How many new jackets do you have coming (and how many potential ones)?

[red devil]

Hello everyone,
I've been a lurker for some time but have finally decided to go all in on TFL. I was introduced to this forum by @dudewuttheheck via his Instagram Almostvintagestyle. This place has been a wealth of knowledge and great community of enthusiast. I work as a cobbler so my first preference has always been shoes and boots. The trade has brought out my love of leather not only in footwear but now in jackets and other leather goods.

The incoming jackets!
I have two Himel brothers on the way, they were ordered towards the end of September and measurements were sent in about a month later. I am expecting the first one in the next month or so, then the second one will be made and sent out shortly after the measurements are confirmed. I will be getting a Canuck as well as the Heron A-1.
The Canuck is in Shinki medium brown oil tanned
The Heron is in Shinki medium brown pigment finish

I was always drawn to what Himel has been making and his knowledge of the industry to unlike many others. These will be my first two leather jackets and definitely not the typical route one takes into this hobby. My experience with footwear has taught that I'm not interested in working my way up from the "beginner" brands to the higher end ones. This is often seen with people buying Red wings then Viberg, and culminating somewhere around Clinch just for example. I found that I had wasted a lot of time and money starting at the lower tier brands and would have been better off saving up for the higher end/MTM brands. I preferred to have something MTM for the jacket, so that I know that fit would be more or less spot on. Now I know that it is pretty ridiculous to get two Himels at once in two similar leathers but they were two best jackets I've seen and absolutely love the medium brown from Shinki. Both jackets are button front as I despise zippers on anything, I've fixed enough zippers to know that I don't want to deal with them. I will definitely post pictures of the jackets once they are here in either this post or its own dedicated post. I don't regret my decision and can't wait to get them in. Glad to be a part of this forum!

Going all in indeed!
If you started like this, you are likely going to have more than just two jackets

No better way to start than to go for the best. Welcome.

Not to start with a debate, but as you know, the top tier makers all have their pros and cons, no single best maker and Himel is certainly not in the same league as Freewheelers in terms of construction... or other brands for that matter

 

[Monitor]

I have this leather trucker coming from the UK. To add to my Australian made "Frantik" suede.
As usual hoping it fits, always the way. Listed as a "Schott" (which 100% I don't think it is !)
Also listed as MADE IN THE USA. Will see when it gets here to Perth Western Australia.
It was not expensive at $140 Australian delivered , and I do find other "Original Hardware '57" jackets online.
More likely to be Pakistan or India. Does anyone on the lounge recognise the maker/label ?

View attachment 293508

View attachment 293509

Nope. Looks good. Goatskin.

 

[El Marro]

Hello everyone,
I've been a lurker for some time but have finally decided to go all in on TFL. I was introduced to this forum by @dudewuttheheck via his Instagram Almostvintagestyle. This place has been a wealth of knowledge and great community of enthusiast. I work as a cobbler so my first preference has always been shoes and boots. The trade has brought out my love of leather not only in footwear but now in jackets and other leather goods.

The incoming jackets!
I have two Himel brothers on the way, they were ordered towards the end of September and measurements were sent in about a month later. I am expecting the first one in the next month or so, then the second one will be made and sent out shortly after the measurements are confirmed. I will be getting a Canuck as well as the Heron A-1.
The Canuck is in Shinki medium brown oil tanned
The Heron is in Shinki medium brown pigment finish

I was always drawn to what Himel has been making and his knowledge of the industry to unlike many others. These will be my first two leather jackets and definitely not the typical route one takes into this hobby. My experience with footwear has taught that I'm not interested in working my way up from the "beginner" brands to the higher end ones. This is often seen with people buying Red wings then Viberg, and culminating somewhere around Clinch just for example. I found that I had wasted a lot of time and money starting at the lower tier brands and would have been better off saving up for the higher end/MTM brands. I preferred to have something MTM for the jacket, so that I know that fit would be more or less spot on. Now I know that it is pretty ridiculous to get two Himels at once in two similar leathers but they were two best jackets I've seen and absolutely love the medium brown from Shinki. Both jackets are button front as I despise zippers on anything, I've fixed enough zippers to know that I don't want to deal with them. I will definitely post pictures of the jackets once they are here in either this post or its own dedicated post. I don't regret my decision and can't wait to get them in. Glad to be a part of this forum!

Welcome to the lounge man!
When confronted with the tough choice of choosing between two jackets you wanted you made the only logical decision and ordered both of them. I think you are going to do just fine around here.

 

[powerserge]

Welcome here to the lounge, needless to say you are starting of strong! Hot damn those are cool jackets to have, so interested to see what you think the difference is between those 2 medium brown shinki that your ordered. Hope you can share more of your work here

Thanks! I will try to post pictures of the two of them together to try and get a comparison between the two. Hopefully they are different enough which was the impression I got from the description of the leathers. I wasn't remotely interested in a black jacket so the medium brown was a no brainer for me.

