Reproductions are great ‘n’ all but sometimes you want some classic workwear that also colors outside the lines a little bit. Enter Time Catcher, the Chinese label that does a bit of both. The A-2 Moleskin Bomber Jacket and Modified M-65 Salt Shrinkage Cotton Poplin Parka are two examples of how TC is taking military classics and updating them for a contemporary look, all while keeping the source material front of mind.
First up, let’s take a look at that A-2. Most famously produced in ‘seal brown’ horsehide’, the original A-2 is probably the most recognizable leather flight jacket of all time. The simple dual-pocket, point-collared design is a workwear triumph, and when you sub the leather for another material, it still looks epic. Such is the case with Time Catcher’s A-2, which they’ve rendered in an 11.8 oz. cotton moleskin and lengthened for a modern cut. Coming in a timeless earthy, brownish grey, the hefty moleskin that makes up the shell of the jacket is contrasted only by genuine horn buttons on the pockets and placket. Flip the cuffs or collar for flashes of brown corduroy lining.
Then there’s the Modified M-65 Salt Shrinkage Cotton Poplin Parka. The fishtail version of the M-65 has become a sought-after vintage military silhouette in recent years, but Time Catcher’s takes a different tack to the OGs. Featuring a shorter, less billowing silhouette than the original, Time Catcher’s Modified M-65 is also shorter in length and full of references to classic British outerwear from the likes of Burberry and Aquascutum. This is evident in the colorway of that awesome salt-shrunk poplin, the checked cotton lining, the wire-striped cotton sleeve lining from Bemberg Japan, and the corduroy lining seen at the cuffs and collar. All in all, it’s a unique piece that balances metropolitan elegance of mid-20th century England with the ruggedness of the fishtail M-65.
Both pieces are available at Olderbest for $66 (A-2) and $153 (Modified M-65)
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