Himel Bros Leather Jacket

There are certain things it makes sense to bargain shop for, and others which you'd be best served by researching and spending good money. Footwear and outerwear are two things I've always believed it makes sense to get the good stuff. You can wear shoes and boots almost every day for years before having them resoled, and the experience of wearing them is far better than the cheap options.
Outerwear is another thing which you could potentially have for a lifetime. Have a look at your local thrift shop and you'll find plenty of tweed coats from the 1960s which show very little wear. The initial investment may be high, but the cost-per-wear ends up being much less than the lesser-quality counterpart. Plus most of us only have a couple jackets - get the best you can afford, and nowhere does this count more than leather jackets.
Dave Himel has an extensive background in vintage clothing, and owns an outstanding leather jacket collection. His knowledge and experience with cool and rare jackets is unparalleled in my opinion. Using new old stock items, vintage hardware, and rare machinery like the Reese 101 buttonhole machine, each jacket becomes an instant collectors item of curated materials. Cotton thread only found in either Germany, or a small Connecticut factory is used on all of his jackets which means a slower sewing process - about 10-14 hours worth. "They don't make em like they used to" unless we're talking about Himel.
Get yours here: himelbros.com/collections/the...
-Website: www.carlmurawski.com
-Instagram: bit.ly/2qIHzaB
-That cool mug: bit.ly/39Ahpst
BEST OF THE BEST (affiliate links):
- Beard care: bit.ly/3MXMkB4
1. Work boots: bit.ly/3T2FA8f
2. Sunglasses: bit.ly/2IykfS4
3. Casual boots: bit.ly/3LHIRWT
4. Work jacket: carhartt.pxf.io/QOr5Ez
5. Flannel shirt: bit.ly/3PDtBxj
6. Made in USA Tee Shirt: bit.ly/3yAma1p
7. Casual jacket: prf.hn/l/7EvkaOo
8. Leather jacket: bit.ly/3LAKOUZ
9. Adventure Jacket:
10. Wool Socks: bit.ly/3WyzQpW
11. Outdoor Hat:
12. Flashlight: bit.ly/3lfQVC0
13. Hoodie: bit.ly/3qXvhV1
14. Briefcase: bit.ly/3qzNPzP
15. Leather Briefcase: bit.ly/3dpPkHt
16. Duffle Bag: bit.ly/3NrwdPR
17. EDC Pen: bigidesign.com/carlmurawski
18. Work shirt:
19. Wool vest: bit.ly/3CqU3Vq
20. Wool Coat: bit.ly/3N2W9Qg
Reviews of clothing, boots, and accessories for men, along with style advice and life philosophy. I've been working with my hands for my entire life as a mechanic, tow truck driver, and eventually a licensed electrician. Being a blue collar guy, I look for certain elements in a product: is it durable? Is it high-quality? Will it perform well over its service life? Whether boots, pants, jackets, or tools I believe it's best to buy once and cry once by getting the best you can afford. With so many options these days, choosing the best product can become a difficult decision, but that's where I come in. Helping you stay stylish, rugged, and handsome.
I don't care where it's made as long as it's made well, and allows you to buy less and buy better.

[@McOuroborosBurger]

Carl not only has the horses in the back, he has horses all around his torso now.

[@CarlMurawski]

lol! I'm slowly becoming a horse

[@nikhilsinha7730]

@@CarlMurawski all you need to be complete are horse leather pants, gloves and a horse mask

[@Henry-cm6ho]

A custom leather jacket is a grail piece of mine. Nothing looks and feels quite as good as a garment that fits perfectly. Your jacket looks great Carl, the two month turnaround isn’t bad at all considering others have a year or two waiting time.

[@Philo68]

Your jacket is breathtaking. No wonder you feel so good in it. I’m so pleased for you! I’ll never forget my first outing in my new Aero jacket. An old gent on the train came over, shook my hand and congratulated me on my jacket. He confided he was a bit plump for his Aero jacket and he’d handed it on to his son. I rock Aero and Schott but the Aero crowd are truly a brotherhood - from rock stars to royalty!

