Hello, been lurking for a little while and decided to post now that I'm planning on getting a nice leather jacket. This won't be my first leather jacket as I've owned 3 wilson's leather jackets of questionable quality but they've been invaluable in determining my fit and measurements needed.
So for my first decent leather jacket I've decided on a field jacket. One of my Wilson jackets is a field jacket of sorts and while I like the design it's pretty shoddy in terms of quality. After looking through various makers (and not finding many who even do field jackets) I've decided to give Johnson leathers a try as they've got a good selection of leathers and options. Specifically, they have an option for a removable liner as the proper M65s have, but many leathers do not. Unfortunately, they don't have many options for liners on hand. Right now they only have some thinsulate and a plaid wool, so I'm looking to provide the liner myself. Does anyone have any recommendations for any good places to get wool or alpaca fabric that would be appropriate for a liner? The first one that comes to mind is Pendleton woolen mills, they have a 24oz melton wool. Would that be too heavy for a liner? I know Filson's at least has 24oz mackinaw wool liner. Secondly, should the arms be lined in wool or thinsulate to make it easier to slip on and off? From other posts it looks like many line their jackets in something less likely to snag. Lastly, what leather would be a good option for this kind of jacket? Right now I'm heavily leaning towards a goat but they've also got some 2.75-3oz horween horse as well.
So for my first decent leather jacket I've decided on a field jacket. One of my Wilson jackets is a field jacket of sorts and while I like the design it's pretty shoddy in terms of quality. After looking through various makers (and not finding many who even do field jackets) I've decided to give Johnson leathers a try as they've got a good selection of leathers and options. Specifically, they have an option for a removable liner as the proper M65s have, but many leathers do not. Unfortunately, they don't have many options for liners on hand. Right now they only have some thinsulate and a plaid wool, so I'm looking to provide the liner myself. Does anyone have any recommendations for any good places to get wool or alpaca fabric that would be appropriate for a liner? The first one that comes to mind is Pendleton woolen mills, they have a 24oz melton wool. Would that be too heavy for a liner? I know Filson's at least has 24oz mackinaw wool liner. Secondly, should the arms be lined in wool or thinsulate to make it easier to slip on and off? From other posts it looks like many line their jackets in something less likely to snag. Lastly, what leather would be a good option for this kind of jacket? Right now I'm heavily leaning towards a goat but they've also got some 2.75-3oz horween horse as well.