If you could keep only 3 leather jackets...

[So33]

Tough question for me.
My choices today would be fitted Langlitz Timberline and Cascade.
Third is harder. Today I’d say my early edition Vanson Highwayman tomorrow maybe something different.
I pick these jackets from a Harley riders focus.

 

[Poltung]

Unfortunately I haven't found a civi-styled jacket to crack the top three, so all of mine would be reproduction military flight jackets. No reasons for selecting each jacket other than their fit/ esthetics, wearability/ comfort, and accuracy when compared to originals. Someday I'll order a Hercules repro from John Chapman that would take the place of the Rough Wear A-2 in my top 3.

#1. Good Wear Bronco Mfg Corp 1761 A-2 in Horween horsehide

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#2. Eastman Leather Clothing D-1 mechanics jacket

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#3. Good Wear Rough Wear 18091 A-2 in Pakistani goatskin

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Welp, gotta get my hands on some Eastman and Goodwear now.

 

[Poltung]

I have a one-off custom GoodWear Admiral Byrd and it's my #1.
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Man that's amazing, reminds me of Mushmans' "indiana jones" jacket in badalassi steerhide

 

[Zoro]

Curious how people here choose between a halfbelt and a cross-zip when only one can stay.

Not everybody does. It's all a preference. There's so many different styles some may never consider one of them to begin with. Several users already posted their top 3 without a halfbelt and/or crosszip.

 

[bobjones]

Unfortunately I haven't found a civi-styled jacket to crack the top three, so all of mine would be reproduction military flight jackets. No reasons for selecting each jacket other than their fit/ esthetics, wearability/ comfort, and accuracy when compared to originals. Someday I'll order a Hercules repro from John Chapman that would take the place of the Rough Wear A-2 in my top 3.

#1. Good Wear Bronco Mfg Corp 1761 A-2 in Horween horsehide

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#2. Eastman Leather Clothing D-1 mechanics jacket

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#3. Good Wear Rough Wear 18091 A-2 in Pakistani goatskin

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Not a huge fan of vintage military jackets but your #1 and #2 are quite superb. They also fit you rather perfectly.

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Not a huge fan of vintage military jackets but your #1 and #2 are quite superb. They also fit you rather perfectly.

Thanks for the kind words Bob. The Rough Wear looks pretty good too, it's just not the most flattering pic of it that I posted. Rough Wears are cut more relaxed with wide shoulders and chest and baggy sleeves, while the Bronco is more athletic looking cut.

 

[bobjones]

Thanks for the kind words Bob. The Rough Wear looks pretty good too, it's just not the most flattering pic of it that I posted. Rough Wears are cut more relaxed with wide shoulders and chest and baggy sleeves, while the Bronco is more athletic looking cut.

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Gorgeous piece, damn....to be young and slim again. That's the problem when you get old and fat like me; you see how other people (young, in good shape) look wearing a jacket and you think that is how it will look on you.

Sadly, it doesn't, as I tried on some jackets recently in the store that the staff was wearing, who are all in their 20s like you, in great shape, and then I put it on and look in the mirror - and well....

That jacket, color and hide look incredible. I knew of Eastman / Goodwear 2-3 decades ago when I was getting my Aeros, and back then they were a very well respected manufacturer. The patina on the jacket is incomparable.

Anyone seeking an A2 / G1-style jacket should strongly consider them.