Aero Board Racer fit advice please.

[Fonzie]

Nothing like enabling fellow loungers to get more jackets than they really need... [emoji51]


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[Kuro]

At 6’2” and 185 and 41.5” I am probably not too far off in size from the op. I wear a size 42 Aero 1930’s half belt and Cafe Racer (Sheene). When a friend of mine sent me his size 42 Premier Highwayman that likely fits similarly to the Board Racer, the jacket was too tight and restrictive in the chest and shoulders to the extent I would have needed to size up to a 44, which might be your situation.

I have two Sheenes (Cafe Racer with regular collar) size 42 with 2” added to the circumstance of the waist for a perfect fit. I prefer the sleeve zippers in back rather than in the front as on the BR.

I think your most helpful information will no doubt be from Carrie who is incredibly knowledgeable. Welcome to the Lounge and thanks for your long service in the USN. This is coming from an ex Naval flight surgeon. I am also on a couple of watch forums. Good hunting with your quest!

Thank you Fanch for your service and sharing your jacket experience.

 

[Kuro]

So, I am in the process of making a final decision. Other than one comment from JacketJunkie about the fit of the jacket from the rear, it seems that overall, no one saw or pointed out a fit issue. I am though, asking about the wrinkles mentioned by JacketJunkie, as I look at other fit pictures, I don't see other jackets fitting that way...

From my perspective, and Carrie, the 42 is the right fit for me if I am looking for that style, and I am. I have learned, from everyone's comments here that what I feel as being tight, will stretch with time and wear, and that those movements I described are not necessarily meant to be done easily in that cut of a jacket.

I also learned that if I did wish for a more comfortable fitting jacket I should consider a different style.

The fitting jacket I tried on was comfortable, until I did things like use a pocket etc. That just made it tight and a fight, but there was no pain. While wearing it, I didn't want to take it off due to any odd sensation, especially in the arm holes, so I am under the opinion that hopefully, this will turn out all right.

Thank you all for your advise, experience and insight.

Wish me luck!

 

[BobJ]

Good luck!

 

[El Marro]

I have actually experienced the unfortunate event of once owning an A-2 that literally hurt the armpits. Lovely jacket too. If there is any kind of pain or struggle when wearing (not merely a bit of constriction) and you find yourself obsessing over the sensation of the armpit gnawing, it is best to size up on the next jacket.

Nick,
I had the same experience with an Aero A-2 I bought from Thurston Brothers featured stock page. According to the numbers it should have been a perfect fit, but from the first moment I put the jacket on it began to saw painfully into my armpits. I took it off after two minutes and packed it right back into the shipping box that it had arrived in. It was such a beautiful jacket and I really wanted it to fit, but I couldn't apply the "no pain no gain" philosophy to leather jacket break in.

 

[nick123]

Nick,
I had the same experience with an Aero A-2 I bought from Thurston Brothers featured stock page. According to the numbers it should have been a perfect fit, but from the first moment I put the jacket on it began to saw painfully into my armpits. I took it off after two minutes and packed it right back into the shipping box that it had arrived in. It was such a beautiful jacket and I really wanted it to fit, but I couldn't apply the "no pain no gain" philosophy to leather jacket break in.

It sure is a tough event.

 

[navetsea]

that rear side panels to me is both aesthetically more pleasing than a center seam, and make the jacket more 3 dimensional.

 

[Milesdeathescape]

Hello all,

A friendly introduction, and then a question concerning your knowledge and experience in purchasing a custom made leather jacket!

I am retired from 20 years active duty service in the US Navy. I am now a watchmaker. I enjoy mountain biking. I just recently sold my motorcycle, but it was a Ducati Monster 796. I prefer items of quality over mass produced throw away items.

So with that out of the way, it has been a pleasure reading some of your threads discussing your leather jacket purchases and the thoughts that went into purchasing them. Thank you.

Looking for a fit opinion on this 42 BR, as many of you have experience with that. This is my first Aero jacket, and my first fitting, so I lack experience to know what is normal and what is not. I do not intend to use this jacket for motorcycle use, it is for casual wear.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=180UaaRyq1wz2deRyaRN5NGHZWptXpQe9

A couple of notes.

