Searching for my first leather jacket……in Japan. Aero? Rainbow Country? (w/ pics)

[Ishmael]

If anybody is interested in something from Japan, send me a PM and I'll see what I can do.

 

[IXL]

If anybody is interested in something from Japan, send me a PM and I'll see what I can do.

That is very generous of you...dammit!

 

[ButteMT61]

If anybody is interested in something from Japan, send me a PM and I'll see what I can do.

Get them to make a 48 and we'll talk...

 

[Ishmael]

Looks like 44 is the limit. I'll ask.....but I've been begging numerous shoe makers here to do a size 12 for a long time, and I can tell you that the odds aren't good.

I don't think I have mentioned this yet, but the leather on the Rainbow Country jackets is the same Japanese horsehide that John Chapman and David Himel are using. Vegetable tanned and aniline finished. It's from the Shinki tannery down in the Kansai region. Along with Horween, Shinki is one of only two cordovan makers in the world. But you guys probably already knew that. I have been pouring over the Goodwear threads on here to check out how it ages, and I have to say I'm impressed. And I've made up my mind. Details and pics to follow tomorrow.

Good night.

 

[Ishmael]

More and better pics to follow. But, for now, have a look at what followed me home today.

I have to say that, after finally getting this thing out of the store and taking it for a spin, it's even better than I thought.

Thanks be to all of you for advice and encouragement!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Great choice and well done!
Happy for you
HD

 

[Ishmael]

Thanks HD!

 

[SpeedRcrX]

Wear it in good health !

 

[Cooperson]

Very nice indeed, but I liked them all!

Really like the fit of these jackets, perfect length (not too short) and the back view looks as trim as the front. So many post pictures of new half belts that look great from the front, but the back always looks big and baggy to my eye. Just a shame about the price, by the time you cost in shipping, import duty etc. you're into some serious money!

 

[ChubbMuff]

Awesome jacket - enjoy.

 

[Cole]

Gratulations to your purchase. This is a beatyful jacket and I hope you wear it in good health for many years to come.

 

[Ishmael]

Thanks for all the kind words. Promise to get some better photos up soon.

Very nice indeed, but I liked them all!

Really like the fit of these jackets, perfect length (not too short) and the back view looks as trim as the front. So many post pictures of new half belts that look great from the front, but the back always looks big and baggy to my eye. Just a shame about the price, by the time you cost in shipping, import duty etc. you're into some serious money!

That's actually one of the reasons I was drawn to this jacket over the half belt. Not sure if it's my build or the fit of the "off the peg" (as I believe you say) jackets or what, but they all looked huge from behind.

I know the prices are prohibitive. I certainly wouldn't have paid this much without a chance to try on the jacket, or if it hadn't fit so well.

If you want to save on shipping etc, I guess you'll have to make a trip to Japan!

 

[HorseHide]

There are many jealous people on this forum (including yours truly). Enjoy!

 

[Ishmael]

Hi Ishmael,

Let me start by saying how jealous I am that you are able to visit and select from Mushmans store. I stumbled across their online store by accident about 18 months ago and fell in love with this:

And try the Westerner jacket on, just for me.

ChubbMuff, was going to try on the Westerner and snap a photo for you but they are out of stock. The owner said they can order it and have it on stock in a couple of months, but are not currently carrying it. Have you seen this one? Fantastic looking jacket in deerskin.

 

[Ishmael]

There are many jealous people on this forum (including yours truly). Enjoy!

Thanks! Again, I wish everybody could have a crack at these jackets.

 

[Edward]

More and better pics to follow. But, for now, have a look at what followed me home today.

Fantastic! Enjoy! Now, let's discuss your next jacket... ;-)

 

[Ishmael]

Funny you should mention that. After I decided to get this one, I said something to my wife along the lines of "if I were to get a second one, it would be something like______". She gave me an awfully scary glare. I told that to the owner of Mushmans today and he said he has three customer who buy a new jacket every year, but don't tell their wives. They store them in the closet at the shop!

 

[majormajor]

That Westerner is cool. Would be nice in dark brown HH, with perhaps simpler pockets. I wonder if Aero would ever do anything like that?................

 

[767fo]

More and better pics to follow. But, for now, have a look at what followed me home today.

I have to say that, after finally getting this thing out of the store and taking it for a spin, it's even better than I thought.

Thanks be to all of you for advice and encouragement!

Very nice jacket!!!!

 

[handymike]

Nicely done Ishmael!
I think you'll enjoy this one for many years.
Don't be afraid to put it through it's paces...
If I may suggest- don't start buying and hiding extra jackets- this one is a fantastic signature piece.