For the first half of the twentieth century, the leather jacket belonged to institutions. The asymmetrical 1955 California Highway Patrol Jacket was built for motorcycle patrol with a heavyweight steerhide, asymmetrical zip to block wind at speed, and a snap-down collar that stayed put on the road. Then James Dean started wearing one off-duty, and the leather jacket's meaning quietly shifted. Same construction, different context — a garment built for order repurposed as personal expression.
Inspired by Jimmy’s original leather jacket, this special Dean Edition reissue from Schott NYC revives signature details, celebrating the distinctive style that made this jacket a legend. The steerhide is top-grain, drum-dyed, and finished to shed wind and resist moisture, with a look that develops natural creasing and a rich patina with wear.
- Top-grain steerhide sourced from USA hides tanned in North America and drum-dyed with a garment finish for wind blockage and moisture resistance
- Heavy antique brass asymmetrical zipper with hand-laced leather pull and wide interior leather facing — blocks wind at the chest and neck
- Reinforced drop kidney back panel with five leather belt loops — the defining detail of the original CHP design
- Snap-down collar and lapels stay flat at speed, clean at rest
- Detachable snap in/off genuine mouton sheepskin collar
- Two diagonal front pockets with zipper closures
- Adjustable leather lacing at lower side gussets
- Large interior vertical pocket and snap closure
- Vented sleeve cuffs with metal zippers
- Heavyweight nylon twill lining
- James Dean™ is a trademark of James Dean, Inc.
Based on size Medium
- X-Chest: (Measured flat) 22" | (Circ) 44"
- Back from CB to the bottom of the kidney back extension: 26.5"
- Kidney back drop from front hem: 2"
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- True to size
- Adjustable leather lacing at lower side gussets lets you dial in fit and support
- Shell: Top-grain steerhide leather (3–3.5 oz), drum-dyed with garment finish
- Lining: Heavyweight nylon twill
- Hardware: #10 IDEAL brand antique brass metal zipper; metal snap closures
- Detachable Collar: Genuine mouton sheepskin
- Store on a wide-shouldered hanger to maintain shape.
- Clean by a leather specialist only. Do not machine wash or dry clean.
- If the garment gets wet, air dry on a wide hanger — never apply heat.
- Made in USA