Who is the expert here on buying jackets from Japan?

[Kuro]

This has been my experience.
I bought a San Mateo from Mirror Ball in japan, they recommended i order the same size as my LaBrea (42) saying it would fit the same. On arrival the SanMateo was much much smaller and didn't fit.
I contacted the store asking if they would consider exchanging the jacket for a size 44, acknowledging the fact that their policy said no returns, but mentioning that i had ordered the 42 following their advice.
I sent three emails, all were ignored when they had always answered within hours beforehand.
NO returns means NO returns, don't even ask...

Ouch.

I am waiting for more information from Standard and Strange. That is sounding more and more the safest option.

 

[Kuro]

Another similar jacket is the Toys McCoy Eight ball but it was also released in Winter 2018.
There are a couple of TMC on yahoo auction jp now.

I saw that Eight ball on Yahoo auctions. It is a new morning with a new pair of eyes.

I do like this Eight Ball and I may just go for it.

 

[Kuro]

Maybe FW "Centinela" their J-31 interpreation could be an option

http://the-rising.co.jp/?action=item_detail&id=4839

or try to get one from RCM directly using a proxy*

https://www.realmccoys.co.jp/catalog/products/detail.php?product_id=4228&pg=

*As far as I am informed, however, the proxy should be a private person (with an address in Japan). As soon as RMC see that a pro proxy service is placing an order, no delivery will be made.

Does Freewheeler have a no export policy?

 

[Superfluous]

Does Freewheeler have a no export policy?

No. Both FW and its Japan retailers will ship abroad.

RMC instituted the policy because it opened boutiques abroad and it did not want its Japan retailers competing against and undermining its foreign boutiques.

 

[Kuro]

No. Both FW and its Japan retailers will ship abroad.

RMC instituted the policy because it opened boutiques abroad and it did not want its Japan retailers competing against and undermining its foreign boutiques.

Awesome, thank you.

 

[Mich486]

London RMC store website now is down. Not sure what’s going on but also Superdenim.com (same owners as RMC London) carries no stock. Maybe just a change of ownership but it’s not easy at the moment to get RMC in Europe.


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[Blackadder]

And there is the Double Helix Chariot

https://doublehelixworks.com/product/chariotblack/

 

[Kuro]

And there is the Double Helix Chariot

https://doublehelixworks.com/product/chariotblack/

Thank you. I have been looking at sleeve alterations, as I am beginning to think sleeves will be too short on whatever I choose. It is nice to look at something new. Wish someone here in the US/Aero would make this jacket... I know Diamond Dave made one once.

 

[Will Zach]

And there is the Double Helix Chariot

https://doublehelixworks.com/product/chariotblack/

Wooow, the blue Single Agent Indigenous is amazing. One more reason to go to Osaka.

 

[Blackadder]

Thank you. I have been looking at sleeve alterations, as I am beginning to think sleeves will be too short on whatever I choose. It is nice to look at something new. Wish someone here in the US/Aero would make this jacket... I know Diamond Dave made one once.

Email Double Helix to get your custom order if you like the Chariot.

 

[Kuro]

Email Double Helix to get your custom order if you like the Chariot.

Email sent. I am curious about what options they offer, what linings are available etc.

 

[Blackadder]

London RMC store website now is down. Not sure what’s going on but also Superdenim.com (same owners as RMC London) carries no stock. Maybe just a change of ownership but it’s not easy at the moment to get RMC in Europe.


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Says RM London is moving but RM New York also said they were moving then nothing. RM still available at Clutch Cafe but no online order.

 

[Mich486]

The same company (Noverre ltd) operates - or at least used to - three websites/shops: Real McCoy’s London, superdenim.com and markkt.com. Only the last one (selling used clothing) is operating at the moment.


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[Kuro]

So far, here is my experience shopping for a Japanese leather jacket.

Standard and Strange has been very helpful with RMC. But the policy is a little odd. I suppose to limit questions from non serious people? Anyways, you have to give them a 50% deposit before they inquire if the size you want is available. Fully refundable if your size is not available. If I wanted a new RMC jacket, I would go through them. I like their customer service so far.

Shopping used, I learned about Buyee. That is a fun website. Considering I like many things Japanese, I feel like I will be using this often.

Recently I started this with the thought that I liked the RMC J-31, but I am not a fan of pigment leather or tea core personally (noone take offense please) and I am leaning towards Freewheelers Centinela, which is dyed. I have been in contact with Mirrorball, or http://the-rising.co.jp They have been very fast to respond to my questions, great answers, I like them!

