Help with choosing a leather jacket

[handymike]

I agree, a jacket with an even bottom hem tends to look like it's falling backwards when worn. Around 1 1/2" dip appears even when on- my opinion of course.

 

[technovox]

When I ordered my Arkansas from Alexander Leather, they told me the standard pattern included the angled dip to the front, making it a bit longer than the back, but said they could leave it off and have both the front and back the same length if I wanted. I chose the dip and am glad I did - there is something about actually wearing it that makes the front and back seem more even. Maybe it's my body, but when the front and back are the same length, the front LOOKS shorter when I'm wearing it. Must be the way it hangs on my shoulders.

Point is: AL will do it either way you want. I bet Aero would too.

Bob

Aero will not do it. I requested it on my 30's half-belt and they refused.

 

[Sloan1874]

That would be because you asked to change a fundamental design feature of Aero's half-belt.

 

[Jeff M]

Aero will do some design alterations, and not others. Some makers won't do any.
Always worth asking.

 

[technovox]

That would be because you asked to change a fundamental design feature of Aero's half-belt.

Perhaps. But they had honored that exact same request for no drop front on other 30's half-belts in the past. So I was only asking for a modification Aero had already provided other customers. From my perspective, Aero just arbitrarily stopped offering the option without any explanation. But in the end it turned out well, I don't even notice the drop front when I wear the jacket.

 

[Sloan1874]

It would depend when you did this. If you asked after Ken returned to helm the business late last year, after Will left, then that was the cut-off for off-template alterations - for reasons of practicality and historical accuracy.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Some people seem to still get stuff through that others can't. I'm obviously not in the inner circle so haven't had any success changing anything I've requested. One request was just a plain back on a highwayman, that was refused....I don't really think you can claim "historical accuracy" on that...

anyway I just assume now they won't do anything and if its something I really want changed, just get it from AL.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Edward, my impression of the 30's based HB pattens is that the backs are significantly shorter than the fronts, whereas the fronts and backs are more or less equal with 40's (Pioneer) and 50's (HB, DHB, LHB, etc.) jackets that provide much greater flexibility selection of body lengths than the 30's patterns. IMO the 30's jackets seem to be more flattering when worn with high waisted, high rise trousers that were worn by men in that era. Personally, I don't care for the look of a jacket that fits above the belt in the back. However, if a 30's fits below the belt in the back, the front of the jacket appears bunched up around the crotch. :eeek:

Actually I haven't foudn this; I've had Aero and Al 1930's half belts. I'm six two and I refuse to wear a jacket that doesn't sit two inches over my belt at the back. My half-belts are 26.5 at the back and totally fine in front, even with the drop. I do not wear high rise or low rise jeans.

 

[ButteMT61]

Some people seem to still get stuff through that others can't. I'm obviously not in the inner circle so haven't had any success changing anything I've requested. One request was just a plain back on a highwayman, that was refused....I don't really think you can claim "historical accuracy" on that...

anyway I just assume now they won't do anything and if its something I really want changed, just get it from AL.

Hell, Aero have sent me brunch on Thanksgiving when I was too sick to make my own. They even included a semester of tuition for my son after I spent the money on a B-3. Just send Ken some flowers.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Hell, Aero have sent me brunch on Thanksgiving when I was too sick to make my own. They even included a semester of tuition for my son after I spent the money on a B-3. Just send Ken some flowers.

LOL thats why I'm not on the inner circle, I never think to send flowers....wonder if thats why my illuminati application was rejected as well?

 

[Sloan1874]

You need to know the special handshake, man...

 

[simonc]

Never discuss the secret handshake or the encrypted wiggle online!

 

[Sloan1874]

:tape2:shhhhhhhh

 

[nick123]

LOL thats why I'm not on the inner circle, I never think to send flowers....wonder if thats why my illuminati application was rejected as well?

