Ship John's Wills Jacket: a 3-YEAR REVIEW of America's Greatest Waxed Jacket

[@Stridewise]

✰ Check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zYeayvmsuBfac

[@michaellumpkinss7368]

I’ve got the V1 waxed wills in tan , a V2 waxed wills in brown , and a wills black waxed V1 , and a waxed ramblin jacket !! Love me some ship John !!

[@d05wtt]

So this is what I found out from Ship John. As of right now (at the end of October 2022) if you put down a deposit of $200, you won’t get the jacket until May 2025 at which point you will pay the remainder of $400 for a total of $600. I also found out that from time to time, they have random “extras” that they will sell at a first come first serve opportunity. So here’s the problem…the $200 deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE and CANNOT be applied to the “extras” if you placed a deposit down and are lucky enough to get an “extras.” So in essence, you will be paying $800 instead of $600 for the “extras” jacket. If you buy a custom built car, you put down the deposit and if you see a car on the lot that you like, they will put the deposit towards the one on the lot. Same with buying a pure bred dog. You put a deposit on a puppy in a specific future litter , and you like one of the ones that are available, the breeder will add the deposit to the one you buy. I’ve done it with buying a luxury watch too. But Ship John doesn’t do that. They will keep the 200 bucks and make you pay the full 600. That, to me, is a little shady, but whatever. So your dilemma is 1) do you wait 3 f’ing years for the jacket or 2) do you take a chance on getting lucky to get an “extras” jacket (which is near impossible and may not happen) or 3) do you pay $800 for the scenario I mentioned above or 4) do you pass on the SJ Wills jacket and find any number of brands that make good comparable waxed jackets?

[@CurlyPewbes]

It’s ridiculous.

[@Ives1776]

Tinduck does these jackets but with I’d say a 2 month wait time. Same material, quicker lead times, plus I was able to alter mine. I asked for him to add a Horween collar and to extend the sleeves to 26 inches. I supplied the leather and the other alteration was free of charge. Super huge bargain, very easy to work with. Just go get one of his instead.

[@gaylongraham077]

Got a Wills and he isn't overstating anything here. It's just not like anything else you'll own. I'm a former Firefighter and first touching the jacket reminded me of my Fire Dept turnout gear and a fire hose. I got the small (normally a medium) and I works well with a tshirt or one layer thin/medium weight button down in cool to cold weather. A medium would have afforded sweater layering but maybe not fit as well proportionally when just wearing a slimmer overall style. I'd say if you're more on the athletic/stout side of a medium, stick with your true size, skinny or petite mediums may prefer the small esthetic better depending on climate and intended use. I own a few Barbour jackets and the quality is on par or surpasses many of those jackets. You definitely will feel you have an investment piece of clothing.

[@hardboard82]

What is your height / weight? Do you personally wish you would have purchased a medium?

[@gaylongraham077]

@@hardboard82 5'9 165 athletic build. I'm not exactly sure because my small isn't fully broken-in, but I do sometimes think about the ability to layer with the medium long.

[@rxflyfishing1316]

@@gaylongraham077 I appreciate this breakdown. I bought one today size medium. I’m 5’9 155 athletic build; and was hoping the medium would work best with a hoodie or sweater underneath. Hopefully It works out well . I’ll find out in March 😃

[@gaylongraham077]

@@rxflyfishing1316 I think the medium will work well for that usage and possibly even just a tshirt depending on your overall style preferences.

[@rxflyfishing1316]

@@gaylongraham077 ok thank you ! Can’t believe I finally ordered a Wills

[@IndigoIndonesia]

Been waiting for this jacket for a while, by far this vid is one of the best reviews! Thanks a lot. Now, time for ordering.

[@sleepydude17]

Thank you Nick and Troy for this review. I must have watched this video over 30 times. There are surprisingly few reviews for this jacket given how popular it is. I was fortunate enough to get a V1 jacket (same as Troy’s) on the secondary market recently. I am considering doing a comparison review for this jacket and the Tin Duck 24oz. Waxed trucker jacket with lining that I ordered a little while ago. I should be getting it in a few weeks. Looks to be very similar in build and should be interesting. Thanks again.

[@jasonkynge724]

So how is the comparison?

[@sleepydude17]

They seem to be made with identical waxed canvass. Very thick and waxy. The tin duck is literally a trucker jacket so more roomy in the arms and body and cut waist length. The wills has a longer body length and is more trim/fitted in the arms and body. Tin Duck takes about 8-9 weeks to receive after placing your order but the owner/creator can do custom measurements at no extra cost.

