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Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

jonbuilder

My Mail is Forwarded Here
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Grass Valley CA Foothills
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174787669335

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excellent good buy
 

Edward

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25,081
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London, UK
It's always been called an Aeronaut A-1 as far as I know. At least as far as I've been around.

Ah, they're sticking with it. I'd have been surprised if they hadn't, I supposed. BK are somewhat... belligerent.


Lewis Corsair, no sign of a patch being removed (unlikey that anyone would do that anyhow among the main Lewis market, back in the day or now). Unless it was special ordered (again, seems unlikely save round TFL parts) I'd guess it's an early model. Never been able to track down definitively when they started putting the logo on the front, but my best guess is 1968. The Corsair was introduced in the Lewis range in 1962, along with the Dominator. Rivett's of London were already doing a jacket of this style from c.1958ish (the very first Aero Highwayman in 1983 was inspired by a 1959 model; the fit was Americanised to suit retro tastes at the time, but the 59er model of recent years is a strait repop). This style was the quintessential British rocker jacket in the peak years of that subculture between 1960 and 64. Lancer-fronts were around, but somewhat less common than these going by original photos (though any difference is less so among revivalists now - fairly even mix of types there, albeit Lewis and leather dominated in a way that wasn't quite so back when).
 

Schambach

Practically Family
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572
Location
Ithaca, NY
I recently scored a pair of these in size 32 on Vinted, 110 euros. Absolute steal of a find, and these pants are fantastic. They do run a tad small though, so that's something to keep in mind.


How small would you say? I wear a 34 in most pants(levis, j crew, & other vanity sized pants), and found a nice deal on a pair of Vansons in 35, was thinking it might work well, but any light you could shine on that would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

mendelboaz

One Too Many
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1,242
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The Netherlands
How small would you say? I wear a 34 in most pants(levis, j crew, & other vanity sized pants), and found a nice deal on a pair of Vansons in 35, was thinking it might work well, but any light you could shine on that would be appreciated. Thanks!

I would say I'm a size 32 nowadays, even though I still stubbornly force my way into size 31 jeans. The Vansons I can get on if I really suck in my Covid induced gut, and they fit super snug. I think the 35 will work for you, but be prepared for a snug fit. Best thing to do is go by measurements. Keep in mind leather pants fit differently than other materials, and they are less forgiving because of the thick leather.
 
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16,842
I would say I'm a size 32 nowadays, even though I still stubbornly force my way into size 31 jeans. The Vansons I can get on if I really suck in my Covid induced gut, and they fit super snug. I think the 35 will work for you, but be prepared for a snug fit. Best thing to do is go by measurements. Keep in mind leather pants fit differently than other materials, and they are less forgiving because of the thick leather.

I'm still not sure if it's the matter of leather vs textile as to why most leather pants appear smaller or whether most makers really cut their leather trousers slightly smaller.
My best fitting Aero & Vanson & Belstaff leather trousers measured exactly the same as my denim jeans and yet felt 10x more constrictive, borderline small. I'd say that even the toughest denim out there has some give while this isn't the case with leather, no matter how soft it might appear.
Which is why I prefer ones with side laces now as I can shape them the way I want (plus they look cool!).
 

Schambach

Practically Family
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572
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Ithaca, NY
Thanks @mendelboaz & @Monitor ! The ones I'm eyeing are the "sportrider" model, so they have some stretch here and there, though it doesn't looks like any in the waist. I'd also only be wearing them on the bike. I'm guessing i'll probably have to take a leap of faith, but the price is good...
 

Edward

Bartender
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25,081
Location
London, UK
Eeeh... Anyone wants to split this with me? I don't need to chaps, just the vest. XD

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174788035133

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The waistcoat reminds me of Jim Morrison for some reason (I think he only ever wore a jacket and strides in leather, though, from memory). Add the chaps, though, and it's very reminiscent of something Take That once wore. Or, at a pinch, Xtina in her "durrty" phase. :D Maybe you could modify the chaps into removable sleeves for the vest? :D

I'm still not sure if it's the matter of leather vs textile as to why most leather pants appear smaller or whether most makers really cut their leather trousers slightly smaller.
My best fitting Aero & Vanson & Belstaff leather trousers measured exactly the same as my denim jeans and yet felt 10x more constrictive, borderline small. I'd say that even the toughest denim out there has some give while this isn't the case with leather, no matter how soft it might appear.
Which is why I prefer ones with side laces now as I can shape them the way I want (plus they look cool!).

I tend to suspect that when they've been made specifically for motorcycle wear, it was to keep them well fitting in the event of a slide, whereas a loose fitting trouser might ride up and expose your legs, losing the protection. I wonder also if there's an element of design influence from jodhpurs? Going by all photos and surviving pieces I've seen, the silhouette of leather mc trousers since the 30s seems to echo the direction of travel in the design of horse riding trews, from the big 'elephant ear' breeches to tight-legged options of today.

YSL makes the best looking footwear ever in the history of shoes, ever. I'm so happy I cannot afford them.

https://www.grailed.com/listings/22...akota-50-riverside-lace-up-bo-nero-boot-black

EUIHzQKETPirl87Nxyv5

If William Lennon made a cowboy boot... I like these. Put me in mind of the Cuban-heeled dance shoes Patrick Swayze wore in Dirty Dancing.
 
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16,842
Maybe you could modify the chaps into removable sleeves for the vest? :D

Lol, that's actually a brilliant idea but then I'd still be on a lookout for a perfect leather vest with yet another leather jacket hanging in a wardrobe.



I tend to suspect that when they've been made specifically for motorcycle wear, it was to keep them well fitting in the event of a slide, whereas a loose fitting trouser might ride up and expose your legs, losing the protection. I wonder also if there's an element of design influence from jodhpurs? Going by all photos and surviving pieces I've seen, the silhouette of leather mc trousers since the 30s seems to echo the direction of travel in the design of horse riding trews, from the big 'elephant ear' breeches to tight-legged options of today.

Well... Some definitely but from what I've seen from these several brands whose trousers I have owned, they simply copied some Levi's / Lee model and called it a day. Even Belstaff, which was my personal favorite.
I don't think that much thought went into ergonomic aspect of these regularly styled leather pants. What Vanson did with their SS trousers is an entirely different matter as these are all styled exclusively for riding but leather 5 pocket jeans are just... Well, that.

Aero's 60's riding trousers do feel great on a motorcycle, though! Wouldn't hesitate a second to go on a long trip in 'em.
 

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