Response on another thread so context is lost but don’t remember seeing a thread on this so...
Not sure there are really boundaries on a mall jacket. They just have a certain look. Typically, mass production is obvious with cut leather edges on details(straps, pulls, etc.), “antiqued” rivets and zips, and synthetic thread and zipper tapes all hinting to a later construction. Overall construction and material quality is lower. On a rack they all look identical except for size and they follow trends and will unlikely be available the next year or two. One thing that seams consistent is, as Ken eluded to, an older design modified with additional pockets or flaps and/or most often a looser, even baggy or tapered fit and often an inner elastic waist band. Other obvious “textbook” giveaways would be additions such as repro patches, faux aging and wear, “painting”, or a printed liner that point to history rather than having actually survived any history. Vintage jackets often had interesting features such as straps, belts, angled entry pockets, pistol pockets, or pen pockets. These were born of necessity(as in paratrooper jackets and smocks). Add too many in one design and it screams “trendy”. This still happens when we adorn our quality repros with every patch, paint job, period good luck charm. Too many and it screams trying too hard. No offense intended.
IMO, this jacket has many of the former features. Often great for daily wear but always miss in the class dept due to the sharp departure from classic designs.
I have a black leather barn jacket style that looks good at weddings, concerts, and with dress shoes and a tie but is definitely a newer style. The true classic jackets often look too casual at such events as most are associated with a functional, working class style.
JMO,
Dave
Not sure there are really boundaries on a mall jacket. They just have a certain look. Typically, mass production is obvious with cut leather edges on details(straps, pulls, etc.), “antiqued” rivets and zips, and synthetic thread and zipper tapes all hinting to a later construction. Overall construction and material quality is lower. On a rack they all look identical except for size and they follow trends and will unlikely be available the next year or two. One thing that seams consistent is, as Ken eluded to, an older design modified with additional pockets or flaps and/or most often a looser, even baggy or tapered fit and often an inner elastic waist band. Other obvious “textbook” giveaways would be additions such as repro patches, faux aging and wear, “painting”, or a printed liner that point to history rather than having actually survived any history. Vintage jackets often had interesting features such as straps, belts, angled entry pockets, pistol pockets, or pen pockets. These were born of necessity(as in paratrooper jackets and smocks). Add too many in one design and it screams “trendy”. This still happens when we adorn our quality repros with every patch, paint job, period good luck charm. Too many and it screams trying too hard. No offense intended.
IMO, this jacket has many of the former features. Often great for daily wear but always miss in the class dept due to the sharp departure from classic designs.
I have a black leather barn jacket style that looks good at weddings, concerts, and with dress shoes and a tie but is definitely a newer style. The true classic jackets often look too casual at such events as most are associated with a functional, working class style.
JMO,
Dave
