Aero Leather Zip-Sleeve Highwayman in Badalassi Steerhide Size 42

[Longship152]

Hello,
New member here, ‘though I have enjoyed reading posts on the Fedora Lounge for the past couple of years and have learned a lot about leathers and styles and different makers from more knowledgeable folks. Also, that my wife is incorrect in calling my fondness for leather jackets a fetish.
I have four Aero Leather jackets (had five but gave one to my daughter) and have decided to offer this one for sale since I wear it the least - in fact have only worn it perhaps half a dozen times since buying it in 2022. It is in nearly new condition, just a few very slight break in creases at the elbows. I’m sure many members know about the Badalassi Steerhide that Aero Leather uses. This jacket is in Tobacco; I think it’s a gorgeous rich color. The body lining is their soft, lightweight wool from Lochcarron in Auld Scotland plaid. Sleeves are lined with their silky smooth olive cotton sateen. I added an open inside pocket on the wearer’s left.
It is the zip-sleeve version of the Highwayman, with one notable customization; I had it made without the front yoke since I preferred a smooth front without seams. The zippers are the Universal ones in brass.
It is a standard Aero Leather size 42; sleeve length 26”, back length 27”, shoulder width 20”. I tried to get a pit to pit measurement - found it a little tricky to get the jacket to lay flat - but think it’s pretty close to 25”. I’ll attach a couple of pictures showing how I tried to get it.
Anyway, I have it listed on EBay for $875, but I think I’m going to cancel the listing because EBay charges what I think are exorbitant fees. FWIW, I checked a few days ago and this same jacket, at the current exchange rate is going for over $1400. Thanks for looking - happy to answer any questions.

 

[secretz]

Hello,
New member here, ‘though I have enjoyed reading posts on the Fedora Lounge for the past couple of years and have learned a lot about leathers and styles and different makers from more knowledgeable folks. Also, that my wife is incorrect in calling my fondness for leather jackets a fetish.
I have four Aero Leather jackets (had five but gave one to my daughter) and have decided to offer this one for sale since I wear it the least - in fact have only worn it perhaps half a dozen times since buying it in 2022. It is in nearly new condition, just a few very slight break in creases at the elbows. I’m sure many members know about the Badalassi Steerhide that Aero Leather uses. This jacket is in Tobacco; I think it’s a gorgeous rich color. The body lining is their soft, lightweight wool from Lochcarron in Auld Scotland plaid. Sleeves are lined with their silky smooth olive cotton sateen. I added an open inside pocket on the wearer’s left.
It is the zip-sleeve version of the Highwayman, with one notable customization; I had it made without the front yoke since I preferred a smooth front without seams. The zippers are the Universal ones in brass.
It is a standard Aero Leather size 42; sleeve length 26”, back length 27”, shoulder width 20”. I tried to get a pit to pit measurement - found it a little tricky to get the jacket to lay flat - but think it’s pretty close to 25”. I’ll attach a couple of pictures showing how I tried to get it.
Anyway, I have it listed on EBay for $875, but I think I’m going to cancel the listing because EBay charges what I think are exorbitant fees. FWIW, I checked a few days ago and this same jacket, at the current exchange rate is going for over $1400. Thanks for looking - happy to answer any questions.

Hi. Where do you ship from?

 

[Longship152]

Hi. Where do you ship from?

Bend, Oregon

 

[BikerMan]

Beauuuutiful jacket

 

[Longship152]

I would welcome perspectives on the value of this Aero Leather jacket. Do other members consider Aero Leather a desirable brand, and what would you consider to be a good price for this one? Thanks.

 

[AeroFan_07]

I would welcome perspectives on the value of this Aero Leather jacket. Do other members consider Aero Leather a desirable brand, and what would you consider to be a good price for this one? Thanks.

Unfortunately, there seems to have been a "market saturation" for Aero's and especially on the used market. If you search ebay well over 50% of ones you find listed are from Japan.

I am in a similar situation as I have two left, and both for sale, and realizing I will not get close to what I paid for them now. Not to mention sales in the US of many higher ticket goods are at a standstill right now.

 

[Longship152]

Unfortunately, there seems to have been a "market saturation" for Aero's and especially on the used market. If you search ebay well over 50% of ones you find listed are from Japan.

I am in a similar situation as I have two left, and both for sale, and realizing I will not get close to what I paid for them now. Not to mention sales in the US of many higher ticket goods are at a standstill right now.

Unfortunately, there seems to have been a "market saturation" for Aero's and especially on the used market. If you search ebay well over 50% of ones you find listed are from Japan.

I am in a similar situation as I have two left, and both for sale, and realizing I will not get close to what I paid for them now. Not to mention sales in the US of many higher ticket goods are at a standstill right now.

