Vintage 1990s Red Tips Made in Italy Cognac Steerhide Leather Single Rider Jacket

Made in Italy by Red Tips during the 1990s, this is a particularly well-made single rider cut from substantial cognac steerhide. It has the clean, understated pattern associated with the style, with the quality coming through in the leather, hardware and construction rather than unnecessary decoration.

The steerhide is excellent. Substantial without being overly rigid, it has developed pronounced grain and natural creasing across the sleeves, shoulders and body. The cognac finish has mellowed with wear, creating subtle variation across the surface while retaining plenty of depth and structure.

The single-rider design is deliberately clean. A small turn-down collar sits above the straight centre fastening, with a horizontal zipped breast pocket and two neatly welted hand pockets. The absence of large lapels, an offset closure and excessive hardware gives it the simple, purposeful profile that defines the single-rider pattern.

Some of the best details are in the hardware. The breast pocket retains its distinctive linked-chain zipper pull ending in a circular metal ring. The same chain-and-ring arrangement appears on the internal zipped pocket, a small but excellent detail that gives the fittings a consistency throughout the jacket.

Across the back is a broad leather half-belt terminating in adjustable buckle straps at either side. The buckles allow the waist to be drawn in and give some definition to the otherwise straightforward cut. Large sections of steerhide are used across the back with relatively little interruption, allowing the grain of the leather to show particularly well.

Inside is a substantial camel check wool lining with black, white and red overchecks. It is one of the nicest details of the jacket and gives the interior considerably more substance than the lightweight synthetic linings commonly encountered in leather jackets of the period. The internal zipped pocket is neatly bound in leather and retains its matching chain pull.

The original Red Tips label remains beneath the collar, identifying the jacket as genuine steerhide and Made in Italy.

For a 1990s piece, it has all the details we look for in a good leather jacket: substantial steerhide, a proper wool lining, generous leather panels, welted pockets, adjustable side buckles and distinctive original hardware. The years have done the rest, leaving the leather with the grain and character that make this example particularly appealing.

Condition & Preservation

Very good vintage condition.

The steerhide remains supple and substantial, with natural grain, creasing and variation throughout. There is expected wear around the sleeves, elbows, seams, pocket openings and other areas of regular contact, all of which sits naturally with the cognac finish.

The check wool lining presents very well and retains its structure. The original Red Tips label remains present and legible.

The distinctive chain zipper pulls remain present on the breast and internal pockets. The adjustable side buckles and associated hardware are also present.

All photographs show the actual jacket offered for sale and form an important part of the condition description.

Key Features

• 1990s Red Tips single-rider jacket
• Made in Italy
• Genuine steerhide leather
• Cognac leather finish
• Pronounced natural grain and creasing
• Classic straight-zip single-rider pattern
• Small turn-down collar
• Horizontal zipped breast pocket
• Original chain-and-ring zipper pull
• Two lower welted hand pockets
• Broad leather rear half-belt
• Adjustable side buckle straps
• Generous steerhide back panels
• Shaped multi-panel sleeves
• Substantial check wool lining
• Leather-bound internal zipped pocket
• Matching chain-and-ring internal zipper pull
  

Garment Measurements

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 26"
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 21"
• Sleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 23.5"
• Sleeve, underarm seam to cuff: 16"
• Back length, collar seam to hem: 25"

Best suited to a size Large / 44 Short, with proportions cut specifically for a shorter fit. For the most accurate indication of fit, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket that fits you well.