Show your Langlitz

[Tom71]

100% agree, it's tough and durable yet easy to slide on & off, comfortable and not bulky.

You have the other padded straight - zip, correct? Is your a Cascade or Columbia?

@Canuck Panda very graciously gave it too me. I easily carry an inch more in the gut, but Langlitz just makes it work.

I believe it’s the same quality cowhide as yours. Substantial but super pliable.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Had their Cascade. I’ve been looking to get their Columbia for a while, your straight zip just blew up my plans. Haha. The straight zip Columbia is cool and would make a great case for custom and I’ll most likely get a lot more use outta it. But I kept going back to the 47 Columbia, it’s got that nice big wide lapel and collar,
View attachment 606190
Langlitz came out with many one off cool designs I just started to find out about them through magazines. Prices has gone up quite a bit though but so is everybody else, only if I knew about these years before….

Ok I thought this was yours - and what a great thing for Tom71 to have that one now. Right, it was the Cafecto style, I had forgotten that part.

If you have the ability, I would call and get into their production Queue - which is 12 months presently. Then I would Go See them in person - at their store, a few months to 6-months later. Made the whole measuring thing so much easier, plus you can try on anything they have in the store at the time. Which is it's own nice reward as well. Just to hang out with these folks, who are so passionate about great leather jackets and great customer service, is really a treat. I cannot stress it enough - Langlitz is really a great place to visit.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Looks great on you Tom!

Yeah Langlitz wait time is about a year last time I checked. However, in my experience I found them under promise and over deliver, so my order was delivered sooner than they originally promised, which I thought was nice. Definitely a gem and I would love to visit the shop one day.

 

[Aloysius]

Looks great on you Tom!

Yeah Langlitz wait time is about a year last time I checked. However, in my experience I found them under promise and over deliver, so my order was delivered sooner than they originally promised, which I thought was nice. Definitely a gem and I would love to visit the shop one day.

It would be cool if you and the other PNW guys made a Langlitz trip, like the UK guys meeting at Lewis.

 

[Peter Mackin]

@Canuck Panda very graciously gave it too me. I easily carry an inch more in the gut, but Langlitz just makes it work.

I believe it’s the same quality cowhide as yours. Substantial but super pliable.

View attachment 606209

Love the contrasting stitching, same as my cascade,,makes the jacket stand out,

 

[So33]

Going for Spring morning ride on the scooter. Langliz Columbia in goat, Craigslist find.

 

[Lbxpdx]

Here is one I picked up last week. Hefty goat.

The repairs, new main zipper and wrist zipper/gussets, will cost just around double what I paid, luckily I didn’t pay much.

 

[So33]

Here is one I picked up last week. Hefty goat.

View attachment 606976
View attachment 606977

The repairs, new main zipper and wrist zipper/gussets, will cost just around double what I paid, luckily I didn’t pay much.

You scored on that one. Fits great!

 

[Destruct]

Introduction - Finally, over two months after receiving it, I'll post the "second" brand-new Langlitz Columbia I received from them. This is a re-make jacket, as the first one was not long enough to even come near my belt, let alone cover it. In the process of returning the first Columbia, I asked John if they ever made these as straight-zip models, since I already have two very nice Cross zip Columbia's. He said yes, and they sent some photos along of what the straight zip model looks like. Also, one of our members here has a straight zip, however I believe his is a Cascade (so no belted lower portion and not a double-hem detail such as the Columbia model features.)

Features & Design - I have used this jacket sparingly since receiving it, I'll get into the details of "why" here shortly. This is cut from mid-weight black Cowhide, and is padded on both the upper shoulders & elbows. It has just one upper pocket on the LH side, then the zippered lower handwarmer pockets. Plus 3-inside pockets, including the leather lined gun pocket. Interestingly the three inside pockets cover the gamut of closure designs - no closure, zip-close and snap close. None of these get in the way, and you also cannot "see" any of the hardware from the outside. A small detail, but it makes a difference in how it appears.

