The L1 - Horween Chromexcel #8

This L1 is crafted from full grain steer hide made by the Horween Leather Company in Chicago. If you’re looking for an absolutely special, drop-dead gorgeous leather for your L1, you have found your style. Horween's Chromexcel is famous and Color #8 even more so. We've used it in accessories and they're beautiful. We've used it in our sneakers and they became the stand-out color in the line. We were a bit skeptical about how it would turn out in jacket form, but when we got the sample back it was just so unusual and rich. We can safely say, in jacket form this color is a jaw-dropper. Like Horween’s Dublin line, Chromexcel has tremendous base shade and pull up. The difference with #8 is in its dark burgundy color. Its deep base results in a much more subtle beauty. You still get color variation as the jacket bends and creases, but it's more fluid and muted than in lighter CXL colors. Instead, you see wonderful gradations from deep brown-reds to slightly lighter reds. Even differences in light bring out new beautiful shades. This jacket reflects each movement you make and the patina that develops over time is masterful. You can instantly sense the huge reward in store as this jacket ages over the years. This leather is downright burly. We think of these Horween L1’s like a great pair of heavy raw denim. It’s a process. Difficult and stiff at first, but the way they begin to mold to your body, the creases they form on the arms and the way they absorb all the little details of your daily life are just pure beauty.

To us, a great leather jacket must be nicely tailored and perfectly constructed. Our L1 is designed to hit a few inches below the waist. There is an ample amount of taper from chest to waist to and the arms a slender, making the overall silhouette clean and fitted. A perfectly sized, classic collar sets off the neckline. One of the most beautiful construction elements is the single piece back. This large, seamless panel of leather creates a perfectly clean surface, looks amazing on the body, and highlights the luscious leathers we use. A single chest pocket and two hand pockets are finished with a classic welt construction. We gave ample thought to getting the size just right so that they add to the jacket’s spare look while being highly functional. The cuffs are secured with custom Corozo buttons. You can leave them open for a more casual look or secure them to help fit the cuff to your wrists. An inside chest pocket is trimmed with leather and large enough to accommodate large smartphones. The body and arms are lined with a jet black herringbone cloth that lends a subtle texture to the interior of the jacket.

Leather jackets like ours that are made in the USA using our quality of material and construction are typically priced at $1000 or higher. The efficiency of the Gustin model, with your support, lets us do much better.