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Aero zip sleeve Highwayman Black CXL FQHH, Shoulder Gussets

Messages
16,851
...seeing it again suddenly brought up feelings of deep regret. With all the little mods, it does stands out as a fairly unique, vintage-y - unpretentious, yeah - motorcycle leather jacket but there's no denying that sadly, it just wasn't meant to be. Although this particular type of FQHH was already softer out the box, the jacket was still struggling to keep its from when I got it so the size issue wasn't immediately obvious to me. Seemed good enough in the mirror. Though, once the leather began to relax (which was immediately, especially as the weather was getting warmer) I started to suspect this jacket is not really in my size. I haven't had a chance to wear it at all for nearly four months I had it, due to the insane heat wave that struck Europe, starting just as the jacket arrived, but once I actually had the jacket on for a few days this month, was when my suspicion really got confirmed. The jacket looked right only when I wore this thick shearling vest that I have underneath, and even then it was the kind of roomy, relaxed fit, allowing for even more layering.

I was already thinking of making another thread on it in the classifieds, but by mere chance, as we were chatting about something completely unrelated, Chris got interested in the jacket, and the deal was made! I just couldn't believe my luck that Chris was willing to do a straight swap for a Vanson Model A - something I am forever grateful for! He went above and beyond to make sure I'd get the right jacket, not get hit by the import customs, etc. - all of which, I imagine, must've consumed a lot of time - which is why I'm really hoping this HWM will work for Chris. Either way, this couldn't have worked out any better. I'm reunited with a Model A and this time, one that's in my size (special thanks to Carrie of Thurston, for all the help with the sizing).

It's true, though, this HWM is indeed made from the best HH I've EVER seen from Aero. It's pliable, smooth and shiny but really super heavy (the jacket itself weights at 3kg, which is Aero Steer class) and tough. It's so perfectly matched, not a single panel stands out and the construction is literally flawless. Denny made sure it would be made from the best HH, as my previous jacket had some issues Aero was immediately agreed to rectify. Also, while I've in all honesty had the jacket on for no more than 24 hours altogether (I literally wore it 20 times), it immediately began developing serious character and patina. Every crease would show up immediately.

My favourite part about it was look of the jacket and the, well, short fit, reminiscing of the classic Rockers MC jackets; short, top sleeve zippers, etc. If I didn't feel like I was swimming in it, I would without a doubt keep this jacket forever, but I just couldn't get over the fit. You know when the jacket shifts over one shoulder, and the side is drooping way past your shoulder line, as you walk? Yeah, that can't be good.

Again, I only hope this HWM is going to be a keeper for PG, and I'm just really happy it's in good hands and that it remained in the family. :)

Can't wait for the fit pictures, PG, and again, thank you so much, mate!!! :D

Quick photo of my own Vanson family, Model A and B:
 
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Roma

A-List Customer
Messages
382
Location
Moscow
I have almost all my jackets in 44, but my Long Half Belt from Aero is pretty big. When it came (two years ago) Holly offered me to exchange it. I said no. To me bigger is better then snug. Since it's an allweather jacket, I like that it allows layering and provide more room for movement. Although I'm sure a size down would have looked much better.

Отправлено с моего SM-G928F через Tapatalk
 

nick123

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,371
Location
California
Thanks, Nick. :) You went through a similar thing with your HWM, true?

Yup. I was hesitant to go down more than one size so I decided against the advice of Carrie and Wade. So I goofed up. Looked fine from the front and back, but just too large sideways. Partly attributed to the boxy design I suppose. Sizing down to a 36 would have worked though, and maybe I should have given it more time to relax/pull the side straps in. Live and learn. Nicest shade of brown FQHH that one had. I wonder how she is doing...
 

pawineguy

One Too Many
Messages
1,974
Location
Bucks County, PA
Ok, so here we go. Size 40 Black Highwayman (pit to pit 24") vs size 42 Seal Premier Highwayman (pit to pit 23"). On the regular HWM, I have it cinched down 2/3 of the way to around 19.5 or 19.75" while the Premier is cinched less to 21 or so. The reason for the difference is that on the longer jacket, it sits closer to my hips and so needs to be a little wider. The regular HWM is my shortest jacket, but I think in this style it works well, and the jeans I am wearing are fairly low rise. I have my arms raised so people can compare the wings on both. Lighting wasn't as good as I hoped, but you get the idea:

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pawineguy

One Too Many
Messages
1,974
Location
Bucks County, PA
And a special note of thanks to Ivan, he's a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. Everything was as described and probably better. Perfectly packed to make the trip from Croatia and it worked out great for both of us. This is what makes it a pleasure to be a member here, making friends from around the world and helping each other out when we can.
 

