Elastic sides/waist in good leather jackets (e.g., Aero cropduster): How long does it last?

[tweedydon]

I've been wondering about this for a while. Some good leather jackets (e.g., Aero's Cropduster, Vanson's Marauder, I think) have small elastic "cincers" at the waist or hem.

I assume that the elastic in these degenerates over time.

Does anyone know how long this will take, and what the jacket looks like once this occurs?

Thanks!

PS: Also, if it just me, or does this feature look a little feminine?

 

[Marc mndt]

The elastic 'side adjusters' on this Windward are still good after 75 years.

 

[Canuck Panda]

I think they're more decorative than functional. Adding tiny pleats to the look. I have them on my Aero Northeaster. There is so much stitching holding the elastic to the leather I bet stitches will still hold the pleats in shape without the elastic band.
I now prefer the regular cinch, at least they are functional when I need them.

 

[Monitor]

I don't know how Aero does them but on other leather jackets that I've handled, elastic cinchers are definitely not decorative and can allow for a considerable amount of room when stretched. It's not just the elastic that keeps them in place; It's how they're constructed so even if the rubber degenerates, they'll still provide some elasticity to the area. Plus most new elastic is entirely synthetic so longevity isn't an issue anymore.

But I personally strongly dislike them and refuse to wear a jacket that has them, not because they look any certain way but because one of the things I love about leather is that it doesn't stretch.

 

[tmitchell59]

I call these gathered sides. They are not seen on leather jackets pre-war. They are first seen on leather jackets in the mid 1940s. You will also see the same style of jacket made both ways; gathered sides or straps. I don't know if this was in response to labor/cost savings, war time restrictions, just a new way of doing things. All the major makers used this technique. It does look more "modern".

The War created a lot of innovations and creativity.

I very much like the feel of these on certain jackets, they do work quite well. I do prefer the straps for the look.

1940s

Monarch 1950

Monarch 1940-Same style of jacket but with side straps.

Sierra Sportswear early 1950s. The gathered sides really make this jacket a fine fit and one of my favorites.

These two pics really show the taper these sides create on this jacket and they breathe. They allow the jacket to mold to your body. This Sierra is the best example.

 

[tweedydon]

FANTASTIC information-- thanks everyone!