Calling on all AERO "Happy Days" Jacket owners...

[dubpynchon]

Man, I've been struggling to not press the button on a Happy Days in cordovan steerhide for the last year or so... this thread and Harris' aren't helping!

 

[tropicalbob]

Man, I've been struggling to not press the button on a Happy Days in cordovan steerhide for the last year or so... this thread and Harris' aren't helping!

Know the feeling. I don't know why, but that particular design really attracts me. I'd love to get one in black.

 

[dubpynchon]

Know the feeling. I don't know why, but that particular design really attracts me. I'd love to get one in black.

Its a great design, with a mouton collar it would be like an ELC Air Comfort, a similar jacket I admire the look of. The functional pockets and one-piece back are great. I have a G-1 though, so with it's knits and mouton I should be able to resist. Must be strong and consider my bank account...

 

[Sloan1874]

I would look at the medium weight hides on the page and ask for swatches of the ones that interest you. The brown oil pull is good if you're looking for a smooth vintage look - it's recommended for those seeking an A2 that looks like a relic from WWII - but I'd definitely ask for a sample of the current batch as it can vary in finish quite markedly.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I would look at the medium weight hides on the page and ask for swatches of the ones that interest you. The brown oil pull is good if you're looking for a smooth vintage look - it's recommended for those seeking an A2 that looks like a relic from WWII - but I'd definitely ask for a sample of the current batch as it can vary in finish quite markedly.

Interesting. Sloan does the oil pull have a greasy finish? I've seen photos, but how would you describe its hand and qualities?

 

[Sloan1874]

I wouldn't say greasy but it does have a different tactile feel from standard horsehide. The one I handled had a very matt finish and felt almost nubuck-ish, but I know that there are other batches which had a glossier appearance. It's an interesting leather, but you have to be willing to live with the fact that it'll take on marks and mottling from rain etc much more easily that other hides.

 

[Dagenham Dave]

I would look at the medium weight hides on the page and ask for swatches of the ones that interest you. The brown oil pull is good if you're looking for a smooth vintage look - it's recommended for those seeking an A2 that looks like a relic from WWII - but I'd definitely ask for a sample of the current batch as it can vary in finish quite markedly.

Thanks Sloan. I don't really like the dull finish of oil pull. I have sent an email to Aero asking their advice also. And I have also contacted Pickings and Parry (where purchased my original "Happy Days" and where I will purchase the second one), and the owner has suggested I come in to the store to see a jacket he has in stock made with black Italian Vicenza, to give me an idea of the weight and feel of that leather, and that he also has swatches of all available leathers from Aero (except the natural tan Vicenza).

 

[Kasper]

Great thread! Awesome to see it rising from a two year hiatus for round two!!


I particularly appreciate DD sorting out so many of the issues I'm asking myself. How did you find the FQHH for our climate Dave? I note your comments it was too heavy and rigid for your tastes, however was it too heavy for Australian climate? I love the look of it, and I love heavy jackets, but I'm in Brisbane and concerned it's going to be too much. A lot of the advice seems to be leaning that way.


I'm looking at the Vicenza; have you have a chance to hit Pickings and Parry to have a look at that black Vicenza? I'd really appreciate your thoughts on it; if it's much lighter than the FQHH? I'm hoping it's going to be OK for Oz weather, but still substantial.

 

[Fanch]

Great thread! Awesome to see it rising from a two year hiatus for round two!!

I particularly appreciate DD sorting out so many of the issues I'm asking myself. How did you find the FQHH for our climate Dave? I note your comments it was too heavy and rigid for your tastes, however was it too heavy for Australian climate? I love the look of it, and I love heavy jackets, but I'm in Brisbane and concerned it's going to be too much. A lot of the advice seems to be leaning that way.

I'm looking at the Vicenza; have you have a chance to hit Pickings and Parry to have a look at that black Vicenza? I'd really appreciate your thoughts on it; if it's much lighter than the FQHH? I'm hoping it's going to be OK for Oz weather, but still substantial.

My black Vicenza Sheene is one of my two favorite jackets of all time. It is substantial without being too heavy. It has already developed nice grain and has a fantastic feel, hand, look, and drape. If I were to decide on a knit jacket at this time, I would no doubt order a black Vicenza Aero Happy days jacket with black knits and olive cotton drill lining throughout.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Great thread! Awesome to see it rising from a two year hiatus for round two!!


