Vanson! Vanson! Vanson!

[Carlos840]

The leather on the left is Vanson's Medium Weight (Firenze), which is tumbled and thus quite textured. I can attest to what I have read from others that it does not appear to be corrected as I can find hide imperfections.

I would bet money that leather is printed/corrected, that's not a natural grain...

 

[dannyg99]

Wasn't originally enamoured with the new competition weight hide on my recently acquired vanson chopper, but after 6months and a couple of rain showers, it's growing on me .. View attachment 709647

Lovely!

 

[Unrefined Vision]

Wanted to post an update for Vanson's current leather offerings.

For colors other than black one could look to the various "Roma" leathers. As I understand, having run out of these leathers from a previous supplier, the Vanson team is currently working with a tannery in Brazil to re-stock them. As of now, the tannery has not quite produced the leather to the Vanson standard. Though more recent samples are getting closer, the tannery has not produced leather with a sufficient "pull up" effect. I was in the shop today, and to my inexperienced eye the sample of new Roma leather in the brandy color looked very similar to the original sample in color, and still had a nice grain. My guess is that the leather will still take a little while to come in. Of course this is all just my understanding/opinion, so you can certainly try them by phone or email for more specific/direct information. I've kept myself informed on this topic because I placed an order for a custom model A a little while back, and will now patiently wait a little longer. Their team is great, and so is the Vanson product, so I know when it does arrive I'll be more than satisfied.

While I wait I decided to get another project going. I dropped off some washed Maryam horsehide in the "ocean" blue color today for a custom maverick. I thought what better color to go with this style jacket than a blue, and this hide really does have a somewhat medium washed denim appearance to it. No way my photos can really capture the color. That being said, you can really see the beautiful grain that horsehide is known for, and I definitely think the "wash" technique they use brings it out that much more.

And finally, I'll add that it felt fitting that during a great stop into the Vanson shop I saw a box come in that Kim marked "DudsbyDel." Turns out it was some walnut color hides coming in. @Mrfrown it was your C2 collaborations that gave me the idea to bring my own leather, can't wait to see how it turns out!

 

[Mrfrown]

Wanted to post an update for Vanson's current leather offerings.

For colors other than black one could look to the various "Roma" leathers. As I understand, having run out of these leathers from a previous supplier, the Vanson team is currently working with a tannery in Brazil to re-stock them. As of now, the tannery has not quite produced the leather to the Vanson standard. Though more recent samples are getting closer, the tannery has not produced leather with a sufficient "pull up" effect. I was in the shop today, and to my inexperienced eye the sample of new Roma leather in the brandy color looked very similar to the original sample in color, and still had a nice grain. My guess is that the leather will still take a little while to come in. Of course this is all just my understanding/opinion, so you can certainly try them by phone or email for more specific/direct information. I've kept myself informed on this topic because I placed an order for a custom model A a little while back, and will now patiently wait a little longer. Their team is great, and so is the Vanson product, so I know when it does arrive I'll be more than satisfied.

While I wait I decided to get another project going. I dropped off some washed Maryam horsehide in the "ocean" blue color today for a custom maverick. I thought what better color to go with this style jacket than a blue, and this hide really does have a somewhat medium washed denim appearance to it. No way my photos can really capture the color. That being said, you can really see the beautiful grain that horsehide is known for, and I definitely think the "wash" technique they use brings it out that much more.
View attachment 715190
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View attachment 715195
And finally, I'll add that it felt fitting that during a great stop into the Vanson shop I saw a box come in that Kim marked "DudsbyDel." Turns out it was some walnut color hides coming in. @Mrfrown it was your C2 collaborations that gave me the idea to bring my own leather, can't wait to see how it turns out!

Sounds like a cool project!

After the halfbelt based on the Enfield we’re working on, Maverick is next in line! They didn’t have a 40 in stock to send me so they’re having to make one

Funny that you’ve seen the walnut hide delivery in person, for me it’s only been a few lines of text in emails lol

 

[Unrefined Vision]

Sounds like a cool project!

After the halfbelt based on the Enfield we’re working on, Maverick is next in line! They didn’t have a 40 in stock to send me so they’re having to make one

Funny that you’ve seen the walnut hide delivery in person, for me it’s only been a few lines of text in emails lol

That's interesting. In the photo I'm wearing a size 40 in the firenze mid weight leather. Was pleased that the fit felt spot on right off the bat.

You've got a lot of projects in the works with them, the Enfield sounds interesting that you're converting into a half belt. Does that involve a re-work of the jacket pattern, or can they keep the pattern pretty similar with a few tweaks to get the look you want? Would you be planning to use the Badalassi for that and the Maverick as well?

Something I considered is that when I tried on the Maverick I noticed that the snap buttons seemed like they could open kind of easily. I provided them excess square feet with the Maryam hides than what is required for my jacket, and so they are going to test to see if they can use the buttons from the waist of their leather pants to create a style like you would traditionally see in a denim jacket. Their "V" branded buttons are pretty sweet!

