What’s the difference between horsehide and cowhide

Horsehide is denser, stiffer, and develops a more dramatic patina than cowhide. Brands like Double Helix favor horsehide for its longevity and historical authenticity in heritage-style jackets

How do I break in a stiff leather jacket

Consistent wear is key. Don’t force the leather — let it mold naturally. High-end jackets from Double Helix are designed to break in gradually, rewarding patience with rich character

Where can I buy high-quality horsehide jackets online

Look for authorized retailers of Japanese heritage brands. Double Helix is available through specialty stores like URAHARA STORE, or via select Japanese boutiques

What makes a high-quality horsehide leather jacket

A high-quality horsehide jacket uses full-grain leather, often vegetable-tanned for durability and character. Brands like Double Helix in Japan are known for mastering this process, creating heirloom pieces that age beautifully

How does Double Helix compare to other Japanese brands like The Real McCoy’s or Freewheelers

Double Helix shares the same reverence for American vintage styles as brands like The Real McCoy’s or Freewheelers, but focuses more exclusively on horsehide and clean, modern tailoring. Their jackets are often considered slightly more contemporary and accessible in silhouette.

Who is Double Helix and what sets the brand apart

Founded in 2017 in Tokyo, Double Helix is a Japanese brand specializing in high-end horsehide leather jackets. Known for heritage-inspired design and exceptional craftsmanship, the brand blends classic Americana with Japanese precision and luxury materials.

What types of leather does Double Helix use in their jackets

Double Helix primarily uses premium horsehide sourced from the U.S. and Europe. The hides are vegetable-tanned using traditional Japanese techniques, resulting in leather that is durable, structured, and develops a rich patina with wear.

What is tea core leather and why is it special

Tea core leather refers to black-dyed horsehide where the surface is black, but the inner layers retain a natural brown tone. Over time, the black finish wears away in high-friction areas, revealing the brown underneath — creating a unique vintage look. Brands like Double Helix are known for using tea core horsehide in their jackets, combining this beautiful aging effect with expert tailoring and traditional Japanese tanning techniques.

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Double Helix 'Type A-2' Horsehide Leather Jacket

Double Helix

£1,522.00 GBP

Sale Sold out

Duties and taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size 38 40 42 44 46

Quantity

Product Description

This Double Helix 'Type A-2' Horsehide Leather Jacket is a must-have for any collector of rare and limited pieces. This jacket is a faithful reproduction of the iconic Type A-2 Flight Jacket worn by American Air Force during WWII, made from premium 1.3mm Japanese vegetable tanned, tea core horsehide leather. Features include dual patch pockets and epaulets, contrast ribbed-knit hem and cuffs, zip closure, contrast stitching and cotton drill lining. This limited edition jacket from Double Helix is truly one of a kind.

- Classic A-2 type Flight Jacket.
- Vegetable tanned tea core Japanese horsehide leather.
- 1.3mm thickness.
- Dual patch pockets & epaulets.
- Contrast ribbed-knit hem and cuffs.
- Zip Closure.
- Contrast stitching.
- Cotton drill lining.
- Made in Japan.

- Joe is 190cm and 95kgs and is wearing a size 46.

What We Think

This is one of those jackets that just feels right the moment you put it on. The Double Helix Type A-2 takes a WWII-era classic and gives it a fresh, wearable update — all without losing the soul of the original. It’s made from Japanese tea-core horsehide that’ll age like nothing else, developing real character the longer you wear it.

The fit is cropped and boxy in a good way — structured, but never stiff. It sits clean over a hoodie or crewneck, and layers easily with whatever’s already in your rotation. The ribbed cuffs and hem keep things sharp, and the contrast stitching adds just the right amount of detail.

It works just as well with worn-in denim and boots as it does with loose cargos and sneakers. Whether you’re into military-inspired gear, vintage cuts, or just want something that’ll get better with time, this one delivers.

Sizing Information

All meaurements are in Metric (cm's).

Garment Care

All garments available at our store are highly considered, thoughtfully designed and superior crafted. They are beautiful and rare in nature and often made with natural / organic fibres. If you treat them well, they will last you a lifetime.

We always recommend to 'Wear More & Wash Less'.

If washing is necessary we always suggest to hand wash and use organic / premium soaps where available and a natural drying process.

Shipping Information

Shipping Policy

We know ordering online can feel risky so we’ve built our shipping around speed, transparency, and zero surprises.
We pack orders super fast, ship every morning & keep our shipping structure as clear and simple as possible.

Free Worldwide Shipping Rates

Free shipping on all orders over $500 AUD.
Applied automatically at checkout.

International Shipping (Flat Rates)

All Flat Rate orders are shipped with Australia Post.
Calculated FedEx & UPS pricing is also provided at checkout for your consideration.

Standard International Shipping ($20 AUD)

United States: $13 USD
United Kingdom: £10 GBP
Canada: $18 CAD
Japan: ¥2,000 JPY
South Korea: ₩17,000 KRW
Europe: €12 EUR
New Zealand: $22 NZD
Rest of World: $20 AUD (converted at checkout)

Express International Shipping ($30 AUD)

United States: $20 USD
United Kingdom: £16 GBP
Canada: $27 CAD
Japan: ¥3,000 JPY
South Korea: ₩26,000 KRW
Europe: €18 EUR
New Zealand: $33 NZD
Rest of World: $30 AUD (converted at checkout)

Australia Domestic Shipping

Free shipping on orders over $500 AUD.

Australia Post & Sendle discounted shipping rates
are provided at checkout for all orders under $500.

Order Processing

Orders placed Monday to Friday are shipped the same business day.
A tracking link is emailed as soon as your order is dispatched.

Duties, Taxes and Checkout Transparency

All duties, tariffs and taxes are completely covered by URAHARA.
The price you see at checkout is the price you pay, delivered to your door.

Returns and Exchanges

Customers are responsible for return shipping costs.
Items must be returned in original condition with all tags attached.
Shoes must be returned in their original box.
Original shipping costs are non-refundable unless the item is faulty.
Please refer to our full Returns Policy for details.

If you are unsure about sizing or fit, contact us before ordering and we can help you choose the right size.