Aero Shackleton Explored

[Harris HTM]

Hmmm. My cell phone measures approximately 75x150mm and does not fit the pockets!

 

[ButteMT61]

I asked for custom pockets on two jackets for my hands and phones. A good investment...

 

[Xenophon]

Some feedback on my size 40 Shackleton (made on 20 Nov 2013 by Toni.H., going by the label) after it has seen 4 years of intermittent use. I wear it about 40 days a year, mainly during fall/winter.

Sizing wise it was spot on: I'm 5ft11 (182 cm), weight fluctuates between 68-72 kilo (150-158 lbs) and normally wear a UK size 38 suit. As announced by Aero, a size 40 allows me to wear a pull-over underneath during winter. In that configuration it's a snug fit and it was designed to be form-fitting. Worn over just a shirt it's a bit roomy but ymmv, I like form-fitting clothing. In general I'd say that while you don't need to be skinny to pull this one off, it will not look flattering on a heavy person either (except perhaps if it('s totally customized). With my build, the lower end of the vest ends exactly where the waistband of my jeans starts.

Regarding the leather: I went with a tumbled brown FQHH. This option is now being discouraged by Aero on their site following employee feedback that it doesn't drape well as the leather is too stiff. I want to qualify that a bit: for sure it will never drape like a velvet curtain but after an initial -longish- break-in period the leather became quite supple. Tumbled or not, I guess it still is FQHH, you need to work it. In the beginning I suffered a lot with the buttons, my fingers were sore for 30 minutes after I managed to close it up. Anyway, she loosened up (matter of fact, I wore it this morning on my 8 mile bicycle commute to the office not something I'd be doing with most of my Aero jackets).

Overall build quality is excellent and the backing is very hardy, no damage at all after all this time. Will try to post some pics if anyone is curious.

 

[willyto]

Some feedback on my size 40 Shackleton (made on 20 Nov 2013 by Toni.H., going by the label) after it has seen 4 years of intermittent use. I wear it about 40 days a year, mainly during fall/winter.

Sizing wise it was spot on: I'm 5ft11 (182 cm), weight fluctuates between 68-72 kilo (150-158 lbs) and normally wear a UK size 38 suit. As announced by Aero, a size 40 allows me to wear a pull-over underneath during winter. In that configuration it's a snug fit and it was designed to be form-fitting. Worn over just a shirt it's a bit roomy but ymmv, I like form-fitting clothing. In general I'd say that while you don't need to be skinny to pull this one off, it will not look flattering on a heavy person either (except perhaps if it('s totally customized). With my build, the lower end of the vest ends exactly where the waistband of my jeans starts.

Regarding the leather: I went with a tumbled brown FQHH. This option is now being discouraged by Aero on their site following employee feedback that it doesn't drape well as the leather is too stiff. I want to qualify that a bit: for sure it will never drape like a velvet curtain but after an initial -longish- break-in period the leather became quite supple. Tumbled or not, I guess it still is FQHH, you need to work it. In the beginning I suffered a lot with the buttons, my fingers were sore for 30 minutes after I managed to close it up. Anyway, she loosened up (matter of fact, I wore it this morning on my 8 mile bicycle commute to the office not something I'd be doing with most of my Aero jackets).

Overall build quality is excellent and the backing is very hardy, no damage at all after all this time. Will try to post some pics if anyone is curious.

Please do! I'm sure many would like to see a 4 year old shackleton.

 

[Dav]

Seconded.

 

[Fonzie]

100% please do.


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[HoosierDaddy]

Yes..pics for sure..!!

 

[ButteMT61]

Yes.

 

[Peter Bowden]

A few pictures of my Shackleton in cordovan horsehide(Apologies for the poor photos...I was trying to capture the gorgeous colour).It was bought from the Aero Used selection and again made by Toni H. I don't know the date of manufacture.Interestingly it has horn buttons rather than the semi-football type so I presume these can be requested as an alternative.Once the buttons have been worked a few times they are good to go.Hasn't had a lot of wear from me but a great alternative to a jacket.

 

[ButteMT61]

Peter - any wear pics?

 

[Peter Bowden]

Peter - any wear pics?

Thanks-I'll try to get some together

 

[Sheepdog149]

Nice! I wonder if one can get the backside lined in black selvedge denim...

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[Peter Bowden]

Some fit pictures.This is a size 48 with a pit to pit measurement of 23" and a back seam length of 27". I havn't tried it over a shirt but it would probably work over a collar-less shirt quite nicely.The first picture shows the cinch belt over just about as far as it will go but I normally leave it in the centre.Hope these help.

 

[ButteMT61]

@Peter Bowden - looks great! So, yo say it's a 48 with P2P of 23"? Is that how vests work? I really like that look for when a jacket is too much.

 

[Peter Bowden]

They are a very versatile garment and nice to wear around the house and feel good under a parka or something similar. I don't know how the sizing works.It feels similar to a jacket in size 48 with a sweater underneath.Hard to be specific.I would definitely recommend one.

 

[tropicalbob]

That's such a cool-looking garment (should say warm-looking). Every time I see one I feel this yearning: black Shetland turtleneck, Shackleton, overcoat, maybe. Not where I live, though. Sigh.

 

[regius]

Just got a Shackleton off the rack today in 46, perfect fit for me too


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[ButteMT61]

Just got a Shackleton off the rack today in 46, perfect fit for me too


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Pics. And wow, great luck! What are the details?

 

[Edward]

I see, everything has been answered, good! [emoji6]

Here some photos to illustrate the pockets usefulness.

An iPhone 6s with a case

iPhone inside the top pocket

iPhone inside the bottom pocket

The lining

I hope this will be helpful.

I think the best leather is the battered steerhide. The vest need to drape to the body and the Vicenza is too stiff to achieve the look.

Really helpful - belated thanks.

I asked for custom pockets on two jackets for my hands and phones. A good investment...

Yes, when comes the time for my Shackleton (I need to shift a few stone first), I'll be making a trip up there in person to discuss it. I think, ideally, I'd like the lower pockets to have a similar capacity to an A2 patch pocket, and the upper ones to manage a phone. Probably an inner pocket too. Size the whole thing to fit waist length and over just a shirt.... I'm thinking brown first, but I could see ending up with a black one too.... I do want them leather backed as well.

 

[ButteMT61]

I wonder if you could do a deer/elk skin backing? That would be cool, but maybe the difference in the hides would be wonky.
I think it would be comfortable for sure, and need no break-in.