Enjoy free U.S. shipping on orders of $150 or more after discounts.

Late 1970s/Early 1980s Rust Brown Leather Military-Inspired Jacket, Modern Unisex S

A fitted late-1970s to early-1980s leather jacket in burnished rust brown, finished with shoulder epaulets, flap chest pockets, an upper-arm utility pocket, and a gathered waist-length hem. The warm terracotta tone and sharply paneled construction give its field-jacket details a more polished, body-conscious edge. Estimated to best fit a modern unisex Small.

$168

1 in stock

Vintage & made-to-order: final sale. Due to the nature of vintage merchandise and production for your order, we cannot accept change-of-mind returns, exchanges or store credit on these items. Rights required by law, including for faulty or incorrect goods, remain unaffected. For other items and international rights, see our return policy.
  • Safe Payment Options
  • Secured Logistics
  • Secured Privacy
  • Purchase Protection

Share this product

Description

A lean leather jacket that treats military utility as a study in line and proportion.

The smooth leather exterior has a warm rust-brown finish that moves between terracotta, chestnut, and reddish cognac as the light shifts. Natural creasing and tonal variation give the surface depth, while close-set seams keep the silhouette precise.

The jacket is built with a broad pointed collar, shoulder epaulets, two buttoned flap pockets at the chest, and a single utility pocket at the upper arm. Two angled hand pockets sit lower on the torso, integrated into the curved paneling that shapes the waist.

A full-length metal zipper closes the front. Buttoned cuffs narrow the sleeves at the wrist, while the gathered leather hem brings the jacket firmly back to the body and creates its compact, waist-length proportion.

The back is comparatively clean, with a horizontal shoulder yoke, central seam, and lightly bloused shape above the gathered waistband. The combination of fitted construction, multiple pockets, and a distinctly warm leather finish places it somewhere between a field jacket, a lightweight bomber, and a sharply styled late-1970s moto piece.

On Jayden, the shoulders and torso fit close without obvious strain. The jacket is substantial enough to hold its shape but slim enough to wear over a button-down, fitted knit, or lightweight T-shirt.

Details

Estimated Era: Late 1970s to early 1980s
Production Status: True vintage
Brand / Maker: Unidentified
Item Type: Military-inspired leather jacket
Marked Size: Not shown
Estimated Modern Size: Unisex S
Men’s Fit Estimate: S
Women’s Fit Estimate: M, depending on proportions
Primary Color: Rust brown
Color Undertones: Terracotta, reddish cognac, and warm chestnut
Exterior: Smooth leather
Exact Leather Type: Not identified
Pattern: Solid
Silhouette: Fitted and waist length
Collar: Broad pointed foldover collar
Shoulders: Tabbed epaulets
Front Closure: Full metal zipper
Chest Pockets: Two buttoned flap pockets
Hand Pockets: Two angled front pockets
Sleeve Detail: Single buttoned upper-arm utility pocket
Cuffs: Buttoned cuffs with small sleeve vents
Hem: Gathered leather waistband
Back Detail: Horizontal shoulder yoke and center-back seam
Model: Jayden
Quantity: One

Measurements

Flat garment measurements were not provided with the shoot.

Because the jacket is fitted and size-sensitive, customers should compare the final chest, shoulder, sleeve, waistband, and length measurements with a similar jacket that already fits well.

Fit Notes

Estimated to best fit a modern unisex Small.

On Jayden, the shoulders sit close to the body and the jacket follows the torso without visible pulling across the chest or zipper. The sleeves reach the wrist, and the gathered lower edge sits firmly at the natural waist.

A modern men’s Small should receive the fitted silhouette shown. A modern XS should receive slightly more ease through the torso and sleeves. For women, the jacket should work across many modern Medium proportions, depending on bust, shoulders, arm length, and desired layering.

The jacket is designed for a close, waist-length fit and is better suited to a shirt or lightweight knit than a heavy sweater.

Condition

Good Vintage Condition.

The jacket retains a strong rust-brown color, complete exterior paneling, and all major photographed design elements, including the zipper, shoulder epaulets, pocket flaps, sleeve pocket, cuffs, and gathered hem.

Visible age and wear include natural leather creasing, softened areas, tonal variation, surface scuffing, edge wear, and light finish loss. A more noticeable pale abrasion is visible on one lower sleeve, with additional rubbing around the cuffs, seams, and other high-contact areas.

No major exterior tears, large areas of material loss, or open structural seams are visible in the supplied photographs. The patina is apparent and contributes to the jacket’s worn-in vintage character.

Styling Notes

Pair it with olive or tobacco tailoring, as shown, to lean into its warm late-1970s palette. It also works with dark denim, narrow black trousers, a pleated skirt, or cream utility pants.

The fitted waist makes it especially strong with higher-rise bottoms, while the broad collar can hold its own over a patterned shirt, fine-gauge turtleneck, fitted tee, or silk blouse.

For a sharper contrast, style it with pale blue, lavender, white, or silver. For a more tonal approach, combine it with ochre, burgundy, chocolate, camel, and moss green.

The plaid shirt, olive trousers, shoes, and other styling pieces shown in the photographs are separate inventory and are not included.

Styling / Cross-Sell Note

Shown in the January 2026 shoot with a multicolor plaid button-down and olive windowpane trousers. Connect the pieces through Shop the Look when their separate product pages are active.

Curation Note

Selected for its unusually lean military silhouette, warm rust leather, and the balance between practical pocket construction and precise, body-conscious tailoring.

