Horween USA and Aero Leather Joint Statement

[Brando11]

I'd suggest wearing it for awhile. You always have the option of sending to Johnson Leathers for repair in a few months when it'll be too hot to wear it anyway, and in the meantime it might just fix itself. It's a handsome jacket- hate to see you lose it.

Best-
-Brando

 

[HoosierDaddy]

majormajor - turns out Ken can answer it, as Holly referred the question to him a few minutes after I posted here. Regarding the length discrepancy, it "isn't a problem, but if you aren't happy send it back for a refund - but we can't make this for you again, as if you're not happy with this fit we wouldn't be confident of getting it right for what would be a 3rd jacket. Ken." He and Holly both agreed on the general consensus here that the jacket is a good fit. Not exactly the news I was hoping to hear, especially when there's a Teamster in the sale section that's heavily discounted with a similar issue. I got a response from Johnson Leathers saying they could fix the shoulder issue for well under $200, although I'd probably lose a little over an inch on the sleeves. My concern with the shoulders is that as it's breaking in, the extra material wants to either bunch up, or make a sunken dimple on the shoulder that gives an otherwise sharp jacket a sloppy look. Any thoughts on repairs or otherwise (Insurrection kindly turned down the alteration, so that's out)?
Thanks, Frank

Frank
Would you actually want to lose over an inch in sleeve length? I can see(somewhat)what is bothering you...but I don't think most would ever notice or see it as so bothersome..but you certainly do. So that is what counts. However..it is a beautiful hide..and I think the fit looks good. You've gotten some good advice here about wearing it for a few months and allowing it to do what it's going to do. I don't remember any posts stating that it looks terrible and that crinkle looks like a real problem. Mostly compliments on a great looking jacket...unless I've missed something. I'm putting myself in the camp of wearing the hell out of it..enjoying that fabulous hide..and letting it mold and shape to your body. Report back next spring(or sooner)..with a smile on your face...and with the sleeves still long enough..!!
HD

 

[wdw]

Frank, despite me and I think everyone else here thinking the jacket looks great on you, my recommendation is that you jump on Ken's generous offer and take the refund. If you're not happy now, I suspect you won't get any happier as time goes on, as you'll see things that displease you even if no-one else notices. If it doesn't "feel" right, nothing anyone says will change that in your mind.

I definitely wouldn't alter the sleeves, as they'll get even shorter when they wrinkle, and then it'll definitely start to look not quite what it should be. FYI, I've lost an inch in my HWM sleeves in a couple of months, partly (mostly) because of HWT, but I'd deliberately specced them long for such an eventuality.

Better to get all the money back now rather than half once you start wearing it. Why not try Insurrection's fit guarantee, and they have fast deliveries?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Another good post wdw.
I think the wise decision is only one or the other. Either keep it the way it is or send it back for refund..and go on from there.
HD

 

[cordwangler]

It seems clear you're not happy with the fit, the way the leather is wearing, the sleeve length, and now the front panel. Why keep a garment you've so many issues with? You've convinced yourself it doesn't work for you, so try something else.

Get the refund they've offered, seems fair.

 

[frussell]

cordwangler - Sleeve length is not an issue, although it might become one if I get it altered. Fit everywhere other than the shoulders is great. The off-length front panel is not a huge issue, just something I was curious about. Cuffs are leather lined, which I love, the lining is perfect, the leather is beautiful. I'm not convinced of anything yet, which is why I was asking these questions. HD and wdw - Good advice, and it will be well considered. Alteration is probably not a good choice at this stage. I thought about the Insurrection order, but Ken's email makes me wonder if I'd have to order under an assumed name to make my order through Insurrection for what they consider my 3rd jacket. I guess technically it's my third, but considering the first was definitely not made to the detailed measurements I gave, and was made from heavy steerhide labeled as genuine FQHH, I don't really count the first one at all. I appreciate the feedback, got some thinking to do. Thanks, Frank

 

[LeFonque]

I know from my own experience once you are not happy with something it just plays on your mind.

IMO it looks like a really nice jacket. Good fit, and personally I like the length of the sleeve the will ride up with wear so an alteration may end up in tears. Having said that being a bike rider I alway like longer sleeves. There is nothing worse while riding than having a sleeve that is too short or that rises up especially on a longe ride, however I digress. I think it looks great on you, but the options have been given and its your choice. Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

[Boyo]

Frank, as hard as it may seem, I think WDW is right, if you can get a full refund now it might be the right move. Go with insurrection for the next jacket, you have the experience of this one as far as sizing and measurements, and insurrection still has slots for a may delivery, that's a really fast turn around. As far as using an alias.... Might be a good idea

 

[Fanch]

Frank, whatever you do, don't send your Teamster anywhere and have major surgery done on the jacket since surgical failure is a distinct possibility, and there is nothing worse than sleeves that are too short. I think that as others have pointed out, your only two viable options are to either send it back or keep the jacket and forget about it. All things considered, IMHO you really got a helluva a good deal on the Teamster as you are a very tall, big guy, and it took a significant amount of raw materials to make your jacket. I truly wish you well with whatever you decide to do.

 

[frussell]

Thanks all for the advice. Thankfully, jacket weather is over here for a while, so I guess I don't need to rush anything. Alteration would be a last resort, as I'd rather not lose any sleeve length. Guess I'll just think on it a while, unless I get word from Ken or Holly that the refund option is something that needs to be done right away. Your suggestions have been really helpful, all of you. I appreciate it. Frank

 

[FredS]

I know this is an old thread so please excuse me adding my thoughts to it as I only heard of Aero and Alexander leathers for the first time about 2 months ago when I placed an order with Alexander leathers. I have read through this thread with interest about all the happenings with HH and Steerhide from Horween. My thought is this...Why is Horween supplying Alexander Leathers with Horween hides if all this was true. One would think that Horween would want nothing to do with Alexander Leathers if all these crooked dealings were true. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Fanch]

:deadhorse

 

[Sloan1874]

Yep, as Fanch says, don't go there. Really can't imagine it would benefit anyone here to re-visit this thread.

 

[FredS]

Oh well...I could not really care anyway. I was just curious hence my question. I ordered myself a jacket from Alexander in Horween Chromexel steer and I am looking forward to receiving it soon.

 

[Sloan1874]

Good, enjoy.

 

[ButteMT61]

Good, enjoy.

lol

 

[garzo]

Just out of morbid curiosity, I would be interested in knowing what's going on with the whole dispute and whether or not it has it been settled. ... Zombie horses are hard to put down.

 

[Sloan1874]

Last I heard the wheels are still turning, so nothing more to add at the mo'.

 

[Boyo]

I'm just waiting for the 100k dollars worth of jackets to be released from police evidence..hoping they hit the sales page

 

[HoosierDaddy]

....with the corrected hide labels.