Hi everybody,
after 48 Emails back and forth with Carrie (Thanks for her patience) I received my second Aero jacket yesterday after only 40 days of waiting.
We started the process based on my 46 BR, which served as fit-jacket as the Ridley pattern is quite similar to the BR according to Carrie.
When opening the package (shipped directly from Galaheils to my place) a beautiful smell of fresh FQHH filled the room.
It is always such an exciting moment to hold the new jacket in hands the first time:
Did everything worked out as planned?
Do the design features and color-combinations work as envisioned?
And most important, the fit - too tight? too roomy?, body-length, sleeve length - so many variables.
First things first:
Julie Leitch did an amazing job! No matter where I look and how I turn the jacket - it is of immaculate quality. The stitch work is amazing and the leather is gorgeous.
I asked for a dark shade of Cordovan. Thanks to Tony I decided to go with this color and I could not be happier. There is so much variation in the color. When standing in front of a window and sun comes through it is a rich burgundy, when being in the shadow it almost appears black and in between it is brown!
I am also very happy with the navy cotton sateen lining. Compared with Cotton drill its feels significantly smoother and lighter. When wearing the jacket which is of course still super stiff you feel every fold and dent. However, it makes getting into the jacket way easier compared to my BR. This is not only due to the lining but also due to the arms which are way roomier.
Overall I think I will be very happy with the cotton sateen. My goal was to have a jacket for almost year round wear. Thus I looked for the thinnest and still sufficiently durable lining for warmer summer days and planned for enough space for layering (e.g. a nice knitted wool pullover/hoodie). This brings me to fit.
To be honest, in the beginning I was surprised (should I say worried?!) how much more room the jacket has in the chest, shoulder and arms, compared to my BR (both are size 46). The waist area is quite similar. Snug when wearing a pullover without using the cinches too much. Now, after I thought a good night's sleep over it, I think it is just right. In general I think it is so difficult to judge the fitting of a new Aero when brand new. Especially with the huge amount of double layered leather in the front it is like wearing cardboard, which of course does not fall as smooth as well worn-in leather.
Anyways, I am very interesting what you guys think. Looking forward to receive some honest feedback!
Other details: I went for a inside pocket in the lining. I was annoyed by the pockets on my BR which more and more became visible on the outside of the jacket (I got them removed by Aero - basically it was like receiving two new jackets yesterday). Since I only carry a money clip or smartphone in the jacket this should be sufficient.
Also I am super happy with the olive drab stitching. It goes very well with the navy and Cordovan. The shiny brass is actually very shiny, but so many people told me to go with the shiny option and let it age naturally instead of going with the pre-aged. I am looking forward to see some development here as well.
I am very much looking forward to break this beast in. Wearing a thick sweater, the German cold and mostly rainy winter should be a perfect climate to accelerate this process. I will try to post regular updates how the jacket evolves.
Enough words, now pictures!
A special thanks to Tony who (as a real Cordovan-cross-zip expert) supported me in making one or the other decision.
Cheers,
Alex
after 48 Emails back and forth with Carrie (Thanks for her patience) I received my second Aero jacket yesterday after only 40 days of waiting.
We started the process based on my 46 BR, which served as fit-jacket as the Ridley pattern is quite similar to the BR according to Carrie.
When opening the package (shipped directly from Galaheils to my place) a beautiful smell of fresh FQHH filled the room.
It is always such an exciting moment to hold the new jacket in hands the first time:
Did everything worked out as planned?
Do the design features and color-combinations work as envisioned?
And most important, the fit - too tight? too roomy?, body-length, sleeve length - so many variables.
First things first:
Julie Leitch did an amazing job! No matter where I look and how I turn the jacket - it is of immaculate quality. The stitch work is amazing and the leather is gorgeous.
I asked for a dark shade of Cordovan. Thanks to Tony I decided to go with this color and I could not be happier. There is so much variation in the color. When standing in front of a window and sun comes through it is a rich burgundy, when being in the shadow it almost appears black and in between it is brown!
I am also very happy with the navy cotton sateen lining. Compared with Cotton drill its feels significantly smoother and lighter. When wearing the jacket which is of course still super stiff you feel every fold and dent. However, it makes getting into the jacket way easier compared to my BR. This is not only due to the lining but also due to the arms which are way roomier.
Overall I think I will be very happy with the cotton sateen. My goal was to have a jacket for almost year round wear. Thus I looked for the thinnest and still sufficiently durable lining for warmer summer days and planned for enough space for layering (e.g. a nice knitted wool pullover/hoodie). This brings me to fit.
To be honest, in the beginning I was surprised (should I say worried?!) how much more room the jacket has in the chest, shoulder and arms, compared to my BR (both are size 46). The waist area is quite similar. Snug when wearing a pullover without using the cinches too much. Now, after I thought a good night's sleep over it, I think it is just right. In general I think it is so difficult to judge the fitting of a new Aero when brand new. Especially with the huge amount of double layered leather in the front it is like wearing cardboard, which of course does not fall as smooth as well worn-in leather.
Anyways, I am very interesting what you guys think. Looking forward to receive some honest feedback!
Other details: I went for a inside pocket in the lining. I was annoyed by the pockets on my BR which more and more became visible on the outside of the jacket (I got them removed by Aero - basically it was like receiving two new jackets yesterday). Since I only carry a money clip or smartphone in the jacket this should be sufficient.
Also I am super happy with the olive drab stitching. It goes very well with the navy and Cordovan. The shiny brass is actually very shiny, but so many people told me to go with the shiny option and let it age naturally instead of going with the pre-aged. I am looking forward to see some development here as well.
I am very much looking forward to break this beast in. Wearing a thick sweater, the German cold and mostly rainy winter should be a perfect climate to accelerate this process. I will try to post regular updates how the jacket evolves.
Enough words, now pictures!
A special thanks to Tony who (as a real Cordovan-cross-zip expert) supported me in making one or the other decision.
Cheers,
Alex