I particularly appreciate DD sorting out so many of the issues I'm asking myself. How did you find the FQHH for our climate Dave? I note your comments it was too heavy and rigid for your tastes, however was it too heavy for Australian climate? I love the look of it, and I love heavy jackets, but I'm in Brisbane and concerned it's going to be too much. A lot of the advice seems to be leaning that way.


I'm looking at the Vicenza; have you have a chance to hit Pickings and Parry to have a look at that black Vicenza? I'd really appreciate your thoughts on it; if it's much lighter than the FQHH? I'm hoping it's going to be OK for Oz weather, but still substantial.

It's lighter and softer but in our climate the difference isn't all that significant. About 2.5oz as opposed to 3oz. It's softer certainly, and yes, it breaks in almost immediately but in Brisbane softer won't mean cooler. I'm in Melbourne where it is cold and even 2.5oz leather is only wearable for a few weeks of the year. I found FQHH impossible to wear in Melbourne - uncomfortable and in the depth of winter not warm enough (no insulation) and as soon as it reaches 17 or 18 too warm. But there are some people here who seem to enjoy it (if that's the right verb). I stayed in Brisbane during what passes for winter and never wore more than a cotton jacket. I'm toying with getting a new leather jacket from Johnson Leathers and I think I will go 2.2oz this time.

 

[Azog]

I must run colder than Seb. I also live in Melbourne and can wear a leather jacket, at least in the mornings and evenings, to the end of spring here. But I also feel FQHH would be too heavy for Brisbane winters.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I can wear a leather jacker. Just not the heavy ones.

 

[ProteinNerd]

yeah Seb must just run hot.

I get a decent amount of wear out of my Aeros in Sydney, although most of mine are mid weight Vicenza now, thats just more a comfort thing rather than them being too hot.

Honestly, there isn't THAT much of a difference in warmth between them that I can ever imagine it being fine to wear Vicenza but not FQHH.

 

[Thuggee]

I must run colder than Seb. I also live in Melbourne and can wear a leather jacket, at least in the mornings and evenings, to the end of spring here. But I also feel FQHH would be too heavy for Brisbane winters.

I can confirm at least for me if you want to get maximum wear out of a leather jacket and your in Brisbane avoid FQHH, better options based on the couple of Aero jackets I own are Vicenza and Battered Steer both mid weight hides/leathers.


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[Kasper]

Thanks guys. But the Vicenza's still substantial, right? I'd be disappointed if the jacket arrived and it wasn't still quite a thick and heavy hide. I got some sample from Holly and while the samples show the grain and softness, it's hard to get an idea (for me anyway) of how heavy the whole hide and what the finished jacket would be like.

Anyway, jacket weather is anything up to 28c in Brisbane . 17 to 18? How could it get that cold? It'd be snowing and penguins and stuff

 

[Fanch]

Kasper, I can tell you the samples don't really do justice, and I didn't realize how terrific Vicenza is until I received my first jacket. I was particularly bowled over with the rich color and feel of a seal Vicenza Premier Highwayman that unfortunately didn't fit me.

 

[Kasper]

Yeah, the sample looks great, but samples only get you so far. I've got that first jacket anxiety, not knowing how it all fits together into the end masterpiece. I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a Highwayman and I'm 99% there. I reckon the black Vicenza will be the go for me.

 

[Thuggee]

Thanks guys. But the Vicenza's still substantial, right? I'd be disappointed if the jacket arrived and it wasn't still quite a thick and heavy hide. I got some sample from Holly and while the samples show the grain and softness, it's hard to get an idea (for me anyway) of how heavy the whole hide and what the finished jacket would be like.

Anyway, jacket weather is anything up to 28c in Brisbane . 17 to 18? How could it get that cold? It'd be snowing and penguins and stuff

FQHH vs Vicenza as I have both in Aero Jackets and also live in Brisbane Vicenza is definitely what you want for our climate and is definitely still a substantial leather can't see you being disappointed, go with a lightweight lining as well ( lighter the better), I was wearing my Aeromarine in Vicenza around town last night I think the temp was around 17-18 perfect with a pair of jeans and a light shirt

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[Kasper]

Nice. Thanks Thuggee.

 

[Sloan1874]

You won't feel shortchanged by Vicenza. A mid-weight hide isn't a roundabout way of saying 'mall jacket weight'. Most people will still think it's a relatively hefty piece of kit compared to a standard leather jacket. I'm just about to pull about my shinki Dust Bowl, roughly the same weight, because it's beginning to get a bit cooler in the morning over here.