So, getting a Freewheeler Centinela from the above website will set me back $2600 shipped to me. That is a lot to chew. But there are so many details to this jacket. Sleeping on it, wish I could find a used one in my size 42, so that is the last hurdle, getting over the cost or waiting and buying used.

There have been other things learned too, so this has been a very good experience for me with all the help from this forum, thank you!

 

[red devil]

So far, here is my experience shopping for a Japanese leather jacket.

Standard and Strange has been very helpful with RMC. But the policy is a little odd. I suppose to limit questions from non serious people? Anyways, you have to give them a 50% deposit before they inquire if the size you want is available. Fully refundable if your size is not available. If I wanted a new RMC jacket, I would go through them. I like their customer service so far.

Shopping used, I learned about Buyee. That is a fun website. Considering I like many things Japanese, I feel like I will be using this often.

Recently I started this with the thought that I liked the RMC J-31, but I am not a fan of pigment leather or tea core personally (noone take offense please) and I am leaning towards Freewheelers Centinela, which is dyed. I have been in contact with Mirrorball, or http://the-rising.co.jp They have been very fast to respond to my questions, great answers, I like them!

So, getting a Freewheeler Centinela from the above website will set me back $2600 shipped to me. That is a lot to chew. But there are so many details to this jacket. Sleeping on it, wish I could find a used one in my size 42, so that is the last hurdle, getting over the cost or waiting and buying used.

There have been other things learned too, so this has been a very good experience for me with all the help from this forum, thank you!

If I could fit in a centinela, I would already have one.

 

[Carlos840]

So far, here is my experience shopping for a Japanese leather jacket.

Standard and Strange has been very helpful with RMC. But the policy is a little odd. I suppose to limit questions from non serious people? Anyways, you have to give them a 50% deposit before they inquire if the size you want is available. Fully refundable if your size is not available. If I wanted a new RMC jacket, I would go through them. I like their customer service so far.

Shopping used, I learned about Buyee. That is a fun website. Considering I like many things Japanese, I feel like I will be using this often.

Recently I started this with the thought that I liked the RMC J-31, but I am not a fan of pigment leather or tea core personally (noone take offense please) and I am leaning towards Freewheelers Centinela, which is dyed. I have been in contact with Mirrorball, or http://the-rising.co.jp They have been very fast to respond to my questions, great answers, I like them!

So, getting a Freewheeler Centinela from the above website will set me back $2600 shipped to me. That is a lot to chew. But there are so many details to this jacket. Sleeping on it, wish I could find a used one in my size 42, so that is the last hurdle, getting over the cost or waiting and buying used.

There have been other things learned too, so this has been a very good experience for me with all the help from this forum, thank you!

Just FYI i have used buyee around 25 times over the years, a lot of japanese vases and instruments and have never had a problem with them. Everything always arrived quickly and always incredibly well packaged. (seriously, they take packing to another level even without using the repackaging service)
They are a bit expensive compared to others but they offer very reliable services.

Just one thing to be aware of, the consolidation of packages (when they unpack two items and repack them in a single package) doesn't usually save you money, if anything it is often more expensive to ship one larger/heavier item than two smaller/lighter ones.

If only they didn't insist on declaring the full value of items they would be the perfect solution.

 

[Kuro]

If I could fit in a centinela, I would already have one.

I may not fit either.

I found this webpage with a lot of great information on the Centinela.

https://www.thewildone.jp/item/freewheelers-centinela-leathertogs-rudeblack-horsehide/?mode=pc

Look at that two inch taper from the p2p measurement... I don't really taper much physically and comparing it to my Aero Ridley, it is snug and does not get that small either...

What to do...

 

[Will Zach]

That taper is insane. I am 5'9", 153 lbs and I cannot see how I could possibly find the size that fits (waist taper is the problem).

 

[red devil]

I may not fit either.

I found this webpage with a lot of great information on the Centinela.

https://www.thewildone.jp/item/freewheelers-centinela-leathertogs-rudeblack-horsehide/?mode=pc

Look at that two inch taper from the p2p measurement... I don't really taper much physically and comparing it to my Aero Ridley, it is snug and does not get that small either...

What to do...

Exacty, it tapers massively. You need to be careful with the fit. The La Brea is much more forgiving

 

[Blackadder]

Definitely not for me. I tried on my fd's size 36 and couldn't zip up at all. But then I am always in between sizes when it comes to FW's jackets. Shoulder of a size 36, chest of a size 38.