Lining - The lining in this Columbia feels like the more "robust" material that they use. The two larger cross-zip Columbia's had two very different lining materials, one feels just like this one and is a bit firmer of hand, the other is much smoother and a little "softer" of hand. That said, none of these feel like burlap. So it's not really a jacket you are "roughing it" in here.

Fit and Finish - This jacket is pure Langlitz when it comes to fit and wearability - with just one Caveat. It's one of the most flexible leather jackets, right out of the box, that I have ever experienced. This straight zip Columbia reminds me every time I put it on why I have grown to love this brand and the people who build these jackets so much. It just works with you while you wear it. Others have said "There is nothing you could not do in this jacket" and I have to agree. The arm, shoulder, waist, and chest movements you can do in this jacket are pretty amazing. I can see why it's rated right up there with Vanson, etc for motorcycle usage. I believe you could do a complete workout in the gym with this jacket on, however I will not be undertaking this anytime soon. ... One Caveat ... and this is my own fault. The straight zip design on this jacket cuts clear up to my chin, when fully zipped up. I can see on a motorcycle in the cold, windy weather this being a way to minimize scarf usage. Outside of that - it's just in the way. Take a look at the photos (below) of this jacket on me - the zipper is 24" top to bottom. I am indeed thankful that it fully covers my belt now and There are no fitting issues in that area. However with the large windflap going right to the top of the zipper, it's tricky to zip it fully, even partially un-zipped, the material is still right there. So I may have to have them adjust some of this, which would likely be best done with me personally in their shop in the jacket.

Leather Itself - This is some of the most pliable cowhide, and I was just a bit surprised but it's "thin" feel when I first opened the box. However it's thicker and more substantial where it needs to be, and still measures out around 7.3 lbs on my hanging scale - which is plenty. It's starting to wake up here, showing some "rolls" in the sleeves and the smell is starting to come forth from the leather. Like other Langlitz and Horween CXL - it gets quite a bit softer when warmed up.

Public Reaction - People "observe" this jacket. Most are surprised to see a straight zip with these details. The men's director at our church has already taken to saying "take care of my jacket there," when he sees me in it. One of my friends who is a professional pilot tried it out while we met for coffee one morning, and after an hour realized he still had not taken it off and didn't want to. His wife even liked this jacket, which was cool since she had never seen him wear anything other than A-2 jackets up till than. So overall, yes, it's been fun wearing this jacket around and just seeing if anyone even notices it.

Enough talk - here's the photos!

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And here are the fit photos on me as of today...

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Thank you for reading through this, and please feel free to share feedback...

Wow, incredible jacket!

 

[AeroFan_07]

Managed to snag a good old used Columbia off ebay last week. It has a few issues but it's all being addressed. Presently this jacket is being sent back across the country to Langlitz to fit a new main zipper, and to see if they are able to help with a hole at the end of the LH sleeve. It's really too bad about the hole, otherwise this is some of the thickest, most grainy leather I have seen in a Langlitz. The "white" tag inside lacks the "USA" at the bottom, suggesting a production date between 1957 - 1985.



The seller on ebay through it was made of horsehide, and I tend to agree given the amount and texture of graining that this vintage jacket has developed. This main zipper, which is broken in several ways, is an unusual one. I am not able to find any brand on it. The rest of the zippers are brass Talon and all work well. Note subtle contrasting stitching


Another unusual feature of this jacket is the hardware choice and placement. The main original zipper appears to be Nickle, and all the main snaps are also Nickle. However the sleeve & handwarmer pockets are all brass zippers along with the grommets for the side laces.



Setup is a pretty standard 3-pocket Columbia otherwise...



The lining shows quite a bit of use, but true to their advertising, it's held up over the (many) years of this jacket's life. It's still smooth and comfortable, and while it has some "threadbare" areas by appearance there are still no rips or tears to be found...



