Advice needed on new Aero Cafe Racer jacket

[Edgar Laurel]

So the arm thing, the inability to reach your head or into any pocket of the jacket, that's pretty normal at first?

I'll need the assistance of my other half for some fit pics, which I think will have to be tomorrow. I don't think selfies in the bedroom mirror is the way to go! haha!

Oh, and Google revealed that Americans tend to zip up on the 'wrong' side. Who'd a thunk it... But anyway, it seems to be something you can specify with Aero, to go with your continent's norms.

Warm the jacket before putting it on. It makes marvels in the first few days. Also keep in mind, go everywhere with your FQHH jacket, use it non stop for about a week or two.

 

[Edgar Laurel]

@Monitor @Fanch Thanks for the replies. The sleeves definitely are too tight on this jacket, which is maybe why it got sent back to sit on the rejects pile? The chest is fine, if snug, it's all down to the arms when I think of it. My arms are hardly huge, but I do lift weights and play a lot of sport (when I'm not injured!), so I mentioned this when I first contacted Aero, as I've had issues with fitted shirts/jackets. They said Cafe Racer sleeves are looser fitting compared with others. (By the way, biceps 15", forearm 12.5".) Fit pics to be on here tomorrow.

I'v always sent Aero my arm circumference. Some jackets have a trim fitting arms and need to be adjusted, other have arms that I find too loose so sending them your arm circumference really helps.
With Aero I've gone with only one jacket that wasn't fitting all that nicely, too baggy around the stomach and too short, that was my first jacket some 3 years ago. Once they've nailed de right fit all the jackets have been perfect.

 

[Rich22]

Some fit pics, please excuse the state of my living room, and untucked t-shirt (In fairness its a really short t shirt that only just covers up the belt):

 

[Edgar Laurel]

Some fit pics, please excuse the state of my living room, and untucked t-shirt (In fairness its a really short t shirt that only just covers up the belt):

Would like to see it zipped up in a relaxed "natural" position.

 

[Rich22]

No problem, here you go:

 

[Edgar Laurel]

No problem, here you go:

It seems quite a neat fit to me. The jacket does not creep up odly with your arms up also so I would say it looks good if you're going to wear it with only a t-shirt or some light weight shirt..

 

[Rich22]

Warm the jacket before putting it on. It makes marvels in the first few days. Also keep in mind, go everywhere with your FQHH jacket, use it non stop for about a week or two.

Warmth clearly made a difference today, when I first put it on cold it was ridiculous. I can't wear this one for more than a few minutes, though, as it's not mine to keep and needs to be returned in the condition I received it.

 

[Rich22]

It seems quite a neat fit to me. The jacket does not creep up odly with your arms up also so I would say it looks good if you're going to wear it with only a t-shirt or some light weight shirt..

I raised them to the point where the whole jacket would lift, but stopped short of lifting it. I like the fit, inability to bend my arms aside.

 

[Rich22]

I'v always sent Aero my arm circumference. Some jackets have a trim fitting arms and need to be adjusted, other have arms that I find too loose so sending them your arm circumference really helps.
With Aero I've gone with only one jacket that wasn't fitting all that nicely, too baggy around the stomach and too short, that was my first jacket some 3 years ago. Once they've nailed de right fit all the jackets have been perfect.

That's good to hear, and thanks for the tip, I sent Holly the circumference measurements of my arms. I assumed the arms were just fixed size for each style of jacket and tag size.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I'd send Holly these pics as well and they can help advise on the size and adjustments needed..

 

[Rich22]

I'd send Holly these pics as well and they can help advise on the size and adjustments needed..

Way ahead of you

 

[ton312]

I'm late to the party here but I will say this looks a good 1/2 size too small. Not so much in the arms but certainly across the back and shoulders. I'd personally prefer a longer body but that's absolutely subjective. The sleeve length looks good but will need to be adjusted accordingly with wider shoulders.
The plus side is you have a very solid fit jacket to work off of. I'm quite certain the finished product is going to fit to a T.
I think you and I have similar builds ( minus the giant yellow head) and I've always had trouble with the CR pattern. I think you're on the right track tho. You seem to have the specifics of what you want in order. At a certain point pass these photos along and have faith in the people building it. They'll get it right for you. Looking forward to seeing the end result.

 

[Fanch]

The fit pictures look better than I thought they might. Still appears a bit tight but definitely too short in the body by a couple of inches, at least for my taste. Given available information I continue to think your comfort level would be much better with Vicenza for that style jacket, especially if you are not using it for riding. Whether you go with CXL, goat or Vicenza is strictly about personal preference, with @Monitor and probably @ton312 veering in the direction of CXL, @Seb Lucas toward goatskin and I to Vicenza.