[@eliseogutierrez5307]

Great video! I’ve got the wills waxed jacket in black, denim wills, natural veg tan wills and the roughout wills on order. Ship John is my supreme lol

[@fredwestonsmith5866]

How do you find the sizing? Do you size down or order your regular size? Thanks

[@eliseogutierrez5307]

@@fredwestonsmith5866 I'm a pretty standard large in all of my jackets. I would recommend comparing to the typical jacket size you tend to wear and if you have any questions give them a call at the shop. They're more than glad to help you out, hope this helps!

[@Nikegoal1]

Just ordered a heat straps chief coat firefighter owned made in USA $200 less same weight Kevlar stitched and fleece lined. Can’t beat it!

[@jawntanamo_bae]

As someone who lives in Portland and appreciates workwear, I feel like somewhat of a failure for having not copped one of these yet. I did order a pair of their Wesco engineer collabs though. I’ll have to get one this winter

[@XFS540]

Not really my style of jacket, but I appreciate the quality of materials and construction.

[@Stridewise]

Glad you appreciate it!

[@freddyfox5002]

You should consider getting the Red Wing Sawmill. so you will have them broken in and a review for fall/winter/Christmas.

[@id10tek]

Crossing my fingers for my fall '22 order. Thanks to this video!

[@Stridewise]

Good luck!! The most painful longing is for a Wills

[@Palps93]

Watched this video for the first time almost two years ago. My V2 arrives this Friday. =)

[@jonlouis2582]

This is why I love this channel. Unfortunately I’m now poor, so maybe in my next lifetime.

[@Stridewise]

It will wait for you post reincarnation!

[@rustyshackleford17]

This is one of the few items that I have ever purchased that genuinely impressed me out of the box...not unlike buying a Mackinaw Cruiser or a Wool Packer Coat for the first time. Probably more than what you need, but infinitely cool. Would certainly buy again at MSRP. What's going against it is the wait time (not worth it) or the immediate gratification markup (questionable value) That said, I used my Filson Short Lined Cruiser as a reference...and it matched it quite well.

[@ryankelly1846]

Can't wait to get the Tin duck denim trucker jacket. Same exaxt material as this, made in USA, wool lined, and a couple hundred $ less, and no 2 year wait period.

[@jasonkynge724]

I just found this company and I am definitely looking at getting one of theirs. The 24oz is a huge selling point.

[@Thec0nv1ct777]

I was able to pick up a Black Wills jacket 2nd hand for $650 grand total. After market if you are searching is very limiting to sizing and very firm on pricing. There is one on poshmark, that says 1350 but i was able to offer down $750. The size is Medium long. So if you know your sizing then cool. If you are insist on owning one, then you may have to wait for them to show up on your preferred 2nd hand site. So personal sizing, i am a 5"7 athletic build guy with a beer belly. And to me, medium is slightly snug, like hard to put on even but this is my first esposure to slim and fitted jacket. Everything else i own has some space to them. I can fit at least a thin vest under, and a flannel of choice with under shirt. Anything puffy would make it look it weird. Thin hoodie can work also. Alternatives: Heat straps chief coat. Freenote Cloth Riders Iron and resin Crusier/Rambler Dehen 1970 x Ship John (Canvas version) Conclusion: im still very happy to have own one, ideal sizing id say personally would be large or medium tall.

[@Nordic_Sky]

Sure would have been helpful if he'd said what his height, weight and chest measurements are so we could get some idea of their sizing.

[@surfingmoose]

Thank you for making my bank account smaller. Ship John has some really nice pieces. Their Dehen x Ship John Hopkins Jacket and Dehen x Ship John Bonham Sweater are great pieces. I was going to buy a Filson Mack this year but the price hike for what it is, does not appear to be warranted and the Hopkins looks like a much better jacket.

[@LukeHarrisVids]

Great video! just recently discovered this elusive jacket.. time to get in line

[@PizzaHomie]

The leather Wills looks incredible. Expensive, but incredible

[@nameprivate5156]

Thank god the tight pants hipster crowd now has a tough jacket to withstand the abuse of Coffee drinking and web browsing.

[@mynock250]

So true.

[@Christopher_Stead]

Guilty as charged, but I still laughed at this

[@tallyrc]

I mean, the trend started in places with crap weather so..

[@jackjmaheriii]

Great video! I’ll tell you what is NOT the greatest wax jacket… The Filson Tin Cloth Jacket. It’s tough but the range of motion is not good.