[@joekkl]

I got myself a Himel Frobisher back in 2018. Still feels and fits amazingly. Heirloom quality jack indeed.

[@marcuslopez6088]

I'm a boot guy. So I can appreciate a fine leather product. The jacket looks awesome. And I truly understand it's worth well the money.....

[@LewyLewy2008]

That jacket is so nice I came back after a year to watch the video again.

[@sumairsiyal8022]

Feel good when see people reacting Stay blessed everybody

[@JelloThatsMellow]

I got a horse hide jacket from Aero Leathers. The break in was... tough, but now it's one of my favorite jackets to wear! Burgundy horse chromexcel is some fabulous stuff.

[@Dougggggggg]

Damn it Carl..... Now I'm going to have to try to get one of these.... Commented the other day on your video about you downsizing.... This is something that ill get and keep it for a lifetime.... Thanks man 😀😀👍👍

[@matthewperegrine208]

Oh man. That was an experience. I totally tap into the buy the best you can mentality. That jacket is absolutly epic.

[@davidjarnot8548]

I absolutely love the look of this jacket. It's basically perfection.

[@joshuageovannyperez9933]

This is one of the best Videos on a leather jacket I’ve ever seen, I’m so jealous

[@CarlMurawski]

Well thank you man! No need to be jealous though, just start saving for one of your own!

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Exquisite jacket. Excellent video describing your experience in choosing and acquiring the jacket. Regarding the price, I'm a great believer in the idea that everyone should aspire to own the BEST of something once in their life. It exalts the concept of excellence no matter on what scale. I have a very modest income but in my life I identified and acquired an exquisite Linhof camera. And it is more than worth it. Congratulations on your choice. It looks superb. My respect goes to the maker.

[@This.handle.is.unavailable.0]

Hey Carl. Glad to see you finally got your hands on a Himel bros. jacket. Great video too.

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you! I've been virtually window shopping them for years, and I'm happy to report that I'm not disappointed.

[@beagle101ful]

Great video and the jacket looks stellar on you. I’m awaiting ,y very first HB jacket, the Imperial! Can’t wait!

[@tonymarinelli7304]

I want the Himel Imperial Horse in dark brown. I drool every time I look at it

[@KyleMeyer949]

Im currently doing the waiting part for a sheepskin b7 jacket from aero leather, it'll be to late for this winter but I am so exited to see what I get, they are fitting it to my measurement's as well so the fit should be amazing. I love the style, it should make an amazing winter jacket for me up here in alberta canada

[@SharpShootazEnt]

Karl I appreciate you. Awesome.

[@nigeloscarmarsden]

Stunning. I went for aero myself …. Still stunning .

[@JJ-zr6fu]

That leather looks amazing and unique.

[@CarlMurawski]

I agree, and thats the appeal of Shinki horsehide. It kind of "creases" in a way that's very unique, I love it.

[@JJ-zr6fu]

@@CarlMurawski Congratulations on the jacket.

[@andersjensen1499]

Great that you got your dream jacket - we only live once -:)

[@splashpit]

I have and love a " Lost Worlds " horsehide leather jacket and I love it and it makes me feel great when l wear it .

[@jonvelde5730]

@@iii___iii Yes, the founder and high-poobah at Lost World's seems to be a complete ass-hat, and not afraid to share the attitude. Nevertheless, the jackets are fracking amazing.

[@miracleman.]

you cant compare a Lost Worlds with a Himel.

[@splashpit]

Wow no love for lost worlds , I did a Google search and found nothing to support this . I'm not on there continent so I guess it must be an word to mouth thing and if I can add most guys that own multi million dollar businesses are ass hats to us lesser mortals .

[@danielirvine7468]

Great work Carl well put together

[@bertrandpotvin]

An inexpensive leather jacket, looks that way forever. I still can't bring myself to commit to just one good one. This helps.

[@marissamalone621]

Not quite my cup of tea, but you look AMAZING in it and you can tell it's of top quality!

