Ask a Question, Get An Answer About Outerwear

[JMax]

I don’t know the pricing but TB is another option.

 

[MrProper]

Are the leather jackets from Aero and Lewis Leathers enough for a beginner biker? If not then is there a way to retro-fit the armor into them?
I'm just planning to get a 125cc bike and commute to work about 12km each way. Max speed is only 80km/h.
Thank you.

As a beginner biker, I would get a leather jacket or functional fabric jacket from the respective discounters (here Hein Gericke, Polo, Luis; elsewhere they may be called something else). Especially if you're only travelling around town. When it comes to style, of course, that's something else. But I wouldn't hesitate to ride with an aero either. I did this for a long time with an Aero Café Racer. In the city without protectors, more sporty with a protector jacket underneath.
LL works just as well

 

[KBlake]

Should one use “supports” such as the pool noodle method for vintage leather jackets only or new ones as well?

 

[handymike]

All leather jackets! that way you avoid "hanger dimples". I cut my noodles longer than the hanger so they extend down the sleeve a bit.

 

[Aloysius]

What kinds of hangars do you guys usually attach noodles to, and how? I would imagine those kind of stiff but flat shirt hangers, so they're substantial enough but not preshaped?

 

[KBlake]

All leather jackets! that way you avoid "hanger dimples". I cut my noodles longer than the hanger so they extend down the sleeve a bit.

Thanks!

 

[KBlake]

What kinds of hangars do you guys usually attach noodles to, and how? I would imagine those kind of stiff but flat shirt hangers, so they're substantial enough but not preshaped?

What I did is cut the noodles into sections that are just a bit longer than the hanger arms and then cut a slit down each of them and press the hanger into it the slit. found that thin felt covered hangers work well. I can provide photos when I’m back home tomorrow if you want.

 

[MrProper]

I have disposed of the pool noodles. They took up too much space. Instead, I got the widest hangers (50 cm) with thick ends (5.5 cm) and they work well. I don't hang the shearlings up at all, but lay them out.

 

[Aloysius]

What I did is cut the noodles into sections that are just a bit longer than the hanger arms and then cut a slit down each of them and press the hanger into it the slit. found that thin felt covered hangers work well. I can provide photos when I’m back home tomorrow if you want.

No need, that's exactly the type of hanger I was thinking of when I asked.

I have disposed of the pool noodles. They took up too much space. Instead, I got the widest hangers (50 cm) with thick ends (5.5 cm) and they work well. I don't hang the shearlings up at all, but lay them out.

I have a few of these from my Schott factory visits and they work extremely well.

 

[Khilij]

What jacket color is more versatile for everyday wear, brown or black?

 

[Marc mndt]

What jacket color is more versatile for everyday wear, brown or black?

A two tone, brown and black

 

[MrProper]

What jacket color is more versatile for everyday wear, brown or black?

That depends on what other clothes you have. I would see a very small advantage in black.

 

[KBlake]

Anyone know the maker? Fidelity?

 

[jojothenorthstar]

does anybody have experience with both schott and cockpit usa's current b3? I had the owner of legendary USA tell me schott isn't very good anymore and the one i bought is distressing like crazy. I want to sell it but it already looks 20 years old in the front and i've had it for 2 months with light use (as in i wasn't purposely rubbing on it or working with stuff, mostly walking and daily movement)

i was wondering if cockpit usa's jackets were more durable

 

[jeo]

does anybody have experience with both schott and cockpit usa's current b3? I had the owner of legendary USA tell me schott isn't very good anymore and the one i bought is distressing like crazy. I want to sell it but it already looks 20 years old in the front and i've had it for 2 months with light use (as in i wasn't purposely rubbing on it or working with stuff, mostly walking and daily movement)

i was wondering if cockpit usa's jackets were more durable

I would take anything Chris has to say with a grain of salt. Ever since he took over and split with Schott he’s been slamming them any chance he gets.

I was just at Cockpit USA. Their B3s are pretty flimsy and they don’t fit great. And they’re not cheap either. I wouldn’t go with them. I don’t have experience with Schott. I’d go with Eastman or Aero if I was in the market for a B-3.

 

[jojothenorthstar]

I would take anything Chris has to say with a grain of salt. Ever since he took over and split with Schott he’s been slamming them any chance he gets.

I was just at Cockpit USA. Their B3s are pretty flimsy and they don’t fit great. And they’re not cheap either. I wouldn’t go with them. I don’t have experience with Schott. I’d go with Eastman or Aero if I was in the market for a B-3.

gotcha, thanks for the information. I don't want a repro though, unfortunately or I would 100% go for the eastman. I wanted something more functional so I want side entry pockets

 

[jeo]

gotcha, thanks for the information. I don't want a repro though, unfortunately or I would 100% go for the eastman. I wanted something more functional so I want side entry pockets

You can customize the Aero. Also better because you can specify lengths.

 

[jojothenorthstar]

You can customize the Aero. Also better because you can specify lengths.

i did not know that! thanks, i will reach out

 

[Aloysius]

Anyone know the maker? Fidelity? View attachment 605375

Yes, that's Fidelity. Picked one of these up for my friend for $100 and I'd say it's easily worth more.

i did not know that! thanks, i will reach out

Aero is unlikely to give you handwarmer pockets on a B-3, as usually they reproduce wartime contracts, however you'd have two options. You could go for a D-1 or B-6, which have handwarmer pockets by design, or you could ask for the civilian B-3 inspired jacket they just made for a TV show set in the 80s.

 

[jojothenorthstar]

Yes, that's Fidelity. Picked one of these up for my friend for $100 and I'd say it's easily worth more.



Aero is unlikely to give you handwarmer pockets on a B-3, as usually they reproduce wartime contracts, however you'd have two options. You could go for a D-1 or B-6, which have handwarmer pockets by design, or you could ask for the civilian B-3 inspired jacket they just made for a TV show set in the 80s.

thanks for the advice