[@Ramudaji]

Waiting now for the Wills V2 🤩

[@SuperBizalz]

If I knew exactly what size would be perfect for me, I’d give it a shot.

[@bsousa3837]

Love it Troy. Curious what your height/weight is?

[@eriche8870]

Hey wanted to ask you if you still prefer the long compare to the regular length of this jacket. Let me know your thoughts!thanks

[@Thepurolife]

I was able to order one of the monthly specials yesterday, Olive drab is perfect for me, but im stuck on sizing. I ordered a large but according to the sizing chart i am on the high end on the chest sizing. ahhhh

[@DeffoZappo]

Jist finally ordered a flint and tinder as a birthday present for myself 😅 and I see this one I've never heard of

[@Stridewise]

haha this jacket takes like 3 years to get now so don't even consider it as an alternative, i don't you could get something like this made in asia more quickly; send themta tailor in Hoi An some twill/canvas and get it made!

[@rpow6861]

it is just INCREDIBLE!!!

[@chrisluce9475]

I have a mackinaw wool cruiser that I love!! thinking about buying shipjohn's wills I wear a double XL in the macanaw did the measurements and that would be identical to ship John's triple XL. 2 and a 1/2 years is a long wait I live in Spokane Washington home of nicks and white boots I have a pair of whites custom on order the way for that is 4 months, That's driving me crazy...

[@TheNunakun]

This video sold me outright. Thanks.

[@Stridewise]

Glad I could help!

[@Laguna2013]

What color is the jacket shown on the left in the static screen shot shown when looking this video up? It is great.

[@Stridewise]

That video is coming up and filmed!

[@jonathanvermillion7263]

Just ordered mine v2! I’ll get it in 2023 ha

[@johnswanson6790]

Great review. A couple points from someone who owns one. First, at $500 dollars, this jacket is an incredible value. That’s why they sell out people! Everyone know this jacket is a steal. Used ones on offer on several online sites are asking upwards of a thousand bucks. Second, the fit is more European than American. No potato eating bubbas will be found wearing a Will´s. And last but not least, your grandson will inherit this jacket. Why? Because it will still look awesome.

[@jordanwescott6849]

Is the tan colour still this light if you buy the V2? All the pictures I see online are all much darker, even though still called tan.

[@DancingSpacePotato]

Now I have to make a trip into the city

[@ForbinColossus]

Is the zipper TWO-WAY so it can be partially unzipped from the bottom for driving and walking comfort when one gets hot? Wish they would offer option to match the brass snaps to the color of the jacket.

[@5upgunplay551]

The new version is exactly that. So you can open the bottom

[@nickotine604]

Debating getting the flint and tinder/ short line cruiser or tin duck...leaning F and T or tin duck tbh but I like the length of the slc

[@jonathanpforr3844]

Thats a bad ass jacket hands down

[@morganw6228]

What wrist watch you wearing? looks great

[@troybarmore5832]

That was my Rolex Explorer Ref. 14270

[@sapphireutopia]

Did you see/try to get the langlitz x ship john roughout leather version of the ship john wills?

[@brianagee2790]

Love those glasses. Could you ask Troy what brand and model they are? I've got a pair of Lindberg aviators that are a bit too large for me and I'm thinking that his might be more my style.

[@troybarmore5832]

Hi Brian, Thank you! The eyeglasses I'm wearing here are the Matsuda M3062 in antique gold. I believe they are discontinued, but you can still find them here and there. The sunglasses are Jacques Marie Mage.

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

What size do you normally wear with other jackets (e.g. flint and tinder, mackinaw)?

[@troybarmore5832]

Typically smalls across the board.

[@redironbird3857]

That's a cool Explorer.

[@troybarmore5832]

Thank you!

[@timetell4371]

@@troybarmore5832 ditto I’d love to see some watch videos about it

[@bryanbassett2110]

Check out the Kuhl Kollusion. Definitely my favorite waxed jacket

[@O_Rei]