Fanch

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,490
Location
Texas
Chris, I think you did well with the latest HWM, with only minimal duplication between the two. I continue to be of the strong opinion that Seal Premier HWM is one of the best looking jackets I have ever seen, bar none!
 

pawineguy

One Too Many
Messages
1,974
Location
Bucks County, PA
Chris, I think you did well with the latest HWM, with only minimal duplication between the two. I continue to be of the strong opinion that Seal Premier HWM is one of the best looking jackets I have ever seen, bar none!

I agree with you, I'm really loving that Seal jacket and it's going to be number one in the rotation this Fall.
 

pawineguy

One Too Many
Messages
1,974
Location
Bucks County, PA
If you want a 42, go with a 38. I've found this to be accurate for the recent HWMs. I think some people might measure from the side panel lines rather than the actual pit-pit, coming up with a smaller measurement.

Yeah, I saw Thurston post a size 38 with a 24" pit to pit on eBay, and I'm sure that it's accurate, but this 40 is right at 24", all the way to the actual pits, stretched completely out. I wasn't too sure but when Ivan sent me a photo with the tape measure on the jacket I knew that at least this particular jacket was good for me.
 

technovox

One Too Many
Messages
1,242
Location
San Francisco
Ok, so here we go. Size 40 Black Highwayman (pit to pit 24") vs size 42 Seal Premier Highwayman (pit to pit 23"). On the regular HWM, I have it cinched down 2/3 of the way to around 19.5 or 19.75" while the Premier is cinched less to 21 or so. The reason for the difference is that on the longer jacket, it sits closer to my hips and so needs to be a little wider. The regular HWM is my shortest jacket, but I think in this style it works well, and the jeans I am wearing are fairly low rise. I have my arms raised so people can compare the wings on both. Lighting wasn't as good as I hoped, but you get the idea:

Thanks for posting the fit pics. Between the two, just based on your fit pics, I'm really liking your regular black HWM. To my eyes, the shorter body style has more balance and just seems right (and I've never been a big fan of drop front which is featured on the Premiere.)
Are the collars different? The Premiere collar looks to be a bit more pointed and bigger...
Any front pics with the jacket unzipped and open?
 
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pawineguy

One Too Many
Messages
1,974
Location
Bucks County, PA
Thanks for the fit pics. Between the two, just based on your fit pics, I'm really liking your regular black HWM. To my eyes, the shorter body style has more balance and just seems right (and I've never been a big fan of drop front which is featured on the Premiere.)
Are the collars different? The Premiere collar looks to be a bit more pointed and bigger...
Any front pics with the jacket unzipped and open?

The collar is much longer and pointier on the Premier. I should have taken this pic before as it's certainly a big difference between the two. I'm not sure which I like better, but the pics clearly illustrate why the HWM is such a classic jacket, moto type dimensions with a really nice dress collar, it just works so well.

Edit: I will take some pics tomorrow with both unzipped. I usually do that and somehow forgot today.
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technovox

One Too Many
Messages
1,242
Location
San Francisco
The collar is much longer and pointier on the Premier. I should have taken this pic before as it's certainly a big difference between the two. I'm not sure which I like better, but the pics clearly illustrate why the HWM is such a classic jacket, moto type dimensions with a really nice dress collar, it just works so well.

Edit: I will take some pics tomorrow with both unzipped. I usually do that and somehow forgot today.
View attachment 35940

I even like the retro label on the regular HWM. (And I don't know if this comment made it in, but the double zip chest pockets and the zip sleeves are a wonderful modification- nice nod to the motorcycle legacy. Has that classic Lewis Dominator look going for it.) Good score!
Again, thanks for posting the pics, it's really helping me make some decisions on planning my next jacket.
 

pawineguy

One Too Many
Messages
1,974
Location
Bucks County, PA
I even like the retro label on the regular HWM. (And I don't know if this comment made it in, but the double zip chest pockets and the zip sleeves are a wonderful modification- nice nod to the motorcycle legacy. Has that classic Lewis Dominator look going for it.) Good score!
Again, thanks for posting the pics, it's really helping me make some decisions on planning my next jacket.

I agree with everything you've said. I'd also add that while I'm a big fan of Vincenza, this jacket is perfect in CXL.
 

ProteinNerd

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,902
Location
Sydney
Both great jackets but I agree with Technovox, I actually like the black HWM more...I think the fit looks a bit better in the shoulders.
 
Messages
16,851
The two HWM could easily be completely different jackets and man, it fits you so much better than it did me. And honestly, I too prefer the look of the moto HWM, but just slightly. It has a tough, serious moto jacket vite to it. But a Premier is a perfection in its own right.

And thank you for the great words, Chris, but you did a lot more for me in this swap. :)
This is what makes it a pleasure to be a member here, making friends from around the world and helping each other out when we can.
Signed!

BTW, Technovox, thanks for the compliments re. mods! I thought it might look cool. Such a shame about the fit...
 
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