So if I bought another jacket...

[blueoakleyz]

Actually my next jacket will be Todd's but if I bought another higher end jacket say at the end of the year..

I was thinking cowhide for something that's more warm and a vintage finish to look lighter and worn in. I saw a leather jacket with a vintage look to it today and loved it.

That would be in contrast to my goatskin dark brown.. and from what I understand that will look new/classy for a long time right? It is also cooler (temperature)

[Castor Dioscuri]

If you want something that will "dressy" for a long time, might I suggest horsehide? Wested's horsehides are a pretty good option, and a steal with the current exchange rate. My own Wested horsehide jacket has lasted me two years now, and looks almost the same as it did two years ago!

If you want something that has that vintage look though, right now you'd be spoiled for choice...

[Chewbacca Jones]

Wait, are you asking if the vintage will look dressy a long time, or the goat. Because most vintage finished will distress even more, and very quickly. Goat is resilient, and takes quite a bit to age them.

In terms of warmth, lining and the thickness of the hide will play a role. However, in 95% of the cases cowhide will be warmer than goathide. goat is considered a light weight, "3-season" leather. If you have a goatskin with cotton lining, and you want warmer, be sure to get a cowhide with cotton lining as well. Otherwise, you might not feel the difference. But if your goat jacket is lined with a satin like material, pretty much any cowhide jacket will be warmer.

I seem to recall you liked US Wings' A-2. They have a couple of nice vintage cowhide offerings (both Indy and non-Indy) that won't break the bank, but the color is very light, and they do not have a cotton lining.

[Raider S]

I seem to recall you liked US Wings' A-2. They have a couple of nice vintage cowhide offerings (both Indy and non-Indy) that won't break the bank, but the color is very light, and they do not have a cotton lining.

My vintage Indy cowhide has the all-cotton lining and is as dark if not darker as the LE they offer(ed). It was made in NY and came with Schott tags. So I think you should check the website for the correct info on these.

[Chewbacca Jones]

Hmmm... that's interesting. I have two totally different US Wings jackets, and neither has a cotton lining. I check the website, and I don't see a lining typre specified for either vintage hide Indy jacket. So, I'll go a step further than Raider S and say call them and ask them. It's possible that the linings vary.

Also, the website says the limited edition is darker than the regular one, but real-world accounts now seem to contradict that. Perhaps you could request they try to find a darker or lighter jacket if that's important to you. Frankly, I like the light color, and I know I could darken it easily with some pecards.

This is not unusual with Wings. They make quality stuff, but often it is best to do your research and then call them directly.

[blueoakleyz]

Wait, are you asking if the vintage will look dressy a long time, or the goat. Because most vintage finished will distress even more, and very quickly. Goat is resilient, and takes quite a bit to age them.

In terms of warmth, lining and the thickness of the hide will play a role. However, in 95% of the cases cowhide will be warmer than goathide. goat is considered a light weight, "3-season" leather. If you have a goatskin with cotton lining, and you want warmer, be sure to get a cowhide with cotton lining as well. Otherwise, you might not feel the difference. But if your goat jacket is lined with a satin like material, pretty much any cowhide jacket will be warmer.

I seem to recall you liked US Wings' A-2. They have a couple of nice vintage cowhide offerings (both Indy and non-Indy) that won't break the bank, but the color is very light, and they do not have a cotton lining.

I was asking if goat skin would look new/dressy for a long time. My goatskin has a nylon liner

[Holt]

yes they can!

look here, 60 year old goatskin jacket.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/ ... flat-1.jpg

[RCSignals]

nice jacket Holt. Looks like it wasn't worn much. tiny ToD pockets too

is it yours?

[Chewbacca Jones]

yes they can!

look here, 60 year old goatskin jacket.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g182/ ... flat-1.jpg

Great Googa-mooga!

(too bad my skin doesn't age that well)

[binkmeisterRick]

Chewie, you don't Pecard yourself regularly?

[Chewbacca Jones]

My health insurance won't cover Pecard's Age-Defying Ointment. Something about non-essential medicine.

[blueoakleyz]

What would you all pick as the classiest/dressiest jacket?

[CM]

Sure goat is strong - it happens to be my favourite. But I take issue with a few things. My goat jackets are way warmer than any cow I've owned, including bike jackets. partly this is because goat is often softer and moulds/hugs your shape better. The goat is also a different structure to cow - less hard - so it holds the warmth better. In my experience.

As to ageing jackets. I have seen 400 year old lace dresses that look new. How long a jacket lasts is really based on wear, use, storage and treatment. I have a 35 year old cow jacket that looks like new and a 4-5 year old wested goat that is looking sad and old (even though I have not distressed it. I can't explain that oen as both have not been worn all that much....

There are so many variables. Goat is ususally described as being the strongest leather. But there is of course an ongoing debate betweenthe HH brigade and thegoat for strength, etc.

Just my opinion - not written in blood or anything.

Cheers

[Browncoat]

Honestly as great as that 60 year old jacket looks that Holt posted. It looks rarely, perhaps even, never worn. It seems a shame to me that the original owner never enjoyed it.

Buy the coat you want and wear it. If you find something else, buy that and wear it too.

[Rundquist]

Hey blueoakleyz,

It sounds like you aren't completely sure what you're looking for. Your criteria is different in every post. Honestly, the best bang for your buck is Gibson & Barnes or US Wings. They both make well-made jackets at competitive prices. I’d give the edge to G&B myself, since they offer more sizes and are built a bit better (in my opinion). A Tony Nowak is about on par with G&B, quality-wise, and is customizable for close to double the price of a G&B or US Wings. I’ve heard that a Magnoli jacket is put together decently, but I couldn’t comment beyond that.

[Chewbacca Jones]

What would you all pick as the classiest/dressiest jacket?

I find that an easy question; Lambskin. Specifically, the VIP from US Wings. However, if you want it to look new for many many years of frequent wear, then you want a quality goatskin (no washing, no distressing, no vintage look).

It can be hard to choose with so many beautiful choices. I know. But think of it this way. You already have a goatskin jacket. That spot is filled. So ask yourself (and update us); what niche do you most need or most want to fill? Every hide and finish has something to offer.

Or perhaps you might think about what jacket maker you want to try, and find out what that vendor does particularly well. G&B makes high-end, trim fit jackets that redefines "off-the-rack." Magnoli's (I know from experience) are among the best leather jackets you can buy, and are custom made. I think his cowhide beats most others, you could add a warmer lining, and he offers a more realistic distressing by hand. And that's just the beginning.

[blueoakleyz]

Yeah I think that's what I was figuring.. new and classy for a long time is filled so I want a vintage lighter look

[Chewbacca Jones]

Well then, I recommend this one; The US Wings limited edition Vintage Cowhide.


It looks a little lighter in person. It was very cloudy when that picture was taken. And that has no pecards used on it.