First Aero Jacket - Help!

[ton312]

@ton312 You'll forget all about the fit jacket when the Midnight Blue arrives!

Can't wait to see some pics of it.

Can't wait to take them!!

 

[Witchtrip]

Hey there, I'm going through the exact same process - my fit jacket is due to arrive today. I started a thread and got tons of great info about options from everyone.

I'm also in the same boat: 5' 11" 145-50 and this is my "fat" 40s - I've been a rail my whole life.

FWIW, I ordered a premier HWM, but the HB is my second choice if this is too boxy. Carrie has been great and I'll post pics of my fit jacket once I get a chance.

You will fill out, it just may take a couple of decades...

 

[Thnikkaman]

Hey there, I'm going through the exact same process - my fit jacket is due to arrive today. I started a thread and got tons of great info about options from everyone.

I'm also in the same boat: 5' 11" 145-50 and this is my "fat" 40s - I've been a rail my whole life.

FWIW, I ordered a premier HWM, but the HB is my second choice if this is too boxy. Carrie has been great and I'll post pics of my fit jacket once I get a chance.

You will fill out, it just may take a couple of decades...

I read your whole thread, it helped me out some too.

Oh man, it's a constant struggle. 22 years old and I weigh 130 lb soaking wet, just like I have since high school.

Good luck with your fit jacket! I'm excited for mine, it should arrive early-mid next week.
I'll post pics.

 

[tropicalbob]

I read your whole thread, it helped me out some too.

Oh man, it's a constant struggle. 22 years old and I weigh 130 lb soaking wet, just like I have since high school.

Good luck with your fit jacket! I'm excited for mine, it should arrive early-mid next week.
I'll post pics.

Don't worry about it. When you hit thirty and get married, the pounds suddenly and magically appear.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Lots of great advice has been given and it seems that you are on the right path. The one thing I can add is that I pretty much insist that you go with the Vicenza HH. I'M it's one of the more beautiful jacket leathers available and definitely the best one aero offers. Plus if you're going for midweight, I've heard nothing but good things about its draping and comfort.

 

[Fanch]

+1

 

[Thnikkaman]

Lots of great advice has been given and it seems that you are on the right path. The one thing I can add is that I pretty much insist that you go with the Vicenza HH. I'M it's one of the more beautiful jacket leathers available and definitely the best one aero offers. Plus if you're going for midweight, I've heard nothing but good things about its draping and comfort.

You're making a lot of sense to me right now...
If I'm only going to do it once, I might as well do it right, yeah?
We'll see what I can talk myself into. Need to mull it over.

Another newbie question for you folks, I read on Aero's website that they don't recommend adding an interior pocket, how much have you jacket junkies found that this rings true? I'd like the option, but I wouldn't want to ruin the lines of my jacket.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Hello Thnikkaman and welcome to Fedora Lounge, where your pocketbook funds will leave your pocket quicker!

Sorry about your loss...but very glad you are ok! Scary indeed to endure a car fire, and amazing isn't it how fast they go up in flames!

As for your replacement jacket , I think you are using unusual wisdom for a young guy, and I really congratuate you on that. I have two 30's HB's and honestly, I would encourage you to consider the Steerhide for your "lifer" jacket. Mine has broken in quickly and developed great patina in it's first 4 months, even the smell is incredible. Just like FQHH (which is what my other HB is made of) it takes ~15 min of wearing to fully warm up and soften on your body, so wear your fit jacket for that long at least. Here's a few photos of this jacket today, 4 months of wear...

Something else to consder, if you plan to wear a backpack farily often with this jacket, I would encouarge you to consider the zippered sleeves. It's easier to work with pulling on a backpack. I've had only a little bit of issue with the buttoned sleeves, however the buttons are so solidly sewn on that they should not come off. You just have to think a little more about your arm placement through the strap with these sleeves.

Sounds like you are on a great path here, GL with your purchase! Insurrection will help you all the way. Maybe in a year or two you could get your Dad a new Aero too...

 

[Fanch]

The Calders don't recommend inside pockets particularly on their slimmer fitting jackets, and personally I have acquiesced to their recommendation for no inside pockets on Aero slimmer fitting jackets that I have purchased from them.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Additional - both my HB's do not have interior pockets. If you go with one, I reccommend no snap or zipper closure.

 

[BobJ]

I have two of the inside "gun" pockets on my halfbelt. The welts are several layers thick, stiff, show through, cause extra wear, and rub on my nipples when I just have a shirt on under it.

But since I like inner pockets, and I do use them, if I got to do it over again, I would request nice deep fabric pockets sewn right onto the liner - like big shirt pockets - same fabric as the liner. Thin, lightweight, comfortable, and useful.

 

[ProteinNerd]

On the jackets I don't have inside pockets...I miss them. They are just too practical.

I will go for inside pockets on all future jackets, as recommended just don't add snaps.

