Aero leather choices/options (End of 2022)

[TartuWolf]

@newtojackets
If I could get a fit that looks like this but with the Klondike/Moonshiner.Maxwell pattern, I would be extremely pleased. Would look amazing with the Akubra too.

The look of a D-pocket has not grown on me yet, I still don't like it nearly as much as two hand warmer pockets. Hence SB Pacific vs SB oakland. But I can't deny that it would probably me much more practical as I could easily and comfortably hold my phone in the big pocket there and my keys in the snap pocket.

 

[Pandemic]

@newtojackets
If I could get a fit that looks like this but with the Klondike/Moonshiner.Maxwell pattern, I would be extremely pleased. Would look amazing with the Akubra too.
View attachment 475327

The look of a D-pocket has not grown on me yet, I still don't like it nearly as much as two hand warmer pockets. Hence SB Pacific vs SB oakland. But I can't deny that it would probably me much more practical as I could easily and comfortably hold my phone in the big pocket there and my keys in the snap pocket.

Any custom maker discussed in this thread (like Aero and Field) will give you whatever pocket configuration you want. of you like the look of the stock Pacific and want one that fits you, then look st the Ridley/Slim MC from Aero or something like the Field that I had made. Look at some of these jackets and imagine a three pocket set-up: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/aero-slimfit-motorcycle-jacket-aka-ridley.102165/

I don’t know much about the Maxwell, but it would be worth talking with Holly or @Hide'n'seek about the fit you’d want in that model to see if it’s an option.

 

[newtojackets]

@newtojackets
If I could get a fit that looks like this but with the Klondike/Moonshiner.Maxwell pattern, I would be extremely pleased. Would look amazing with the Akubra too.
View attachment 475327

The look of a D-pocket has not grown on me yet, I still don't like it nearly as much as two hand warmer pockets. Hence SB Pacific vs SB oakland. But I can't deny that it would probably me much more practical as I could easily and comfortably hold my phone in the big pocket there and my keys in the snap pocket.

Makes sense. Although the central button seems more ‘cowboy’ to me (although seems @MrProper’s post disproves this), I’ve always thought them less versatile, but that’s just my opinion

 

[TartuWolf]

@MrProper
Yes, I've seen Jake with many jacket / hat combinations.
When I look at that photo I think:
- Jacket and fit looks great.
- Hat looks pretty good.
- Both hat and sunglasses together are not my kind of thing.
- The jacket does not got with the hat.
But, obviously, these kind of style considerations are as subjective as it gets.

I guess part of the reason I think hats (at least western/cowboy ones) work better with button up jackets is that in the "western times" there were still no zippers and everything was button up.

 

[TartuWolf]

@Pandemic
Thank you for sharing that thread, will look into it.
I guess changing pocket configurations would be considered a minor pattern alteration rather than a major one?

I'm already talking to Holly via emails, but the communication has slowed down (understandably) during the holidays. Who is Hide'n'seek? Someone from Aero? Or someone who has a Maxwell?

 

[Pandemic]

Have a look through the archives of Thurston to see a variety of different Ridley pocket and other configurations.

https://www.thurston-bros.com/collections/aero-stock

 

[Marc mndt]

I guess part of the reason I think hats (at least western/cowboy ones) work better with button up jackets is that in the "western times" there were still no zippers and everything was button up.

Also, wearing such a hat while riding a motorcycle will only last seconds lol.

 

[TartuWolf]

@Marc mndt
Straight up - I don't ride and don't plan to anytime soon. Would love to, but wife with two kids thinks otherwise - too risky.

@Pandemic
Alright, let me ask one question I've been wondering about:
Thurston being a US partner / retailer for Aero - they have their own unique / exclusive models / patterns. Like Seven and Ridley. Can you also order those straight from Aero directly?
I have not considered Ridley because I already like Hooch Hauler so much.

 

[MrProper]

Can you also order those straight from Aero directly?

Yes

 

[JMax]

I wear western hats, most larger brimmed with MC jackets all the time. The Hat Creek Burger joint dude knows me as the guy with the “cool leather jackets, awesome hats and magnificent beard”. Haha. He ain’t lying.

 

[TartuWolf]

@JMax
Pics or it didn't happen.
Or at least for inspiration please.

 

[Aloysius]

As someone who likes a lot of Western stuff, I think a Cossack jacket doesn’t work with a western hat at all, even though it has buttons. The proportions are completely off. A friend of mine got a SB to wear as such a combination, and the mix is terrible. Out of respect for his privacy, I won’t share the pic, but it’s a really awful outfit and he admits it now that the expensive expense is less fresh in memory!

You’d be much better served by a hip (or longer) buttoned style for a good western look. Aero’s Barnstormer and Cheyenne would be my go-to option among their buttoned options. While their zippers make them decidedly 20th Century, the Grizzly, Wilderness, and some others are Western jackets and wear those design elements proudly.

I know you hate Schott but among mainstream makers they are a much better bet to find something that suits your cowboy hat. At their factory I saw many racks of beautiful buttoned western jackets, including ones with conch shell or silver buttons.

