Adapt an Aero today...

[Sloan1874]

Currently playing around with my order - adding a latch to the detachable collar of my LHB for added wind-proofing - and was wondering what sort of interesting or unusual tweaks and changes people have made to the jackets beyond the simple 1" off or on the length sort of stuff.

 

[smoz]

I would keep it simple, especially if it your first Aero, they are good designs, stick to choosing your lining and more minor details (corduroy pocket linings are great).

Having said that my first Aero was a Highwayman in cordovan, I went for a Harris Tweed lining and an inside wind flap), there are a few pictures here: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...questions-regarding-my-second-Aero&highlight=

 

[smoz]

I have just re-read the thread I posted above, where I was deciding what modifications to make to my next purchase which at that stage was to be a 50s half belt deluxe in brown FQHH. It certainly went through a specifications few changes between placing the order and receiving delivery, in that time it changed to an A-2 42-15142-P in oil pull.

 

[wdw]

It's so easy to get carried away, but I second smoz in keeping it simple on your first order. I ordered quite a few relatively basic mods on my first order, an LHB, then unfortunately after all the fuss, 3 months wait and 2 months wearing I decided I didn't like the long zip style after all, so traded it in at a hefty loss.

I've seen some people here with fairly huge mods, including length, hide, one piece backs, yoke, shape, cuffs, buttons, extra pockets, pocket flap shape etc etc, but I'm now of the view that the fewer mods the better - length adjustments to suit height and maybe one or two inside pockets being all that's really necessary to get a well-fitting great looking and practical jacket.

 

[Sloan1874]

So far I've tried to keep it simple: japanese slim fit, storm cuffs, family tartan lining and an inch extra on the bottom. Then I saw the thread on a Barnstormer which had a luxurious looking dark brown detachable collar and started thinking 'well, that's not too much a of wild addition'. So I phoned Will and threw that into the mix and then took a wander down to the shops, but by the time I got back I'd come up with the idea of a latch to close the collar at the front... something along the lines of a B-6. I suddenly realised that this was a slippery slope towards a complete, self-designed bespoke piece, which can end with brilliant designs like the radjacke - if I had the extra cash I would have one in a heartbeat - or if you get it wrong, a complete hotch potch of ideas. I've seen a couple on the website that I'm sure the owner's love, but to me they've strayed so far from the basic design or what is possible with horsehide, that they just look awkward. But I think the best adaptations and additions are the ones that have a specific use or point.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I'm now of the view that the fewer mods the better - length adjustments to suit height and maybe one or two inside pockets being all that's really necessary to get a well-fitting great looking and practical jacket.

I agree with you 100%..!!
HD

 

[Sloan1874]

Your LHB is a handsome jacket, Smoz. I seriously considered the cordovan myself, but was worried about the colour bleed and decided to go 'safe' with the brown the first time - the general consensus of which is that it has minimum bleed - and look at bull's blood another time (!). The latch I've added is going to be attached to the detachable collar, it's a purely winter consideration, so it's ideal in that it's not affecting the fabric of the jacket itself. As far as adjusting the overall fit, I recommend the Japanese construction for slimmer types. It's not too tight, but it gives a more flattering silhouette - I've stuck with the bi-wing, because it has a pleasing 'art deco-ish' feel to it.

 

[ButteMT61]

I got the A-2 collar snap on my 50's HBD. I really like that option, and you can't see it, so no harm even if you never use it. Good luck on the jacket. Glad you decided to keep it simple. Over reengineering can often end up a mess.

 

[wdw]

I had the LHB in cordovan and didn't notice any bleed. I also have the HWM in cordovan and had a little rubbing off on the inside collar, but I've rubbed that a lot with a dry cloth and it seems to have stopped.

I'm getting a Stockman in cordovan in two weeks, so I guess what I'm saying is don't worry about bleeding if you like that colour.

I'm usually black in everything, but the cordovan is so lovely to behold, not to mention unusual, that I just couldn't resist after seeing it in the flesh.

 

[Sloan1874]

I've read about people narrowing the sleeves on their jackets to the point that they can only wear a shirt under it, which seems very limiting - I own a couple summer weight leather jackets that could only manage a light knit underneath, but they didn't cost me upwards of £700, but I suppose it's horses for courses.
Has anyone approached them with some serious alterations to styling and seen them through to production? Or did Will or Amanda gently persuade you out of them?

 

[ButteMT61]

Don't do it. Why anyone would want to trim down the sleeves is beyond me. I know, it's all the rage on the RRL and YSL sites, but guys...

 

[Sloan1874]

I think the thing with the slimmer sleeve is that you get a slightly higher arm hole - especially on the LHB - which gives a bit more movement. There are limits, though, before you get into strange arrangements where the gussets stick out at the back.