Thanks - I was beginning to wonder if that was the case.

 

[photo2u]

Love your jacket. However, the size is just a big on me.

 

[Biff42]

As someone else has pointed out, the market is saturated with Aero's. They last forever and the used ones with grain are prized almost as much as newer ones.

Why not price it how you want and drop the price every week until someone buys it? Don't clog the classifieds by simply bumping it, be sure to drop the price. You'll never recoup your initial cost, which is why I never buy jackets new.

 

[Longship152]

As someone else has pointed out, the market is saturated with Aero's. They last forever and the used ones with grain are prized almost as much as newer ones.

Why not price it how you want and drop the price every week until someone buys it? Don't clog the classifieds by simply bumping it, be sure to drop the price. You'll never recoup your initial cost, which is why I never buy jackets new.

Thanks, all good points. As you noted, it seems I’m unlikely to get top price, even for a nearly new jacket - the demand just isn’t there. But your comment about used ones that have been nicely broken in being prized almost as much as newer ones made me wonder; if I just wore it for a couple of years til that Badalssi steerhide softens up some and develops a patina, would I still get close to what I would now, after reducing the asking price to closer to 50% of the original cost? Thoughts?

 

[RDS]

As a new Aero Leather jacket can be quite an investment it’s understandable that anyone selling theirs wants to try to recoup as much of their outlay as possible. However, the reality is that unless you’re lucky in finding the right buyer most Aero Leather jackets sell for less than 50% of the original price on the Used market, even those which are ‘Nearly New’. Also, any additional customisations rarely add to the secondhand value.
From scanning the various online auction and classified sites it seems the ‘sweet spot’ for used Aero jacket sales is somewhere between 25%-35% of the current new price. Using the ‘Research’ selling tool on eBay the average sold price of an ‘Aero Leather Jacket’ over the last 3 years is $351.

So, not so good if you are the seller of a jacket bought new but great for those who are the buyers as they can acquire some lovely jackets at a fraction of the full retail price.
Another advantage of buying a used, pre-owned or secondhand Aero Leather jacket is that if you decide to sell it, and assuming you bought well, you can often do so at a price which is very similar to what was paid or, quite possibly, for more.

 

[RDS]

In your position I would keep the jacket.
If, in 2-3 years time, you do decide to sell it it’s possible the retail price from Aero will have increased and as result used prices may also go up.
If they don’t, at least you’ll have had the benefit of wearing a fine jacket for a few more years.

 

[Monitor]

It is worth noting that the condition of the jacket plays a major role, too. The newer, like your jacket - The more it will fetch. Someone doing a quick eBay search before pulling a trigger on a brand new jacket will in all likelihood be more inclined to spend a hundred extra for a used one that's in a near-new condition, than pay retail.

I strongly believe you could get around $650 for this jacket, especially since it is made from a newer, more exotic hide, plus the zippered sleeve version isn't as common. All this plays a role. Sure, perhaps the market is saturated with regular Highwayman jackets that Aero have been pumping out since the 90's but most of them are your run of the mill CXL's, which is why you got to play into the uniqueness of the jacket you are selling. Unique stuff sells.

I personally would've listed this jacket here for $600, maybe $550.

As @RDS suggested, if you bought the jacket new and don't want to take a hit, it's best to keep it and bring your self to wear it more often - or - Point out everything that makes it unique, whatever adds up to the total of a new jacket (for instance, sleeve zips) and wait.

Everything sells, eventually.

 

[Longship152]

As a new Aero Leather jacket can be quite an investment it’s understandable that anyone selling theirs wants to try to recoup as much of their outlay as possible. However, the reality is that unless you’re lucky in finding the right buyer most Aero Leather jackets sell for less than 50% of the original price on the Used market, even those which are ‘Nearly New’. Also, any additional customisations rarely add to the secondhand value.
From scanning the various online auction and classified sites it seems the ‘sweet spot’ for used Aero jacket sales is somewhere between 25%-35% of the current new price. Using the ‘Research’ selling tool on eBay the average sold price of an ‘Aero Leather Jacket’ over the last 3 years is $351.

So, not so good if you are the seller of a jacket bought new but great for those who are the buyers as they can acquire some lovely jackets at a fraction of the full retail price.
Another advantage of buying a used, pre-owned or secondhand Aero Leather jacket is that if you decide to sell it, and assuming you bought well, you can often do so at a price which is very similar to what was paid or, quite possibly, for more.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply, and to others who gave me their insights as well - all informed and helpful. My education continues ;-). I think I will just hold on to it and enjoy wearing it - that is why I bought it after all. I would delete the post but think maybe others might find the information helpful as well. Thanks again.