1. The torso is fine, feels good. I can layer a t-shirt and a dress shirt and a pack-able down filled vest for warmth, or a t-shirt and a tight fitting merino wool sweater underneath without concern. A bulky sweater does not fit properly in the sleeves (tight), but is fine in the torso. Obviously the most comfortable with just a t-shirt and dress shirt as I tend to dress for work. I am 6'1", 190lbs, and go down to 180ish during the summer. My chest measures at 40.5". This jacket I am wearing measures at P2P: 22.75", shoulder: 18.25", waist: 20.25"

2. Sleeves are fine when the arms are down, but things get tight when moving the arms. It is a fight to get into a chest pocket, or scratching my head, hugging. Tightness is felt in the elbows and under the arms. I don't know what to make of this. I feel like I am fighting the jacket, does not feel natural or normal. Freedom of movement is restricted. You can see the shoulder rise up in the photos as I move.

3. The yoke stretches with me, so it does not feel like the limiting factor in arm movement. It gets tight, but not uncomfortable, I assume that is normal.

4. Chest gets tighter than the back, pulls a bit when rolling my shoulders back, but not like the jacket is going to pop a stitch... Just tighter than the back. I assume the zipper is a limiting factor in this compared to the yoke.

5. This jacket is Vicenza HH, however I am ordering my jacket in Soft Black Steerhide, that is slightly thicker leather, which in turn will make the jacket tighter as I understand. Horse and goat are not options for me for personal reasons.

Looking for your advice, thank you all.

Football armpits will solve your issues there. Also gusseted backs can be made In numerous ways. The Schott Perfecto has this dialed. The back to me in your images doesn’t seem that bad considering you’re not riding in it.


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[Milesdeathescape]

Hello all,

A friendly introduction, and then a question concerning your knowledge and experience in purchasing a custom made leather jacket!

I am retired from 20 years active duty service in the US Navy. I am now a watchmaker. I enjoy mountain biking. I just recently sold my motorcycle, but it was a Ducati Monster 796. I prefer items of quality over mass produced throw away items.

So with that out of the way, it has been a pleasure reading some of your threads discussing your leather jacket purchases and the thoughts that went into purchasing them. Thank you.

Looking for a fit opinion on this 42 BR, as many of you have experience with that. This is my first Aero jacket, and my first fitting, so I lack experience to know what is normal and what is not. I do not intend to use this jacket for motorcycle use, it is for casual wear.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=180UaaRyq1wz2deRyaRN5NGHZWptXpQe9

A couple of notes.

1. The torso is fine, feels good. I can layer a t-shirt and a dress shirt and a pack-able down filled vest for warmth, or a t-shirt and a tight fitting merino wool sweater underneath without concern. A bulky sweater does not fit properly in the sleeves (tight), but is fine in the torso. Obviously the most comfortable with just a t-shirt and dress shirt as I tend to dress for work. I am 6'1", 190lbs, and go down to 180ish during the summer. My chest measures at 40.5". This jacket I am wearing measures at P2P: 22.75", shoulder: 18.25", waist: 20.25"

2. Sleeves are fine when the arms are down, but things get tight when moving the arms. It is a fight to get into a chest pocket, or scratching my head, hugging. Tightness is felt in the elbows and under the arms. I don't know what to make of this. I feel like I am fighting the jacket, does not feel natural or normal. Freedom of movement is restricted. You can see the shoulder rise up in the photos as I move.

3. The yoke stretches with me, so it does not feel like the limiting factor in arm movement. It gets tight, but not uncomfortable, I assume that is normal.

4. Chest gets tighter than the back, pulls a bit when rolling my shoulders back, but not like the jacket is going to pop a stitch... Just tighter than the back. I assume the zipper is a limiting factor in this compared to the yoke.

5. This jacket is Vicenza HH, however I am ordering my jacket in Soft Black Steerhide, that is slightly thicker leather, which in turn will make the jacket tighter as I understand. Horse and goat are not options for me for personal reasons.

Looking for your advice, thank you all.

Also horses are not killed for leather, they are sourced from Europe after they have been eaten. I love horses too but after knowing they are used for their full potential during life and after death is a grace of Man. Enjoy a horse hide


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[Kuro]

Also horses are not killed for leather, they are sourced from Europe after they have been eaten. I love horses too but after knowing they are used for their full potential during life and after death is a grace of Man. Enjoy a horse hide


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It is a decision made out of respect for my wife. But I do understand, and have no issues personally otherwise.

 

[Milesdeathescape]

It is a decision made out of respect for my wife. But I do understand, and have no issues personally otherwise.