[@CarlMurawski]

That’s fair, and I’m sure it will downright look ugly in some peoples eyes but thank you!!!

[@gf4670]

Himel does amazing work. I have an A-1 made by Bill Kelso that's awesome, too. Horse isn't for everyone, though. I always say the best intro leather for every day use and that can still last until you die is goat. Not the sexiest leather, but light enough not to freak new leather wearers out and people used to mall jacket lambskin but still super durable.

[@CarlMurawski]

That's a great call. If you're someone who likes the stiff nature of raw denim or the break-in of leather boots, horsehide may be a welcome feeling. But if you don't, I agree that a more supple leather is the way to go.

[@hoangtu3366]

Deerskin is beautiful, soft and strong. The strongest leather that I have experience is kangaroo leather. It can be split very thin yet very strong due to it being cross grain, which makes it very hard to tear. Goat suede is very nice & affordable.

[@katsaras1]

0:40 I kinda laughed at this.. I'm a jacket junky and if it wasn't for the coronavirus (which put me in a quarantine ---> I live in Italy) I would be out to buy my 46th jacket 😅 Any wayz, stay home.. this pandemic thing is actually quite bad now in Italy and if you are not careful it will be bad there too! Stay safe friends

[@humanfirst11]

46th!!

[@katsaras1]

@@humanfirst11 Yes sir!

[@SparksofOhio]

I’m still wearing my military field jacket I got in basic training in 1982, and my cousin is still wearing his that he got in 1969, talk about a jacket that lasts forever and feels better with time. 🇺🇸✌️😎

[@ManCity-5Peat-Loading]

Just badass! I have a collection of leather jackets that span from Schott NYC, theory, reiss, frame, and my most prized possession an Officine Generale leather jacket.... however, they pale in comparison to a customer made leather jacket. I am going to have to look into Himel Bros! Thanks for making this video!

[@yardenl1998]

Hey Carl! How are Cockpit USA leather jackets? I really love their G-1 aviators

[@WelderVp]

Thanks for the content! I just wanted to say how I watch all your videos due to the fact we are almost exactly the same body type. I have bought many items you have reviewed 😂 I'm 5"8, about 220 lbs stocky. shaved head, But my head has got to be bigger than yours, my hat decisions are usually a nightmare, trying to find a good fit. (Just ordered the filson wool packer) 🤞🏻

[@TedNghiem]

I feel the same about my made to measure leather jacket. I have a schott that I also love. But my custom falcon garments leather jacket is super nice. It's not horse leather, but goat which is still nice. It's nice and supple which I like.

[@hectorr71]

Gorgeous jacket!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you!

[@theCTpipe]

Outstanding review and video!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you so much!

[@christophersloane6203]

Do you recommend a particular leather conditioner for leather jackets?

[@spbynum]

It really is a shame that Sevendust never really took off in popularity. Very talented band. Animosity was a great album.

[@DaBlokk420]

Hello carl i have a question, what kind of (cowboy) hat do you wear? Which do you recommend? Greeting from the Netherlands

[@thebigo3752]

That jacket is ridiculously amazing my god. You can just tell its going to last a lifetime

[@stevedellanno1842]

Also your audio is great in this video very crisp

[@DroneWolfMedia]

I think I'm more impressed that you opened up for Sevendust, but sweet jacket nevertheless! 👍

[@nicoplakidas9509]

For me I would prefer Aero, Simmons Bilt or Langlitz (in cowhide).

[@CarlMurawski]

Also great options!

[@RollYourRock]

Mmmm... Langlitz! 👍👍

[@erikroberts3545]

That's a badass leather jacket, Carl. Looks great! 😃👍

[@RemingtinArms]

Your band opened for sevendust? Cool!

