Johnson Leathers, San Francisco - New Leather Jacket

@Mr. Moo Great jacket. Can I ask the gauche question of how much it cost?

Well under $1,000.

Is there a base jacket that you modified? If so - what is it called? I'd love to get one of those for my brother.

Got a chance to visit the shop last week and was very impressed. Alan had a good selection of swatches and off the rack jackets. The pictures on his site make his jackets look like blimps, but he found me a size that was snug fitting and looked trim. I still do want an Aero jacket as I had originally planned, but after trying both Johnson's lighter and heavier leathers I'm looking to get a lighter and softer jacket from them for now. The Aero can wait until I get a chance to visit Thurston's in person, assuming I don't become so enamored with the lighter jacket that I don't want anything else. For now I just have to decide on the color and lining...



bokhan said:

Is there a base jacket that you modified? If so - what is it called? I'd love to get one of those for my brother.

Click to expand...

This is loosely based on an M-200.

Mr. Moo said:

Well under $1,000.

Click to expand...

Wow that's really amazing



Mr. Moo said:

This is loosely based on an M-200.

Click to expand...

is there a t-1000?



LeMaitreChat said:

Wow that's really amazing

Click to expand...

I agree. The pricing of his jackets is really quite spectacular.

Mr.Moo do you mind posting a picture of the back of the jacket? Thanks.

Mine is on order.

I have to say, I was really shocked to see the difference between the website pics and the jackets in person. All the sample pics on the site make the jackets look bloated and formless, but in person the cuts are quite nice. We found that the size 38 fit just about perfectly and had no need for alterations to the dimensions (although I am changing some details of the zippers and pockets).

Let us know how you like it

@Tsujigiri, you ever get your jacket?

Looks like I forgot to update. Yes, I did get my jacket! I based it off the N-200 model in 2oz black naked calf with a black cotton lining. By default he lines the inside with cotton around the body but nylon in the sleeves (so you can pull your arms through the sleeves and not have them catch), but I opted for cotton on the whole thing. I haven't found it difficult to deal with the sleeves in cotton lining. I was going to get it fitted, but when I tried on a size 38 in the store Alan said that the fit was "spot-on," and he wouldn't really change anything about it. It felt fine to me, so I saw no reason to argue with the master. He told me about his stockpile of vintage Talon zippers, which he said were in high demand from Japanese customers who wanted American-made everything on their jackets. Most of his stockpile is brass colored, but he had a few silver zippers on hand that I preferred. I got symmetrical breast pockets added on the inside and outside, plus handwarmer pockets, all closed with Talon zippers. The sleeve zippers and front zipper are also Talon.

I've now had the jacket for a few months and am still very happy with it. It feels like it will last a long time and I love the personalized and unique nature Johnson Leathers' jackets. I'm also glad that I was able to try out his selection of jackets in store. Initially I had wanted an Aero double rider in horsehide, but after trying on some similar jackets Alan had in the store, I decided that horsehide would be too stiff for my uses, and the cafe racer style would likely be more versatile for me. Johnson Leathers is priced competitively compared to Aero and other brands, and after seeing where and how they're made I don't feel that he gives up anything in terms of quality. Maybe someday I will add the Aero I had thought of originally to compliment the Johnson, but for now my modified N-200 has quenched further interest in leather jackets.

Looks great! Thanks for the update and enjoy your jacket.

Baron said:

The hidden collar pocket is an interesting detail. It was common in East West Musical Instruments jackets, which was a San Francisco made brand in the early 70's that catered to the local rock & roll scene and which is very collectible today. I wonder if he's familiar with those? I suppose he is.

Click to expand...

Yea, he's familiar with them. In an email, Alan said he had one of their jackets back in the late 60's. I happen to be working on a jacket with him based on the East West Barnstormer jacket. Since he's doing a new pattern for it, not sure if he'll include all the little details like that hidden pocket, but would be nice to see once I get the canvas version for a fitting.