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Fine Creek Leather

ksozay

One Too Many
Messages
1,071
Location
Seattle
I, for better or worse, own a wide range of leather jackets. Everything from a $49 Zara leather jacket to a few more than $49 YSL leather jackets. Fit and wearability are the top two factors in determining what jacket I'm going to wear most often.

For example, I love Lost Worlds. The quality, construction, and brash commentary from Stuart - are all part of the appeal. But his jackets are just more difficult to wear socially/casually. And while FC/RMC/IH are a bit easier to wear compared to LW jackets, the sizing is just hard to get right, unless you special order. I love all the jackets listed above, but frequency of wear is impacted by weight and fit. And for that much money, it's really a decision that requires a bit more homework pre-purchase, than I put in.

The two jackets I wear the most - a $99 Top Shop cross-zip that, for whatever reason, fits incredibly well off the rack (i.e. incredibly well = a more modern/slim fitting cut). And an Aero CR that I purchased off TFL used, that served as my first ever "over $200" leather jacket. I will literally wear these jackets until they disintegrate.

The YSL jackets, along with a few other higher-end designers that I have, all share a similar goal. High quality lamb skin with modern tapered cuts meant to evolve the classic perfecto. And I really appreciate the fit/finish of these jackets. Super easy to wear, they can be dressed up or down, and can be worn in almost all social situations. But I simply don't wear them enough to justify the cost.

My learnings:

- If you want a jacket that will last a lifetime and can perform multiple functions. Get a made to measure jacket from Aero/Vanson/etc. Price - It won't be cheap but you will feel less guilt.

- If you want a jacket that will perform a specific function (e.g. motorcycle riding), lean toward a jacket that is designed for that specific purpose. Or find a good compromise, like LW/Vanson that can serve dual purposes and get what fits you/your lifestyle/environment the best. Price - It won't be cheap but you can pretend the cost is being spread over multiple functions and honestly, you deserved it.

- If you want a high quality jacket that combines the classic designs with a more modern cut, get an FCL/RMC/IH. And set your expectations that it may be difficult to get the right fit depending on your body type. Price - starts at "eyebrow raising" and can go all the way to "wtf!".

- If you don't care about money and want the most socially flexible jacket that looks cool - any "mall" jacket that fits you the best, is the right call. Price - ranges from "a jacket this cheap will get me laughed at" all the way to "who in their right mind would spend THIS on a jacket".

For the record, I do really like FCL jackets. But you really have to find the right fit and not get too set on a specific style.

 

Superfluous

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,995
Location
Missing in action
For the record, I do really like FCL jackets. But you really have to find the right fit and not get too set on a specific style.

^ This x888

I have tried on 6-8 different FCL models. Only one fits me well -- the Tyler. The others are either too long, or too wide in the shoulders, or too narrow in the chest, or a combination of the foregoing. FCL definitely employs a more modern cut and, for the right frame, the fit is fantastic. For those that prefer a more cropped, waist length jacket, FCL is not a good choice.

I applaud FCL for trying something different and forging its own, unique path. It is much easier to simply replicate 60-70 year old patterns without variation. FCL's jackets are based on many of the the same vintage models reproduced by everyone else, but FCL evolves the patterns and creates a distinctive product. Its not for everyone. On the other hand, its great to have choices.

Those who disparage FCL's quality simply because FCL does something different are missing the point. A company can produce high quality products that deviate from conventional norms. Styling and quality are entirely different. I don't care for the cuts of many of FCL's jackets, but all 6-8 I have handled were very well made.

Fine_Creek_Leon_Custom_Horsehide_Jacket_1.3mm_Edition_17-1025x680.jpg
 

tmitchell59

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,720
Location
Illinois
Hello. I own a few higher end jackets and some lower end jackets. In my opinion the item that trumps everything and determines how much I will wear any jacket is FIT!

I like my fine creek type 3 a lot. Great grab and go jacket. Now here’s a crappy picture of me in a great looking and well made jacket.

View attachment 324552

That jacket look really good! I will have to post my FC up again.
 

TheBigEraser

One of the Regulars
Messages
215
I had no idea that the owner of Fine Creek was also the Editor in Chief of Lightning Magazine. It totally makes sense where all the styles come from now.
Oh wow I thought the Fine Creek's owner is Yoshikatsu Yamazaki (山崎佳克), as he was addressed as the representative in many business events. But you mean Mohigan Ogawa is the owner of Fine Creek?
 

braxtonhicks

New in Town
Messages
4
Folks, would love some advice on what you think is a better fit.

Longtime lurker, and jumped on the Fine Creek bandwagon. The options are the Leon Custom in a 44 and a 46. That's the style I like. I'm 5'9, 203, and currently shaped like a potato. Losing .5~lbs a week via diet and exercise, but ballooned up during COVID so I'm in between sizes.

In my opinion, the 44 fits well un-zipped. I like it more. Zipped, I look like a lumpy pillow in a vacuum-sealed bag. The store said the jacket would stretch out a little. I can always wear it un-zipped until chicken, rice, and running allow me to zip it comfortably. At this point, I wouldn't zip it up.

The 46 feels large un-zipped. Shoulders are wider, arms longer than I'd like. I do not like it as much. However, body looks way better zipped up. If I got off the diet and exercise train here, it might look more decent in my eyes with wear once it softens up. Conversely, I could lose another 5-10lbs and find myself with a jacket that is now much looser than it was at 203lbs.

