Need some input on custom Johnson Leathers order - which leather, style, and hardware?

[ProfG]

Hello all,

I already own a Del-66 (their name for a half-belt) from JL which I picked up off the shelf. I'm planning on getting a new Del-66, this time customized to my liking. I am flexible with leather, but want to avoid something boring. I am leaning towards black, since my last jacket is brown, but I could be swayed. I'm mulling a few questions in my mind, and would appreciate your input:

1. I am planning to skip the handwarmer pockets, since I never use them. The two options are 1) leave the front of the jacket untouched, except for a diagonal chest pocket, or ii) add a D-pocket, or something similar. Will a D-pocket look out of place on a half-belt style jacket?

2. I am leaning towards shiny brass or antique brass for the hardware. Any thoughts on brass vs silver, or shiny brass vs antique brass?

3. Any particular JL house leathers which stick out to you? Looking for something which can develop real character over time. I am a bit worried that a black leather will just look like every other black leather, so I would like something which pops a bit. One option is the Overdye CXL, though I'm not sure I want to shell out another $300 for horse. I am very open to a heavy goat or heavy steer...

4. Are there any downsides (other than reduced mobility) to a single-piece back?

5. I am thinking of making the collar bigger (I always wear mine popped). Is this a bad idea? Will it look ridiculous?

 

[jacketjunkie]

1) Both of your current options will look rather questionable; only chest pocket as well as d-pocket on a half-belt is weird in my books. If you dont use the pockets, maybe just have them put zippers on them so you can use them for storage.

2) I always went with antique brass, it is most subtle.

3) JLs house leather range changes from time to time so hard to say, ask them for samples.

4) No downsides.

5) You do you.


My overall impression by your post is you dont want a Del-66, but an entirely different jacket altogether. Maybe consult them about other styles they offer, I am sure there are others that are closer to your described desired features. Then go from there.

 

[ProfG]

1) Both of your current options will look rather questionable; only chest pocket as well as d-pocket on a half-belt is weird in my books. If you dont use the pockets, maybe just have them put zippers on them so you can use them for storage.

2) I always went with antique brass, it is most subtle.

3) JLs house leather range changes from time to time so hard to say, ask them for samples.

4) No downsides.

5) You do you.


My overall impression by your post is you dont want a Del-66, but an entirely different jacket altogether. Maybe consult them about other styles they offer, I am sure there are others that are closer to your described desired features. Then go from there.

Thanks for this response. I definitely prefer a half-belt to all of the other "standard" jackets (e.g., cafe racer, double rider, CHP jacket, trucker jacket, etc). I will do some more thinking. I'm especially intrigued that you think a half-belt without handwarmers won't look right. Curious if anyone else shares this opinion.

 

[red devil]

Why not go for a different colour? Burgundy is more versatile than either black or brown. Other colours work well too.

 

[timrpi]

I’ve seen half belts with patch-style pockets more than d-pockets. Maybe something to consider.

I’ve been considering a Del-66, so it’s nice to hear you want a 2nd one!

 

[ProfG]

Why not go for a different colour? Burgundy is more versatile than either black or brown. Other colours work well too.

Burgundy seems a bit "out there" - it is eye-catching in a way that black is not. I am open to Burgundy in the future, but I want to start off with a classic black jacket first.

 

[ProfG]

I’ve seen half belts with patch-style pockets more than d-pockets. Maybe something to consider.

I’ve been considering a Del-66, so it’s nice to hear you want a 2nd one!

The pattern is great! I think most half-belts from most makers should fit similarly.

 

[philli]

what has been their pricing as of recent for a custom jacket made in shinki horsehide?

 

[jacketjunkie]

what has been their pricing as of recent for a custom jacket made in shinki horsehide?

Depends on what kind of jacket you want, leather aside. At any rate, probably considerably more affordable than an off the rack piece from Japan.

 

[amonr4]

I would always prefer hand warmer pockets, especially concealed looking with the zipper. You may never use them, but it’s good to have them and gives classic aesthetic. D pocket is a specific style choice and wouldn’t look good on hot belt style jacket. my opinion if you use black or brown tea core leather, brass hardware looks better on them. Not shiny ones.

 

[TheDonEffect]

1) So you're going for a collared cafe look with no hand pockets, it'll definitely work but imo you would need to go really fitted and short front ala cafe racer look. D pocket would look odd imo, the offset center zip of a crosszip lends itself to the big d pocket aesthetic.

2) I used to like antique, but now I go shiny, gotta earn the patina, although I do go with silver, so my opinion on this matter is tainted. I had shiny brass on one of mine and realized I'm not a brass guy (all my accessories are steel, silver, white gold, etc).

3) This is a decision you will need to make on your own. Their house horse hides are great, like the phantom, and of course you can't go wrong with CXL or Shinki. Phantom and Shinki will essentially be good to go, CXL will require commitment to break in.

4) Mobility, more strain on seams I suppose, most people don't have that issue, I do so I always get something.

5) Up to you.