[@The_Zilli]

leather will hold it's value. A great leather jacket is worth it's weight in gold. Im actually going this route with my boots right now, might have found a small bootmaker out in Portugal to do up what Im looking for, in middle of talks now so completely agree with your statement that boots/shoes and jacket are your two things as a guy that you spend extra on. That and a good bed are all we need, everything else is just gravy ;)

[@natureins4644]

Beautiful Jacket & Fit. Not a mall jacket for sure! What do u think about goodwear vs himel quality wise?

[@thekeeper5588]

I love those sun glasses

[@aramisschmidtke3142]

U are a lucky man, every single thing i order off the internet takes 2-3 months until it arrives at my doorstep

[@tommygamba170]

How thick was the leather? What oz is it? 2-3?

[@dirkmassey7050]

Carl, do you know of any companies that customizes safari or serengetti shirts?

[@mrfuriouser]

You kind of glossed over that Sevendust story...AMAZING...would love to hear more!

[@CarlMurawski]

I didn't want to wax nostalgic! It was a great show and they're really cool guys. The biggest thing I remember was how amazing my kick drum sounded on the big stage with the huge array speakers. BWWOOMP!

[@Sandipan_Naskar]

What?

[@donnelson4140]

A long time back, I bought a brown horsehide Vanson jacket. With any kind of layering, it was too small. In a year of frequent wear it still hadn’t softened up, but it remained my jacket for travel. Just when I thought it should be put in the closet for good, a German colleague/friend asked me to get him the same thing, in order to avoid, you know, VAT. Anyway, I sold him mine, made him happy, and made a small profit. It looked better on him. The point? Getting the sizing right is really important. I still have a couple of Vansons that still fit, but don’t wear leather anymore. Just too cold.

[@GammaBlack]

Love the jacket

[@georgeknox]

Dave is a stud. One of my favorite FB friends. BTW, great video as usual but I do have a question. That denim shirt you had on with that shoulder toss? Please and thank you.

[@CarlMurawski]

Yeah man, thats a beauty from Dixon Rand!

[@williampierce5579]

As a leatherworker myself, I was eating up everything you were saying about Shinki and their horse hide 😂 a project like this is one of my goals to accomplish one day amongst other crazy big and difficult ones like it lol

[@knoxyish]

wont go long with aero!!

[@JorgeDLeon-oo3kf]

I live in a place where winters are 20C.. I didn't used my coats or jackets this last year ... It's sad

[@duytanmai8590]

Hi, can you please do a review on details about this jacket? I want to send this model to my local jacket maker to make this for me.

[@Reinemachefrau]

As someone who has owned an Aero Highwayman jacket since 1989, I say "health to wear". I'm glad you didn't waste your money on useless crap instead!

[@MisterFuturtastic]

Why is it that some expensive leather is super soft and bendable and some is more firm like this above? Is the one here more durable than the more flexible softer leather? Is it the treatment that makes it less flexible? Does this jacket have a waterproof coating where water won't absorb into it or is it naturally stiffer?

[@stevedellanno1842]

I don't have 2500 dollars to spend but if i did I'd get one. Looks like a real heirloom

[@CarlMurawski]

It almost reminds me of the stuff American Pickers would search for in 50 years.

[@CocoKoi321]

still what about satchel and page bomber? does the flannel lined inside sleeves hurt it for you?

[@CarlMurawski]

I still have it, and yes that still bugs me. They did change it on the second version though!

[@kevinbarrett9615]

Proudly Canadian, from my city, Toronto.

[@FabiusPyromanus]

Damn this video was poetry.!

[@JohnnyRoads]

The link doesn't work anymore

[@jacobpeters9919]

Got my gramps horsehide jacket from the 50s, still looks good and kept conditioned to this day after being untouched and found in the attic after 12 years. Whatever the price was I’ll gladly pay it knowing my descendants will be wearing it too. Any tips on maintaining?

[@CarlMurawski]

Congratulations on that heirloom piece! I'd say just keep it conditioned with some good leather balm like Smiths. Also remember that you can pretty easily swap out the liner at any good tailor.

[@JelloThatsMellow]

Up to you if you wanna gamble, but I've actually thrown my jackets in the laundry. Woolite darks on handwash cycle, hang to air dry or lay it out (some hangers will stretch the leather). Condition the leather if needed.