Honestly, I don't know what all the fuss is about, the outline of the leather around the chest pockets shows through on virtually all my jackets and nobody seems to think that is an issue...why would the possibility of maybe, someday the outline of an inside pocket be such a travesty against fashion?

 

[dudewuttheheck]

all of my leather jackets so far have not had inside pockets and I missed them for years, but I think I have finally gotten over it. It's a very personal decision IMO. If you really love an inside pocket, then why not? It's all going to get beat up eventually.

 

[Superfluous]

Just say no to inside pockets. Jackets are not suitcases. Moreover, I don't want a bulging/lumpy jacket.

 

[Mark]

Welcome, Thnikkaman. As I began reading your story, I was so looking forward to asking you to post a few photos of a genuinely worn Aero, but then I got to the losing everything in a fire part... Sorry to hear that happening, man.

Well, here's what I can tell you...



I personally am of the opinion that the legends of FQHH rigidity and long break-in periods have been somewhat exaggerated. Found all my FQHH jackets wearable straight out of the box and it didn't take me more than a few day to get them about as comfortable as a jacket can get. This hide gets much softer and pliable in a few minutes you're wearing the jacket, once it warms up to your body heat. Especially so on a warm day. My HWM was among the softest jackets I've owned and it was also one of the heaviest Aero's I've seen.

What I'm saying here is, it's not lambskin but it's not Vanson either. It a heavy hide but one that gets broken in quick and nice.



Go with cotton drill, or at least one of the lightweight tartans. Even Aero says tartans are there just for the show. You won't get any help from them on a cold day, but they sure make a difference when the sun's up. With both tartan and a cotton drill you'll definitely have to layer up but being lighter and more breathable, cotton drill won't cook you up in there the way tartan would.

How thick the leather is don't matter when it comes to temperature.



You say you'll ride in this jacket so I would consider one of the MC styles - but maybe HB works on a motorcycle too. Can't say as I haven't tried but I guess I would always go with a Kaff Racer and NOT just 'cause I love the style but because I've had three motorcycle jackets from Aero and I discovered that the CR is by far the best for riding. I'm sure Board Racer is just as good.

As for the sleeve length... Don't over do it. Don't know what you ride, sounds like it's something sporty but if it's not a Harley or something of a kind, for the sleeves to reach your hands, they'd have to cover your fingertips off the bike. Screw that. Sleeves will always ride up on a bike and one inch won't make much of a difference. Get the jacket with a standard sleeve length and a pair of decent motorcycle gloves.

Just have to say what a great reply Monitor. Balanced and well thought out.
Personally I would suggest two jackets, one for the bike (Café racer) and one for off it. Also, I am thinking an A2 might be an option, particularly for a thinner chap? Best of luck.

 

[Sloan1874]

Just have to say what a great reply Monitor. Balanced and well thought out.
Personally I would suggest two jackets, one for the bike (Café racer) and one for off it. Also, I am thinking an A2 might be an option, particularly for a thinner chap? Best of luck.

I think that's a given. Let's face it, very few people around here acheive the 'one and done' feat, no matter how much our bank managers wish we had...

 

[Monitor]

Another newbie question for you folks, I read on Aero's website that they don't recommend adding an interior pocket, how much have you jacket junkies found that this rings true? I'd like the option, but I wouldn't want to ruin the lines of my jacket.

I'm 100% with ProteinNerd on this one! I would definitely get an inside pocket. You need to carry your wallet somewhere and what place more safe than the inside of your jacket? Same as how the back pocket of your pants is literally the WORST place ever to carry your valuables. I guess you could get a wallet chain but then again no and I've heard some men carry purses they call bags but... you know... I mean... Shiggy Diggy.

Anyways, I've never seen a jacket in person that had formed this horrible bulging people dread of or had the the inside pocket outline showing through the leather - I have, however, seen a few photos of it happening but honestly, I even kind of liked the look of it. Adds character to the jacket and what PN said, so you have an inside pocket on your jacket. So what? But in any case, Aero can do a really light inside pocket, maybe even completely without the use of leather (like Schott is doing) and given the option, I honestly don't see why you should not get one. It can only come in handy, even if you don't intend on ever using it. Inside pocket is your friend.

 

[Thnikkaman]

Hello Thnikkaman and welcome to Fedora Lounge, where your pocketbook funds will leave your pocket quicker!

Sorry about your loss...but very glad you are ok! Scary indeed to endure a car fire, and amazing isn't it how fast they go up in flames!

