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I normally would've posted this review under one of the existing Motorcycle Cross Zip Jacket threads but there isn't a whole lot going on here lately so I reckon a thread on a maker that is somewhat of a discovery (for me), might freshen things up a bit.
Mosquito cross-zip jacket review.
This jacket popped up on Grailed one morning and I clicked on BIN before even finishing reading the description - Thankfully so because the jacket was located in Ukraine and had I bothered to check on this before buying, I probably would've backed out, all things considered and all.
The jacket arrived a month later. Honestly, didn't think it would. Anyway. . .
REVIEW
Don't know about y'all but I never heard of this particular maker before & I can't say I'm surprised as I don't suppose a business with such an unfortunate name was destined for fame. Damn shame too because if this particular jacket reflects the kind of quality they were capable of, Mosquito was a damn fine maker.
Made in U.S.A, the jacket oozes premium quality; Material, construction, details & features, all put many other big-time names to shame. While being equal to Vanson in weight and construction, the (not so) subtle refinement easily outclass all but their most premium pieces.
The style itself is a straightforward Perfecto which leaves little to discuss but I must, however, note some of the features that stand out, such as leather lined pockets (!) & very thickly padded, full-on winter liner.
But the kind of refinement I'm talking about is immediately apparent even upon superficial examination. I'm not sure if you can tell from the photos but the leather panels are ridiculously perfectly matched throughout the jacket; For instance, the top panels on both sleeves are cut from the same, thick but moderately pliable, grainy, showy part of the hide; For the bottom, underside panels, a very stiff and thick (and shiny) leather was used, while the small panels that connect the underside part of the sleeve to the body of the jacket - The part that's under the wearers armpits - Is made from the thinnest, softest parts.
Makes perfect sense but this kind of attention to detail is something you don't very often see even on the priciest jackets out there, vintage or otherwise.
Generally speaking, the leather is very heavy & thick with little finish. It's got that natural feel & sheen to it as you can see (I hope). Don't get me wrong, this still primarily is a motorcycle jacket and it is made from the kind of hide that reflects that but as far as actual, functional riding jackets go, this has got to be one of the most beautiful that I've had.
Talon x IDEAL mix of hardware. RiRi main is a replacement & sure, while I would've preferred the original zipper was kept intact, I can't think of a better replacement for it. Fully metal encased pin is cool af.
So yeah. What I said in my earlier post about it; It has all the cool of a Schott Perfecto, lifted to a Vanson or Bates level of quality. That is one heck of a deal for a business called Mosquito.
FIT
Typical Perfecto fit; Short & cool. Sleeves are long enough, V-shaped, plenty of space in the body, etc.
The jacket is tagged a size 40 & it fits like a 42 which means it is too big for me but honestly, for this kinda piece, I couldn't care less. I can already tell this will be my primary winter jacket.
MISC
I'm not sure what else to say.I'll often buy a jacket knowing fully well that I'll sell it sometime in the future. Occasionally, a jacket will come along that checks every single box on my perfect jacket list, one that I know I'm going to keep forever & this is one such jacket.
On to the pics. Click on any to zoom in. They big.
Now I only gotta get rid of the Harley-Davidson patch from the shoulder. . .
Mosquito cross-zip jacket review.
This jacket popped up on Grailed one morning and I clicked on BIN before even finishing reading the description - Thankfully so because the jacket was located in Ukraine and had I bothered to check on this before buying, I probably would've backed out, all things considered and all.
The jacket arrived a month later. Honestly, didn't think it would. Anyway. . .
REVIEW
Don't know about y'all but I never heard of this particular maker before & I can't say I'm surprised as I don't suppose a business with such an unfortunate name was destined for fame. Damn shame too because if this particular jacket reflects the kind of quality they were capable of, Mosquito was a damn fine maker.
Made in U.S.A, the jacket oozes premium quality; Material, construction, details & features, all put many other big-time names to shame. While being equal to Vanson in weight and construction, the (not so) subtle refinement easily outclass all but their most premium pieces.
The style itself is a straightforward Perfecto which leaves little to discuss but I must, however, note some of the features that stand out, such as leather lined pockets (!) & very thickly padded, full-on winter liner.
But the kind of refinement I'm talking about is immediately apparent even upon superficial examination. I'm not sure if you can tell from the photos but the leather panels are ridiculously perfectly matched throughout the jacket; For instance, the top panels on both sleeves are cut from the same, thick but moderately pliable, grainy, showy part of the hide; For the bottom, underside panels, a very stiff and thick (and shiny) leather was used, while the small panels that connect the underside part of the sleeve to the body of the jacket - The part that's under the wearers armpits - Is made from the thinnest, softest parts.
Makes perfect sense but this kind of attention to detail is something you don't very often see even on the priciest jackets out there, vintage or otherwise.
Generally speaking, the leather is very heavy & thick with little finish. It's got that natural feel & sheen to it as you can see (I hope). Don't get me wrong, this still primarily is a motorcycle jacket and it is made from the kind of hide that reflects that but as far as actual, functional riding jackets go, this has got to be one of the most beautiful that I've had.
Talon x IDEAL mix of hardware. RiRi main is a replacement & sure, while I would've preferred the original zipper was kept intact, I can't think of a better replacement for it. Fully metal encased pin is cool af.
So yeah. What I said in my earlier post about it; It has all the cool of a Schott Perfecto, lifted to a Vanson or Bates level of quality. That is one heck of a deal for a business called Mosquito.
FIT
Typical Perfecto fit; Short & cool. Sleeves are long enough, V-shaped, plenty of space in the body, etc.
The jacket is tagged a size 40 & it fits like a 42 which means it is too big for me but honestly, for this kinda piece, I couldn't care less. I can already tell this will be my primary winter jacket.
MISC
I'm not sure what else to say.I'll often buy a jacket knowing fully well that I'll sell it sometime in the future. Occasionally, a jacket will come along that checks every single box on my perfect jacket list, one that I know I'm going to keep forever & this is one such jacket.
On to the pics. Click on any to zoom in. They big.
Now I only gotta get rid of the Harley-Davidson patch from the shoulder. . .
