Whitefeather Mfg Co: The Unexpected Gem for Workwear and Denim in Vienna
Vienna is a city full of history, culture, and beautiful details. You can feel its past everywhere you go, but it never feels overwhelming - it’s quietly beautiful and easy to live in. Most people visiting have high expectations, and rightfully so! When most associate Vienna with classic elegance, I have to let you down - there are only a few old Viennese tailors left, and the overall “menswear” experience is definitely not what most people would expect.
Whitefeather Mfg Co storefront on Lerchenfelderstrasse 63.
Even though Whitefeather is rooted in classic workwear, it has at least one thing in common with Viennese history - the best craftsmanship. Whitefeather is a clothing company and a classic denim shop. It’s run by Fardin, who started it out of pure passion, wanting to make something that wasn’t available here, without any prior experience in fashion. He is one of the best guys in the business, with a genuine love for clothes and many other things made the old way, but he is also almost like a workwear historian. If you want to talk about clothes, he will be happy to share his passion and knowledge about workwear and the craftsmanship that goes into making a quality garment. I could spend the whole day there just talking. You’ll understand that as soon as you walk into the shop, where you can find the best denim, military, and workwear reproduction brands like Buzz Rickson’s, Fullcount, Warehouse, Sugar Cane, Mister Freedom, Rocky Mountain Featherbed, as well as a brand like Kamakura Shirts. Then there is also his own clothing brand that carries the same name as the store - Whitefeather Mfg Co.
In store you will find mostly workwear, military reproductions and denim.
He makes jackets and trousers inspired by designs from the 1880s to the 1950s. Most of the jackets are his original designs, and some are reproductions. Fardin has his own collection of vintage pieces that he uses for reproductions or takes inspiration from. He uses only the best fabrics from Japan and leathers from Italian tanneries, and all Whitefeather jackets are made locally in Vienna. He doesn’t have huge stock available, but all models and sizes are always available to try on.
Fardin and selection of his leather jackets.
So even if you can’t buy one right away, you can place an order and get your jacket in 4-6 weeks. The best thing is that even if the stock size doesn’t fit you perfectly, all made-to-order jackets can be adjusted in length and width, almost like made-to-measure, but with fewer options. This way, you can get a perfect leather jacket at an incredible price. Most of the leather jackets are made from goatskin, and some are also available in horsehide.
Brown vs dark brown leather.
During my last visit, I tried on a couple of jackets and was amazed at how well a stock size 42 fits me. It’s clear that the proportions of Whitefeather jackets are based on vintage pieces, because they are shorter than most designs from brands that claim to make vintage reproductions, which tend to be much longer in a similar size. That’s one of the main reasons why I gave up searching for a perfect leather jacket without ordering one made-to-measure - they were always too long for me.
Whitefeather A-1 Jacket on the left and A-2 Jacket on the right.
I really like the classic A-2 Jacket in brown goatskin, which is also possible to order in dark brown. I also tried on the A-1 Jacket, which fits the same, but I prefer the collar on the A-2 (that’s just my personal preference).
1920s Hunting Jacket on the left and The Professor Jacket on the right.
I’m not sure, but I might like the Professor Jacket even more than the A-2, because it has no ribbing at the bottom and the whole jacket is made from leather. I can imagine this jacket in light brown suede - what a wonderful piece that would be! Another jacket that I really like is the 1920s Hunting Jacket, which is a fantastic reproduction of the same vintage jacket. It’s made from Cotton Duck, milled in Japan, and has Corozo buttons made in Vienna.
Tropical Trooper Jacket - similar to a field jacket on the front, but with a bit more elegant details on the back.
Tropical Trooper is another jacket that was very interesting to me - it’s very clear that the design was inspired by the field jacket, but it’s much cleaner and doesn’t have that military vibe. This one could be interesting for guys who don’t like classic military garments but like that aesthetic. It’s also a piece that is very easy to pair with most casual outfits.
D-Deck Jacket on the left and The Abiquiu Jacket on the right
I also tried on the D-Deck Jacket which is clearly Fardin’s take on a US Navy Deck Jacket, and it feels like armour for Viennese wind. Another interesting jacket is “The Abiquiu” - a silhouette inspired by the 1920s denim jacket made by Lee and Cant Bust Em. The cut is different from the 1880s Greenebaum Jacket - the shoulders are more fitted, and the body is a bit slimmer. It’s kind of similar to a Type II denim jacket because of the two front pockets, but they are positioned lower, which is very practical if you wear a shirt with chest pockets, so if you carry stuff in them, they don’t stack on each other. I tried one made in white moleskin, which ages beautifully and gets super soft with wear. Fardin showed me and let me try on his own jacket that is already well worn.
1930s Jeep Coat on the left and the Dispatch Coat on the right.
I also tried on two pieces perfect for autumn-winter - the the 1930s Jeep Coat, and the Dispatch Coat. This time I didn’t try any of the trousers, but he makes a few different styles of chinos and HBT trousers (you can add more info here, since we haven’t spoken much about trousers yet).
In store you will find selection of classic pieces from Buzz Rickson’s, Fullcount, Warehouse, Sugar Cane and Whitefeather Mfg Co, Mister Freedom, Rocky Mountain Featherbed
I’m impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of Whitefeather pieces and really consider them a great value for the price. I always encourage people to buy quality pieces made by local artisans, to support small shops and brands, and Fardin’s Whitefeather Mfg. Co. is a perfect example of that.
So if you ever visit Vienna, this is my number one recommendation if you like denim, workwear, or military style. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, especially once you get the chance to chat with Fardin.
And one more important piece of info for all locals: Whitefeather is currently the only shop in Vienna where you can get chainstitch hemming for your jeans (the price is €15 - and it takes 1-2 weeks).
You will find Whitefeather Mfg Co in 7th district, on Lerchenfelderstrasse 63, and if you can’t visit the store, you can always order online.
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