 

[Thinking too much]

i am torn between a Maverick and a Enfield. What do you all think on the two options? For a casual go with anything jacket.

 

[Unrefined Vision]

i am torn between a Maverick and a Enfield. What do you all think on the two options? For a casual go with anything jacket.

Something to consider with this decision is that the Maverick is quite short. The Enfield might look better with a wider range of fits. Shirt untucked or tucked etc.

 

[Thinking too much]

Something to consider with this decision is that the Maverick is quite short. The Enfield might look better with a wider range of fits. Shirt untucked or tucked etc.

That is a great point. I tried on a maverick. It is definitely short on me for sure.

 

[TartuWolf]

I don't remember why but the "Vanson jacket appreciation" is locked so I'll post here.
The model that I've always wanted to try more than probably any other was the Oxford.
Managed to snag one recently from JP.
I'll shoot Vanson an email to get the age of the jacket by ID but my guess is 80-90s because of the shorter body at 60cm as opposed to the usual 63-65 (they seem to have lengthened them over time), talon zipper, older style buckles and golden ID instead of embossed.
Maybe it's not the case with never specimens but this one fits TIGHT, way more like a 34 despite it being a 36. Like everywhere - armholes, upper sleeves, chest, waist. No way I can wear this with anything but a t-shirt.
The leather is grainy and nice, but nowhere near as nice as one of the model B's I had. Somehow a bit spongy and lighter (in weight, not in thickness) than I expected, kind of less dense.
Currently I'm leaning more towards moving it on than keeping it, but I'll need to wear it more to feel it out. Does not seem very comfortable at the moment.
Not a big fan of how it looks zipped up either. I'm proving to myself time and time again that I'm just not a straight-zip guy but foolishly I keep trying despite that.. A deal is a deal right? And it's a freaking vintage Vanson oxford in my size..
Ah, one more thing - I'm SHOCKED at the condition of the lining. It looks completely new. Maybe someone relined it before selling, but it looks very stock Vanson style execution. Can it really be THAT durable? I honestly cannot believe it.
Star of the show for me? The main zipper! Honestly. Gorgeous #10 brass Talon. The newer Vanson branded YKK stuff cannot hold a candle to this beauty. Works great as well. I'm a total convert.
Here are the goods:

And some fit pics (sorry about the full leather outfit, I was shooting some pics to put up those gorgeous Lost Worlds leather pants for sale..They are very high waist, that's why the jacket looks rather long):

This will most likely be my last Vanson, there are no other models that I'm interested in. Best case scenario I find a 36 model E with a shorter body and a Talon zipper, I'd consider replacing my current E with that.
After 7 Vanson jackets I conclude once again that their greatest model is the Highwayman or model E (for me).

 

[JonS1967]

I don't remember why but the "Vanson jacket appreciation" is locked so I'll post here.
The model that I've always wanted to try more than probably any other was the Oxford.
Managed to snag one recently from JP.
I'll shoot Vanson an email to get the age of the jacket by ID but my guess is 80-90s because of the shorter body at 60cm as opposed to the usual 63-65 (they seem to have lengthened them over time), talon zipper, older style buckles and golden ID instead of embossed.
Maybe it's not the case with never specimens but this one fits TIGHT, way more like a 34 despite it being a 36. Like everywhere - armholes, upper sleeves, chest, waist. No way I can wear this with anything but a t-shirt.
The leather is grainy and nice, but nowhere near as nice as one of the model B's I had. Somehow a bit spongy and lighter (in weight, not in thickness) than I expected, kind of less dense.
Currently I'm leaning more towards moving it on than keeping it, but I'll need to wear it more to feel it out. Does not seem very comfortable at the moment.
Not a big fan of how it looks zipped up either. I'm proving to myself time and time again that I'm just not a straight-zip guy but foolishly I keep trying despite that.. A deal is a deal right? And it's a freaking vintage Vanson oxford in my size..
Ah, one more thing - I'm SHOCKED at the condition of the lining. It looks completely new. Maybe someone relined it before selling, but it looks very stock Vanson style execution. Can it really be THAT durable? I honestly cannot believe it.
Star of the show for me? The main zipper! Honestly. Gorgeous #10 brass Talon. The newer Vanson branded YKK stuff cannot hold a candle to this beauty. Works great as well. I'm a total convert.
Here are the goods:
View attachment 717832

View attachment 717833
View attachment 717834

View attachment 717835

View attachment 717836

And some fit pics (sorry about the full leather outfit, I was shooting some pics to put up those gorgeous Lost Worlds leather pants for sale..They are very high waist, that's why the jacket looks rather long):
View attachment 717837

View attachment 717838

View attachment 717839

View attachment 717840
This will most likely be my last Vanson, there are no other models that I'm interested in. Best case scenario I find a 36 model E with a shorter body and a Talon zipper, I'd consider replacing my current E with that.
After 7 Vanson jackets I conclude once again that their greatest model is the Highwayman or model E (for me).

