Recent content by Talisker

It seems to be commonly accepted that WW2 leather was vegetable tanned, but I'm not so sure. Chrome tanning is a much quicker process for a start and they had to mass produce jackets in high numbers. If you look at the unfinished side of the leather on originals, it more often than not seems to...

I've no argument with you about Persol, they're my favourites as well. I spent all last summer trying to buy a decent pair of Ray-bans and what I found is they've standardised the fit to accommodate a fashion orientated ethos. That means that the temple lengths are now designed to be uni-sex...

http://www.randolphusa.com/ Since Ray-ban were bought out by Luxottica the quality and range of sizes has gone out of the window. Randolphs are brilliant if you're looking for a traditional no-frills aviator. The Concorde is the one to look for if you're after the traditional teardrop shape.

Yes. They're not the best photos, the hide looks better in real life. Plenty of contrasting smooth and grainy areas.

I'm not a 'fan' of any particular maker, but in the interests of balance:

My ELC B10 is a 44 and a bit large for me these days. I recently tried on the Buzz Rough Wear in a 42 and found it just that bit too tight under the arms even with a t-shirt. It was also quite a bit shorter than the Eastman.

I tried a couple on a week or so ago in American Classics in London. I think their stock is at least a year old though because I looked at them last winter.

The Eastman B10 is easily my favourite winter jacket. I've tried the Buzz version on a couple of times and while it feels a little more robust and I like the darker mouton, the alpaca liner is a bit on the itchy side and overall nowhere near as comfortable. I've never been sure which lining is...

They had a pre-order page up for a while, but the site was updated with stock about a week ago. It's possible they haven't had all their sizes in yet. They've had some of the other winter range already, guess I'll have to keep an optimistic eye out.

I usually get them from Rakuten/Hinoya. I haven't found any other sites that have them in stock. Looking at the measurements I'd probably need a 44 to be safe and allow for a bit of layering. The biggest size I've found is 40.

Sounds like I'm alone in liking the Pea Coat. I wanted to buy one at the Japanese price, which worked out at about £250 but they seem to be sold out in the larger sizes. HPA's mark-up in this case is prohibitive, to say I'm gutted is an understatment :cry:

I have pairs of the 33's and the 37's from LVC Japan and they seem a bit more accurate than the European versions. The denim is a much darker shade of indigo and isn't singed, the leather patches and cinches are better, they also seem to have a slightly higher rise. The only thing that lets them...

I'd go for as near to my actual waist size as possible. In my experience the LVC's are all oversized to varying degrees and even if they're a bit tight too start with they soon stretch out. Here's a picture of John Wayne in 33's, and the guy on left is wearing 37's: It always confuses me why...

:D My theory is that at the time Levi's were advertised as waist overalls so probably worn over another pair of trousers.