Fade Friday – Lee Riders Jacket (40+ Years, Unknown Washes & Soaks)

Gareth Hall from Ontario, Canada, has a fitting surname—because this Lee Riders Jacket he’s shared has earned a spot in our hall of Fades—a place for the best fades we’ve received over the years. A place that, well, doesn’t exist yet, but might someday, inspired by submissions like this.

Belonging to Gareth’s wife and originally purchased by her father way back in 1975, this denim jacket has been worn consistently for the last 45 years and has racked up quite a few memories along the way. We’re talking a DIY stone wash; seeing the Rolling Stones in ’78; marching for Quebec separatism in Montreal—and getting caught on a fence while sneaking out of a girl’s house under the cover of darkness—leaving a large hole in the back of the jacket.

As if this jacket wasn’t packed to the gills with stories, it’s legacy is continuing with Gareth’s help. Not only did he do some “borontine” to structurally reinforce the jacket while saving as much of its original integrity as possible, but he also weaved his own textile memory by way of a 2005 Led Zepplin patch made from an old t-shirt.

We’re looking forward to seeing what the next generation of Halls will do to this thing. Because really, textile history is important and this jacket is as much of an heirloom as an old stuffy painting. Maybe even better because you can interact with it by wearing it, rather than just looking at it and nodding. Although that would be acceptable.

You can follow Gareth and his wife on Instagram @renee.taillondsgn and @quietguywiththeredbeard