Best Aero Machinist for Workcoat

[Monitor]

I can tell you one thing... Of all the jackets that I have owned, one that had the most perfect stitching & overall construction was a Made in China Alpinestars motorcycle jacket. Like, visibly perfect. I don't think it can get any better than that. So... I dunno.

 

[nick123]

Some posters have expressed what I'm trying to say more succintly, but is it right to start discussing the merits (or lack of) of each individual employee? It can be a slippery slope. Makers as a whole are and should be critiqued, but once you start inserting the imperfections of the work of John or Jane on a public forum it just gets a little over the top.

To be fair, the OP surely meant no foul and it's a fair question in an inquisitive context, but perhaps best left between Aero and the OP. Simply to throw a little courtesy to the employees who do it for a living, to make a living, who probably have off days like each of us.

 

[Montecristo]

That is a fair point. In general for me it was not about slight variations of seams on the jacket and other signs of true hand work, but more about getting an idea who are more experienced craftsmen for one type of jacket. Because there seems to be a little variation of style e.g. how pointy or how round are the edges of pocket flaps, collar etc. But you are right, this can easy become some kind of performance review that is no matter for a public forum. Although I think it does not hurt if people tell their positive experience with a certain craftsman, like carlos840 did.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Well, this is maybe getting a bit philosophical here but nevertheless I think this mindset is the reason we see so much mediocre stuff and bad quality in this world. If you read my first post you will see I was not talking about perfection but trying to get as close to perfection as possible. And aiming for perfection is always good I think. You might never reach it, but you wont have a bad result either. Yes, it takes more effort, patience, money, whatever, but in the end it is always worth it. I applied this principle to all the important stuff in life, job, car, wife, wardrobe, shoes and it always paid off.

Not sure I agree with this which is probably down to values. I have never looked for perfection or anything close to this in any of the areas you mention. I always look for character. Perfection or anything aspiring to this has always seemed a dull notion.

But in relation to your question about Aero machinists, we recently had Aero themselves mention that a particular machinist, Moira Is a specialist in Sheenes and cafe racers, so the question isn't without merit.

 

[Sloan1874]

Not everyone can have a Julie jacket! Joking aside, my Aeros were made by different people and the pair that are my go-to during winter were made by Bertie and Paula, make of that what you will.

 

[ericsanpablo31]

Not sure I agree with this which is probably down to values. I have never looked for perfection or anything close to this in any of the areas you mention. I always look for character. Perfection or anything aspiring to this has always seemed a dull notion.

But in relation to your question about Aero machinists, we recently had Aero themselves mention that a particular machinist, Moira Is a specialist in Sheenes and cafe racers, so the question isn't without merit.

Im curious Where did aero mention this ? I've a board racer made by Moira and it is amazing . I used to have a m422a from their used page and it said it was made by one of their most experienced machinists, but strangely I couldn't find a tag anywhere. I think it's neat to know who the real maker is, aero should profile them more


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[Seb Lucas]

It's mentioned by Hide'n'Seek (Aero) in Ordering the Perfect Aero Sheene thread page 2.

 

[Stand By]

I personally think that having the name of the jacket's maker attached to the jacket is a nice touch as it gives us here the ability to give credit where credit's due and to give a shout out to that skilled person here on TFL and send some praise when we post a review and photos - but, as I said, beyond that, I don't think there should be a preference of one employee over another within the company as it opens up other avenues that should be left alone. I am sure that everyone at Aero will be apprenticed long and properly and then considered qualified only when they should be and therefore fully able to make whatever we'd like. It'll be done that way as people there need to be able to fulfill orders while the "expert" is away on vacation or sick leave (short or extended) and orders can't stop; just the same as when I was apprenticing. Could I step in and do what those amazing techicians above me did? Yes, because I was trained by them over 5 years to do just that, but I wasn't as fast of course - but the work got done right and on-time and was screened at the end by quality control and the quality service was maintained every working week and that's all that matters in a company like Aero that employs craft in its business.
I think that anyone who wishes for uber-perfection is fully entitled to make their hopes and expectations known to whichever company when ordering and it's part of having a dialogue with the customer service end - and the manager can try to manage those expectations and then directs the best person to fulfill that order with those instructions to get a successful result for the customer. But beyond that, I don't think it's any of our business how that happens.

