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<<< Incoming from Himel Bros >>>

J Leather Investigater

One Too Many
Messages
1,661
Location
Wilmington n.c.
Good day all. I just thought I’d share my very first “good” leather jacket with you all.

Admittedly I’m very green when it comes to this but when I started doing research, I somehow landed here on this forum. Thanks to everyone who contributes. The information I have learned here was invaluable to helping me decide where to buy.

I’m not going to pretend to know what things to look for in a good jacket, but from what I gathered here, there are a few top tier jacket makers and luckily one of them happens to be right here in my backyard (so to speak). I decided on Himel Bros. It was a huge bonus to be able to get measured in person and I also think it’s nice to support a local crafts person like David.

I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with David. He measured me up, and 4 weeks later I have my jacket! I met him just yesterday to pick it up and got a chance to see some of his collection as well ... very cool.

Anyway onto the jacket:

Imperial: shinki HH, black oil tanned, mitchel Camo lining.
bespoke 44 (David altered it through the body and chest to what he called a 43. Alot went into this as he measured, and “gathered” at the material on a stock 44 to simulate his alterations. I was amazed at how proficient he was (I guess it should come as no surprise).
We added about an inch to the body
Added 3/4” to the sleeves
Old stock half belt buckles and buttons
Two inside pockets with snaps.
I’m 6’2” 180 lbs fwiw.

I absolutely love the finished result. The hide he uses is just sublime. It’s very tough to describe as it’s smooth with a slight grain. I’m sure you more experienced folks know what I’m referring to. I also love the color of this jacket. Sometimes depending on light conditions it almost looks more like a deep deep brown. It’s everything I had hoped for. The fit is spot on in my opinion. The arm holes are perhaps a tad high for my liking but then again I’ve never worn a “fitted” leather jacket, so I’m sure I’ll get used to it.

The highlight of the whole experience (beyond the jacket) was getting to know David a bit. We literally spent several hours chatting about everything from his vintage clothing business and transition into bespoke jackets, along with a whole lots of topics not View attachment 256527 View attachment 256528 View attachment 256529 View attachment 256530 View attachment 256531 clothing related ... it was just a great day overall. I highly recommend him and his work to anyone looking for “one good thing”.

Here’s a few pics, I hope they turn out ok.

Cheers, Brian
Cool jacket, awsome story
 

Robbie79

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,163
First jacket = grail /exit jacket! You have to stop your mission here at TFL since otherwise you will be infected by TFL-effect like many of us. ;) But before stopping you need a brown one! :D Beautiful jacket, perfect fit and congrats!
 

Brandrea33

One Too Many
Messages
1,087
That jacket is awesome. Hanging with Dave is a lot of fun as well.
Truly epic!..beautiful jacket, great fit, great maker, and a great tale..

Checking waze now to see how far Toronto is from LI
Thanks guys, I really really appreciate the inspiration I found here on this forum.

He is a super interesting guy to hang out with for sure and his jacket collection (just a smidge of what I saw) is incredible!
 

Brandrea33

One Too Many
Messages
1,087
Looks great, fits perfect. Very nice style, ought to handle just about any situation life can throw at you. Now it's time to step up the shoe game. This jacket deserves it.

Of course your 100% right and I’m so embarrassed by my shoes. I have severe Morton’s Neuroma and unfortunately I can only wear orthopedic shoes....

I’ve literally burnt through thousands of dollars trying to find comfort. The only things that work are Birks and these old Keens ...

I literally went for a stroll yesterday in my Birks with this jacket on. I defiantly felt a bit self conscious :rolleyes:
 

Brandrea33

One Too Many
Messages
1,087
First jacket = grail /exit jacket! You have to stop your mission here at TFL since otherwise you will be infected by TFL-effect like many of us. ;) But before stopping you need a brown one! :D Beautiful jacket, perfect fit and congrats!

Thanks Robbie, really appreciate that. The whole “one and done” thing was my initial thought, but now that I’m wearing this, I can see how easily addicted one could get ...:)
 

Imuricecreamman

One Too Many
Messages
1,593
Of course your 100% right and I’m so embarrassed by my shoes. I have severe Morton’s Neuroma and unfortunately I can only wear orthopedic shoes....

I’ve literally burnt through thousands of dollars trying to find comfort. The only things that work are Birks and these old Keens ...

I literally went for a stroll yesterday in my Birks with this jacket on. I defiantly felt a bit self conscious :rolleyes:
With this jacket, a lot less people will look at your shoes :D:D
 

Peacoat

*
Bartender
Messages
6,445
Location
South of Nashville
Sorry for How the I posted the pictures in mid sentence ... Maybe a mod could adjust for me. Thank you in advance.
Done.

So you will know in the future, a member has a certain period of time to edit his own posts. After that it is locked, and only a bartender may edit. When images are in the post, and the images split the text, as in your situation, the edit can be a bit tricky if one isn't careful. If you want some help in editing a message, send me a PM, and I will be happy to help you out.

BTW, a very nice jacket. PC
 

Brandrea33

One Too Many
Messages
1,087
Done.

So you will know in the future, a member has a certain period of time to edit his own posts. After that it is locked, and only a bartender may edit. When images are in the post, and the images split the text, as in your situation, the edit can be a bit tricky if one isn't careful. If you want some help in editing a message, send me a PM, and I will be happy to help you out.

BTW, a very nice jacket. PC

Good information to have and thank you so much for sorting me out here! Thanks for the kind words regarding the jacket too:)
 

Brandrea33

One Too Many
Messages
1,087
That lining is sublime. What a cool experience for you.

Thank you Nick, it really was great to meet the man. I really like the lining too. Wasn’t sure at first but it sort of has a bit of Canadiana going on which I think suits it.
 

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