Honestly the best part of this jacket is the leather itself. Soft, smooth, yet quite thick and durable. It went through a wash with free & clear detergent just to get things cleaned up somewhat, and that didn't phase this leather. Now that it has been treated with a nice coat of Horseman's One Step, it's popping the grain even more interestingly now.



These last two photos show the "hole" at the end of the LH sleeve. Open to ideas on possible repairs should Langlitz be unable to accommodate this. Sad it's the case, but the jacket can still be worn even as-is...

 

[Lbxpdx]

Managed to snag a good old used Columbia off ebay last week. It has a few issues but it's all being addressed. Presently this jacket is being sent back across the country to Langlitz to fit a new main zipper, and to see if they are able to help with a hole at the end of the LH sleeve. It's really too bad about the hole, otherwise this is some of the thickest, most grainy leather I have seen in a Langlitz. The "white" tag inside lacks the "USA" at the bottom, suggesting a production date between 1957 - 1985.

View attachment 612632

The seller on ebay through it was made of horsehide, and I tend to agree given the amount and texture of graining that this vintage jacket has developed. This main zipper, which is broken in several ways, is an unusual one. I am not able to find any brand on it. The rest of the zippers are brass Talon and all work well. Note subtle contrasting stitching
View attachment 612633

Another unusual feature of this jacket is the hardware choice and placement. The main original zipper appears to be Nickle, and all the main snaps are also Nickle. However the sleeve & handwarmer pockets are all brass zippers along with the grommets for the side laces.

View attachment 612634

Setup is a pretty standard 3-pocket Columbia otherwise...

View attachment 612635

The lining shows quite a bit of use, but true to their advertising, it's held up over the (many) years of this jacket's life. It's still smooth and comfortable, and while it has some "threadbare" areas by appearance there are still no rips or tears to be found...

View attachment 612636

Honestly the best part of this jacket is the leather itself. Soft, smooth, yet quite thick and durable. It went through a wash with free & clear detergent just to get things cleaned up somewhat, and that didn't phase this leather. Now that it has been treated with a nice coat of Horseman's One Step, it's popping the grain even more interestingly now.

View attachment 612640 View attachment 612637 View attachment 612638

These last two photos show the "hole" at the end of the LH sleeve. Open to ideas on possible repairs should Langlitz be unable to accommodate this. Sad it's the case, but the jacket can still be worn even as-is...

View attachment 612639
View attachment 612641

I just had some repairs done at Langlitz. The main zipper should be around $100 and they can repair the hole, though it might looks something like this repair.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Nice jacket Aerofan. It has seen some actions in its days but the bones are all still very good. I think with a zipper replacement and a patch on the cuff can give it another lifetime of wear.
I don't mind the patch method to fix holes, not on these motorcycle jackets. For military and motorcycle jackets I think the patch repairs only adds to the overall character.
One of the sleeve zipper looks like the verdi green is slowly take out a tooth, you might want to take a look at it to see if it needs replacement at the same time.
Congrats.

 

[Lbxpdx]

Nice jacket Aerofan. It has seen some actions in its days but the bones are all still very good. I think with a zipper replacement and a patch on the cuff can give it another lifetime of wear.
I don't mind the patch method to fix holes, not on these motorcycle jackets. For military and motorcycle jackets I think the patch repairs only adds to the overall character.
One of the sleeve zipper looks like the verdi green is slowly take out a tooth, you might want to take a look at it to see if it needs replacement at the same time.
Congrats.

When Langlitz patched my sleeve, they also replaced the wrist zipper and gusset, gusset was toast, and threw in the patches for free. They will need to pop the lining stitches to repair the patch.

 

[Lbxpdx]

My recent Langlitz find had a shearling collar that I wanted to see if it would fit on my old yard sale Langlitz. I dropped off the collar and the jacket and around a week and half later I was able to pick it up. They informed me that my main zipper was going, so I opted to have that replaced as well. All in all, they replaced the main zipper, added snaps for the collar, added a piece of leather to cover up the tears in the lining near the collar and while I didn't ask for it, they also repaired a small tear in the lining by my inner pocket. I love the collar and feel that it really "makes" my jacket. In the years I have had the jacket I think I got two compliments. In the two days I was able to wear my jacket with the new collar, I received compliments each day.