 

[smoz]

Your LHB is a handsome jacket, Smoz.

Thanks, I like it, however it is a Highwayman.

I seriously considered the cordovan myself, but was worried about the colour bleed and decided to go 'safe' with the brown the first time - the general consensus of which is that it has minimum bleed - and look at bull's blood another time (!).

I wouldn't worry too much about the cordovan bleed. I am not going to claim that it doesn't bleed, mine did once, when new, onto a white shirt. However the bleeding was minimal, it only happened once, the colour that came off on the shirt was barely noticeable (I deliberately wore an old white shirt to see if there was going to be a problem and looked out for any marks after wearing it) and it washed out in a normal wash.

However go with the brown FQHH, I haven't seen it in real life but have seen some terrific photos on this forum.

 

[Sloan1874]

Stoopid me, of course it is - I did wonder about the slightly squared-off fit around the waist. Shall learn to pay closer attention...

 

[Graemsay]

If I was coming up with modifications on a Long Half Belt, I'd consider:

• Remove most of the front pockets, and just retaining the hand warmers, possibly with zip closure. (They tend to sag slightly open with age.)
• Add a pair of G1 / pistol style internal pockets.
• I might consider a wind flap, but they never look quite right. The external (A2) style looks neater.
• Go for a one piece back if Aero can find a sufficiently large piece of horsehide.

 

[Sloan1874]

Interested in your reasons for a single piece back. Is it aesthetic or practical? My concern with something like that is you could end up with piece of hide that is so large it takes in areas that were once part of, or adjacent to, the beast's oxters, and this can age/deteriorate at a faster rate and in a less satisfying way than the rest of the jacket. I also quite like the aesthetics of the bi-wing, but that's just me.

 

[Graemsay]

What I was thinking was use the smaller, "biker" style bi-swing, and then have a single piece of leather making up the bulk of the back. Essentially it's eliminating the half belt strip and associated seams.

It's aesthetic, rather than practical. I prefer simpler designs.

The other thing I might consider is a modified version of the Pioneer's back. Simplify it down to three panels, again losing the half belt, but retain the gusset between the long left and right panels.

 

[Sloan1874]

Is the half-belt, along with tightening the side straps, not integral to getting the 'waisted' look ? I personally quite like the LHB's bi-wing. I had thought about getting a simple panel, as you say 'keeping it simple'. But when I saw it 'in the flesh', it struck me as quite an elegant piece of design and very comfortable to wear.
My concern is always that these things were designed this way for a specific reason or look, and re-casting them can upset the balance of the coat ie. on the LHB, a lot of people seem to discard the chest pocket, but to my eyes, and I'm sure there are a lot of people who disagree with me, this leaves an expanse of leather being propped up by a pair of pockets, rendering the whole thing potentially rather bottom-heavy. I suppose we should be grateful to be offered the opportunity to do this sort of thing at a reasonable price.

 

[cloudylemonade]

So far I've tried to keep it simple: japanese slim fit, storm cuffs, family tartan lining and an inch extra on the bottom. Then I saw the thread on a Barnstormer which had a luxurious looking dark brown detachable collar and started thinking 'well, that's not too much a of wild addition'. So I phoned Will and threw that into the mix and then took a wander down to the shops, but by the time I got back I'd come up with the idea of a latch to close the collar at the front... something along the lines of a B-6. I suddenly realised that this was a slippery slope towards a complete, self-designed bespoke piece, which can end with brilliant designs like the radjacke - if I had the extra cash I would have one in a heartbeat - or if you get it wrong, a complete hotch potch of ideas. I've seen a couple on the website that I'm sure the owner's love, but to me they've strayed so far from the basic design or what is possible with horsehide, that they just look awkward. But I think the best adaptations and additions are the ones that have a specific use or point.

With respect to those who like to modify our designs, we're always keen to encourage people not to stray too far from our designs, as you could be in danger of ending up with something you don't like in the end. We've had to draw a line on some orders, where there have been so many changes that there is a no returns policy, as some are too hard for us to then sell on to someone else. And sometimes we'll have to step in and refuse to make the jacket, if the design is so far from our original design we aren't happy to put the Aero label on it.

I'm not suggesting this is the case with your jacket, but just keep it in mind. You liked the design enough to order in the first place, trust us Too many modifications, and especially a wrong modification can really screw up a jacket big time! Talk over anything you're thinking of with Will, but do take his advice if they think something wouldn't work with the existing design.

Or, if you'd like to run any ideas past me, just drop me a line - holly@aeroleatherclothing.com.

 

[cloudylemonade]

My concern is always that these things were designed this way for a specific reason or look, and re-casting them can upset the balance of the coat ie.

Bingo