Langlitz USA versus Langlitz Japan

[Simantall]

Hi all -

I bought a Langlitz Columbia recently, but sold it on, as the medium cowhide leather at Langlitz USA has recently changed. It's less dense, more spongy and dry, and while I'm sure of high quality, it's just not to my liking.

I was wondering if Langlitz Japan might still have the leather I'm looking for. It's quite a bit more expensive, but I'm a geek for these jackets, so it might be worth the plunge. I have a few questions to put to the hive mind:

a) Does anyone has experience with ordering from Langlitz Japan?

b) Is anyone familiar with this traditional medium cowhide at langlitz and happens to now what it was called so I could ask if it's what Langlitz Japan still use? It seems they've used it for 20 years, but recently changed suppliers.

c) What about the langlitz heavyweight cowhide? Does anyone have any experience with getting a jacket made from this material? People tend you warn me off because of the weight.

c) Does anyone have a vintage langlitz columbia, padded or not, to sell in a size 38/40?!

Grateful for any info, I attach here a photo of the jacket in new leather that I didn't like so much.

Simon

 

[PGSD]

I could be wrong but, I didnt think Langlitz Japan actually made the jackets and they're all still made in Portland? The jackets made for Japan tend to be much more colorful (based on what the buyer wants) than the standard Langlitz jackets. If my assumption is correct, the leather is the same.

 

[Mrfrown]

Interesting discussion but you would probably be better served with it in the Outerwear forum rather than Classifieds. I petitioned the mods to move it.

I’m also curious as to people’s recent experiences w Langlitz, would love to get one of their vests

 

[El Marro]

I could be wrong but, I didnt think Langlitz Japan actually made the jackets and they're all still made in Portland? The jackets made for Japan tend to be much more colorful (based on what the buyer wants) than the standard Langlitz jackets. If my assumption is correct, the leather is the same.

This is absolutely right. Langlitz Japan is a satellite retailer, the jackets are all made in Portland by Langlitz. Unless you are in Japan I do not think you can order through Langlitz Japan.
Regarding the medium weight cowhide you may have answered your own question. If they changed suppliers then that is probably all you can get at this point in time, never hurts to ask though.
The heavyweight cowhide is no longer available although I do seem to remember hearing they had some left in brown. This would be another question for the folks at Langlitz.

 

[Corky Corcovado]

They offer a beautiful Horsehide for a considerable upcharge.

 

[jacketquest]

Have you seen some of the Japanese prices? They're astronomical, something like $3.5k to $4.5k+ for some jackets. I know some of these are special editions (vintage zips etc) but really? Hopefully I'm converting incorrectly. http://www.americaya.net/langlitzleathers.htm

I was in Portland last week and ordered two jackets for < $2k. Sadly the wait is now 10 months

 

[jacketjunkie]

There is no such thing as Langlitz Japan. It‘s just a retailer who has permission to use their name. The leather on your jacket looks very much like the one on both my vintage Langlitz jackets so I‘m not sure I see those changes you mentioned. Maybe it can only be felt when handled, not seen?

 

[Psant25]

Have you seen some of the Japanese prices? They're astronomical, something like $3.5k to $4.5k+ for some jackets. I know some of these are special editions (vintage zips etc) but really? Hopefully I'm converting incorrectly. http://www.americaya.net/langlitzleathers.htm

I was in Portland last week and ordered two jackets for < $2k. Sadly the wait is now 10 months

I think I read somewhere there is high cost to import those jackets to Japan thus the huge mark up. Love my new Columbia i got last month and was about 1k. I would not pay 3500 for any jacket yeesh

 

[handymike]

Langlitz Japan posted this B.D. Biker Jacket in waxed cotton. I would take this over my Barbour International any day.