Going all in indeed!
If you started like this, you are likely going to have more than just two jackets



Not to start with a debate, but as you know, the top tier makers all have their pros and cons, no single best maker and Himel is certainly not in the same league as Freewheelers in terms of construction... or other brands for that matter

The goal is hold on and stay on these two for as long as possible. But that said, I am well aware that the likelihood of that happening is slim.
I was aware of how great the Freewheelers jackets are made and are in class of their own. For me though, Himel ticks all the boxes that I was looking for. I wanted something made to my measurements but also choosing details such as the liner and internal pockets. Being located in Canada as well helps with saving a bit on shipping and duties/tax.

 

[powerserge]

Welcome to the lounge man!
When confronted with the tough choice of choosing between two jackets you wanted you made the only logical decision and ordered both of them. I think you are going to do just fine around here.

Exactly!! I couldn't decide between these two jacket designs and the two leather options, so I went for both!

 

[Jin431]

Thanks! I will try to post pictures of the two of them together to try and get a comparison between the two. Hopefully they are different enough which was the impression I got from the description of the leathers. I wasn't remotely interested in a black jacket so the medium brown was a no brainer for me.

The goal is hold on and stay on these two for as long as possible. But that said, I am well aware that the likelihood of that happening is slim.
I was aware of how great the Freewheelers jackets are made and are in class of their own. For me though, Himel ticks all the boxes that I was looking for. I wanted something made to my measurements but also choosing details such as the liner and internal pockets. Being located in Canada as well helps with saving a bit on shipping and duties/tax.

Yes, please do and maybe make a thread about it too? the medium browns are cool, I think it's going to look better with time too as patina would show more compared to darker jackets. Some of the members here swear by the dark oil tan shinki they use as well and if I get a himel it will be in that leather.

 

[El Marro]

No better way to start than to go for the best. Welcome.

Not to start with a debate, but as you know, the top tier makers all have their pros and cons, no single best maker and Himel is certainly not in the same league as Freewheelers in terms of construction... or other brands for that matter

I don’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth here but I did not read Mandarin’s post as placing Himel above everyone else as the absolute best jacket maker. Rather, I saw it as an acknowledgment and congratulation for buying two jackets from one of the top tier makers.
FWIW I don’t think there is a single best in this game, fortunately for us there are many greats!

 

[handymike]

@powerserge have you had the opportunity to try on one of Dave’s jackets?
Nothing beats a hands-on intro to higher end jackets.

 

[Mandarin]

I don’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth here but I did not read Mandarin’s post as placing Himel above everyone else as the absolute best jacket maker. Rather, I saw it as an acknowledgment and congratulation for buying two jackets from one of the top tier makers.
FWIW I don’t think there is a single best in this game, fortunately for us there are many greats!

Thanks, that's exactly what I meant.

 

[red devil]

Welcome to the lounge man!
When confronted with the tough choice of choosing between two jackets you wanted you made the only logical decision and ordered both of them. I think you are going to do just fine around here.

Exactly my thoughts

The goal is hold on and stay on these two for as long as possible. But that said, I am well aware that the likelihood of that happening is slim.
I was aware of how great the Freewheelers jackets are made and are in class of their own. For me though, Himel ticks all the boxes that I was looking for. I wanted something made to my measurements but also choosing details such as the liner and internal pockets. Being located in Canada as well helps with saving a bit on shipping and duties/tax.

If there is only one piece of advice I can give you is not to be too quick to sell off your jackets. Many members s here regretted selling jackets... and I almost sold one of my most versatile ones - glad I didn't. This holds especially true that both jackets you ordered should be pretty versatile and become daily wearers.
You seem to have chosen Himel for his strong point which is the fit and that should a very good way for you to figure out the fit you like and avoid costly mistakes in the future. So, please don't think I was saying it is a bad choice
It will be fun to see where you go from here, some went full circle and ended up back to their initial style, others started wearing jackets they never thought would work for them. The only thing I can say with full conviction is that there is no grail but a multitude of them

 

[red devil]

I don’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth here but I did not read Mandarin’s post as placing Himel above everyone else as the absolute best jacket maker. Rather, I saw it as an acknowledgment and congratulation for buying two jackets from one of the top tier makers.
FWIW I don’t think there is a single best in this game, fortunately for us there are many greats!

Wasn't sure so needed to highlight it. It is important to be aware that there are quite a few makers with their strong points or style. We are lucky indeed to have such variety

 

[El Marro]

Wasn't sure so needed to highlight it. It is important to be aware that there are quite a few makers with their strong points or style. We are lucky indeed to have such variety

Quite right. I remember when I started reading the forum five years ago it seemed that there were more threads that derailed with people trying to prove that one maker was superior to another or perhaps even superior to all others...
That has never interested me and as we all know even the best makers make mistakes sometimes. I’m happy that we don’t see too many threads go down that path anymore and I think that is a testament to the good temperament of the lounge these days.