As for your replacement jacket , I think you are using unusual wisdom for a young guy, and I really congratuate you on that. I have two 30's HB's and honestly, I would encourage you to consider the Steerhide for your "lifer" jacket. Mine has broken in quickly and developed great patina in it's first 4 months, even the smell is incredible. Just like FQHH (which is what my other HB is made of) it takes ~15 min of wearing to fully warm up and soften on your body, so wear your fit jacket for that long at least. Here's a few photos of this jacket today, 4 months of wear...
View attachment 49006 View attachment 49007
Something else to consder, if you plan to wear a backpack farily often with this jacket, I would encouarge you to consider the zippered sleeves. It's easier to work with pulling on a backpack. I've had only a little bit of issue with the buttoned sleeves, however the buttons are so solidly sewn on that they should not come off. You just have to think a little more about your arm placement through the strap with these sleeves.

Sounds like you are on a great path here, GL with your purchase! Insurrection will help you all the way. Maybe in a year or two you could get your Dad a new Aero too...

Just have to say what a great reply Monitor. Balanced and well thought out.
Personally I would suggest two jackets, one for the bike (Café racer) and one for off it. Also, I am thinking an A2 might be an option, particularly for a thinner chap? Best of luck.

I think that's a given. Let's face it, very few people around here acheive the 'one and done' feat, no matter how much our bank managers wish we had...

That steerhide looks awful nice man... just when you think you've made up your mind, there's another tempting option that rears its head. How would you say the steerhide compares to either a mid-weight horsehide, or the vicenza? I read about it a little bit, (correct me if I'm wrong), but people tend to think the steerhide is sort of in it's own separate category from the horsehides. Thoughts?
I would love to get my dad all set up with a new jacket, maybe one day, when the student loans are the thing of the past.
Similarly, financials dictate that I 'achieve the one and done feat' (nicely put Sloan), at least for the foreseeable future.
It was insane how fast it all went up! From some smoke to a full blown inferno in less than a minute or two. You sound like you're speaking from experience on this one.
On moving day no less, what are the chances?
Not that it's super related, but check it out.

all of my leather jackets so far have not had inside pockets and I missed them for years, but I think I have finally gotten over it. It's a very personal decision IMO. If you really love an inside pocket, then why not? It's all going to get beat up eventually.

Just say no to inside pockets. Jackets are not suitcases. Moreover, I don't want a bulging/lumpy jacket.

I'm 100% with ProteinNerd on this one! I would definitely get an inside pocket. You need to carry your wallet somewhere and what place more safe than the inside of your jacket? Same as how the back pocket of your pants is literally the WORST place ever to carry your valuables. I guess you could get a wallet chain but then again no and I've heard some men carry purses they call bags but... you know... I mean... Shiggy Diggy.

Anyways, I've never seen a jacket in person that had formed this horrible bulging people dread of or had the the inside pocket outline showing through the leather - I have, however, seen a few photos of it happening but honestly, I even kind of liked the look of it. Adds character to the jacket and what PN said, so you have an inside pocket on your jacket. So what? But in any case, Aero can do a really light inside pocket, maybe even completely without the use of leather (like Schott is doing) and given the option, I honestly don't see why you should not get one. It can only come in handy, even if you don't intend on ever using it. Inside pocket is your friend.

Shiggy Diggy indeed.
So it seems that there are different schools of thought on the inside pocket. At most, I would get one pocket with no snap or zipper. More to consider...

 

[Monitor]

That's real ugly, man and it from the looks of it, thank heavens it wasn't even uglier...

That steerhide looks awful nice man... just when you think you've made up your mind, there's another tempting option that rears its head. How would you say the steerhide compares to either a mid-weight horsehide, or the vicenza? I read about it a little bit, (correct me if I'm wrong), but people tend to think the steerhide is sort of in it's own separate category from the horsehides. Thoughts?

Steer is heavier, thicker hide. Considerably, at that. Like, Steer my Aero jackets were made from was near twice the thickness of a standard, CXL horse. It's just a heavier hide but then again, there was the Storse scandal and people couldn't tell the two hides apart... Actually, I think they did by how the jackets aged, as steer would grain up more than horse. But that's about it.

With Aero, I'd always go with CXL horse because... I don't know, it's not as common as cow and CXL FQHH looks great, ages great and smells great. I like seeing photos of Vincenza but still prefer the way CXL looks. But that's just me.

 

[Peacoat]

As usual Edward gives good advice. I see that you have copied and replied to one of his comments. He is talking about the Aero 3 oz. FQHH and the myths that surround that hide as being too stiff and heavy. It isn't. While I would prefer something heavier for riding, this is a good weight for street wear, and many would consider it a good weight for a riding jacket. Aero's 3oz. FQHH in brown is hard to beat.

Wade and Carrie will lead you in the right direction. You have taken a step in the right direction by contacting them.

Well, for some reason even though I wrote the the above comments yesterday, I neglected to hit "Post Reply," so here they go, a day late to the party.

AeroFan, that is some nice steerhide. It is similar to my Vanson Enfield. I think the steer Aero is using now is not as thick as the steer used in my HWM back six or seven years ago.

I agree with Monitor on the inside pocket (with no snap or zipper) and about going with the CXL horse. It is Aero's signature hide, and is just beautiful.