This Freewheelers "S-8 Aviators" Summer Flying Jacket (Khaki Beige) was worn by our Melbourne Store Manager -- Ray, who shares here:
"I think it’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Freewheelers. This 'S-8 Aviators' Flying Summer Jacket is my favorite all-season jacket. I’ve worn it year-round for over six years.Over those six years, I’ve slowly added some hand-embroidered patches from Freewheelers. With time, this jacket has become a mirror of myself—reflecting my daily life through its wear and aging."
"Talking about FW’s S-8 Aviators Jacket, the shell is made from its specially developed heavyweight jungle cloth—a high-density fabric with a softly brushed interior, almost as soft as cashmere, and very similar in hand feel to the finest Japan-made heavyweight cotton flannel. The fabric is thread-dyed, which is why it ages so beautifully over time, developing a rich, high-contrast patina."
"The magic of FW’s products lies in their unique construction. At first sight, the design looks simple and understated. However, once you start wearing the jacket, you begin to realize how much thought FW has put into both the design and everyday wearability."
"From the hidden cinch collar designed for windy days, to the adjustable cuffs and waistband that accommodate different layers across seasons, and the pleated underarm panels with ventilation holes—every detail serves a purpose. To be honest, I’ve rarely seen any brand that designs with this level of depth, then quietly hides those details within the garment, waiting for the wearer to discover them."
"The hand-embroidered patches are thread-dyed as well, so they age beautifully along with the jacket itself, don’t they? I love their vivid character—very much like the rare-to-find vintage patches I’ve collected from the Rose Bowl Flea Market over the years."
"Freewheelers truly understands the texture of details. I love the way their pieces evolve over time—when the ultra-large urea buttons begin to show scratches, and when the silver-coated zipper slowly reveals its reddish-brown hue beneath the surface."
"Through six years of continuous wear, the hairy softness of the brushed interior has slowly faded. That tells me the fabric itself has reached its midpoint in life—much like heavyweight cotton flannel or loopwheel sweatshirts. I’ve decided to wear this jacket more casually now. Maybe it’s no longer just a jacket to me; it’s my lifetime old fella, telling my story better than I ever could."