One has to be a VERY particular type of city-dwelling ιdιοτ to believe that this is “America’s greatest waxed jacket”, and Cαrl Mυrαwski’s review shows why: it is slim-fitting (which is contrary to the purpose of what sets itself out to be a “rugged work jacket”), its internal pocket runs too small (you definitely can’t comfortable fit a smartphone there), both chest pockets have flaps, so you can’t put something like a pen or earphones you need to quickly access there, there are no zipped pockets for when you need to ensure 100% protection from water to an item, the weight (in addition to the fit) limits your movements… And, on the aesthetic aspect, as acknowledged in this video, it is NOT a dressy or stylish jacket, it just looks lazy with those collars that won’t stand firm. Not to mention that the fact that it is unlined combined with how the material means it is not thoroughly washable means your own body oils and odour that will inevitably get into it will render it unusable ins civilised setting in 5 years or so. Awful, overpriced heavy trash (and, by the way, I went on their website and was actually going to order a pair of jeans from them and perhaps a cap too until I read the “Crew” section where they tell the reader their pronouns…)

[@pandulce87]

“Front pockets are deep and comfortable” Hands just fit in

[@jurgenbrandt642]

Awesome look

[@jaycon3460]

Guy worked in construction? Accounting or HR?

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

What is your height / weight? Would be helpful to know as you describe your story of sizing from S to M

[@jimli420]

yeah, what he said. how big and heavy are you?

[@troybarmore5832]

I’m about 5’11, 140lbs. Fairly slender overall.

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

@@troybarmore5832 thanks! I was going to go for a S (I’m 5’10, 155) but now will size up to a M regular!

[@troybarmore5832]

@@kloppsliverpudlians88 For any other detailed questions, the folks at Ship John are really great about sizing and fitting questions over email.

[@varun009]

Meh, in the 20s-60s you could get better stuff. Check out the old sears catalogues of barnstormer coats in Corduroy, moleskin, canvas, wool and horsehide. Back then those were the lower end versions but we're still much better than most of the "heritage" crap we get today. I wish someone would make those sheeplined coats again. It was such a smart idea. Take sheepskins that didn't look too nice and use them as the lining. Then use a tough work wear fabric or leather for the shell and you have a shearling jacket as tough as a canvas parka. The ship John jacket isn't special, it's just made properly. It's a hipster thing imho.

[@rockygabriel7096]

That's a good jacket!!

[@jaywohleb12]

Joined the mailing list.... Kind of sucks it doesn't have a pocket big enough for say a p365.

[@jarret45]

Need Troy's height/weight for sizing, chief.

[@gingerwaxinc]

the dahmer look!

[@gfabie4901]

How does it look over a shirt and tie? 🤔

[@Stridewise]

I'll go with 'weird'

[@troybarmore5832]

Like getting dressed up for a barn dance

[@RoidRage369]

Lol! 2024 as earliest delivery… crazy!!

[@ynysvon]

Just ordered the lined V2 version and I won't receive it until April 2024.

[@oktaanwar335]

Willis & geiger is 👍👍👍👍

[@thepatternforms859]

FILSON is the best wax jacket still. Even the made over seas version is still the best and the made in America stuff simply can’t be beat

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I have one now! Might do an updated video for fall

[@algreen1]

These are cool, but I'll probably never get to or order one haha, cool video tho

[@Daws867]

Heavy use as in what? walking around the city to the office...

[@linentweed3994]

Great fit story. Get a room next time!

[@Stridewise]

hahaha! I was this close to cutting that story I was worried people would get bored, thank you for your comment

[@isaacwakefield5915]

@@Stridewise I loved that story personally. Glad you didn't cut it.

[@crossbones8956]

It’s cool but I just can’t abide by any company with that kind if ordering system. Set up a proper system, no secret handshakes and special emails, and let people just order it. It’s making some exclusive that doesn’t need to be. It’s very pretentious and unnecessary.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah it's gotten really ridiculous

[@silvermountainman2562]

If I’m wearing that jacket at a nicer venue, I wouldn’t allow myself to feel under dressed … but maybe that’s just me lol

[@Lochlann13]

As of today, 11NOV2023, the earliest delivery date is January 2026, and books are currently closed, so it's actually impossible to even order one. Even if you could, the total price at time of writing is $598. I'm sure it's a great jacket, but that's absolutely ludicrous.

[@Stridewise]

i know, i had to take them off this year's best waxed jackets video because it's just not customer friendly at all haha, not sufficiently customer friendly to recommend them anyway

[@Lochlann13]

@@StridewiseI'd love to have the financial means to do a direct comparison of the Wills, Tin Duck's Trucker Jacket, Filson's Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser, and Heat Straps' Chief Coat. All told, it would cost me over $2000 just for those four garments, so not likely to happen anytime soon lol

[@jamesjohnson6309]

For a jacket that will last decades if not more I’d say it’s a fair price. Got my V1 tan off eBay. My favorite jacket I own

[@Lochlann13]

@@jamesjohnson6309 It's definitely a "buy once, cry once'" purchase, and I'm sure it's worth a good amount of money. I just think almost $600 is an overcharge. I hadn't thought to check the secondary market, I'll have to do that.

