Vanson Model J vs Custom Johnson Leather

[ComradeElephant1917]

Hey yall!

Hope y'all are doing well! I posted on here a while ago about getting a custom leather jacket made. At the time, my budget was tight, and I ultimately decided against it. Recent events have made it a lot more feasible, and I've since looked back into it. I’ve narrowed down my options to:

1: Vanson Model J in their 3 oz brandy Roma cowhide

2: custom safari jacket in goatskin from Johnson Leathers (should also be 3 oz)

I was curious if any of you had any opinions on how these two leathers might compare, and which, if any, would have a significant advantage in terms of durability and structural longevity (not necessarily aesthetic longevity, though - I’ll accept whatever patina or aging should come). I don't intend to do much of any motorcycling with either, but I could see it potentially doing some fieldwork here in Ithaca.

Furthermore, do any of you (especially larger individuals like myself) have experience with the Model J? I'm mainly interested in getting it as a domestic alternative to the Aero Hudson/Northeaster.

Thanks!

 

[AeroFan_07]

I had to look up a model J - didn't recall this design.
https://www.vansonleathers.com/casu...ther-car-coat-and-motorcycle-jacket-REM2.html

These are not for me. It's an interesting jacket/coat but I find I do not wear longer half (or in this case, full belted) jackets all that well. Not a bad price out of Vanson, and honestly while I do appreciate Johnson Leathers overall, I would tend to do an off-the-rack jacket over most others these days.

I know the Aero Long Half belt is similar (of course without the full around belt).

do you have something like this currently? Can you see yourself wearing this quite a bit?

 

[ComradeElephant1917]

I had to look up a model J - didn't recall this design.
https://www.vansonleathers.com/casu...ther-car-coat-and-motorcycle-jacket-REM2.html

View attachment 736891

These are not for me. It's an interesting jacket/coat but I find I do not wear longer half (or in this case, full belted) jackets all that well. Not a bad price out of Vanson, and honestly while I do appreciate Johnson Leathers overall, I would tend to do an off-the-rack jacket over most others these days.

I know the Aero Long Half belt is similar (of course without the full around belt).

do you have something like this currently? Can you see yourself wearing this quite a bit?

I don't have any leather jackets besides a Wilson's jacket my mom got me a few years ago before I graduated. But I do have longer cloth jackets with a belted design that I can't wear enough it seems. I'm a big guy, so I find the longer cut to be fitting, and I just like belted designs honestly.

I've been in contact with Carrie at Thurston Bros, and for a custom Vanson in this model, she gave me a similar quote to what Johnson gave me to clone one of my jackets. I'll have to reach out to Johnson to verify if that's up to date tomorrow.

 

[ComradeElephant1917]

Also, how do Johnson and Vanson compare in general?

 

[tamoko]

I have one. Very comfortable, leather thick but smooth in comparison to Aero. Get small for me, I wear 42 but 44/46 this days. So thinking to sale will be keeping if size doesn't changed. Very cool looking jacket.

 

[jchance]

I don't have any leather jackets besides a Wilson's jacket my mom got me a few years ago before I graduated. But I do have longer cloth jackets with a belted design that I can't wear enough it seems. I'm a big guy, so I find the longer cut to be fitting, and I just like belted designs honestly.

I've been in contact with Carrie at Thurston Bros, and for a custom Vanson in this model, she gave me a similar quote to what Johnson gave me to clone one of my jackets. I'll have to reach out to Johnson to verify if that's up to date tomorrow.

Do you have to go custom? If you can, buy a used Vanson to experiment first. Go by your best fitting jacket’s measurements, resell if necessary. No guaranty that custom either with Carrie or JL would fit you well.

 

[photo2u]

The JL is much nicer in my view. I like Vansons and have some. I currently own a tan J model in mint shape because it does not get much use. For my car coat needs, I go LW or Pegasus. In my view, the J model is a little weird at the arm opening, and it is not very comfortable for my short suit body. It probably fits better on a 5'11 or taller person. I must say I have never seen a JL safari type, but I imagine JL makes a quality product from my 20+ years of owning several styles of their jackets. Some years ago, the man himself at JL built a tan dual sports motorcycle type of jacket, which I took in my many travels.