I think that it looks incredible on you. A perfect fit. Am I missing something?

 

[Bluechel]

I think that it looks incredible on you. A perfect fit. Am I missing something?

Agreed, you could not probably have a better all around fit.

 

[Zoro]

Agree it looks like a good fit but it also looks tight. If you have restricted movement, I get why you want to pass it on, specially if Estonia is as cold as I imagine it, which might make it the jacket useless for most of the year if you can't layer under it.

 

[TartuWolf]

In terms of looks a shorter body would help but I'm overall not digging the straight zip look too much. Also the lower chest area somehow bulging out more than I'd like looking from the side. But overall it looks pretty good in my opinion, those are minor gripes.
The main reason I'm doubting me keeping it is the feel.
When I put on my Vanon E or Aero HH it's like "fk yeah let's go boys!" and when I put this one on (especially zipped) it's like "eh.. hmm..".
But yeah, I need to wear it more when the temps go down to make a final decision. I don't mind the fact that I can't layer as I have the Vanson E for layering.

Recommendations for covering up the greyed out areas a bit with some black?
Some Saphir black cream would work I guess? Or too fancy?
https://saphir.paris/products/creme-1925

Or just random black shoe polish?

I know this has been discussed and answered before on TFL but it's not easy to search and find those posts.
Pecard black is great I heard, but I can't get it here in EU - super US thing.

 

[Bawheid]

Vanson Raid. My new to me go-to winter leather riding jacket.
Comp weight leather and quilted lining.
Long sleeved cotton T shirt with a long thermal undershirt and even in 8C you are good to go. Don't let that blue sky fool ya, cold is cold wherever you are.

 

[MrProper]

I'm just not a straight-zip guy

I don't know what makes you think that, but if you believe it, then it's probably true.
It doesn't look like it.
Probably some kind of psycho thing ;-)

Even though the jacket is on the longer side, I think the fit is good. Will probably look different again with different pants. I only really like leather on leather on a motorcycle.

 

[TartuWolf]

I don't know what makes you think that, but if you believe it, then it's probably true.
It doesn't look like it.
Probably some kind of psycho thing ;-)

Even though the jacket is on the longer side, I think the fit is good. Will probably look different again with different pants. I only really like leather on leather on a motorcycle.

Every single straight zip I've owned so far just felt/looked meh at best for me personally. Maybe just unlucky. I have an Aero CR with wrecked lining coming in as well, let's see if that changes my opinion. Guess I'm just really drawn to the feel and look of a cross-zip.
I'll try to shoot a few pics with some "normal" pants haha.

 

[Carlos840]

In terms of looks a shorter body would help but I'm overall not digging the straight zip look too much. Also the lower chest area somehow bulging out more than I'd like looking from the side. But overall it looks pretty good in my opinion, those are minor gripes.
The main reason I'm doubting me keeping it is the feel.
When I put on my Vanon E or Aero HH it's like "fk yeah let's go boys!" and when I put this one on (especially zipped) it's like "eh.. hmm..".
But yeah, I need to wear it more when the temps go down to make a final decision. I don't mind the fact that I can't layer as I have the Vanson E for layering.

Recommendations for covering up the greyed out areas a bit with some black?
Some Saphir black cream would work I guess? Or too fancy?
https://saphir.paris/products/creme-1925

Or just random black shoe polish?
View attachment 717898
I know this has been discussed and answered before on TFL but it's not easy to search and find those posts.
Pecard black is great I heard, but I can't get it here in EU - super US thing.

I would leave out the grey areas, it looks like wear, it's cool, i like it.
To me that's a positive not a negative, honest wear shoudl be left alone.

 

[TartuWolf]

I would leave out the grey areas, it looks like wear, it's cool, i like it.
To me that's a positive not a negative, honest wear shoudl be left alone.

Interestingly I expected to touch those parts and feel rough, but no, it's completely smooth to the touch, can't feel the transition from black/coated to worn off at all.
I'll experiment a bit and see what I like better. Usually I like how a brown/beige core looks, especially if faded gradually, but somehow I'm not a fan of the grey.
Also at the bottom of the zipper some edge wear has revealed a brownish core while next to it another edge has come out grey. Not sure why.

 

[Unrefined Vision]

Quick update for anyone interested in ordering a brown Vanson jacket. I spoke with Kim earlier today and she said the tannery they're working with finally nailed the tanning process for the whiskey and brandy Roma leathers so both are officially back on the menu. She's sending me samples and I will take photos and post them once they arrive.

 

[unhatted]

View attachment 478731

Did anyone ever ID this model? I’ve just acquired its striped sibling!

I was a bit worried it might be a bit sporty for my non-riding wear purposes (I had to remove the armour), but actually the body length and fit look great to me, though as ever the sleeves are a bit long and narrow-wristed, and the lack of hand warmers may take some getting used to! Been after a striped CR for a while, so getting a Vanson that fits the bill was an unexpected delight…