You should explain to her the process. All saddles are also horsehide. It’s better than elephant that’s for sure. Horses are respected and live long healthy lives.


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[Kuro]

Football armpits will solve your issues there. Also gusseted backs can be made In numerous ways. The Schott Perfecto has this dialed. The back to me in your images doesn’t seem that bad considering you’re not riding in it.


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Thank you for that observation. I too have decided I am ok with it. Body shape causes things to fit people differently, and unless I want to make the jacket shorter (I don't, I like the length just above the pockets and covering the belt) or make the bottom of the jacket wider (I don't, as I would like the jacket to remain straight looking, not tapered or flared as much as possible within etc...).

I don't know if there is an option for that from Aero, the football? I do understand what you are referring to. And that feels like it would add material to the jacket in an area that is already snug?

Also, did you see the other link I posted of other views of the jacket being worn, on page 2 I believe? Thanks!

 

[handymike]

You can ask that the zipper start closer to the bottom hem if it bothers you that it starts above your beltbuckle.

 

[Kuro]

You should explain to her the process. All saddles are also horsehide. It’s better than elephant that’s for sure. Horses are respected and live long healthy lives.


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We are happy that it is getting good use. We are not against it, or anti etc. Riding horses in competition and training them and caring for them during her childhood, her mother has many Chincoteague ponies on her small farm... She is aware of the the uses for the hide. It just is not something she is happy with me wearing. It is very simple, and I respect her request. And yes, that Vincenza is amazing, I would not hesitate recommending it to anyone considering it.

 

[Kuro]

You can ask that the zipper start closer to the bottom hem if it bothers you that it starts above your beltbuckle.

At first I assumed that I would want the zipper to go all the way to the bottom of the jacket... And then I tried the fitting jacket, which had the good fortune of the zipper starting just above my belt. It is a bit fussy to zip. However, once I sat down with the jacket zipped, it made perfect sense to me. The jacket stayed straight, did not ride up into my chin, and for a lack of a better term the two tails simply folded up while I was seated, giving good ergonomics without a modern double zipper that I am pretty sure Aero does not offer. Otherwise I would have to have the jacket cut above or at the belt, and I do like the longer profile this offers. I do understand that those tails will crease from wearing seated, an I assume they will stay down even if they are creased. At lease I have not read owners of Board Racers with the ends of the jacket pointing out from sitting with the jackets zipped in the winter etc...

Other observations of note, I thought I would want a bigger zipper, but the fit jacket showed me the choice of zipper was perfect for what I wanted. That was satisfying.

 

[Milesdeathescape]

Thank you for that observation. I too have decided I am ok with it. Body shape causes things to fit people differently, and unless I want to make the jacket shorter (I don't, I like the length just above the pockets and covering the belt) or make the bottom of the jacket wider (I don't, as I would like the jacket to remain straight looking, not tapered or flared as much as possible within etc...).

I don't know if there is an option for that from Aero, the football? I do understand what you are referring to. And that feels like it would add material to the jacket in an area that is already snug?

Also, did you see the other link I posted of other views of the jacket being worn, on page 2 I believe? Thanks!

It’s not adding material. Football sleeves come from varsity jackets. It’s added seams in a football shape. It loosens the area. Often times they will use a softer sectioned the hide for these areas.


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[Kuro]

It’s not adding material. Football sleeves come from varsity jackets. It’s added seams in a football shape. It loosens the area. Often times they will use a softer sectioned the hide for these areas.


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That makes sense now that I think about it, I just recall seeing jackets with it having leather football shape on the inside of the jacket, which I assumed would take up room in a tight spot. It probably is not necessary to do that, the inside leather piece. I could of course be making all of this up. And I can ask about it, but I am not sure Aero offers this as an option?

 

[handymike]

I'm glad you thought about it. I prefer mine 1.5" up from bottom for similar reason.

 

[mygar]

After i have been wearing my thedi with 2 way zipper... man they are great. I think any form fitting jacket in the future for me... be tough not having that

 

[Milesdeathescape]

That makes sense now that I think about it, I just recall seeing jackets with it having leather football shape on the inside of the jacket, which I assumed would take up room in a tight spot. It probably is not necessary to do that, the inside leather piece. I could of course be making all of this up. And I can ask about it, but I am not sure Aero offers this as an option?

Yes they do.


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