And alas I can't answer the philosophical issues of seeking perfection in jackets/life as it's too big.
Suffice to say, I do think that life is easier and better when one can allow for some minor imperfection/inconvenience/disappointment/betrayal as they will undoubtedly happen as we we are all human, and as such, flawed to one degree or another and they can often be excused upon reflection and that's life. Nothing and nobody is fully perfect and, if they're darn close, not every day. To expect that is too great a burden to place on people.
But in terms of jackets, quality control will be there to ensure that we get a great jacket at our end, regardless of who made it.
And when a jacket shows up and it's just fantastic, one shouldn't look at it and wonder dourly "Oh, but is it perfect?" and seek out flaws and reasons not to like it. If it fits properly and suits you, you're halfway there already! How you look will decide what you see - and it'll be fantastic enough and no flaws will be apparent, even though a trained eye might find one somewhere, but wear and characterization will usually tone it into complete obscurity. And if there is an issue, simply send a ping to your contact person and they'll explain it (as it may not even be a mistake - just different to what you expected or were previously used to and one might not recognize it for being the good thing that it is right away. I have learnt that I can be slow that way sometimes as I've been there with an ELC jacket of my own and can now recognize it in myself so I allow time for that reflection before I make a rush to judgement) or fix it, So what's to worry about? As I felt when I first was a lurker on TFL many years ago (I'm talking back around 2001-5) and seeing what was posted, I got the impression back then that some (a few) people needed to stop counting stitches and put their (wonderful, I thought) jacket on and go outside the house and head to a bar, enjoy being in it and the way it must make them feel, have some drinks and get laid.

 

[Stand By]

I can tell you one thing... Of all the jackets that I have owned, one that had the most perfect stitching & overall construction was a Made in China Alpinestars motorcycle jacket. Like, visibly perfect. I don't think it can get any better than that. So... I dunno.

I have a field shirt from Orvis that's the same - made in China (ugh) but damn, the heavy-gauge cotton is simply amazing and the stitching is complex and simply exemplary. I didn't know it was made in China when I bought it and wouldn't have done had I known - but hey, it's my best-made shirt! Full stop. So like you, Monitor ... I dunno too!

 

[Stand By]

PS. My last comment was not directed to you, Montecristo, and I'm not suggesting at all that you proudly wear your jacket to any bar and get laid. I used to think that in my single days. That behaviour will more likely get you a bread knife from the wife when you get home and all manner of regrettable things. I now have a wife-like person in my life and I'd consider myself lucky to get the bread knife. After all, Zombie Max is an option and no jacket is worth that amount of drama if you ask me, no matter how perfect it is or proud I am about it. Maybe staying indoors is better sometimes?

 

[bn1966]

Imperfections:

I don't like having anything 'perfect'...jackets...Cars...Bikes!!!! It becomes far too stressful!!
Don't get me wrong though...I like things to be 'Nice'...I'm just more relaxed with things when they have imperfections (small preferably)...either from manufacture or being used.

I sold a Buzz Nylon jacket because I fretted when wearing it about any grease mark or beer stain it might collect..it was too perfect

 

[El Marro]

And when a jacket shows up and it's just fantastic, one shouldn't look at it and wonder dourly "Oh, but is it perfect?" and seek out flaws and reasons not to like it. If it fits properly and suits you, you're halfway there already! How you look will decide what you see - and it'll be fantastic enough and no flaws will be apparent, even though a trained eye might find one somewhere, but wear and characterization will usually tone it into complete obscurity

^^^These are very wise words. I have often been guilty of this myself and I think it is a common form of buyers remorse that many of us are prone to. Knowing this about myself has allowed me to temper this reaction and focus on the positive qualities in a new jacket rather than the flaws. Poor fit or craftsmanship is a deal breaker, but most other imperfections only bother you if you let them.

 

[bn1966]

I've got a 'high end' jacket arriving in a few days...I'll try it on & if it fits good & looks good I'll be 'Made Up' as they say Shan't be checking stitching....

 

[ProteinNerd]

My two cents: I don't think too it's fair to prefer one worker over the other nor the company can allow it. And more, we are talking of a relatively big company and not some old time tailor who cuts and sews everything by himself so I think it's hard a single worker could make a jacket alone. I think a single craftsman works only to one, two parts of the entire product. There is a video online showing how Barbour's jackets are made and seems to me pretty clear every worker has one, two specific tasks as also the different sewing machines involved in the process show.

Thats not how Aero make their jackets. One craftsman hand makes it from start to finish. Thats one of the reasons I like them so much. One person takes pride in their work and attaches their name to it...so much more personal than mass produced fashion jackets like Barbour etc.

 

[daw]

Not meaning to hijack the thread, but just out of interest, how can I tell which Aero artisan made my A2 jacket? I bought it of ebay, advertised as Aero, and am confident based on its look that it is, in fact, an Aero jacket but I can't find anything anywhere to indicate who made it. Isn't there supposed to be a name in a pocket somewhere?

 

[Sloan1874]

There should be a paper tag stitched into the underside of one of the flap.

 

[Peacoat]

My last two had the tag attached to the zipper. My Highwayman had the tag attached to the zip, but there was no name on the tag.

 

[daw]

My last two had the tag attached to the zipper. My Highwayman had the tag attached to the zip, but there was no name on the tag.

That may explain why mine doesn't have a name attached. When I look in the pocket under the flap, there's just a little tag stating the size. Perhaps whoever owned it before removed the tag with the name on it.

 

[AdeeC]

MY Aero A2 does not have the attached label to who made it but the worker was named on the worksheet or tag supplied with the jacket. Can't remember which piece of paper.