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An Indy Jacket question

Doctor Strange

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,252
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
There's no question that the thread/stitching on my Wested isn't in the same league as my G&B, Schott, Good Wear, etc., jackets. I mean, their business is to make film wardrobe to be used for a few weeks, not mil-spec garments designed to last for years. But having said that, I haven't had any seams unravel or any threads break on mine in 12 years of ordinary seasonal wear. And for all I know, their construction quality is better now.

And did I mention that they repaired my jacket FOR FREE (including paying the return international shipping) when it did tear?!? How many other makers would do that for their jackets that cost two and three times as much?
 

Fanch

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,490
Location
Texas
I have no concern of my goatskin G&B Expedition leather tearing unless caught in a wood chipping machine. If that were to happen with my wearing the jacket at the time; then Houston we have a problem! :eeek:
 

Banzai

Familiar Face
Messages
94
Location
United States
Well, you guys aren't helping. I started with two choices, and now you've added a third. ;)

I might take a look at the US Authentic. Their "vintage goat" hide looks, at least in pictures, like it has more character than the G&B goat used for their Expedition.
 

Fanch

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,490
Location
Texas
The brown goatskin of my G&B Expedition is thinner and has far less "character" than the veg tanned goatskin of my Maxwell and Pioneer Aeros.
 

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,110
Location
UK
Wested have come to my attention this week via a source outside of the FL. Looking to have them 'clone' me a custom G1 jacket in goatskin based on my 70's Star Sportswear (I'll source the zipper, knits & buttons..possibly collar too...MASH etc). Quote was unbelievably cheap...I'm willing to give it a punt based on my conversation with Wested & experiences here ;-)
 

l0fielectronic

Practically Family
Messages
666
Location
UK
Assuming you are US based and you are not looking at a custom jacket I would tend to order one of each from the vendors you were looking at first, and see which fit/jacket works best for you. Both companies look to have a fair return policy and even if it costs you the postage to return the jacket you don't like then at least you will know for sure which one was right.
 

Smithy

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,139
Location
Norway
Probably muddying the waters Banzai but I got a new Wested nearly 2 weeks ago (a custom Raiders in the soft seal brown cowhide) and I'm absolutely thrilled with it. The fit is perfect, it's very well made and the cowhide is a really lovely hide, drapes superbly and has an attractive grain.

I was going to get a new A-2 after growing out of my old one but the significant other detests knits and threatened all manner of unsportsmanlike consequences if I got another so I went for an Indy. Very happy I did. It's a very versatile jacket and looks excellent, I've already had a couple of positive comments and the S.O. loves it. I've hardly taken it off since I got it.

Whether you go with G&B, US Authentic or Wested I think you'll be happy as long as you get a good fit.

Best of luck with whatever you ultimately decide.
 

DanielJones

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,042
Location
On the move again...
I'd have to say that my Wested Ind goatskin has been iron tough. It has weathered the weather quite well, the stitching is lust as good as the day I received it and it is still going strong 10 years later. I couldn't have asked for a better jacket. Now that I have lost some weight the fit is a little looser, but that is ok. Perfect for layering now.

Cheers!

Dan
 

Banzai

Familiar Face
Messages
94
Location
United States
After reading this thread, I think I'll likely go with US Authentic. The "vintage goat" looks pretty neat, and I've been so pleased with my A-2 from them that I think Shaul ought to have a shot with the Indy.

Perhaps in a few months I'll place the order...
 

Asinyne

New in Town
Messages
32
Is Indy’s jacket a cropped cut or should it be longer? I’m thinking about getting a custom Wested, but it gives you the option for chest sizing (tho it seems like they add 6” of ease so a 40 has a P2P of 23” which seems like…a bit much) and then sleeve length and overall length. On overall length, do I do shorter — 24” like a trucker jacket? — or a little longer like 26”?? What’s more accurate for that style of jacket? Hit below the waist or at the hip??
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,081
Location
London, UK
Is Indy’s jacket a cropped cut or should it be longer? I’m thinking about getting a custom Wested, but it gives you the option for chest sizing (tho it seems like they add 6” of ease so a 40 has a P2P of 23” which seems like…a bit much) and then sleeve length and overall length. On overall length, do I do shorter — 24” like a trucker jacket? — or a little longer like 26”?? What’s more accurate for that style of jacket? Hit below the waist or at the hip??


Somewhere between Depends and varies. Ford wore it fractionally shorter in Raiders than in Temple. I think either works. In theory, it should hang about the same length as an A2,, but a bit looser., and the leather will be that little bit longer than on an equivalent A2 because of the lack of knits. An A2 was the original starting point, then they got rid of the knits to make the whip in particular much more easily accessed in action sequences. If you're looking at custom, I'd have a looksee at their size chart for the OTR versions as a starting point. Effectively that's what they'll do for the custom - take the nearest standard pattern and tweak it.
 

Asinyne

New in Town
Messages
32
Somewhere between Depends and varies. Ford wore it fractionally shorter in Raiders than in Temple. I think either works. In theory, it should hang about the same length as an A2,, but a bit looser., and the leather will be that little bit longer than on an equivalent A2 because of the lack of knits. An A2 was the original starting point, then they got rid of the knits to make the whip in particular much more easily accessed in action sequences. If you're looking at custom, I'd have a looksee at their size chart for the OTR versions as a starting point. Effectively that's what they'll do for the custom - take the nearest standard pattern and tweak it.
Thanks for the reply. I’ve been looking at different versions and the OTR styles by Wested, but while they’re sleeves are 24.5” (seems about right), their back length is 26.5” and that seems long.

I’ve been considering getting a customized 40” (so I guess 46” chest according to Wested’s OTR) with 24.5” sleeves and a 24.5” back length — so sort of cut like a boxy trucker jacket, which I’m a fan of — but I’d like it to look somewhat accurate to the style in the film. Plus I’m so used to having jackets cut a little trimmer — 43” for my 40” chest — the 45” or 46” seems…excessive.

Tl;dr I guess I’m having a bit of a mental conflict between getting a jacket how I’m used to wearing them (and know how it’ll look/fit) and getting one that will actually fit like Indy’s fits Harrison: his doesn’t seem to have that much slack in the chest. If that makes sense.
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,081
Location
London, UK
Thanks for the reply. I’ve been looking at different versions and the OTR styles by Wested, but while they’re sleeves are 24.5” (seems about right), their back length is 26.5” and that seems long.

I’ve been considering getting a customized 40” (so I guess 46” chest according to Wested’s OTR) with 24.5” sleeves and a 24.5” back length — so sort of cut like a boxy trucker jacket, which I’m a fan of — but I’d like it to look somewhat accurate to the style in the film. Plus I’m so used to having jackets cut a little trimmer — 43” for my 40” chest — the 45” or 46” seems…excessive.

Tl;dr I guess I’m having a bit of a mental conflict between getting a jacket how I’m used to wearing them (and know how it’ll look/fit) and getting one that will actually fit like Indy’s fits Harrison: his doesn’t seem to have that much slack in the chest. If that makes sense.

Yes, the standard fit jackets were somewhat modified to fit real people in the real world.... they do also do the 'Hero' versions which are much more 'screen accurate', but won't necessarily be as flattering on those of us who aren't a younger Harrison Ford by comparison.... good explanation of the difference here - https://westedleatherco.wordpress.com/2016/03/04/the-hero-vs-the-standard-raiders-edition/

Best option is probably to drop Wested a line and talk it through with them.
 

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