Scottish Rite? :lol:

 

[Insurrection/ThurstonBros]

Aero will make modifications within reason...most of our customer's jackets are modified and they turn out incredible! However, Aero isn't a company that will make modifications that, ultimately, don't suit a particular jacket's design. Trust your retailer and you'll end up with a spectacular jacket...our happiest customers are those that work with us (that is to say, they work with, not against, Aero and Vanson's existing patterns) to get exactly what they want! When a customer tries to turn a particular jacket style into another jacket style, the results aren't nearly as pleasing as they are otherwise.

With regard to dropped fronts on Aero's 1930s Half Belts, the dropped front evens up the front and back hems when the jacket is worn, making the jacket look very balanced with a period-correct fit...

If a customer wants an Aero Half Belt without a dropped front, we size down one size and specify a 1950s Half Belt (a size 40 1950s Half Belt fits exactly like a 42 1930s Half Belt)...

This is the beauty of a company like Aero--there are so many different styles to choose from that we can get our customers exactly what they want...

Because we employ the use of fit jackets for our North American custom customers, the chances of a poor or undesirable fit are almost zero. There's a reason we have so many happy customers of all shapes and sizes on our gallery pages...it's the effort involved in getting a customer a fit jacket, listening to what they want, and working with them to get all of their desired features into a jacket that actually works...a jacket that works not just on paper, but in the real world.

 

[ButteMT61]

Good advice Carrie.

 

[Peacoat]

Not only does Carrie give good advice, she and Wade know what they are doing. I called last week about the Aero Thunderbay. Talked to Wade instead of Carrie (rats!), and found out Wade and I are about the same size. Test jacket arrives tomorrow. Fit will proceed from there.

This is the procedure I used with Goodwear and Johnson Leathers, and got a good fit on all three of my orders. Some of the many others were hit and miss. The Aero HWM was a good fit, but just a little tighter than I like. After several years, it has stretched out for a more relaxed fit. Had I been able to use a test jacket, it would have been more of the fit I wanted out of the box.

So, my advice to MuyJingo is to concentrate more on the fit of your jacket rather than the many modifications that can be made to it. If you want the standard fitted feel of the period Aero jackets, then you should be fine. If you want a more relaxed fit, then go over that with them.

To me, fit is the most important part of the jacket. Make sure you get that right.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Not only does Carrie give good advice, she and Wade know what they are doing. I called last week about the Aero Thunderbay. Talked to Wade instead of Carrie (rats!), and found out Wade and I are about the same size. Test jacket arrives tomorrow. Fit will proceed from there.

This is the procedure I used with Goodwear and Johnson Leathers, and got a good fit on all three of my orders. Some of the many others were hit and miss. The Aero HWM was a good fit, but just a little tighter than I like. After several years, it has stretched out for a more relaxed fit. Had I been able to use a test jacket, it would have been more of the fit I wanted out of the box.

So, my advice to MuyJingo is to concentrate more on the fit of your jacket rather than the many modifications that can be made to it. If you want the standard fitted feel of the period Aero jackets, then you should be fine. If you want a more relaxed fit, then go over that with them.

To me, fit is the most important part of the jacket. Make sure you get that right.

Absolutely. Another good post,Peacoat.
HD

 

[ButteMT61]

Agreed. All the modifications I see folks looking to make have my skin crawling. And then they'll wonder why it doesn't look right.
Get a jacket from a model offered.
Get it to fit right.
You'll be the happiest camper here. Trust me.

 

[Smithy]

Agreed. All the modifications I see folks looking to make have my skin crawling. And then they'll wonder why it doesn't look right.
Get a jacket from a model offered.
Get it to fit right.
You'll be the happiest camper here. Trust me.

Hold on a sec. I seem to remember a couple of years back all these modified Aeros coming off the production line and there being a lot of gushing and positive comments. Funny how times change

I actually don't think the OP will get himself in too much trouble. I was under the impression that Will at AL was one of the most experienced leather jacket makers originally from Aero. I'm sure he'd be able to advise whether a mod would work or not.

Some of the nicest Aeros I've ever seen were from the "free for all" days. I think it's a good thing both companies exist. If you're after an original Aero pattern, go through them, if you want a modified jacket or some design changes or level of customisation, go through AL. There's something to suit everyone.