Gibson & Barnes is custom order now?

[desertdog]

Gibson & Barnes list all their jackets as custom order now. Does this mean that they no longer have stock jackets and only build to order?

 

[AeroFan_07]

Humm, not too sure on this one. In fact, I hope some others will comment on recent experances with G&B as thier website seems to indicate they have simply dropped many of thier styles altogether. Maybe they are "shutting down?"

I say all this as I own a G&B Coronado, which is an 11-pocket, nearly indestructable 4.5 ounce cowhide leather motorcycle jacket. Just the lining alone is nearly bulletproof, aside from the jacket. It's completely off thier website now. I bought it clearance from them back in 2011, have worn it a decent bit since, and it's still not broken in. Very nice USA-made jacket, and I won't get rid of it. Kind of like a 3/4 ton heavy duty truck, not something you need every day, overkill for most jobs, and relatively indestructible, but darn handy when you live in a rural town in Iowa.

 

[Seb Lucas]

You could contact them to find the precise answer but yes. They haven't been selling enough jackets so they have rationalised.

They have been dropping models for some time. They no longer make the Expedition, their Indy Jones jacket .

 

[Skyhawk]

They have always offered custom service on their jackets. I got one of their A-2 about 10 years ago and they did custom work then. If they are not offering sizes though, that is new. In my experience their patterns on the A-2's are a "Modern Fit", 1/2 to 1 size bigger than "Military Fit".

 

[Doctor Strange]

I visited their site yesterday: as others have said, all their jackets are custom-built now - no more standard sizes. No doubt the pricing's gone up too. (You have to order to find out.)

This is too bad: they represented a very worthwhile middle position in the continuum from inexpensive S/M/L-sized modern jackets to four-digit-price custom repro makers.

 

[nick123]

I don't know if "custom" means custom as in tailored. In my experience when they didn't have a standard size ready to ship, they'd have to make it and it usually took about a month. It would surprise me if custom meant anything more than "we'll make a standard size (or tall) because we do not have it in stock". If they are reverting back to truly custom orders, this is kind of good news! Last time I checked, they did not do any modifications whatsoever.

 

[Doctor Strange]

If they are still making standard numbered sizes and Shorts and Talls, they should indicate that vs. just saying "Custom". And they should have a ballpark price too. It's obnoxious to make you have to call to find out the price. This will probably lose them plenty of biz.

 

[Paximus]

Here's their reply to my inquiry as of last week:

"Thank you for your interest in our leather jackets.

Unfortunately at this time, we are only accepting and processing order for our stock jackets. We have currently put a hold on all orders where the jacket needs to be manufactured. We are also not processing any custom orders, which would include adding velcro and patches.

I apologize for the inconvenience. We are hoping to start accepting new orders this Fall.

If you would like to check on your size, I can see if we may have it in stock.


Thank you,
Jessica Wood
Product Specialist"

 

[Technonut]

Kind of explains why my e-mails to them regarding liner / knit cuffs / waistband replacement on my M422-A went unanswered. Still would have been nice if they replied with an explanation though..

 

[desertdog]

Doesn't sound good for G&B.

 

[Fanch]

 

[Seb Lucas]

One day all we'll have to choose from is very expensive custom jackets and Wilsons....

 

[thor]

I visited their store/factory last August. I spoke with Jessica at length and everything seemed business-as-usual. After spending an hour there looking at and trying on jackets (Jessica was extremely helpful!) I purchased one of their "Raider" jackets (a jacket also known as the G-2). It's a gorgeous vintage cowhide with impeccable workmanship. Much of their business goes to the military and law enforcement but they've also done a lot of work for TV and movie production (even providing custom jackets for hard to fit guys like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson).

 

[Treetopflyer]

I'm going to San Diego in two weeks and plan on stopping by to take a look at their G-1s. I was hoping to get a current issue made with goatskin and a mouton collar. The one they show on their website has the older style pocket flaps.

 

[Deacon211]

Well, I hope that this does not mean that they are shrinking to profitability.

I have always liked G+B ever since I used to buy my skull caps from them in the 90's. My '97 era m-422a has served me long and well and, if I hadn't outgrown it, would still be a favorite wearer.

When I ordered from them in the '90s, it was standard sizes but customized to your liking. When I tried their G-1s in 2012 or so, it was either stock or custom, no alterations allowed.

I agree that losing G+B would be a loss of a perfect niche in the market that almost no one else seems to be inter step in filling.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Treetopflyer]

I stopped in there two weeks ago and wanted to buy a G-1. They didn't have my size in the military G-1 and I was told that they were not going to be making anymore jackets until the fall. So I would have to check back then to see if they were starting up production again. Needless to say I was disappointed on not being able to purchase a jacket that day. At least now I know the jackets they make are on the bigger size and I need to order a size smaller than I normally wear.

 

[Jim B.]

Last year I was going to get a G-1 from them. I do not like the semi aniline leather that much even though current Navy issue jackets are now done that way so it is somewhat authentic but all the other details were good enough so I called only to find out Dave Marshall had been let go and they no longer used the correct military patterns. Dave was a good guy who cared about the details but had to compromise a little to keep the jackets affordable but I doubt he would want to change the patterns.

 

[Fanch]

I recall Dave Marshall giving me a tour of the G&B factory a few years ago, but the last time I was there a couple of years ago was told Dave was no longer there. One can only speculate whether or not G&B has lost their market share for leather jackets or whether they are allocating their resources to making flight suits, helmets, and textile jackets.