What do you all think? Should I go with a 44 or a 46? I do not ride a motorcycle, so this is just for aesthetics.

jacket advice.jpg
 

torfjord

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,776
Location
Sweden
Alright so... I'm not a fan of Fine Creek. I don't like the look of the Leon, I think it is way too long in the body, proportions look all kinds of wrong to me. IMO you can find much nicer MC crosszips for a lot less than the price of a Fine Creek. But that's my subjective opinion. If you like how they look, go for it.

With that said, the 44 looks much better unzipped, and super weird in the back when zipped. I don't think that's because it is too tight, but because it is too long. The lenght means that it rests on your butt and I think that is why it is bunching up in the lower back. I might be wrong, but that is how it looks.

But the big issue here is your diet and weight loss transformation. Honestly, my advice is to wait and not spend 2000 dollars on a piece of clothing that may not fit you in 3 months time. Get your weight loss journey completed and reach your target weight, then spend big bucks if you want.
 

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,845
Location
East Java
I was going to say 46 looked more decently zipped... but man that is a very long jacket, almost like a suit jacket with biker detailing, my height is also 175cm 5'9" ish and I wear 36, I can not imagine wearing a size 46 on me with the body length, so maybe the 44.. and try to lose weight, I know telling someone to lose weight is not proper, but it is a compromise. I mean try to look at a full body mirror and judge if the body length of the jacket works for you in mc crosszip style.
 
Messages
16,803
Alright so... I'm not a fan of Fine Creek. I don't like the look of the Leon, I think it is way too long in the body, proportions look all kinds of wrong to me. IMO you can find much nicer MC crosszips for a lot less than the price of a Fine Creek. But that's my subjective opinion. If you like how they look, go for it.

With that said, the 44 looks much better unzipped, and super weird in the back when zipped. I don't think that's because it is too tight, but because it is too long. The lenght means that it rests on your butt and I think that is why it is bunching up in the lower back. I might be wrong, but that is how it looks.

But the big issue here is your diet and weight loss transformation. Honestly, my advice is to wait and not spend 2000 dollars on a piece of clothing that may not fit you in 3 months time. Get your weight loss journey completed and reach your target weight, then spend big bucks if you want.

100% seconded.

@braxtonhicks , neither looks very nice and flattering on you. I know you're probably super impressed with the leather and all but you can get a much better fitting jacket for a lot less money and fit is what this is all about.

As Torfjord stated, the issue with the Leon is length and it's an issue that exponentially grows with the size number. I think these jackets work only up to a size 40 but anything beyond that number and the makers don't seem to have a clue what to do with it.

The 46 fits you almost like a coat which is why I'm inclined to recommend the 44, if you're dead set on getting this jacket but then again, the 44's got that bulging hump thing going on at the back when you zip it up which happening because this style of jacket was never meant to be this long so in turn you've got it pushing onto your hips, shifting all the material upward.
So out of the two, 44 unzipped would be most reasonable but again, this is one of those cases where money certainly isn't paying for the fit. Not even remotely so.

My suggestion, look further. This is an insane amount of money we're talking about here. Get the jacket you want, not the brand.
 

Mich486

One Too Many
Messages
1,690
When I joined it was all about long jackets now is all about short jackets. I don’t know… it’s a deviation from the classic perfecto for sure in terms of length but it’s not an unseen length on modern jackets. FCL make a modern jacket in terms of fit. If I wanted a repro/vintage fit I’d look elsewhere but judging by the untuck shirt etc it’s probably not the op prerogative.

I prefer the fit of the pictures where you wear the flannel shirt. You say you are going to lose weight… well who knows then maybe the other one will fit better, we can only judge on current pictures :)
 

marker2037

Practically Family
Messages
834
Location
Curacao/NJ, USA
I have to agree. You need to figure out first if you're going to continue to lose weight. If you are, then the 44 potentially works, but I still think it's way too long. The 46 looks like a car coat caricature version of a motorcycle jacket. I wouldn't recommend that.

There are plenty of other jacket makers and jacket designs out there that would be more suitable for you regardless of your build and weight.
 

braxtonhicks

New in Town
Messages
4
Thanks all for the feedback! I will continue to lose weight (that's where all my energy is going aside from work, and I'm down to 203 from 215 in three months.) @navetsea, totally OK to comment on the need to do it, as I'm already on that bandwagon.

Self Edge doesn't allow returns, just store credit. I don't have to keep one, but I'm not a fan of their other leather offerings (aside from the TFH Delraiser, which isn't in stock), so I'd like to keep a jacket. Money isn't an issue; not that it matters as I can't really get it back. I guess I could send it back, lose the weight, and use the credit then. Same leather offerings in six to 12 months, I'd bet, but point taken on losing and then re-buying.

Follow-up question for @torfjord and @Monitor.

-- Are you saying that the 46 doesn't bunch up because the longer length has the back panel landing below my butt, thus not having the chance to land on my butt and bunch up like the 44? I assumed the waist on 46 was larger in circumference, so the back panel laid flat despite it being longer. Good to know if it's just length.

Follow-up questions for all who own these jackets.

-- Does the leather soften up with break-in enough for me to lose weight and find it a tad roomier than it was new?

-- Since I can't find the answer using the search function, anyone know how this leather/teacore handles rain? This is a general leather question, as the Fine Creek tag that came with the jacket makes it sound like rain = instantly brown jacket as opposed to a slow fade with wear.

Thanks again all for your thoughts. Much appreciated!
 

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