[@jacobpeters9919]

Carl Murawski thanks!

[@lapizza7206]

I've looked more into the material is suppose to dem and soften over time. I really like the stiff shiney look is there anyway to keep it like that?

[@CarlMurawski]

Well the leather will soften no matter what you do, but you can keep the shiny look by using a conditioner with a little silicone in it. I know silicone isn’t great for leather but it’s either that or a polish with wax which can flake off in areas that move and bend.

[@lapizza7206]

@@CarlMurawski Do you have any recommendations?

[@thomaslewis448]

Is it a frequent comment “wow I’ve found something here” I wanna say you should advertise, but you’re probably in your comfort zone. Good. Stuff.

[@Totemparadox]

I really don't have words to describe how good that jacket looks. Maybe when I'm making more money I might think about buying a jacket that costs over $2k. I'm not afraid of truly putting some expensive gear through their paces, but a $2.5k Shinki jacket is way too much at this point. I think I'll be happy for a while with my first and at the moment only leather jacket from Vanson.

[@McOuroborosBurger]

$2500ish for a leather jacket is a hard sell. After you hit that $1000 mark the ROI goes down significantly. Looks like a good piece though.

[@CarlMurawski]

That's true, and if what you're after is a decent leather jacket there are definitely options around $1,000 which are great. Once you start adding in the special leather, the customization, etc. The price begins to skyrocket.

[@CarlMurawski]

True, but I kinda hope I’m not around to see that!

[@McOuroborosBurger]

The Terrible Puddle to be fair you can get vegetable tanned cowhide for 1k ish as well, and the jacket will outlive you and maybe your offspring with proper maintenance.

[@kevincollins7320]

Himel brother real cool jacket's old school

[@sueipaz]

I have 500usd full grain leather jacket, I hade to custom order mine might not be made from horse hide but dam one of the best leather jackets I owe.

[@williamwoody7607]

The jacket looks great, but I don’t like a collar that lays flat. Will Himmelman’s accommodate? Also, about 30 years ago there was a family that made THE MOTORCYCLE JACKET. With a two year wait, everyone in Hollywood seemed to have one. Does anyone remember who they were? Thanks.

[@robertparsons5295]

Schott uses it occasionally as well.

[@aaroncoff611]

Hey! What is that shirt you are wearing at the very end of the vid?

[@tylerlane6707]

7 months late but it's a Dixon rand

[@ansonflavel6946]

Love that sweet Sevendust shoutout, and the jacket as well, of course

[@jacobsonnenberg3817]

Any idea what the liner you chose is called Carl?

[@CarlMurawski]

Its been a while but it was some Italian wool lining with a slight texture to it. Dave would be able to look it up I'm sure.

[@SergioPerez-dq7oz]

What denim shirt are you wearing? It looks solid

[@tylerlane6707]

Dixon rand

[@J94_Film]

Most of us only have a couple jackets... looks over at coat rack... erm really lol? I have like 20

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahaha not a bad problem to have!!!

[@matthogan506]

any suggestions around $500-$600?

[@miriammariarojaslopez1276]

Thrift store bro, $40 deals

[@bigcod14]

Does this horse type smell like A traditional leather jacket? I like to smell of Leather wanna make sure it's strong.

[@TheSilentsniper1973]

are you wearing a dixon rand shirt by the way?

[@CarlMurawski]

Damn, good eye!!!

[@Lupo32]

what hat do you wear with a leather jacket ?

[@miriammariarojaslopez1276]

Boots, tshirt, Jeans, chinos

[@prabh9522]

Belstaff, Schott, & The Real McCoys!!!

[@CarlMurawski]

Real McCoys for sure! I almost got one of their A1 jackets instead of this one.

[@MCJohnnyFresh]

Okay...now what is that great western style (snap button?) denim shirt you've got on there?