Additional information

Era

Material

Leather

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

Size Chart

Sizing Chart to add this for Vintage Clothes Vintage sizing varies greatly by brand, country, garment type, and time period. The marked vintage size may not reflect today’s sizing standards. Whenever possible, we provide both the original marked size and our estimated modern US size equivalent. This estimate is based on the item’s era, construction, fabric behavior, relevant size references, and how the piece fits on the model shown. We do not clip, pin, or artificially alter garments when photographing them. The model’s size, measurements, and visible fit are the best guides for understanding modern fit. Please review all photos, fit notes, and product details before purchasing.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Posted on Yelp Yelp
Shirley C.
Verified
I cannot say enough glowing words about Quirk. It's the absolute best. I've come several times since 2020 and they never miss. Melynda is a top-tier curator. All her pieces feel hand-picked with thought, care, and a keen eye for taste and style. It's easy to find a great deal here: I've found a vintage Dior wallet at Quirk, as well as multiple outfits for red carpets, premieres, photoshoots, and day-to-day wear. She keeps prices super fair and reasonable while knowing her stuff when it comes to true vintage, designer, and quality. I always know I'm getting my money's worth. As a stylist, Melynda is a true treat and I highly recommend working with her. Whether it's working on a tight budget and creating 15-30 looks from vintage pieces, or an expanded budget that can pull from showrooms and designer pieces, or even creating a custom piece--Melynda knows how to meet the needs of every budget and occasion and go above and beyond. She puts in the work when it comes to event research and advocates for a client's personal taste. She has styled high-profile clients and costumed network television shows--it's hard to find someone who knows more about true vintage and eras than Melynda! As someone who loves vintage shopping, thrifting, and flea/artist/vintage markets, I'm always looking for vendors and stores, and Quirk is one of those special places where you can tell vintage is a real passion, not just a place to make a quick buck on a Tiktok trend (though you can definitely find super trendy pieces here too!). At Quirk, I'd say clothes are treated like found treasure looking for their forever home! I come back again and again because the pieces are fun and always changing. As a store owner, Melynda is friendly, knowledgable, and is great at offering styling advice for each customer's unique taste. She keeps such a positive shopping atmosphere in the store. I'll always keep returning!
Posted on Google Google
Patricia Guerrera
Love what Melynda with Quirk has done to help LA fire victims! She is still continuing to this day to help others in need. By creating a free shopping boutique filled with stylish clothing and accessories! She is amazing! Thank you for everything your are doing to help your community!! You Rock Girl!!! Blessing to you!
Posted on Google Google
Noura
One of the best high quality vintage stores you can find in LA 🤌🏽 The owner is very sweet and helpful. Lovely experience overall!
Posted on Google Google
Sana Chughtai
Such a unique little place, I can spend hours here just being fascinated by all the little goodies! The best place to find vintage and unique pieces.
Posted on Google Google
Nyne Nelson
Amazing range of items! Melinda is so sweet. Also Quirks sales manager Prudence is soooooo adorable.
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Kyle S.
Verified
My friend and I were exploring the fashion district and came across this place and it is a total gem! Some very interesting timeless pieces that were super fun too look through and such a friendly vibe. Shoutout to the lady working there, I believe it was Malinda, she was so friendly and I had such a good time talking with her! She is so passionate and stylish and her friendliness and love for fashion is what makes me love LA! Certainly must visit if your in the area!!!!
Posted on Google Google
Yolanda BELTRAN
Amazing true vintage store! Support local small businesses! 🩵
Posted on Google Google
Andrés Erazo
I have volunteered at the Fire Relief Free Boutique founded by Melynda for over a month and the whole experience has been amazing, I have seen people affected by the fires leaving the free boutique with a smile on their face after the free shopping experience, that’s something that fulfills the soul. Melynda is a great leader with a big heart, I’m proud to be part of this beautiful project.
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Raleigh K.
Verified
As an enthusiast of cool articles of clothing from from then to now and back again, I discovered a gem in dtla called Quirk! Co-owner Melynda always creates the best experience whenever I stop by...much like like visiting a friend and unlike some vintage shops there's always something new in rotation. Do yourself a favor folks and stop by!
Posted on Yelp Yelp
Andrea O.
Verified
What a special shop! Their collection of iconic footwear is fabulous and reasonably priced. Amazing finds!!! Everything from accessories to stationary to timeless wardrobe pieces are in this authentic and quirky shop!!! I love it!!! So happy to have you in DTLA!!!
Posted on Google Google
Phuc Ngo
The whole experience is great and the collection is very curated.
Posted on Google Google
Camille Hamilton
I am such a shop-aholic at her store. I love her dresses and shoes. The owner always put a great story behind every outfit and whom she did her work. The owner, Melynda is AMAZING Stylist in the business. Her work is ABSOLUTELY amazing and her dog Prudence who comes into the store makes the vibe very loving and friendly. I pretty much spend my entire paycheck coming to this store. Very tempting and I always come out with the hottest looks at her store.
Posted on Google Google
Rockin Vinyl Creations
Great quality products. Great customer service.
Posted on Google Google
Monika Zhao
very nice shop offering student discounts
Posted on Google Google
Debby Zhou
Great vintage shop in Downtown! With all the new vintage stores popping up around LA these days, Quirk really stands out with having unique, high quality items that are personally curated by the owner, Melynda, who is also a professional stylist and costume designer. Most vintage shops these days are just filled with XXL 80s/90s shirts, and overpriced jeans. Quirk has one-of-a-kind items that have made me a return customer. Most recent purchases were a 1970s YSL handbag and kimono jacket that always get me compliments when I wear them out.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE​