When it comes to leather clothing and accessories, I’m a bit of a purist. Black and shades of brown, ranging from tan to walnut, are preferable to other colors for pure versatility and eventual patina.
However, there is one notable exception to this personal rule: Horween’s Chromexcel #8. Whether it’s applied to top-of-the-line cordovan leather or reliable steer hide, the distinctive rich burgundy rivals black and brown in everything from boots to wallets.
Gustin clearly shares this sentiment because the California apparel brand produced its barebones, all-purpose L1 leather jacket in Horween’s signature color, and it’s the best American-made leather jacket I’ve seen for under $1,000.
Let’s start with the L1’s design, which displays Gustin’s typical riff on a mid-twentieth-century reference, executed with meticulous attention to detail. It is based on the simple zip-front, pointed collar jackets that were popular from the 1930s through the 1950s.
The jacket features era-faithful single-button tab cuffs, vented hand pockets and a single breast pocket. The zipper is solid brass and the cuff buttons are made from Corozo nuts, as they would have been 75 years ago.
