This year, give (or get) the gift of lasting style.
Special thanks to Thursday Boot Co. for believing in Primer’s mission and sponsoring this post.
It’s that special time of year when I send a message to my brother and my father to say: What do you cats want for Christmas? If you have a father, brother, husband or son, you know that shopping for us is incredibly difficult.
We want nice things, but we’re not good at spending money on ourselves (so we don’t always have many gift ideas). Our practical side also knows that the dishwasher is going to need to be replaced this year, so we might as well keep the money aside for that.
Men are also notoriously picky, which is why every time you receive a tie or watch that you didn’t ask for, you say thank you with a smile, but you know it probably wouldn’t have been your first choice . . If you’re looking for some safe bets for gifts this year (whether for yourself or someone else), I have a suggestion: leather jackets and boots.
Leather jackets and boots aren’t cheap, but they’re also not items you replace very often. And if you’re like me, you don’t want to give a gift that will sit on the shelf; you want a gift designed to be used for years without going out of style.
If you don’t know what to get your brother, your son or your husband, OR if you don’t know what to say to these people Youhere are some solid ideas…
Thursday Boot Co. Dark Gray Bomber Jacket $349
The bomber jacket dates back to World War I, when the US Army Aviation Clothing Board needed to create a jacket that would keep pilots warm in the cockpit of an airplane. This one from Thursday Boot Co. is based on the 1950 MA-1 jacket, but made from oiled suede (which keeps the hand soft but adds a layer of scuff and moisture resistance). The ribbed collar and cuffs are made from soft cotton and the fit is modern without being tight. The perfect jacket to go from winter to spring. And that dark gray color…damn.
Schott NYC Waxed Cowhide Leather Cafe Jacket $975
If you’re going for the old-school motorcycle look, it doesn’t get more classic than Schott. Started in 1913, Schott has been making its leather jackets in America for 110 years. This moto jacket features an iconic asymmetrical zipper, black details and a twill lining for a soft hand.
Thursday Boot Co. Diplomat Cinnamon Suede $199
The older I get, the more attracted I am to lug soles. There’s something about comfort and utility that appeals to me. I’ve owned a pair of Diplomats for a year in the Harvest color, but now I’m eyeing this cinnamon suede. Like the bomber jacket, these boots are made from oiled suede, and while the lug sole provides comfort on its own, Thursday added a shock-absorbing insole so you can literally wear them all day (and I can vouch of the effectiveness of these insoles. These boots are comfortable). And at $199, these boots are an incredible value.
Belstaff Trailmaster Panther Jacket $1695
Founded in England in 1924, Belstaff set out to not only produce stunning outerwear, but also to protect the environment while doing so. The Trailmaster Panther Jacket is made from ethically sourced calfskin and is finished with a hand-applied coat of wax for added durability.
Thursday Boot Co. Running Jacket $349
If you’re looking for suede that’s a little more affordable but still gives off a relaxed yet statement vibe, check out Thursday’s Racer Jacket in taupe suede (I’m also a fan of tobacco). The Racer Jacket is made from lamb suede, which is the softest suede you can buy, and it will only soften over time. Pair it with a sweater and dark jeans for a night out.
Todd Snyder Dyland – Suede Trucker Jacket $998
Somehow Todd Snyder makes everything look good. Andrew owns this jacket, and it goes well with literally every outfit you can put together (except maybe olive pants). Made in Italy, it’s cut loose enough to accommodate layering but drapes flatteringly over a tee.
Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Weatherproof Boot $495
I bought my first pair of Allen Edmonds sixteen years ago, and they still work. These Higgins Mill boots are made from Horween’s waterproof Chromexcel leather to keep your feet dry and a Dainite sole to absorb shock. They are made in Wisconsin and are completely remanufacturable.
Legend Boot from Thursday Boot Co. $199
If you’re worried about the elements, the Legend boot is another great option. Made from waxed Weathersafe suede, the water pearl of the Legend, which is an aesthetic cross between a Chelsea motorcycle and a night out with the Chelsea guys. The lugged sole makes them comfortable and the Goodyear Welt construction means they’re made to last.
Oak Street Boot Makers Field Boot $562
I’m not afraid to like Oak Street Bootmakers, especially because they aim to support the local shoemaker. This limited edition field boot is made from a Horween Chromexcel Roughout leather, meaning it will offer weather resistance and will likely outlast you. To keep your feet and knees supported, they’ve used a Vibram Christy sole, and the rawhide laces look quite stylish against the brass hardware.
Explorer Thursday Boot Co. $249
If you need the ruggedness of military boots but don’t want to walk around in camouflage, the Explorer is the boot for you. This boot is made from Thursday’s tough, resilient leather, which has been designed to take some serious beating; the extra high collar is padded for comfort and the laces are made from a kevlar blend (yes, like body armor). The Storm Welt construction will keep your feet dry and help the boots last for years.
Keanu Jacket Thursday Boot Co. $360
The Keanu Jacket from Thursday Boot Co. is the ultimate black leather jacket, the one that never goes out of style. The Keanu is made from full grain leather, meaning the grain is not altered during the tanning process. So he will age almost as beautifully as you do.
