About 4 weeks after my trip to Scotland I received an AL oil pull tan steer roadster with zip sleeves, size 38. I used to think those sleeves were naff but after seeing them up close I realised I think they're actually pretty cool, in a classic kind of way. I initially only tried on a jacket with them because it's sleeves, I was told, were longer than the standard version's.
Brendon, the cutter, measured me up and I went along with all that he said. The back is exactly the 25.5" long it was meant to be and the sleeves are exactly the 27.5" long they are meant to be. The leather is pristine all over with no 'jerky' bits. He has not let me down
Then it was over to Moira Johnstone who put it together. I know that because Moira puts her full name on the labels. I'm certainly no stitch counter, but in my not so humble opinion as far as I can tell this effort of hers is flawless. I feel quite sure this Lady must take a pride in what she does, and that would perhaps explain in part the full name thing.
Something I'm particularly pleased about is her handling of the inside pocket. The top corner of that - which I've noticed has a tendency to show through on jackets - is perfectly aligned behind the corner of the outside breast pocket therefore negating that issue. On that pocket I asked if instead of a snap closure or zip, I could have a button with a loop. I also asked for a shirt style open pocket to be sewn onto the other side of the lining. That one I will basically use to stow anything that's worth keeping but isn't important enough to make it into my wallet. For durability a 4 inch cord strip was sewn onto the hem. Sleeves are cotton drill, body is moleskin
When looking around at tan leathers I could not see a better option and so felt pretty good about this order. IMO the leather is such a great colour; it's a really rich and full shade of tan. Admittedly this one did catch my eye too http://www.insurrectionvintage.com/online-shopping-new-jackets.html#schotthalfbelt but it costs a heck of a lot more (£654 which is before shipping and the customs fees that I btw always pay in full) plus it's not customisable either. All of which meant going made to measure with AL for £500 was a pretty easy call.
And I'm glad I made it. The leather is 1.3mm which is substantial without being overly heavy. Of course, we all have a slightly different take on what the ideal fit is, but according to mine it's this. Simply put this is the best fitting jacket I've had in about 8 years' worth of buying. Conclusion: that god awful drive to Scotland was worth it!!!
Pictures
I've taken a few snaps and will try to add a front shot with it done up in the coming days if we get some sunshine. Don't be surprised if that one has me in a balaclava though, as a lot of the time I seem to be wearing strange facial expressions at the critical moment, or blinking
Does my bum look big in this? (the back with the zip zipped)
side on with it zipped up
Inside button loop pocket
inside shirt style pocket
Brendon, the cutter, measured me up and I went along with all that he said. The back is exactly the 25.5" long it was meant to be and the sleeves are exactly the 27.5" long they are meant to be. The leather is pristine all over with no 'jerky' bits. He has not let me down
Then it was over to Moira Johnstone who put it together. I know that because Moira puts her full name on the labels. I'm certainly no stitch counter, but in my not so humble opinion as far as I can tell this effort of hers is flawless. I feel quite sure this Lady must take a pride in what she does, and that would perhaps explain in part the full name thing.
Something I'm particularly pleased about is her handling of the inside pocket. The top corner of that - which I've noticed has a tendency to show through on jackets - is perfectly aligned behind the corner of the outside breast pocket therefore negating that issue. On that pocket I asked if instead of a snap closure or zip, I could have a button with a loop. I also asked for a shirt style open pocket to be sewn onto the other side of the lining. That one I will basically use to stow anything that's worth keeping but isn't important enough to make it into my wallet. For durability a 4 inch cord strip was sewn onto the hem. Sleeves are cotton drill, body is moleskin
When looking around at tan leathers I could not see a better option and so felt pretty good about this order. IMO the leather is such a great colour; it's a really rich and full shade of tan. Admittedly this one did catch my eye too http://www.insurrectionvintage.com/online-shopping-new-jackets.html#schotthalfbelt but it costs a heck of a lot more (£654 which is before shipping and the customs fees that I btw always pay in full) plus it's not customisable either. All of which meant going made to measure with AL for £500 was a pretty easy call.
And I'm glad I made it. The leather is 1.3mm which is substantial without being overly heavy. Of course, we all have a slightly different take on what the ideal fit is, but according to mine it's this. Simply put this is the best fitting jacket I've had in about 8 years' worth of buying. Conclusion: that god awful drive to Scotland was worth it!!!
Pictures
I've taken a few snaps and will try to add a front shot with it done up in the coming days if we get some sunshine. Don't be surprised if that one has me in a balaclava though, as a lot of the time I seem to be wearing strange facial expressions at the critical moment, or blinking
Does my bum look big in this? (the back with the zip zipped)
side on with it zipped up
Inside button loop pocket
inside shirt style pocket
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