[@joytekb]

I like my Barbour.

[@vhockada]

Nope, not interested. 99% of us on this earth don’t work hard enough to tear through a $250 waxed tin cloth Filson or even a Schaefer that’ll ship same day of order. I’ll pass.

[@wadejensen3301]

I'd get a Bell jacket over this any day!

[@e.nichols5380]

What a shame that people who never do any kind of physical work order these en masse, back logging companies,to look cool. Making it so people that really need them for work are unable to get them. The same people who decided carhartt was cool a few years ago buying the clothes like crazy and now carhartt has sacrificed quality to keep up with demand.

[@Stridewise]

i don't see why it's a shame that people buy things they think look cool, unless there's a global shortage of waxed twill I'm not aware of

[@e.nichols5380]

@@Stridewise my point is that people who need well made, dependable clothing for work are unable to get it these day because people that just want to look cool start buying pushing up demand. Companies like Filson, Orvis, LL Bean, Carhartt, Levi’s, Wrangler etc. have all sacrificed quality in the last few years in an attempt to keep up with the demand from fashionistas working in offices who just want to look the part. The few companies that haven’t sacrificed quality yet, have multi year waits as is evident with Ship John.

[@Palps93]

don't gatekeep workwear, live your life lmao. who cares

[@e.nichols5380]

@@Palps93 people that actually work and need decent clothing at an affordable price.

[@fogart7613]

That jacket is incredible 😍

[@Craigthulhu84]

Would you be willing to share you height/weight for fit purposes?

[@troybarmore5832]

HiTroy here, I’d be happy to. I’m about 5’11, 140lbs. Fairly slender overall.

[@johnwen8810]

I am 5' 8", 145lbs. I too am typically between sizes. For the Filson Tin Cloth, I am comfortably a Small...but I'm not sure what I would order for a Ship John.

[@garymitchell6522]

Ciano Farmer😉

[@htht856]

ShipJohn low key wants to scam you with its purchase method. Who the hell would want to pay $200+ down payment for a jacket they may or may not ever get??? What if you die? What if they die? What if the company fails? Lol 3 freaking years for a jacket haha

[@c0mputer]

The paradoxical thing about this is that the people who really need and can use this jacket to its fullest potential, can’t afford to spend like $600 on a jacket and wait 2+ years for it. I mean like construction workers and tradesmen. The people who can afford it are hipster city guys like this presenter who are buying it for fashion purposes. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT though. Buy the stuff you want and be happy. Just funny the paradox.

[@CurlyPewbes]

Your right .

[@Palps93]

hell yeah, thats me. skinny nerd but i wanna look cool .take my money

[@btingey]

Lost me when you said Portland...

[@colemancalgary5260]

This is a hipster version of the tin cruiser

[@Stridewise]

Let's not pretend Filson isn't hipster Coleman

[@jorgenavarro9848]

Not worth the wait

[@Stridewise]

Especially now the wait is over 2 years

[@larrybaby9377]

Don't say "storied". It isn't a word. Illiterate juvenile scriptwriters started using it several years ago because they are ignorant and inept.

[@FubarSir]

Ok, it’s simple. If you’re gonna make something to sell, make enough of them to satisfy orders. Ain’t no coat that special.

[@derekcostello1016]

Is a shame you didnt tell us your height and weight.

[@bladimirkroutska3707]

500$ ??????????????????? I would rather buy a used motorcycle....

[@WalterWidmann]

Soft hands, cuffed pants, watch...ill pass

[@hydroaegis6658]

Eh. Overrated and way too expensive for what it is.

[@Smoking_Hot_Scott]

Awesome job! I’m ordering mine tomorrow if I’m fast enough!

[@jonathanvermillion7263]

Did you get one? I got one for 2023 lol

[@Smoking_Hot_Scott]

@@jonathanvermillion7263 Yeah I got one! For 2023 as well lol.

[@jonathanvermillion7263]

@@Smoking_Hot_Scott haha crazy wait time it sounds like it’s worth it tho!

[@5upgunplay551]

I just found a new one second hand. Guy ordered a medium and was to tight on him. So I snagged it up.

[@dark_gravity_edc]

Sorry but no on over 2.5 year wait. 6-9 months is OK but I wonder how many will forget about it in 2.5 years.