I purchased the brown Cottonwood 2 years ago and liked it so much I just bought a black one. This year's version is $90 cheaper and unfortunately, you can see where the money went. Overall, there's less weight to the jacket, it's physically smaller in length at the waist and sleeves, the zipper is lower quality, it's missing the corduroy reinforcement at the neckline and the logo stitching on the cuff is even gone. Still a great jacket on its own merits, but it suffers from comparison to the earlier version.

Posted by: Matt | January 18, 2010 5:35 am

I love this jacket already! Great feel, great cut, seems very sturdy. Was a bit nervous to buy it it brown, so opted for black. I don't regret the choice.

Posted by: JL Brunet | January 08, 2010 12:42 am

I bought this jacket last year and wear it nearly all of the time through the winter months. I like this jacket! My only complaint is that the left sleeve liner seems to push down further out of the sleeve opening than the right side. This is annoying since it looks as if it is pushing our of the shell of the left sleeve...other than that, it's been a really tough jacket...spendy...but you get what you pay for! Besides...it's a SWOBO!!!!

Posted by: Dan | March 16, 2009 3:12 pm

Awesome jacket. Use it everywhere. Took it with me to Bishop, CA and kept me warm all the way. Looks cool with old school style. Not plumply pump poofy like these gangbangers, not tighty McTighty like these nancy prancy preening MetroSexuals. Just about right fit for a good old gasbag rocker and boulder'er like me. Again, Great Jacket, keep it brown, maaaaaan!!!

Posted by: Pepe | February 25, 2009 9:00 am

Wow - I got this 2 weeks ago- January-09 - it was 10 degrees here in Boston and it is the warmest jack I have ever worn. I have other things - shells - layers etc. but this is amazing and it looks great. Been looking for a wax jacket for a while - but never could find one with "style" this has it.

Posted by: Albert | January 23, 2009 1:01 pm

Awesomeness. I dig this jacket very much. Two Britney Spears clones were following me on a ride, and while I was grooving on the flow to my ego, felt a touch deflated when they finally copped the nerve to approach me and ask about the Cottonwood--Only. If 20-Somethings don't dig me, at least they stalk my torso-threads. -Me [LFoaB]

Posted by: LFoaB | December 06, 2008 1:37 pm

After years and years, miles and miles I had to give up my original Swobo waxed coat - the one with the AWESOME polka dot lining - when it started to wear out at the cuffs. It served me well, and I buried it with a small, dignified cermony out in the woods. I was excited to get the new incarnation as a replacement. It's got that same sweet look, and quality feel. The addition of padded lining is good, but does limit how often I'll wear it here in temperate NorCal. The padding changes the size though, which is a real shame. I used to wear a medium, which was barely snug with a sharp tailored look. The new medium is too tight around the armpits for riding/driving, and the large seems a little more bulky, and therefore slightly less sweet. More like a Carhart than a mechanics jacket. Still, one of the nicest jackets you will find, and definitely unique. It's a great alternative to a leather coat.

Posted by: Ryan*PC | November 04, 2008 10:51 am

It's generally a crapshoot buying something online, sight unseen; this was a home run! As much as I object to winter coming, I kinda can't wait!

Posted by: Jim | October 13, 2008 2:27 pm

it makes me want to drink beer and chop down trees... in that order. c'mon winter, i want to wear this jacket again.

Posted by: Evilgordon | October 01, 2008 10:23 am

Picked up a Cottonwood two years back. For the good ol' Wisconsin winter chills, the Cwood is peachy! Works perfect for taking the trash to the curb, and taking the pooch out for a chilly frisbee toss. Lets me blend with the Carhart crowd with out becoming one too! That's so awesome.

Posted by: Martini | September 24, 2008 11:03 am

This is a jacket you Won't be donating to the Goodwill! Everywhere you look everyone is wearing either leather or fleece. I'm not one to blend into the crowd, so I was looking for something different and found Swobo's Cottonwood Jacket. The color of the jacket is perfect and the waxed cotton has a nice vintage look without being too cheesy or fake looking. The liner is beefy enough to keep you warm on those frigid days; the internal chest pocket holds all your important stash, and the built in cuffs in the sleeves really work. I also like the subtle touches of the logo on the cuff and zipper, I don't feel like a walking billboard for a company's brand name. I'm 6'7" and to my surprise the XL size's sleeves are more than long enough. Cleaning the jacket's liner can be a little tedious, but the canvas shell you just hose it off. I always look forward to the cold winters so I can wear this jacket.

Posted by: Ken S | September 24, 2008 7:04 am

I've had my Cottonwood a year and it looks and feels badass. It's lightweight, warm and repels moisture. I'm not sure about this business of having to reapply the wax in a couple of years, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Posted by: Matt | September 24, 2008 5:55 am

I love this Jacket! It's a great piece to take with you wherever and whenever. My only complaint is that the cuffs get a bit stretched out over time. Otherwise it's awesome.

Posted by: Jonny M | September 23, 2008 6:34 pm

I love this jacket. I feel 10 feet tall when I wear it, and the ladies definitely respond to me when I'm sportin' it. I'll leave it to you to decide if they respond in a positive fashion or not. If I could wear 4 or 5 of these jackets at the same time, I would. I am dead serious about all of this. Buy this jacket NOW or you are a total dork.

Posted by: Sean Bragstad | September 23, 2008 5:17 pm

Great for winter riding. Love it... long time.

Posted by: Hans | September 23, 2008 5:12 pm

The Cottonwood Jacket is my favorite jacket by far. It wears well and is comfy on or off the bike. Great for walks in the evening with the honey or a cruise to the local pub. The lined/trimmed collar adds a nice touch of style. I find that I get a little bummed when it gets too warm out to wear the jacket! The one drawback for the jacket is that the liner is not removeable...it can get a little ripe if you wear it a lot...(see above)...and the honey does not to walk with you all too often when that happens! The care for the shell is easy and a little satisfying

Posted by: Gary Courtright | September 23, 2008 10:36 am