on the people that it works for so I think that's a beautiful design and pattern. Also, keep in mind that I thought FW jackets were amazing and that they looked flattering on people before I even liked them and owned any myself. I'm just much more vocal about it now.

This is a non-technical explanation and obviously, me saying that jackets look "good" on people is subjective in itself, but at the same time, I also see the general consensus from people on the forum about how jackets look on people so I am taking that into account as well.

Someone mentioned that I had to size up and shorten the sleeves on two of my FW jackets. To me, this only further proves how good the patterns are. They are not sized for my body type at all. I am NOT the ideal body type for any Freewheelers jackets and yet out of the many dozens of leather jackets that I have owned and at least tried on, I think they are some of my best fitting, with only my new RMC and new FW bullhide jacket being better, mostly because of body and sleeve length. I am actually the ideal person for that RMC jacket and even then, the jacket is more restrictive in movement than my FW are even when the measurements are smaller on the FW.

I'm not really trying to convince anyone of my line of thinking here by the way. I expect most people to disagree, but if my thoughts were asked for on this, I figured I would share them. I have a pretty good amount more that I could say about this too, but that would get into my even more controversial views on jackets haha


... and yes, this is actually the shorter version.

@sweetfights no this is a totally different jacket. The Mulholland exists and is in production and as far as I know, is not an exact copy of an original vintage jacket so I personally would not be ok with anyone making a copy of it for me. There is also a Mulholland on sale in brown that I could probably fit into. If my Mushman's jacket ever sells I may be able to grab that one.

 

[navetsea]

often time boxy looking jacket look best on most people as long as the element on the jacket have good proportion to look at, simple boxy denim jacket never fails as long as the pocket size and placement is ideal. the more shaped the body the less it would fit to everyone.

if I have to choose I would go with jacket's own proportion that speaks louder than how personal it should fit me. I can personally look beyond sleeve length or body length if the jacket itself and it's elements looks cool and well proportioned.

but if we go custom fit, then not only the sleeve length or body length is added or reduced, but then a good maker should have sensitivity to reposition or resize other elements on the jacket to keep the same cool proportion, if you have a longer torso need a longer jacket for example then the chest pocket should also moved down in proportion, or if you want a shorter body on your D pocket jacket, I hope the maker resize or remodel the D shape to fit a shorter jacket and if the D pocket is remodeled then the coin pocket probably need to be resized as well otherwise the design is jacked, I value those sensitivity more in a maker.

 

[sweetfights]

Well, the shorter version of it is that I do think there are patterns that are just better in certain ways than others. I know there is a degree of subjectivity there, but I really do think that some patterns are super flattering on certain body types, some that look pretty darn good on almost everyone, and some that just don't really look fantastic on ANYONE, even if they do fit. @Marc mndt kind of already said what I wanted to at least in part.

In my view, there is a difference between something that technically fits and something that is actually truly flattering and actually looks great on a person. I would assume that in the world of bespoke suitmaking, this may be one in the same, but we wear casual clothing so I think most of us are a bit more forgiving in terms of what makes a "perfect" fit. In fact, I don't think I've ever owned a leather jacket that actually fits me perfectly, and yes that includes all my Freewheelers jackets.

There are certain brands that I won't name that I think I have never seen a truly flattering or great fit from in all of the photos that I have seen or if I have, it is extremely rare. There are other certain brands that offer patterns that are hard to fit into for some people, but fit absolutely incredibly well when they do fit someone and are highly flattering. Then there are jackets that tend to be quite versatile and look really good on almost anyone that wears them, even if they don't actually fit amazingly well.

I know it seems like I only praise Freewheelers, but I think Thedi jackets tend to be pretty universally good looking on most people. I actually cannot think of a truly bad looking Thedi on anyone on this forum. I have not experienced a Thedi myself, but from my perspective they seem to know what they're doing with their patterns. Sure, the models will wear the stock jackets too short, but in terms of members here on the forum, the jackets tend to look pretty fantastic on everyone.

The RMC Buco J-24 and most Flat Head jackets are great examples of fantastic patterns that are super flattering on people that they actually fit. Both have slim chests and when I was heavier, I looked terrible in these jackets. However, they look seriously incredible on people that they fit.

