{"product_id":"1940s-california-jacket","title":"1940s California Jacket","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row clearfix content-line\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"col-xs-9 column content-util\"\u003eReal Simons 1940s \"California\" Horsehide Jacket\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eFor enthusiasts of timeless American casual wear and vintage moto heritage, the 1940s \"California\" jacket stands as the ultimate archetype.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eFirst popularized in the 1940s, this notched-lapel, straight-zip design has endured for over 80 years as the most versatile leather jacket silhouette ever created—a timeless symbol of rugged style and effortless cool.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eOur reissue honors the original's soul while refining it for modern life. We use two exclusive, custom-developed horsehide leathers: our signature Padova tea-core black and our 2026 new amber brown veg-tanned. Both are renowned for exceptional durability, rich texture, and beautiful patina that deepens uniquely with every wear, embodying the authentic character that defines true vintage leather goods.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe California jacket defined the casual leather jacket archetype with its clean lines and practical three-pocket configuration. While countless reproductions have simplified the design over the years, this edition restores the full original specification with thoughtful modern upgrades.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeather\u003c\/strong\u003e: Custom-developed 1.4mm full-grain horsehide. Available in two options:\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePadova Tea Core Black: AA-grade Polish hides, Shinki-grade tanning with enhanced fatliquoring for softness and luster\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmber Brown Veg-Tanned: 2026 exclusive high-density translucent dye for rich depth and golden patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFit\u003c\/strong\u003e: Broad-shouldered, wide-chested, and cropped. Follows the muscular original American style rather than slim Japanese reproductions. Generous armholes ensure mobility, while the balanced silhouette flatters modern body types.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardware\u003c\/strong\u003e: Period-correct zippers with authentic 1940s teardrop pulls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePockets\u003c\/strong\u003e: Perfectly symmetrical three-pocket layout—one chest zipper pocket and two hand warmer pockets with matching angles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollar\u003c\/strong\u003e: Classic notched lapel collar with sharp, clean lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConstruction\u003c\/strong\u003e: 100% cotton lining for breathability and all-day comfort\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThread\u003c\/strong\u003e: Heavy-duty COATS sewing thread for period authenticity and exceptional strength\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHem\u003c\/strong\u003e: Straight bottom hem, true to the original 1940s design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistory\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe California jacket emerged in the 1940s as the perfect blend of workwear durability and casual style. Its simple, unadorned design made it a favorite among blue-collar workers, veterans, and motorcycle riders alike.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eOriginal 1940s examples were built to last—constructed from thick horsehide with heavy-duty hardware and practical pocket layouts that have stood the test of time. Today, well-preserved vintage specimens command premium prices among collectors, often selling for $2,000+ at auction.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAfter studying dozens of original vintage jackets from the 1940s and 1950s, we rebuilt this design from the ground up. We measured every detail, from the angle of the pockets to the curvature of the side waist, to create the most authentic reproduction possible.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUpgrades \u0026amp; Adjustments\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eWhile we honor the original design, we have made targeted improvements to create a jacket that is both faithful to history and practical for everyday wear:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePocket Alignment\u003c\/strong\u003e: Perfectly symmetrical pocket angles for a cleaner, more polished look than most vintage originals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSide Waist Curvature\u003c\/strong\u003e: Subtle shaping that flatters modern body types without losing the classic boxy silhouette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFit Refinement\u003c\/strong\u003e: Based on 7+ years of customer feedback, we developed a short-wide fit that sits perfectly at the waist and allows for easy layering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeather Upgrade\u003c\/strong\u003e: We use only AA-grade Polish horsehide, with stricter quality control than most reproduction brands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLining Upgrade\u003c\/strong\u003e: Soft, breathable cotton lining replaces the scratchy wool linings found in original 1940s jackets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreak-In Period\u003c\/strong\u003e: Our enhanced tanning process creates a leather that is soft and supple right out of the box, with minimal break-in required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"REAL SIMONS","offers":[{"title":"Black tea-core horsehide \/ S","offer_id":45840573497446,"sku":null,"price":414.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black tea-core horsehide \/ M","offer_id":45840718757990,"sku":null,"price":424.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black tea-core horsehide \/ L","offer_id":45840718790758,"sku":null,"price":436.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black tea-core horsehide \/ XL","offer_id":45840718823526,"sku":null,"price":447.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black tea-core horsehide \/ 2XL","offer_id":45840718856294,"sku":null,"price":458.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black tea-core horsehide \/ 3XL","offer_id":45840718889062,"sku":null,"price":469.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Amber-dyed horsehide \/ S","offer_id":45840718921830,"sku":null,"price":569.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Amber-dyed horsehide \/ M","offer_id":45840718954598,"sku":null,"price":580.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Amber-dyed horsehide \/ L","offer_id":45840718987366,"sku":null,"price":591.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Amber-dyed horsehide \/ XL","offer_id":45840719020134,"sku":null,"price":602.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Amber-dyed horsehide \/ 2XL","offer_id":45840719052902,"sku":null,"price":613.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Amber-dyed horsehide \/ 3XL","offer_id":45840719085670,"sku":null,"price":624.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7536\/8038\/files\/real-simons-1940s-california-jacket-black-main.jpg?v=1782206823","url":"https:\/\/realsimons.com\/products\/1940s-california-jacket","provider":"REAL SIMONS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}