Ask a Question, Get An Answer About Outerwear

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

What do you guys think about the fit on this G-1 I just picked up? I think I should go down a size... What do you think? Thanks!

you could probably squeeze down one size, although I think it's pretty close as is, but I think what's more off with it is the front length.

 

[jeo]

all my Cals (1950s to 1970s) are #10. My older Vanson like mid 80s is 10 and a CHP I sold was a 10. The older Schott cross zips are 10. But for some reason the racers tend to be smaller. I think maybe the racers were typically lighter weight leather and more stretchy, so maybe had something to do with it. But anyway, I think it was a mix back then as it is now, but at least from my experience the heavier cross zips were typically 10s.

Also, someone mentioned Vanson zippers being the best. I don't know. I've had a few and almost all of them except for this mint CHP needed male side replacements because of the dreaded frayed pin. For my money, nothing beats a Schott zipper. And I'm pretty sure they stand behind all the hardware.

You’re absolutely correct. I meant and should have specified vintage jackets from the 30’s and 40’s.

 

[dwilson]

I can't speak for the quality quite yet since they're still on the way to me but I bought 3x of these Red Tornado shirts the other day. They seem to have a somewhat shorter length you're looking to get. Its my first dip into the Chinese repro scene so I'm anxious to compare the quality to the Japanese made counterparts.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002362860218.html

Wanted to follow up on this since my shirts arrived. I should clarify however I bought the henley t-shirts (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002362626221.html) not the crew necks.

Long story short these are the best shirts I've ever seen for $30. If you told me this was made by a Japanese company I would 100% believe you. The cotton is super thick and not slubby. Thickness is about on par with Studio D'Artisan or Samurai and maybe ever so slightly thinner than The Strike Gold (and lacks all the slubbiness of TSG's fabric.) The construction isn't loopwheeled or tube so it has side seams. Side seams never bothered me but I know its a big deal for some. I bought these in China Medium and it fits pretty similar to a on-the-large-size American small. I initially thought it may be a bit too big but after a wash on the hot cycle it shrunk down a bit. Overall I intend on buying more shirts from Red Tornado I'm extremely impressed by the fit, construction, materials and very impressed by the price. Only real con is if you have larger biceps the banding around the arms is a tad tight.

 

[Sonero]

Schott 641 Steerhide/Horshide

I prefer the HH skin much better but really like the zip out liner of the Steerhide. For those with the removable liner how important is it to you at this point after owning it for awhile ? I don't know why the HH liner isn't removable. Too Bad.

 

[Alec Leamas]

Wanted to follow up on this since my shirts arrived. I should clarify however I bought the henley t-shirts (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002362626221.html) not the crew necks.

Long story short these are the best shirts I've ever seen for $30. If you told me this was made by a Japanese company I would 100% believe you. The cotton is super thick and not slubby. Thickness is about on par with Studio D'Artisan or Samurai and maybe ever so slightly thinner than The Strike Gold (and lacks all the slubbiness of TSG's fabric.) The construction isn't loopwheeled or tube so it has side seams. Side seams never bothered me but I know its a big deal for some. I bought these in China Medium and it fits pretty similar to a on-the-large-size American small. I initially thought it may be a bit too big but after a wash on the hot cycle it shrunk down a bit. Overall I intend on buying more shirts from Red Tornado I'm extremely impressed by the fit, construction, materials and very impressed by the price. Only real con is if you have larger biceps the banding around the arms is a tad tight.

That is good to know, I have a pair of regular / loose fit Red Tornado jeans and I am very very impressed with them so far. Seen some of their t-shirts online too and may well pick up a few!

 

[Pandemic]

It’s a long shot I know, but my Google-Fu has failed me:

Does anyone have a lead on a silver/nickel square double-prong center-bar belt buckle for a 2” belt?

 

[Canuck Panda]

It’s a long shot I know, but my Google-Fu has failed me:

Does anyone have a lead on a silver/nickel square double-prong center-bar belt buckle for a 2” belt?

I never bought from them before but I looked at their stuff every now and then. If you do buy from this place let us know how was your experience. Thanks.

https://leathercrafttools.com/item/10475/

 

[Imuricecreamman]

Anybody bought from Vanson directly recently? Been thinking about the arrow and prices seem very good.