 

[Rich22]

I'm late to the party here but I will say this looks a good 1/2 size too small. Not so much in the arms but certainly across the back and shoulders. I'd personally prefer a longer body but that's absolutely subjective. The sleeve length looks good but will need to be adjusted accordingly with wider shoulders.
The plus side is you have a very solid fit jacket to work off of. I'm quite certain the finished product is going to fit to a T.
I think you and I have similar builds ( minus the giant yellow head) and I've always had trouble with the CR pattern. I think you're on the right track tho. You seem to have the specifics of what you want in order. At a certain point pass these photos along and have faith in the people building it. They'll get it right for you. Looking forward to seeing the end result.

I agree with a lot of that. 1/2 size small- yep. Longer body needed- yep. With pics taken at head height it doesn't look as short as it is. Giant yellow head is my stand-out feature Only disagree about the shoulders, they're fine, but my lats are big, that's where the jacket pulls taught. I don't know if that's what screws with the back. Something is very off with the drape of the back isn't it? Just doesn't look right to me. Oh, and while the arms look great in the pics, they're definitely an issue. I think with Aero's help, and this forum's, I'd be extremely unlucky to end up with a jacket I wasn't happy with.

 

[Rich22]

The fit pictures look better than I thought they might. Still appears a bit tight but definitely too short in the body by a couple of inches, at least for my taste. Given available information I continue to think your comfort level would be much better with Vicenza for that style jacket, especially if you are not using it for riding. Whether you go with CXL, goat or Vicenza is strictly about personal preference, with @Monitor and probably @ton312 veering in the direction of CXL, @Seb Lucas toward goatskin and I to Vicenza.

I'm veering towards the same opinion on all of the above as you. Definitely we agree fit wise, and probably leather choice too- I look forward to handling all the samples that are on their way to me, but at this stage I lean towards Vicenza.

My girlfriend is also trying to sway me towards a less stiff/rigid/heavy leather. She also gives thumbs up to yoke, and thumbs down to shoulder gussets and external kidney panel.

 

[Rich22]

The drape on this looks so much better than the fit jacket does on me....

 

[ton312]

I agree with a lot of that. 1/2 size small- yep. Longer body needed- yep. With pics taken at head height it doesn't look as short as it is. Giant yellow head is my stand-out feature Only disagree about the shoulders, they're fine, but my lats are big, that's where the jacket pulls taught. I don't know if that's what screws with the back. Something is very off with the drape of the back isn't it? Just doesn't look right to me. I think with Aero's help, and this forum's, I'd be extremely unlucky to end up with a jacket I wasn't happy with.

For sure. You are headed down the right track, with your notes and observations on the fit. As Fanch pointed out, if you are after immediate drape, the lighter horse or goat is the better way to go. If you love the CXL (and boy do I) then drape won't happen quickly and you won't get a whole Hell of a lot for a long, long time. For me that's part of the appeal. I like that CXL holds its shape despite being worn, twisted and bent. I think the hide lends itself to certain patterns and not as much to others. I had this CXL horse CR, sz 42" and it was an absolute straight jacket. It looked great (if I didn't move) the forearms were at max capacity.

I couldn't zip this jacket past my sternum. Taking it off took a partnerless square dance. But it looked good standing dead still. TBH I think the CR pattern is best suited to lighter, more flexible hides. It's a tight fit design and heavy leather and tight fits are two great tastes that taste terrible together. My favorites have always been vintage, "thinnish", flexible hides for a CR. Not to say it can't be done in CXL, but it certainly takes that extra little bit of detail in the numbers, here, there and everywhere.

 

[Rich22]

@ton312 Did you sell it in the end, due to the issues? If so, what did you replace it with? It looks great standing still, really does. I sympathise with the dance to get it off.

With arms and chest I'm a wee bit concerned about the similar max capacity issue, especially when I hit the weights again and those measurements increase a bit while the waist diminishes. I won't massively grow from this point as I'm fairly heavy right now, but injuries have seen me lay off the heavy weights so frequently this year.

 

[ton312]

I did sell it. Replaced with a myriad of jackets I also sold. LOL. I'm not a good example to follow. I have a few core jackets I won't sell. Adding another, due in a few months time, but I've finally learned where I can hang my hat, and where I can just let it rest for a minute.
I guess the one thing I've finally learned after being through a stack of leather. A little big is a hell of a lot better than a little small!

 

[Rich22]

What would you pick as your absolute favourite? I'm hoping I don't have to chop and change!!