Ask a Question, Get An Answer About Outerwear

[Al 916]

Cromford in London will do it but it will be expensive.

Thanks you for the recommendation. I had a look on their website and got as far as

'typically to shorten sleeves with zips costs £200'

I am sure it would be a perfect job.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Japan Yahoo Auction question:

Has anyone tried to make an offer with a different price than listed price? How to go about doing this? Thanks. I am not trying to low ball the seller. Just 10% maximum sometimes.

 

[Aloysius]

As I mentioned at the time, I picked up Ken's own original AN-6552 jacket from the Aero sale pages. (The goatskin is original from WWII; the lining, zipper, knits, and mouton are replacements.)

It's a very squeaky jacket, and I've wondered if I should apply a product to it. I don't want to damage it or undo the wartime patina or Ken's own fading. Furthermore, the seal top coat (for obvious reasons) has chipped in many places and it would nice to 'stabilize' that somewhat.

Would Pecard Antique Leather Dressing be the right call?

 

[newtojackets]

I recently bought this jacket used.

No labels on it so was wondering if you guys could help:

1. Identify what type of leather the outer is. Is this a cowhide?

2. Give me some feedback on the overall construction of this jacke. I don’t think it’s going to be anywhere near the brands commonly listed here but is this somewhat decent?

 

[cbez]

Recently bought from fromjapan and never had option to declare a lower value, only to mark it as a gift, which I don't think affects us customs at all.

 

[jacketjunkie]

I recently bought this jacket used.

No labels on it so was wondering if you guys could help:

1. Identify what type of leather the outer is. Is this a cowhide?

2. Give me some feedback on the overall construction of this jacke. I don’t think it’s going to be anywhere near the brands commonly listed here but is this somewhat decent? View attachment 462173 View attachment 462170 View attachment 462171

Looks like cowhide. Nothing of high quality but not the super cheap thin stuff you would find on a 100-200 USD mall jacket either.

Construction-wise I notice it partially uses french seams which I personally like and would rate as a sign of good workmanship. It also has this three color set up, matching on both body and sleeves which is a playful feature that requires extra work. On the other hand, the jacket is made of more panels than need be.

I would pick it up out of pure interest and maybe very occasionally wear it if I found it for <100 USD, I cannot get my finger on what time period this reminds me of (80s? maybe, I get „The Americans“-vibes off it) but it has some flair.

 

[cbez]

Ok got an insane deal on a flat head jacket, only signs of age I can find is some tarnish on the buckles. Any tips for cleaning it that are safe for the leather?

 

[Will Zach]

Ok got an insane deal on a flat head jacket, only signs of age I can find is some tarnish on the buckles. Any tips for cleaning it that are safe for the leather?

You can try vinegar on the tarnish, rub hard with a q tip or something similar. Protect the leather with paper towels the best you can, but vinegar should not do too much damage to coated leather if it gets on it.

 

[dwilson]

Also obenauf LP did great on my thirsty deerskin. Back to being supple, pliable and a bit of shine. Very happy with the results.

 

[newtojackets]

Saw this jacket on sale near me, looks quality to my eyes, what do you guys think?

 

[Observe]

Anyone know if Aero Original Hercules and Highwayman/Premier Highwayman use the same pattern block? It's possible I may not completely understand what a pattern block is. I ask because I get the hanging effect on my neck which causes pain from the OG Herc. I had a PHWM that was a size too large but I don't recall the same issue, perhaps because it was too big. I think the neck pain comes from the square shoulders of the OG Herc compared to my rounded shoulders, meaning my shoulders don't support the weight of the jacket, only my neck. The neck on the OG Herc also seems to be set more forward than on other jackets I wear, which pushes into the back of my neck.

 

[MrProper]

Anyone know if Aero Original Hercules and Highwayman/Premier Highwayman use the same pattern block? It's possible I may not completely understand what a pattern block is. I ask because I get the hanging effect on my neck which causes pain from the OG Herc. I had a PHWM that was a size too large but I don't recall the same issue, perhaps because it was too big. I think the neck pain comes from the square shoulders of the OG Herc compared to my rounded shoulders, meaning my shoulders don't support the weight of the jacket, only my neck. The neck on the OG Herc also seems to be set more forward than on other jackets I wear, which pushes into the back of my neck.

Unfortunately I have no idea regarding the pattern.
But I have worn the last few days my PHWM several times good 12 hours at a time and had no problems with it.

 

[Blackadder]

Saw this jacket on sale near me, looks quality to my eyes, what do you guys think? View attachment 463394 View attachment 463395

AMF Harley Davidson. Good 70s quality.

 

[Al 916]

Unfortunately I have no idea regarding the pattern.
But I have worn the last few days my PHWM several times good 12 hours at a time and had no problems with it.

I had no pain or lack of comfort with mine either. Maybe we are the exceptions.

 

[newtojackets]

AMF Harley Davidson. Good 70s quality.

Any idea who the maker would be (as I saw that HD outsourced to several manufacturers at the time)

 

[Canuck Panda]

Recently bought from fromjapan and never had option to declare a lower value, only to mark it as a gift, which I don't think affects us customs at all.

They did but they don't now. Sorry about that. I just paid for shipping for an item I got from FJ/Rakuten and now EMS is available but declaring different value is no longer available.
EMS is also very expensive now, not half of Fedex like before Covid, more like 2/3 now.
Rakuten 10% coupon makes FJ still the best deal out of the three proxies, buyee, zenmarket, and fromjapan. So basically the 10% off goes to offset some of the taxes. But not everything is available on Rakuten so there's also that.

 

[photo2u]

Saw this jacket on sale near me, looks quality to my eyes, what do you guys think? View attachment 463394 View attachment 463395

The jacket reminds me of a Harley jacket. The leather looks much better than the Korean made ones.

 

[newtojackets]

The jacket reminds me of a Harley jacket. The leather looks much better than the Korean made ones.

I believe it is a Harley. I am torn on whether or not to buy it…

 

[Monitor]

I believe it is a Harley. I am torn on whether or not to buy it…

Don't overthink it. These are great jackets, regardless of the maker. HD used to have a good standard for riding gear back then.

 

[ton312]

I believe it is a Harley. I am torn on whether or not to buy it…

I had one in a 44' long and it was a nice fit. Mine was Korean made, thick and soft leather, actually nicer made (and material) jacket than the first release of AMF (US made ) HD jackets.