 

[Monitor]

Anybody bought from Vanson directly recently? Been thinking about the arrow and prices seem very good. View attachment 353939

Yeah, they've lately been having a permanent discount on pretty much all of their jackets, which is really sweet, especially for the Americans. $577 for a Rock'n'Roll is literally nothing, taken into consideration the quality you're getting. IMO, Vanson is one of like three makers right now that are worth the retail price, regardless of how much it is.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Anybody bought from Vanson directly recently? Been thinking about the arrow and prices seem very good. View attachment 353939

I bought from Vanson directly just month or two ago. It’s best to call them before placing the order to make sure they have your size in stock. They are old school that way. Phone call gets things done much quicker than emails.

 

[tmitchell59]

Thought this Vanson looked familiar. Nice looking jacket.

 

[Imuricecreamman]

Thought this Vanson looked familiar. Nice looking jacket.

View attachment 354289

Nothing stacks up to the original.

 

[MrProper]

Who has had to deal with a Lewis Leather Aviakit Urban Rider?
Is this also good to wear without the protectors or rather only something for motorcyclists?
If the dimensions fit, I could get a once worn for 699 EUR.

 

[Andrew Mier]

Hi all,

I am looking into possibly getting an ELMC Californian jacket secondhand, but I am not quite sure of the fit. I am looking at possibly a 44.

I am 6’ 3” at around 220lbs. Here are two of my jackets that probably fit me the best. The previous owner of the ELMC jacket let me know that they are 5’ 10” at 175lbs.

Any thoughts how this jacket may fit me? Should I go for it?

 

[Andrew Mier]

Here are pics of the ELMC jacket from owner. 5’ 10” 175 lbs with a size 44

 

[MrProper]

I am looking into possibly getting an ELMC Californian jacket secondhand, but I am not quite sure of the fit. I am looking at possibly a 44.

I am 6’ 3” at around 220lbs. Here are two of my jackets that probably fit me the best. The previous owner of the ELMC jacket let me know that they are 5’ 10” at 175lbs.

Any thoughts how this jacket may fit me? Should I go for it?

I got the measurements of a 46:
Shoulder 50cm
Chest 61cm
Sleeve 68cm
Hip 58cm

I therefore think that a 44 is too small.

 

[Imuricecreamman]

Hi all,

I am looking into possibly getting an ELMC Californian jacket secondhand, but I am not quite sure of the fit. I am looking at possibly a 44.

I am 6’ 3” at around 220lbs. Here are two of my jackets that probably fit me the best. The previous owner of the ELMC jacket let me know that they are 5’ 10” at 175lbs.

Any thoughts how this jacket may fit me? Should I go for it?

This is me at 178cm and 95kg in a size 46. The sleeves must be well short on a guy your height.

 

[Rawky]

What's the best way to shrink a leather jacket? I got a jacket years ago, which is a little big in the shoulders and long the sleeves.

 

[Monitor]

Who has had to deal with a Lewis Leather Aviakit Urban Rider?
Is this also good to wear without the protectors or rather only something for motorcyclists?
If the dimensions fit, I could get a once worn for 699 EUR.
View attachment 354359

Been a long time since Lewis Leathers stopped being biker gear. The armor is soft and intended to be worn off the bike.

What's the best way to shrink a leather jacket? I got a jacket years ago, which is a little big in the shoulders and long the sleeves.

Don't count on it. Water might shrink some types of leather and only a little bit but there are no guarantees that it'll happen, let alone that it will turn out even.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Who has had to deal with a Lewis Leather Aviakit Urban Rider?
Is this also good to wear without the protectors or rather only something for motorcyclists?
If the dimensions fit, I could get a once worn for 699 EUR.
View attachment 354359

I have the Lewis MK1 jacket and the padding is just quilted wool. So I assume the one you are looking at is also just soft padding. Also 700 EUR is about £600. A new Lewis custom jacket would cost about £750~800, but you get exactly what you want. To me used at 700 EUR isn't the best value.

What's the best way to shrink a leather jacket? I got a jacket years ago, which is a little big in the shoulders and long the sleeves.

Wash and dry using dryer. But if it's chrome tanned it might not shrink at all, they are tanned to not shrink/change shape much. If veg tan it will shrink for sure, but it's difficult to control how much and where you want it to shrink. A lot of checking and pulling it back to dimension is needed along the way.