Ask a Question, Get An Answer About Outerwear

[WolfofStateSt]

I rarely if ever wash my denim jackets. Unless they’re soiled or smelly.

When I do I do a cold soak with a denim soap from whoever (but honestly you could probably use a little bit of any dark safe detergent to the same effect) and agitate either a little or a lot depending on the level of dirtiness.

It’s really kind of hard to mess up. If you use a machine, just be careful of the spin cycle and hang dry

This is what RM support said:

 

[Olumin]

I bought a rubber rain coat from 1962. Its an unissued army coat. The coat was never worn but stinks (!) to high hell. Even after wiping down the inside and outside the smell persists. Outside of buying an ozone generator is there anything I can do? Is it simply the old rubber outgassing?

 

[Will Zach]

I bought a rubber rain coat from 1962. Its an unissued army coat. The coat was never worn but stinks (!) to high hell. Even after wiping down the inside and outside the smell persists. Outside of buying an ozone generator is there anything I can do? Is it simply the old rubber outgassing?

A great question! Is it a "rubber smell"? I would try diluted vinegar first. Wipe it down well with diluted vinegar with a bit of mild detergent and air out well. If that does not work you may want to try ozone, but if the rubber keeps outgassing, it may not help.

 

[Olumin]

A great question! Is it a "rubber smell"? I would try diluted vinegar first. Wipe it down well with diluted vinegar with a bit of mild detergent and air out well. If that does not work you may want to try ozone, but if the rubber keeps outgassing, it may not help.

It is definitely a rubber smell. If its truly the rubber itself then like you said the ozone would only work temporarily. I will try it with the vinegar first.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Speaking of smells, has anyone here ever ordered something from Bronson. Their stuff smells disgusting, like formaldehyde and chemicals.

 

[Khilij]

Speaking of smells, has anyone here ever ordered something from Bronson. Their stuff smells disgusting, like formaldehyde and chemicals.

I've ordered an MA-1 from Bronson, had no issues with smell.

 

[Hoanglong]

Does any one know if this belt

https://therealmccoys.com/products/buco-seperate-riders-belt_030-black

Fits the Buco J24 BJ9111 old model jacket?
Thanks

 

[Canuck Panda]

Does any one know if this belt

https://therealmccoys.com/products/buco-seperate-riders-belt_030-black

Fits the Buco J24 BJ9111 old model jacket?
Thanks

The current belt is not long. I had the size 42 version of the current belt. It measures 42" to the first of the furthest hole. I was expecting it to measure 42" to the middle hole, so the belt felt shorter than its tag size.
They're also WAY overpriced. You could pick up most other Japanese made garrison belt that is made from thicker leather for much less money.

 

[photo2u]

The current belt is not long. I had the size 42 version of the current belt. It measures 42" to the first of the furthest hole. I was expecting it to measure 42" to the middle hole, so the belt felt shorter than its tag size.
They're also WAY overpriced. You could pick up most other Japanese made garrison belt that is made from thicker leather for much less money.
View attachment 684646

You can also get a similar belt. No belt loots. Here is a used one $13 from ebay here is one now for sale : https://www.ebay.com/itm/186977733189?itmmeta=01JMZA56GR2Y14F5VZQZ1MK10A&hash=item2b88bdca45&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAABALcKYcnMqOyB8CVsHhWGc6MjygdER9Ar1lpcEd1tbbPKbMnWIFzU7USx19KZcw79SZh%2FJldWr198%2FrpibGA0InAl0nS15pjN6%2Bt7yWb2yqmBwAhjrxI4BrMwSEhFFnkMQL71GmwcUFUMdvI8%2FHOipA672Ua9eeni2P9AHjlrV4o4HUVTkuqYtofdVcF3QRo9dzRVU5W5PCrXH8blL9zB9L%2FHbPpi9d6pKx3Yr6%2FdVeOhDnLsX1WJIpv8GU%2BmEXQW95wBtXBg7DMsY0ro7c4Oh3T7QgH2H3p8hrFSrKm5Js7TXQZTrVr0JwUi47vLfOFTDlwANjFv0RRBdhiipKwm8lM%3D|ampidL_CLK

 

[photo2u]

The current belt is not long. I had the size 42 version of the current belt. It measures 42" to the first of the furthest hole. I was expecting it to measure 42" to the middle hole, so the belt felt shorter than its tag size.
They're also WAY overpriced. You could pick up most other Japanese made garrison belt that is made from thicker leather for much less money.
View attachment 684646

As Mr. Panda stated. There are different choices. I made my own using NOS belts and added the belt loops my self. The cool rounder end shape was popular in 50-60s. Then most manufactures like Boston model #6005 and others went with the pointier finish. My belts came from military supply. Got them at my local Army surplus store for $5. They look almost exactly as the Buco originals but without that particular indentations on the buckle. Lastly, I am confident you can find an older looking garrison belt in ebay. If anyone wants to see my belt finish product, I will share.

