A One-of-a-Kind Riders Jacket Tailored to the Individual Physique

Tomohiro Hayashi

The bespoke riders jacket, completed after two rounds of fittings, achieved an exceptional fit that contours perfectly to the body. We also invite you to appreciate the supple beauty unique to premium sheepskin leather.

Order Background

Mr. Y visited our store for the first time to place an order for a bespoke leather jacket. He discovered us through a hometown tax donation program, which included a voucher for a custom leather jacket, and decided to visit our atelier.

Both the design and the leather selection began with a clean slate. While reviewing our bespoke samples and past order cases, we had an in-depth consultation. As a result, we agreed on crafting a single riders jacket in sheepskin -- a piece that would feel casual for everyday outings yet exude a sense of refined luxury.

First Fitting

After years of fittings, one thing has become clear: truly symmetrical bodies are extremely rare. Whether due to dominant and non-dominant sides, athletic activity, occupation, or past injuries, each person's posture and proportions reflect their lifestyle and life story. In Mr. Y's case, the left shoulder is slightly elevated, which made shoulder correction a focal point of the fitting.

While bespoke tailoring inherently involves adjusting garments to fit the client's body, this is especially critical with a riders jacket. Originally designed for motorcycle riding, this type of jacket is intended to be wind- and cold-resistant while reducing drag. That means a snug, body-hugging fit is essential. Any misalignment stands out clearly, making this style particularly challenging for fitters -- and all the more rewarding when done right.

Mr. Y has a well-defined upper body and a slightly higher left shoulder, which causes tightness and uneven pulling on the left side. Because the front also lifts slightly, we identified a need for swayback adjustment.

The imbalance in the shoulders also caused tightness in the chest, and the stand collar shifted left, creating a noticeable gap.

Because the sleeve rotation wasn't properly adjusted, creasing appeared along the back of the sleeves. This too required correction.

While the front panels were quite snug, the back had excessive room both vertically and horizontally. These excesses were trimmed away. Though this first fitting revealed many points of correction, once those were identified, we were ready to proceed confidently to the second fitting.

Second Fitting

The corrections were highly effective. The shoulder slopes were now balanced, and the stand collar sat neatly against the neck.

The rear panels, shoulder pitch, and overall proportions were also adjusted for improved harmony, creating a much sleeker profile.

The jacket now hugged the body beautifully. Sleeve rotation was also greatly improved. With just a few final refinements remaining, we proceeded to the final construction.

Completion

The result was a strikingly elegant riders jacket that fully showcases the beauty of premium sheepskin, despite its simple design.

A deep navy so rich it could be called "midnight blue." Especially indoors, it almost appears black, yet clearly retains its navy character.

By concealing the zipper tape, the jacket projects an exceptionally refined impression.

This level of luxurious texture, achieved by carefully selecting only the finest parts of the sheepskin, is possible only through bespoke craftsmanship.

The stand collar is accented with a silver snap button, adding a subtle brilliance.

The double-welt breast pocket on the left side stands out as a minimalist yet impactful design feature.

The sleeve attachment is beautifully executed, with added allowance for easy arm movement.

Rear view: a streamlined design with a center seam and no yoke, finished with a lustrous sheen.

The jacket clings naturally to the back, suggesting a comfortable, second-skin fit. The silver snap button adjusters at the hem echo the collar design for a cohesive look.

A perfect symphony of graceful curves, smooth leather, and delicate stitchwork.

The zipper is a silver YKK Excella, chosen with a lock-shaped slider design from among many options. This distinctive detail adds a touch of character to the simple riders jacket. Selecting your preferred metal parts -- both color and design -- is one of the true pleasures of bespoke tailoring.

The sleeve cuffs feature the classic zipper closure, characteristic of riders jackets.

The interplay of metal parts at the hem and cuffs enhances the overall rugged appeal.

Wearing the Jacket

Mr. Y tried on the finished jacket. The balance looks absolutely perfect.

Although it's a luxurious piece, it paired effortlessly with the white T-shirt and jeans Mr. Y wore that day, creating a natural and relaxed look -- as if he had left home wearing it.

Despite the jacket's high quality, once worn, it blended naturally with Mr. Y's personal wardrobe -- a hallmark of bespoke craftsmanship achieved through fittings and dialogue. The garment never overshadows the wearer.

The soft creases forming around the sleeves beautifully echo the "whiskering" effect of worn-in jeans. In bespoke tailoring, it's sometimes said that fitting too precisely can sacrifice the garment's elegance -- but if balance is carefully maintained, a close fit enhances both style and comfort. The way this jacket naturally hugs Mr. Y's frame is the fruit of two fitting sessions and careful pattern refinements.

While all new garments have their own appeal, a leather jacket offers a unique joy: the ability to appreciate the beauty of aging and evolving fit over time -- just like jeans or fine shoes. It's a garment that promises a lifetime of enjoyment.

Although the jacket fits snugly against the body, there's absolutely no sense of tightness. It is truly a one-of-a-kind riders jacket, tailored exclusively for Mr. Y's physique. Thanks to the asymmetrical shoulder slope adjustment, there's no visible discrepancy in shoulder height -- an exceptional achievement.

Throughout the fitting, Mr. Y beamed with satisfaction, saying, "This is wonderful -- I really love it!" To our great pleasure, he wore it home immediately. As he planned to travel to the Kansai region during the Golden Week holidays, he took the jacket with him on his journey. By now, it must have broken in even more beautifully.

A luxury riders jacket that can complete an elevated casual style simply by being thrown over a T-shirt, knitwear, or cotton pants -- it's an ideal piece for those seeking sophisticated, relaxed fashion for adults.

As we reach our 40s and 50s, many of us experience subtle changes in body shape. A bespoke riders jacket, refined through multiple fittings, offers an ideal solution -- tailored precisely to your body and your wardrobe. If you've ever thought, "I'd love a riders jacket for casual styling, but I can't find one that truly fits," or "I want a riders jacket that matches both my size and my personal taste," we warmly invite you to consult The Dressing Lab.

We welcome both men's and women's orders. Let us create a truly one-of-a-kind riders jacket -- a piece to accompany you for a lifetime.