 

[MrProper]

Wouldn't a trucker jacket be optimal for the western style?

 

[Aloysius]

Wouldn't a trucker jacket be optimal for the western style?

It’s too modern for what he’s after. Otherwise there are many zippered jackets with strong western design DNA.

 

[TartuWolf]

@Aloysius
Thanks for the tips. I wouldn't say that I'm trying to match a jacket to my hat. I'm just trying to buy an awesome jacket. And from the jackets that I think look best I'm also trying to consider which one would suit the hat better. That's all.
I think both cross-zip and short button up would work, albeit they would not be ideal with the hat.

I might get a longer button up somewhere down the line, but for now I've decided on a tailored/slim fitting belt level jacket. Something that I feel is extremely hard to get OTR.

I hate Schott less now that I've been battered by the community here Already searched out a few models that I liked. But I'd rather stick with Aero/SB and get a custom jacket, albeit not MTM.

@MrProper
I've considered a trucker and might be one eventually, but as a first proper jacket I already decided on a minimalist cross-zip or a belt level button up.

 

[Aloysius]

Thanks for the tips. I wouldn't say that I'm trying to match a jacket to my hat. I'm just trying to buy an awesome jacket. And from the jackets that I think look best I'm also trying to consider which one would suit the hat better. That's all.
I think both cross-zip and short button up would work, albeit they would not be ideal with the hat.

I might get a longer button up somewhere down the line, but for now I've decided on a tailored/slim fitting belt level jacket. Something that I feel is extremely hard to get OTR.

I’m not advocating for hip length as a universal, simply pointing out that a short buttoned shawl collar jacket like the ones you’ve focused on would pose a rather major clash with the hat. Other styles would not.

Belt level is usually ideal; the short shawl collared jackets kind of have their own issue separate from length in this case.

I hate Schott less now that I've been battered by the community here Already searched out a few models that I liked. But I'd rather stick with Aero/SB and get a custom jacket, albeit not MTM.

I think the most common mistake here is going custom for one’s first good leather jacket. (I’m aware that some people like Carlos and Proper point blank cannot fit into RTW but they are exceptions). I made this mistake myself. I learned more about fit and what I wanted from my first good RTW jacket (which I bought while waiting on my custom) than any amount of discussion or order configuration before that, even though I had tried on a fit jacket. This doesn’t mean custom won’t work for you, just that I would not advocate it as a start, going forward.

It’s definitely worth scanning Aero’s sale page. You might well find something extremely satisfying that would surprise you.

 

[TartuWolf]

@Aloysius
Let me emphasize that I am NOT looking for a shawl collar button up, I don't like that collar style at all. I like the kind of collar that Klondike/Maxwell/Moonshiner have. What's the name for it?

Oh I would love to find an OTR jacket that would fit me great. Including ones from Aero's sales page. Just have not had any luck with that yet. I would probably manage to find one with enough time and effort, but haven't found one yet. I don't know how standard my body is, but the combination of being very slim and wanting a tapered / slim fit really narrows down the possibilities. Almost no stores stock XS / 34 jackets in general.

My first real leather jacket was the used 36 Dustbowl that I recently got from DE. Turned out to be quite a bit too big, even though the measurements were not THAT far from what I want. Learning experience. Some hope that I can sell it or trade it in at Aero.

I even have a scanner built that will automatically notify me if Aero puts up jackets that fit within my margins.

I'm also avoiding Vintage jackets for now, as I want a "fresh" one that I would break in / mold myself from the start.

Again, I really appreciate all the input from you folks!

 

[TartuWolf]

Also maybe someone would like to comment on jacket torso shapes? The way I have it in my head is that you have mainly these options:
[] - boxy
() - extra space at the gut
)( - tapers in at the waist, tapers out at the hem
\/ - tapers gradually from chest to hem
Y - tapers from chest to waist and then goes straight down to the hem.

I feel like the optimal option for me is the Y with waist adjusters (half-belt). That way I can avoid the hem flare out if the adjusters are loose and taper in even more with the adjusters if needed.

 

[Aloysius]

I feel like the optimal option for me is the Y with waist adjusters (half-belt). That way I can avoid the hem flare out if the adjusters are loose and taper in even more with the adjusters if needed.

Sounds like the Premier/1930s cut and the slim-fit bike (called Ridley by Aero’s American dealer) is what you’re looking for.

It’s a great look, though I’ll just repeat once more that it might not pair with your hat. Cowboy hats tend to call for some level of drape in the upper body wear.

 

[MrProper]

Sounds like the Premier/1930s cut and the slim-fit bike (called Ridley by Aero’s American dealer) is what you’re looking for.

I can recommend the premier pattern.
I am also slim and find the Premier models works well. Have the Ridley and the PHWM.
Maybe it could also be interesting for you to look at the Japanese variants of Lewis Leathers.
Whereas for me they are too wide at the bottom in relation to the top. They are less Y but rather I-shaped.