Freewheelers has a bit of both. They have some like the La Brea, which is not an easy fit, but flatters everyone that can fit into it. Some other brand just made a similar jacket and looks terrible even on the slim models that wear it. To me it is an objectively worse pattern than the Freewheelers version. Someone also mentioned the comparison of the FW Pasadena I showed, and another version from some other Japanese brand. Again, that jacket looks out of proportion and too long with the pocket not scaled up to fit the pattern and again, I think the FW pattern just straight up looks better. I am certain that there are many more examples of this, but I have more experience with FW and own more of their jackets and therefore I have more examples in regard to them.

They also have patterns that are pretty flattering on a lot of people. The Mulholland seems to do this well. As I mentioned, even when I was way too small for my size 42 jackets, people even on this very forum told me that they still looked good on me. It's pretty rare for jackets that are obviously too big to look decent on someone, especially someone as short as me. Someone else mentioned the Brakeman and I agree this tends to look pretty great on a lot of people, even if the technical fit is not perfect.

In this case, I don't want to name any of the makers that I think make generally unflattering patterns but there are quite a few. There are plenty of jackets that don't fit me that I think are fantastic patterns. I actually don't really fit into a brakeman jacket well, nor do I fit an RMC A-1, RMC J-24, Flat Head Jackets (at least in the past), but I still think they are fantastic patterns. I've never owned a Thedi and I think they do a great job with this as well. Himel's Kensington is another example of this. I have tried on that jacket and it doesn't work for me, but it looks incredible on the people that it works for so I think that's a beautiful design and pattern. Also, keep in mind that I thought FW jackets were amazing and that they looked flattering on people before I even liked them and owned any myself. I'm just much more vocal about it now.

This is a non-technical explanation and obviously, me saying that jackets look "good" on people is subjective in itself, but at the same time, I also see the general consensus from people on the forum about how jackets look on people so I am taking that into account as well.

Someone mentioned that I had to size up and shorten the sleeves on two of my FW jackets. To me, this only further proves how good the patterns are. They are not sized for my body type at all. I am NOT the ideal body type for any Freewheelers jackets and yet out of the many dozens of leather jackets that I have owned and at least tried on, I think they are some of my best fitting, with only my new RMC and new FW bullhide jacket being better, mostly because of body and sleeve length. I am actually the ideal person for that RMC jacket and even then, the jacket is more restrictive in movement than my FW are even when the measurements are smaller on the FW.

I'm not really trying to convince anyone of my line of thinking here by the way. I expect most people to disagree, but if my thoughts were asked for on this, I figured I would share them. I have a pretty good amount more that I could say about this too, but that would get into my even more controversial views on jackets haha


... and yes, this is actually the shorter version.

@sweetfights no this is a totally different jacket. The Mulholland exists and is in production and as far as I know, is not an exact copy of an original vintage jacket so I personally would not be ok with anyone making a copy of it for me. There is also a Mulholland on sale in brown that I could probably fit into. If my Mushman's jacket ever sells I may be able to grab that one.

Thank you for that considerate reply.

I especially relate to the bespoke suit analogy.

And I think it is apparent for most of us who have been in this hobby that certain manufacturers styles/patterns do favor a broader spectrum of body types. And there are truly some makers design's that are not generally flattering.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder yet there are certain universal inherently appreciated dimension that are very pleasing; think the relative larger eyes of infants or the attraction to the female waist to hip ratio of .67 to .80 or Michelangelo's sculpture of David.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

'For me', I have found two brands of leather jackets that have blown all other's away...'For me'. No. 1 Vanson's dedicated MC jackets have a sleeve construction/pattern where the sleeves don't ride up when on the Harley. So more comfortable while riding. No. 2 Thedi with a little added sleeve length slips on an falls in place 'on me'. Must be the pattern. I like the style and the comfort. Comfort being paramount. After going through many brands throughout the last ten years or so, I finally found a home.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

@navetsea I agree with the importance of the proportion of the jacket as well. That is certainly an important part of design. When a jacket is adjusted in any way, the other elements of the jackets need to be adjusted along with it. Pockets need to be raised or lowered and pocket sizes need to be adjusted in some cases as well, especially with D pockets.

@sweetfights yes exactly there are certain things that are nearly universally accepted or true as you mentioned.

@HoosierDaddy yes your Thedi jackets are some of the first ones I think of when I think of how great their patterns are. I think yours fit you great and are very flattering as well. In fact, as unique as that jacket is, I've seen quite a few different people of different body types wear it and I think it looks at least pretty good on everyone and really great on others. That Vanson fits you well too I think.