[@tylerlane6707]

I know this is a little late but it is a Dixon rand

[@MCJohnnyFresh]

@@tylerlane6707 Better late than never. Thank you! 😄

[@devissaputra469]

You really does the jacket justice, vids is superb

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you my friend!

[@devissaputra469]

@@CarlMurawski Na man, I thank you. I am just sitting here being entertained on my fave subject.

[@rajindarsingh1417]

2.5k for a custom made jacket. It’s worth it brother , enjoy it. I swear by my Dainese biker jacket. Only 1 k but not custom made or horse leather. Hopefully some day I’ll get one. I only use it in Europe or New York. You never need a sweater in Singapore 🇸🇬.

[@ajaxracing]

Hard to have just one

[@bobbyknoth6985]

I am in Love with these jackets. Is it honestly worth it ...??

[@CarlMurawski]

In my opinion nothing even comes close

[@bobbyknoth6985]

10 4 good buddy

[@bobzuidema3560]

That is jacket perfection! Love it!!

[@davidr6026]

Himel Bros 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😀😀😀

[@BobTheBuilder294]

Price isn't always about greed. Sometimes when you pay a high price for something high quality you appreciate it more.

[@Spring-ni4vq]

FIT IS KING YOU ARE SO RIGHT BROTHER. I AM INTO LAMB LEATHER. DO YOU HAVE ANY CONS ABOUT THAT. IT WILL HELP ME A LOT.

[@CarlMurawski]

It’s just a little less durable, but the payoff is buttery soft leather. Like wearing a cloud!

[@Spring-ni4vq]

@@CarlMurawski your observation means a lot to me. Keep up the great work brother.

[@christopherderrick3745]

That is a cool jacket. Excellent choice.

[@PORTMIAMIMIKE]

Dayummmm 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@CarlMurawski]

Hahaha right? I did an interview with the owner if you want to check it out. I think I just called it Dave Himel Interview or something. He goes way in depth on these jackets.

[@ianmedium]

Looks incredible Carl and I am by no means well off but I think for what you have got, the hand work and hide quality I feel it’s actually a bit of a bargain! When it comes to expensive quality items I tend to think of the cost over a long period of time. A jacket such as this will in all likelihood last you for the rest of your many years ahead so when you figure the cost over say forty years it really amounts to next to nothing and the thing with leather is that with age it just gets better! I’m into watches, the cost of a calf leather strap made by Hermes or Patek is usually around the $600 mark, beautifully made but much simpler to make and a tiny fraction of the amount of leather in this! This design will never age, will look even better in time and will become a reliable old friend, heck, your son will end up inheriting it! I hope the little chap is fully recovered now by the way.

[@Sandipan_Naskar]

Atelier savas !!!

[@bngr_bngr]

Those pockets seem small. Does a IPhone fit?

[@CarlMurawski]

Well to be honest I use the interior pocket for my phone, but I dont think an iphone Max would fit with the flap closed.

[@bngr_bngr]

Carl Murawski it’s a problem I’ve run into with older jackets. It’s one of the top features I now look for.

[@emoney2480]

nailed this review!

[@williamjessing9020]

I was following along and getting buzzed about this jaket, then I hurd 2500 for the price, that's so much for fashion, omg, I wouldn't be willing to do anything in it cause it's so expensive, so then I'd buy it and wear it once a year, maybe that's why so many leather jakets end up looking new after so long and end up in thrift stores, there so expensive new no one wants to wear it except for special occasions, and how often does that happen.

[@toonsoffun5733]

You can wear it every weekend If it’s to casual for everyday wear. Your statement is true for formal wear (tuxedo or white tie). It’s a rugged jacket which is close to impossible to ruin. Staying away from water is probably the only reasonable reason why you would not wear it. Tldr: going for a walk is not a special occasion.

[@georgegonzalez-rivas3787]

"Most of us only have a couple of jackets". Still laughing... once you go deep down ANY rabbithole, you end up getting too many of everything.

[@curtiswashington8536]

Get a Wested if you want to spend less than $400 for a custom fit.