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Bench Leather Jacket

Fall 1987

This jacket reminds me of the On-The Road jacket a little It has the same leather cuff protectors and light coloring. I also like the lining very much. A handsome jacket only offered in Fall and Christmas 1987.

From the catalogue: “Once upon a time, in a humble saddler’s shop, there was a lambskin covering on a worktable, and every day this lambskin cover was smoothed and stretched as the saddler worked his fine leathers upon it. One day we happened along and noticed that the lowly “bench leather” had tempered to a patina far surpassing that of the skins it was meant to protect. And so we took this supremely malleable leather off the bench and gave it its chance to shine, in a jacket that’s all the great leather jackets you ever wanted. The style is simple and classic because the leather is special enough. We love happy endings. “

About The Author

Robyn Adams
Robyn's fascination with Banana Republic began in 1984 when her Alaskan adventurer father began buying the clothing and giving her the catalogs. She loved the clothes and as an artist she was drawn to the illustrations. She went on to study illustration at art college in BR's hometown of San Francisco and worked for years as a background artist for animation. She is now based in Oakland, CA as a graphic designer and illustrator with Secret Fan Base . She's been collecting and archiving at Abandoned Republic since 2011.

2 Comments

  • Will Tremont on January 16, 2022

    I just had my Bench Leather Jacket relined for the third time. Also had to replace the original cuffs as the leather protectors were falling apart. After nearly thirty five years the patina is incredible and I’m looking forward to many more years wearing my old friend. Not bad for a Christmas present I received in 1987. And my wife still has her Amelia Earhart Jacket gifted by me the same Christmas.

  • Sims Leather on May 12, 2023

    I recently bought a leather jacket from Bench and I’m thrilled with it! The quality of the leather is top notch and it’s so comfortable. It looks great, too – very stylish. I absolutely love my new jacket and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-end leather piece.

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