 

[Hoanglong]

but without this retainer, will they move around when I don't buckle them? because I also usually don't wear belt buckles

 

[photo2u]

but without this retainer, will they move around when I don't buckle them? because I also usually don't wear belt buckles
View attachment 685387

Yes, the belt will move. However, that is not a big problem for me. Most jackets do not have them. I mainly see those belt loop holders in Harley and Buco. Most others do not put them because (in my view) they sometimes become impractical. I have seen original buco belts that all suffer from the same problem, and that is being pull from one side due to people gaining weight and not using the center hole in the belt. In theory, the wide opening of the belt loop holders is to allow some belt movement (small to bigger waist line). It does work for about 1.5 inches in either direction. I will post some images to illustrate what I am referring too when I am able to locate them on my files. For my belt, I added those pieces to my reproduction belts using a donor belt I have around for that just reason. The brake rivets are the very same Buco used back on the day. There is a company in Los Angeles who still makes them. The difficulty is to find the same type of rivet setter used by Buco. It is a hard one to find. I use 1906 Cast Iron called "Gem" Rivet Press Punch. I also have one called "pony" The gem is the closest to the one Buco used. I will share some images of the indentation. Perhaps there are members who might know which Antique Rivet Press Punch Buco actually used.

 

[photo2u]

but without this retainer, will they move around when I don't buckle them? because I also usually don't wear belt buckles
View attachment 685387

Thanks to member Semolian: Here is a nice sample of the jacket loop's stretch.

FS: 50s Buco J24 Size 42 w/Plaid Wool Lining and Original Belt

I am selling my horsehide Buco J24 from the 50s. It has the plaid wool lining and comes with the original Buco belt. It’s a size 42. See the measurements in photos for details. It’s in good condition and the leather is really nice. I bought this last year when I missed out on a Buco J65. Since...

www.thefedoralounge.com

 

[Zoro]

What is and is not patina? To elaborate, I often see people showing their aged leather goods, how its color changed or darkened and think "woah, that patina looks great!". But I also often see people talking about a jacket's patina that I find to be basically discoloration, faded and completely sad and unattractive.

So is patina just the leather evolution no matter how it looks? Am I simply just finding one of its natural occurrences to be ugly or is that not actually patina?

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

What is and is not patina? To elaborate, I often see people showing their aged leather goods, how its color changed or darkened and think "woah, that patina looks great!". But I also often see people talking about a jacket's patina that I find to be basically discoloration, faded and completely sad and unattractive.

So is patina just the leather evolution no matter how it looks? Am I simply just finding one of its natural occurrences to be ugly or is that not actually patina?

Maybe posting some pics of what you find unappealing could help - but from my understanding evolution and patina are different ideas where the former is a more general term and the latter refers to a specific look.

Normally patina (to me) refers to darkening/lightening of various parts of the jacket to give that depth of color and variations in sheen as a result of wear. Wearing away of the top coat, i.e. tea-coring could also be considered a type of patina.

Evolution can include patina as well as other things like creasing, grain articulation and how the jacket molds to one's body.

But importantly, all of this needs to be achieved while maintaining the structural integrity of the jacket. Having dried-out, cracked leather like the following would not typically make the cut of what people reserve these terms for.

Sure, you could technically say the jacket evo-d to that stage, but I don't think many people like to put it that way.

 

[Zoro]

Thanks! I don't (want to) consider cracks, grain or creasing as patina, but I'll share if I see any pictures. I've seen people both here on the Classifieds as well on Ebay announcing jackets "with amazing patina" that to me simply looked old, I just didn't share them in the moment and just asked as that the question went through my mind when I saw an actual patina (or what I did consider it so).

Even querying now I've struggled to find one that's lightened, all other results were darkened. I did find this one:

To me it just looks old and beaten. But then again, I might just be wrong and simply found something I don't like.

 

[newtojackets]

@ABCD your moment of fame haha:

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

Thanks! I don't (want to) consider cracks, grain or creasing as patina, but I'll share if I see any pictures. I've seen people both here on the Classifieds as well on Ebay announcing jackets "with amazing patina" that to me simply looked old, I just didn't share them in the moment and just asked as that the question went through my mind when I saw an actual patina (or what I did consider it so).

Even querying now I've struggled to find one that's lightened, all other results were darkened. I did find this one:

View attachment 686711
To me it just looks old and beaten. But then again, I might just be wrong and simply found something I don't like.

Now I see where you're coming from.
Personally, I feel sorry for the jacket above haha - but it's subjective. One man's worn-out leather is another's grail-tier patina.

I'm ok with some subtle patina, but this doesn't really call out to me.

Everyone likes what they like and that's fine. We all have different preferences.
I love seeing grain popping out like this - some people hate it. I'd take this over patina any day.

 

[Eagledog]

Many things are called patina. It really just indicates the object doesnt look factory new anymore.
Think of a copper pan that is not shiny anymore. an old table from the 1700's with hundreds of years of wear and stains.
After a certain pont, when the weathering is severe, the piece becomes a canidate for restoration. Some people feel very strongly about never doing anything to alter the look with all the memories. Others go in the opposite direction and do everything they can to return it to the way it looked when new. Sometimes it could be restored daily so it never has patina.

 

[Julian_Hooligan]

I noticed something unusual in the Hercules leather jacket I bought. It has a two tone liner, the main section is a dark orange and the side panels are a pink salmon color. I believe it’s the original lining as well. Has anyone seen this in other Hercules jackets? Please excuse the stained liner — it’s currently being cleaned.