 

[red devil]

Quite right. I remember when I started reading the forum five years ago it seemed that there were more threads that derailed with people trying to prove that one maker was superior to another or perhaps even superior to all others...
That has never interested me and as we all know even the best makers make mistakes sometimes. I’m happy that we don’t see too many threads go down that path anymore and I think that is a testament to the good temperament of the lounge these days.

I think as a whole we are more experienced? And thanks to that, the forum is attracting some very interesting people who have or will have a lot share in the long run?

 

[Benny Holiday]

Well friends, Simon James Cathcart (SJC) has a sale on, and how could I resist this for 195 British pounds ($342 Aussie)?
Sz 38, pit to pit 20 inches, sleeves 24 inches - it should fit me perfectly. Snapped it up this morning. You'll see more of it when it arrives:

 

[red devil]

Well friends, Simon James Cathcart (SJC) has a sale on, and how could I resist this for 195 British pounds ($342 Aussie)?
Sz 38, pit to pit 20 inches, sleeves 24 inches - it should fit me perfectly. Snapped it up this morning. You'll see more of it when it arrives:
View attachment 293690
View attachment 293691

Can't wait!

 

[powerserge]

Yes, please do and maybe make a thread about it too? the medium browns are cool, I think it's going to look better with time too as patina would show more compared to darker jackets. Some of the members here swear by the dark oil tan shinki they use as well and if I get a himel it will be in that leather.

I will for sure make a thread about them! If everything works out and I keep them for a while, I'll try to post updates on the wear on both jackets. I think the lighter medium brown will patina a bit better as well, and will standout a bit more without being too out there. Are you referring to the dark brown oil tan? If so, then I also really liked that leather as well and was one that I heavily considered.

@powerserge have you had the opportunity to try on one of Dave’s jackets?
Nothing beats a hands-on intro to higher end jackets.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to try any of them on. First, because he's on the other side of the country and traveling isn't really an option. Second, I don't know anyone that has one so I wasn't able to see one and try it in person. Taking a leap of faith and trusting that the measurements work out. From what I've heard and read, that it usually ends up pretty successful.

Exactly my thoughts



If there is only one piece of advice I can give you is not to be too quick to sell off your jackets. Many members s here regretted selling jackets... and I almost sold one of my most versatile ones - glad I didn't. This holds especially true that both jackets you ordered should be pretty versatile and become daily wearers.
You seem to have chosen Himel for his strong point which is the fit and that should a very good way for you to figure out the fit you like and avoid costly mistakes in the future. So, please don't think I was saying it is a bad choice
It will be fun to see where you go from here, some went full circle and ended up back to their initial style, others started wearing jackets they never thought would work for them. The only thing I can say with full conviction is that there is no grail but a multitude of them

Thanks for the advice! That's exactly was looking for in a jacket, something that is easy to wear and versatile. I think fit has to be one of if not the most important thing with jacket and any kind of clothing. Definitely did not take your comments in a bad way at all. I am really excited for this journey and see where I ended in a year, 5 years, and 10 years down the road. Who knows maybe one day I'll come around and have a jacket with zipper, but not in the foreseeable future

 

[Jin431]

I will for sure make a thread about them! If everything works out and I keep them for a while, I'll try to post updates on the wear on both jackets. I think the lighter will patina a bit better as well, and will standout a bit more without being too out there. Are you referring to the dark brown oil tan? If so, then I also really liked that leather as well and was one that I heavily considered.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to try any of them on. First, because he's on the other side of the country and traveling isn't really an option. Second, I don't know anyone that has one so I wasn't able to see one and try it in person. Taking a leap of faith and trusting that the measurements work out. From what I've heard and read, that it usually ends up pretty successful.

Thanks for the advice! That's exactly was looking for in a jacket, something that is easy to wear and versatile. I think fit has to be one of if not the most important thing with jacket and any kind of clothing. Definitely did not take your comments in a bad way at all. I am really excited for this journey and see where I ended in a year, 5 years, and 10 years down the road. Who knows maybe one day I'll come around and have a jacket with zipper, but not in the foreseeable future

That's great to know! I'll keep a watch out for that, thank you. I'm sure you will get what you want out of it. It seems to me that ordering these 2 jackets were planned meticulously and was not made on a whim and you working with leather must give you a lot of insight. Yes, that medium brown will most likely turn darker (maybe?) and that will be awesome to see especially over time.

 

[Monitor]

First of the three crappy things I bought arrived but it's actually not crappy at all. Surprisingly high quality Chevignon leather vest cafe racer sorta thing. Heavy, tough leather, great hardware, fun color. This'll find its purpose.

 

[Jin431]

First of the three crappy things I bought arrived but it's actually not crappy at all. Surprisingly high quality Chevignon leather vest cafe racer sorta thing. Heavy, tough leather, great hardware, fun color. This'll find its purpose.

This looks like it will be very fun to wear and experiment outfits with. Great pick up

 

[Mrfrown]

Agreed! What a cool find!