What is super cool, is when they replaced the main zipper, they also flattened out the front. I think the previous owner had a bit of a belly, so it looked like I had a perpetual beer gut whenever I zipped up my jacket.

 

[Psant25]

Managed to snag a good old used Columbia off ebay last week. It has a few issues but it's all being addressed. Presently this jacket is being sent back across the country to Langlitz to fit a new main zipper, and to see if they are able to help with a hole at the end of the LH sleeve. It's really too bad about the hole, otherwise this is some of the thickest, most grainy leather I have seen in a Langlitz. The "white" tag inside lacks the "USA" at the bottom, suggesting a production date between 1957 - 1985.

View attachment 612632

The seller on ebay through it was made of horsehide, and I tend to agree given the amount and texture of graining that this vintage jacket has developed. This main zipper, which is broken in several ways, is an unusual one. I am not able to find any brand on it. The rest of the zippers are brass Talon and all work well. Note subtle contrasting stitching
View attachment 612633

Another unusual feature of this jacket is the hardware choice and placement. The main original zipper appears to be Nickle, and all the main snaps are also Nickle. However the sleeve & handwarmer pockets are all brass zippers along with the grommets for the side laces.

View attachment 612634

Setup is a pretty standard 3-pocket Columbia otherwise...

View attachment 612635

The lining shows quite a bit of use, but true to their advertising, it's held up over the (many) years of this jacket's life. It's still smooth and comfortable, and while it has some "threadbare" areas by appearance there are still no rips or tears to be found...

View attachment 612636

Honestly the best part of this jacket is the leather itself. Soft, smooth, yet quite thick and durable. It went through a wash with free & clear detergent just to get things cleaned up somewhat, and that didn't phase this leather. Now that it has been treated with a nice coat of Horseman's One Step, it's popping the grain even more interestingly now.

View attachment 612640 View attachment 612637 View attachment 612638

These last two photos show the "hole" at the end of the LH sleeve. Open to ideas on possible repairs should Langlitz be unable to accommodate this. Sad it's the case, but the jacket can still be worn even as-is...

View attachment 612639
View attachment 612641

Looks great! What kind of measurements does it have?

 

[AeroFan_07]

^^ While the sleeve was measured on the inside, it's closer to 25.5" outside. Otherwise I did not verify these yet -
From the ebay ad - Actual measurements are: 44 chest, 38 waist, 22 length, 19 sleeve, 20 back of shoulder

 

[AeroFan_07]

I barely mentioned it earlier, just in the What Jacket are You Wearing Today thread, but I snagged another straight zip Columbia off ebay. A pretty decent deal overall. It has a little wear on the zipper pull, which I believe may be due to the zipper itself in this jacket being so very stiff, especially at the junction of the top of the "waist band" area and the main body of the jacket. I greased the zipper and it's gotten smoother with usage.

This jacket has the police badge holder, and all hardware except the zippers are black-finished. I suspect it was made for an officer, however it really has not seen much usage. The jacket arrived and looked at though it had not even been broken in, which is surprising given production date of :
"February 1990"

So February 1990 was remembered by me. But I sure wasn't aware of Langlitz at that time!
Actually I bought my first ever leather jacket at JC Pennies right around that time - after Christmas sale maybe.

This is a very similar straight zip as the one I posted earlier, just with no padding, a slightly smaller windflap, every-so slightly shorter in the torso, and snap-down collar lapels. I would like to add those to my padded straight-zip at some point.

The real "deal" with this specific Langlitz is the "heavy" Cowhide leather itself. It is Thick. Not terribly stiff, but starting to break-in well as the photos will show. I have a belt for this one, however I did not include it in the photos here. At a later date I will upload photo's of this jacket alongside my 2024 padded straight zip. They are both rather unique jackets for sure.

Enjoy the photos!