Help Choosing: Thedi Memphis vs A-2 Rough Wear (Eastman) vs ELMC Californian

[Ulysse]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently debating between three leather jackets and could really use some advice from the experts here. My choices are:

• Thedi Memphis Half-Belt (Hand-Dyed Cocoa Toscano Buffalo)
• Eastman A-2 Rough Wear 27752/ or Buzz rickson
• ELMC Californian Walnut

I’m looking for a jacket that looks classy and well-crafted, but I don’t want to look like a movie extra either—so nothing too "costume-like" or overly vintage in appearance.

Here’s what I like about each one:

• Thedi Memphis → I love the craftsmanship and the rich texture of the hand-dyed buffalo leather. Seems like a high-end, versatile jacket. But is it too much of a "statement piece"?
• Eastman A-2 Rough Wear → Classic, historical, and timeless. But does it feel too military and rigid for everyday wear?
• ELMC Californian Walnut → A solid, casual choice that seems effortless to wear. But I already own two Californian jackets (Havana and Black), so would this be redundant?

I want something classy, versatile, and easy to wear, but I also want it to have character. Which one would you pick and why?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mandarin]

If you already own two Californians, it's a no brainer: take the Thedi.

 

[Ulysse]

If you already own two Californians, it's a no brainer: take the Thedi.

thanks. so i think i'm gonna leave the californian. but then why thedi and not the A2?

 

[Mandarin]

Thedi has everything you're looking for, including character. The A2 is much more ordinary IMO.

 

[handymike]

Go with the Thedi

 

[Khilij]

Thedi all day long.

 

[Ulysse]

thank you very much guys!! Please could explain to me why my family members and friends are all for the A2 but on this forum you are pro thedi here. what's wrong with the A2? Not so casual?

 

[photo2u]

Thedi. No question.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Eastman calif Havana,,beautiful.

 

[El Marro]

I’m going to break rank with my TFL brothers and say go for the A2. The Thedi you selected is beautiful, but it might as well be another Eastman Californian, same pocket angles and everything.
The A2 gives a whole different vibe, and If you get the right size it will look sharp. The one you posted is too long, too loose, and has a collar big enough for two necks.

 

[Bfd70]

Check history preservation assocates . They have some californians on sale for $800

 

[Ulysse]

I’m going to break rank with my TFL brothers and say go for the A2. The Thedi you selected is beautiful, but it might as well be another Eastman Californian, same pocket angles and everything.
The A2 gives a whole different vibe, and If you get the right size it will look sharp. The one you posted is too long, too loose, and has a collar big enough for two necks.

you've made some very good points. i change the photo for the A2

 

[Bennarion]

I’m going to break rank with my TFL brothers and say go for the A2. The Thedi you selected is beautiful, but it might as well be another Eastman Californian, same pocket angles and everything.
The A2 gives a whole different vibe, and If you get the right size it will look sharp. The one you posted is too long, too loose, and has a collar big enough for two necks.

I agree, take A2

 

[Ulysse]

Hi everyone,

First of all, huge thanks to all of you for your insights! Thanks to your input, I’ve officially ruled out the ELMC Californian from my list. Now, my main dilemma is about the A-2.

I love the history, the style, and the character of the jacket. But my biggest concern is: where do you actually wear an A-2 in daily life?

• Not at work – I teach in higher education, and an A-2 might feel a bit out of place in that setting.
• Not with a backpack – The lack of a bi-swing back makes it impractical.
• Not on public transport – I feel like it stands out a bit too much, especially in the metro.
• Not for carrying things – The pockets aren’t very functional, so daily practicality is a concern.

Other than dates or casual evening outings, I struggle to see how it fits into a daily rotation.

I also tried on a Buzz Rickson A-2 in size 44. What do you think—does that sound like the right size for me?

Has anyone successfully integrated an A-2 into their everyday wardrobe? Would love to hear your experiences and any tips!

Thanks again for the help!

 

[Peter Mackin]

Wear it everywhere,,it works in every setting, it will just keep getting better. I would've picked the californian esp in walnut,as I already have a2s.

 

[MrProper]

Thedi Memphis → I love the craftsmanship and the rich texture of the hand-dyed buffalo leather. Seems like a high-end, versatile jacket. But is it too much of a "statement piece"?

Even though I think Thedis is somehow quite cool, I haven't yet developed a "want to have" feeling. Somehow it often seems too playful and a tad too "loud" to me. If it suits your own style and you're more of an extrovert, it's certainly a good choice.

Eastman A-2 Rough Wear → Classic, historical, and timeless. But does it feel too military and rigid for everyday wear?

I'm not a fan of the A-2 because I simply know too few examples where it looks really cool. The first picture of you was bad, the new one is much better. It is certainly practical if you like the military style. In the USA you might be classed as a veteran or adorning yourself with foreign feathers? Certainly not a problem in Europe. When in doubt, it's a fashion bomber jacket.
But I don't want to rule out the possibility that it might be quite usable with suitably fine leather.
If I wanted something like that, I'd go for the G-1.

ELMC Californian Walnut → A solid, casual choice that seems effortless to wear. But I already own two Californian jackets (Havana and Black), so would this be redundant?

I think I would take this one, even if I already had two of them, as long as the colour is different. I think it's simply the most universal and looks good. Good, not too loud and without misinterpretation.

 

[MrProper]

View attachment 686060
Hi everyone,

First of all, huge thanks to all of you for your insights! Thanks to your input, I’ve officially ruled out the ELMC Californian from my list. Now, my main dilemma is about the A-2.

I love the history, the style, and the character of the jacket. But my biggest concern is: where do you actually wear an A-2 in daily life?

• Not at work – I teach in higher education, and an A-2 might feel a bit out of place in that setting.
• Not with a backpack – The lack of a bi-swing back makes it impractical.
• Not on public transport – I feel like it stands out a bit too much, especially in the metro.
• Not for carrying things – The pockets aren’t very functional, so daily practicality is a concern.

Other than dates or casual evening outings, I struggle to see how it fits into a daily rotation.

I also tried on a Buzz Rickson A-2 in size 44. What do you think—does that sound like the right size for me?

Has anyone successfully integrated an A-2 into their everyday wardrobe? Would love to hear your experiences and any tips!

Thanks again for the help!

Except for the collar, it looks good.
I would say it's a rather good example of an A-2 for my taste.
I would ignore your four points. Anything goes
I travel on the metro with all my jackets.
I would wear with this jacket what I wear with other jackets. I didn't want a jacket that I couldn't do that with.

 

[Ulysse]

thank you so much Mr Proper!!!

 

[Zoro]

Agree on those 4 points being a non issue (and if they were issues, they would apply to any leather jacket without bi-swing then). I would not choose the A2 cause I find it ugly and I despise the elastic cuffs and waist.

If you then say you already have the Californian in other colors, I would always go for something new, whether is the Thedi or any other model/maker you might find.

 

[Jasonindenver]

The Thedi is awesome and looks much less stodgy than the A2 styles. This is according to my 16 year old daughter and style consultant.

Dont worry about the lack of an action back on the Thedi. His patterns are so good you do not need it.

Would the Thedi in a less distressed leather be more appealing to you?