The Type II jacket from the 1950s is a classic in men's fashion that every denim lover should have in their wardrobe. But how about taking it a step further with a horsehide version? That's what our friends at Flat Head thought. The challenge was significant; Shinki Hikaku's stiff leather is difficult to sew, let alone attach buttons and rivets. Yet, they have done it again. The result is incredible. This is one of the best leather jackets in the world for many reasons:

The leather:

The Flat Head Rider's Jacket is well known for using one of the best and most beautiful leathers we can find today. It is a 1.3mm vegetable-tanned horsehide Teacore from Shinki Hikaku, specially made for the brand. It is incredibly thick. Because The Flat Head gets access to Shinki leather before international brands, they can secure the thicker stuff and make the best jacket from it.

Shinki Hikaku is a family-run tannery from Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, with a longstanding history. They were established in 1951 and are the only tannery to specialize in horse leather worldwide. They produce extremely unique signature leathers.

This leather is called "Teacore". It is a horsehide leather that's brown underneath its surface. It is vegetable dyed with mimosa bark for tannins. Mimosa produces a lovely pinkish-brown under colour that stains the leather by absorbing the tannins. That pinkish-brown under shade is the colour of the leather before a finish is added. It's called "Teacore" because it's the colour of good strong tea.

The pigment and semi-aniline finish showcase the beautiful texture of the horsehide with an incredible matte black appearance. As this jacket is broken in, the underlying color is revealed, creating an aesthetically pleasing patchwork of patina and wear.

This tanning processes involve drying and ageing stages that take up to a year. Learn more about Shinki Hikaku tannery here.

Construction:

Crafted by Flat Head in their house leather workshop, "Stockburg," in Nagano, is renowned for their expertise in creating Flat Head wallets. This leather jacket incorporates the refined sewing techniques honed through the production of small leather goods.

This jacket is lined with their signature lightweight kersey rayon, made up of bamboo fibre. It is soft, smooth, and has a silky feel. It is also durable and has a high degree of absorbency and breathability for warmer days.

The brown stitching not only showcases the aging process but also complements the atmosphere of the "茶芯" (Teacore). This meticulous sewing work, performed without any room for error, reflects the high sewing craftsmanship cultivated through Flat Head Stockburg workshop in Nagano.

This is also one of the most durable leather jackets money can buy due to its construction details, such as 'Leather Piping Construction' in the back yoke that adds unbeatable strength. The iron buttons and copper rivets also age over time, enhancing their character along with the leather jacket.

Fit

The cut is that of a classic Type II jacket from the 1950s. It features broad shoulders, a bit slim chest, relaxed waist and a short length. We suggest selecting your regular size for the ideal slim fit. Nonetheless, individual body shapes may differ, hence, we recommend referring to our size chart to ensure a perfect fit.

The Flat Head is one of the benchmark Japanese repro Americana-style brands. Its founder, Mayashi Kobayashi, is known in the scene for being a die-hard fanatic of 1950s American style. Inspired by the music, motorbikes, cars, architecture of the era, and with a clear rockabilly influence, Kobayashi created in 1996 a truly authentic brand that today has some firm devotees. It stands out for the extreme quality of each one of its pieces. The brand is always very much aware of a curious philosophy that believes that a product is fully finished only after the customer has worn and moulded it to themselves.

Dear valued customers in the United States, please remember that all orders over USD 800 are subject to customs duties.

Visit our LOOKBOOK and discover a great selection of heritage street-style outfits

• 1.3mm thick black horsehide Teacore leather from Shiki Hikaku specially made for The Flat Head
• Leather made by the famous Shinki Hikaku tannery in Japan
• Semi-aniline finish
• Teacore (The leather is brown underneath its surface, and when this jacket is broken in, the under colour is revealed, creating an eye-pleasing patchwork of patina and wear)
• Type II
• Japanese lightweight kersey rayon lining
• Two pockets
• Slim fit (but not as slim as FH rider's jacket)
• Branded iron buttons
• Copper rivets
• Hidden internal chest pocket
• Heavy canvas inner pocket bag
• Adjustable waistbands
• It comes in a special branded box
• Made in Japan by Japanese leather artisans

Spain

FREE SHIPPING on orders over 100 EUR .

6 EUR shipping cost on orders under the value mentioned above.

European Union & The UK

FREE SHIPPING on orders over 150 EUR \\.

14 EUR shipping cost on orders under the value mentioned above.

Rest of the World

FREE SHIPPING on orders over 250 EUR .

25 EUR shipping cost on orders under the value mentioned above.

If for some reason you are not happy with your purchase you can return it to us within 14 days for a free size exchange or refund.

For more info please visit our returns or size exchange pages.

Please note that items in the SALE category are considered FINAL SALE, with no returns or exchanges accepted.