Taubers of California Horsehide Leather Shirt

[tmitchell59]

I always have my eye out for a Horsehide shirt. They don't come around often in any size let alone a 44. I don't ride, but I wanted one of these exceedingly cool shirts. I am always on the look out for Taubers jackets. I had a late 60s cowhide cafe racer that was so nice and so small. It was finally sold, but the quality was exceptional.

Taubers used several labels through the years. This, I believe, is a 50s label. The owner bought it used in the 60s and seldom wore it. The condition is excellent. All Zippers are Talon Smells, feels, looks like vintage horsehide.

This is one of my favorite leather garments to date. You could pay more but I doubt you would find one any better. Taubers are just plain nice.

 

[tmitchell59]

[video=youtube;Z6rWhPdv0Gw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6rWhPdv0Gw[/video]

 

[ProteinNerd]

I couldn't pull it off but I kinda wish I could, it looks great on you! Very cool.

 

[handymike]

That is great on you!
What a find!!!!!

 

[Bunyip]

I love it. Great work!

 

[Monitor]

I always thought leather shirts are actually cooler than leather jackets, and now I have a concrete proof of this. Outstanding, tmitchell! Surprisingly, it doesn't look as wild as I would've imagined, it's actually tamer and classier than the Perfecto style. Awesome looking thing! And now I really need one, while I'm still able to pull it off. lol

Taubers makes the best stuff, I always look for their gear on eBay, though I never buy anything due to the insufficient funds. Plus, it is extremely hard to find an actual leather motorcycle shirt, because of all that BLUF stuff the Bay is full off, like those horrible leather police uniform shirts and such. This one is perfect, though!

Some day, perhaps...

 

[tmitchell59]

I forgot to mention that my girlfriend noticed this shirt and really likes it which is interesting. My daughter also likes it. Neither typically have any comment about my leathers.

"pulling it off" is exactly how you get out of it. It takes some contortion.

I always thought leather shirts are actually cooler than leather jackets, and now I have a concrete proof of this.

There is a Langlitz shirt on ebay now. very similar style. I haven't seen many. Do you have pics of a Perfecto style?

While it isn't for everyone sure trips my trigger and evidently my girlfriends? I'm 5' 9" 200 pounds. Can't afford an extra pound now.

Thanks for the comments. I have another vintage on the way, jacket that is.

Here is a link to the Langlitz on ebay. While nice, it doesn't do as much for me

I can' wear this, but if was bigger,,,

 

[RJR]

Nice shirt!

 

[Monitor]

The Langlitz one cannot hold a candle to your Taubers shirt, Terry. Looks and drapes like a goat, too. Nope, I want exactly the one like in the OP.

There is one manufacturer that I know of, still producing a genuine leather motorcycle shirt, and one that's just as cool as this Taubers - Cal-Leather Pullover! Check it out: http://cal-leather.com/shop/pullover

 

[tmitchell59]

The Langlitz one cannot hold a candle to your Taubers shirt, Terry. Looks and drapes like a goat, too. Nope, I want exactly the one like in the OP.

There is one manufacturer that I know of, still producing a genuine leather motorcycle shirt, and one that's just as cool as this Taubers - Cal-Leather Pullover! Check it out: http://cal-leather.com/shop/pullover

Very nice, never seen this. There was another US maker doing a shirt, but I think they dropped it. Never really searched for a new one. The Langlitz does not have quite the look.

 

[technovox]

The Langlitz one cannot hold a candle to your Taubers shirt, Terry. Looks and drapes like a goat, too. Nope, I want exactly the one like in the OP.

There is one manufacturer that I know of, still producing a genuine leather motorcycle shirt, and one that's just as cool as this Taubers - Cal-Leather Pullover! Check it out: http://cal-leather.com/shop/pullover

I have to agree- I never thought a leather pullover shirt would work- until I saw Tmitchell's. Dang, that looks good.
Nice one.
I was just over at Cal Leathers in Ventura. They are using the old patterns for a similar one, but with their trademark Six Panel back. Very cool. I just might have to reconsider my custom order.

 

[nick123]

Brilliant

 

[nick123]

One of these in a veg tanned seal goat with od stitching would look pretty good...or even an olive horse. Saw a girl in line in front of me this morning at starbucks wearing a faux leather forest green perfecto variant. I didn't catch her front side but judging by her taste in jackets (it looked good) she was probably pretty good looking. Green could work.

 

[tmitchell59]

I have to agree- I never thought a leather pullover shirt would work- until I saw Tmitchell's. Dang, that looks good.
Nice one.
I was just over at Cal Leathers in Ventura. They are using the old patterns for a similar one, but with their trademark Six Panel back. Very cool. I just might have to reconsider my custom order.

I'm not sure why I was attracted to the shirt,.they do have sort of a Daniel Boone look! Getting it on is difficult as getting it off, but once on is very comfortable, at least this one is. something that is that close a fit needs to fit well and I got lucky. It is like a nice fitting cafe racer without the zipper. then you have the long zipped sides which makes it fit about the way you like. I just realized how difficult a good fit could be on this style. It is not a style for everyone, but then it really is a utility jacket. Made for MC riding.

I had never been on that Cal Leather site that Monitor posted. I know the jackets, owned one I think. They are still doing great looking jackets. They even sell their vintage jackets on the site, that is cool. I noticed that Riding Shirt is a limited production. I think one of those in HH would be a great addition to any back. Sounds like they make an effort to fit you. Great website, very clean.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Looks great on you but, as you say, it's a singular look - I'd look like a schmuck in that or like Jerry Seinfeld in that pirate shirt. Some looks have limited application.

 

[Monitor]

Yeah, but Seb Lucas, Jerry didn't want to be a pirate. XD I'm sure if you wanted one, it would actually look cool on you - or at least you'd think so, which is pretty much the reason why we're all here in the first place. lol

Tmitchell is right, though; I can imagine getting the right fit for this sort of garment ought to be considerably difficult, but I'm sure the manufacturers who have had experience in making leather shirts should be able to get it right. This Taubers fits Terry absolutely perfectly and should be a reference for the correct fit for the style. Whatever the case, it's the style that absolutely must be made of thinner, more pliable hides.

I still say it doesn't look considerably different than a slim fitting leather jacket, though. Doubt that many people would even notice the lack of a front zipper, immediately...

 

[ButteMT61]

That's kick-ass TM! Chuck Connors would be proud...
That's a great find.

 

[tmitchell59]

Chuck Connors would be proud...

that gave me a chuckle! or should I say LOL. Chuck did sport a laced pullover? I haven't looked at the Rifleman in a few years.

Whatever the case, it's the style that absolutely must be made of thinner, more pliable hides.

I call this a crisp horsehide. Thin but stiff. I have other vintage jackets that are like this. The Windbreaker weight. The shirt reminds me too of my early Brooks cafe racer. The Brooks is steer, but that same weight and toughness.

Lot of 50s jackets have that weight of hide. I really like it.

I don't think this weight is used much today or very popular.

 

[ButteMT61]

Chuck wore a kickass cord shirt that has the same vibe to it. Either way, if I found one in my size I'd own it and own it!
It's cool as hell TM - congrats.

 

[tmitchell59]

These two pics come from Rin Tanaka's Motorcycle Jackets: Ultimate Biker Fashions

I didn't think to look there until today.