leather jacket porn for fetishists and zealots

[schitzo]

This week I got a new aero Hercules and my 50s halfbelt back with a cord hem added. Apparently, Ken doesn't want to do cord hems anymore, so the herc doesn't have one.

Specs
Hercules Brown FQHH size 38
Sleeves 27.5" (an extra 1")
Length 29.5" (an extra 1.5)
Full moleskin lining
No storm cuffs
2 inside zip pockets


This jacket was made by Julie Leitch. Julie Leitch does not f*** about. Suffice to say I am a fan of her work.

First thing I did with it was ignore all the advice and give it a once over with conditioner. I'm a maverick like that

RE: those specs - I fanneyed around changing my mind left right and centre ergo the longer than usual wait time perhaps worked to my advantage. For her part Holly was extremely patient, more so than I ever could have been and did an excellent job of managing me. I don't have to tell you about aero customer care; so I won't


Aero Hercules in brown FQHH size 38

My chest is bang on 38 and I think the herc is probably a slightly better fit than the halfbelt. I was informed that both are cut from the same 'oversized pattern' but while I agree the halfbelt is oversized I think the herc just fits correct. The collar is great and I can do it all the way up without any resistance and actually have enough room to fit in 2 fingers. I've never had that before with an aero! For your reference there are a few snaps of me in the halfbelt further down. I can comfortably fit a sweatshirt under both, but bear in mind, that halfbelt is totally broken and now does whatever I tell it. Though it is a 38 also, and from the same pattern, the halfbelt is bigger. NB: it was originally a custom job for another dude which may explain why. I'd say it's a big 38 come size 40. If I can get a fair price for it I may let that one go

Of all the leathers I've experienced aero brown Chromexcel FQHH is my favourite and I'm yet to see anything else that ages so well. I've heard it described as like 'molten lava' and I've heard talk of 'marbling' - both make sense to me. When you look at all the different hues, in the flesh it sure is a spectacular material.

 

[schitzo]

But while I was without my aeros there was a dastardly void..

So I got some samples from Alexander and decided I liked the heavy brown grainy steerhide best. I wanted something less roomy and shorter this time and was pleased to hear from Amanda that the roadster (I thought it would be boxy like a highwayman) is a trim fitting jacket. The dimensions for the size 38 seemed really trim at just 20.5" pit to pit. The size 40 at 21.5" seemed a better bet.. but before I even had time to um and ah over it Amanda had offered to send me a stock size 40 to try on. It arrived the next day, no charge, and apart from being way too short for my lanky frame was a pretty good fit. So I sent it back and pressed ahead with the order.

Specs
Roadster in heavy brown grainy steerhide size 40
Sleeves 27.25
Length 26.75
Inside stud closure pocket on the right
Full brown moleskin lining


The jacket has storm cuffs but these seem to be less 'determined' than those I've previously encountered and since I only plan to wear t-shirts or shirts under it they aren't a problem here. I was after a lining that is tough and breathable. Amanda steered me towards moleskin and that was a good call - it seems to be both and is very nice to the touch. For those interested, she also steered me towards a talon zipper. Re: the collar, doing that all the way up is not so easy and some hot water treatment (HWT) and neckercise is advisable

This jacket was made by Vicki. Vicki does not f*** about. Suffice to say I am a fan of her work too


Roadster in brown heavy grainy steer size 40

When I enquired about the jacket I was pleasantly surprised to discover I could have it for the introductory price of £450. Service received was above and beyond my expectations and Vicki's construction is flawless - I have no complaints. Turn around time Including the time it took to return their jacket was about a week and a half

This is my first experience of steerhide. I didn't ask what ounce it is, but since it weighs just 200 grams less than my FQHH halfbelt - which is bigger - I guess it must be about 3 also. Given the choice I prefer FQHH but I like this a lot too. It's definitely a high quality jacket and on the occasions I have worn it out there have been compliments from strangers and a few enquiries about where it came from and how much it cost. At £450 I consider it was certainly worth my outlay. That said, seeing that they're now on there for £300 is of course a real kick in the knackers!! So to speak.

 

[schitzo]

Fit Pics

The Hercules

The halfbelt

 

[schitzo]

The Roadster

Walking around in it the Herc is comfortable, with no movements restricted - although driving is a different story at this stage. No matter, given that it only took 6 weeks to break in the halfbelt, and looking at how that has turned out (i took a shedload of explicit photos of that too but feel that putting them here as well would be gratuitous) I'm actually looking forward to it this time round.

The roadster is, relatively speaking, comfortable already - definitely more so than it would be were it FQHH - and I anticipate that as it gets older and the collar relaxes and softens a bit more with a little help from some HWT it'll become an even better fit.


That's it I'm finished!!

 

[majormajor]

The fit of both jackets is excellent, Schitzo. Well done, and congrats on the buys.

I could say that all the AlexCo jackets I've seen on here look, to me, like they are made of rubber. But that would be construed, by some, as me promoting some other company, so I better not say that

 

[schitzo]

Hello Major how do you rate the belt on the halfbelt is it in the correct position?

Higher lower?? What say you

 

[majormajor]

Hello Major how do you rate the belt on the halfbelt is in the correct position?

Higher lower?? What say you

For me, I'd have it a touch higher. But that's just me. As many have opined on here, fit is a very personal thing

 

[schitzo]

*I meant Hercules, not halfbelt sorry. Guess that's how you answered

 

[Fanch]

Schitz, great jackets, although the Hercules is magnificent! With the moleskin lining, it should make the ideal all weather jacket. Congratulations and thanks for sharing. Personally, I would be hesitant to let the HB go, even at a decent price

 

[majormajor]

*I meant Hercules, not halfbelt sorry. Guess that's how you answered

Sorry, Schitzo. The Hercules looks fine. The HB is the one that, to me, looks a little low. My apologies for not explaing that

 

[Boyo]

Schitzo, Thanks for allowing us a peek. i especially enjoyed your comments regarding the jacket crafters abilities
All three jackets look first rate, and fit you very well.
Being a maverick, what was the motivation behind giving the the Herc an immediate conditioning and what product did you use, if I may ask?
Remind me why the Aero halfbelt was in for service, as I don't recall.
Last question, why all three in brown? I understand brown is the new black, but did you consider other options?
Great job, and wear them all well.

 

[Worf]

Well Schitz I must say that in the end YOU don't F**K about. I love your halfbelt a lot. Of all the designs I own I like that best. Thanks for sharing.... carry on!

Worf

 

[InsOma]

Great jackets, thanks for posting! The Herc really does look amazing, that brown Chromexcel is really something. As much as I've been on the fence about the hide choice for my next jacket, the Aero brown HH nearly has me re-reconsidering, it's just gorgeous! I don't know if it's the lighting or some other photographic variable, but compared to the Herc the brown steerhide looks almost mundane. How do you feel about it? Are there qualities of the steerhide that don't show up well in pics, that make the Roadster a worthy stablemate to the Herc?

 

[schitzo]

Being a maverick, what was the motivation behind giving the the Herc an immediate conditioning and what product did you use, if I may ask?
Remind me why the Aero halfbelt was in for service, as I don't recall.
Last question, why all three in brown? I understand brown is the new black, but did you consider other options?
Great job, and wear them all well.

1) when they're new I find this is the time it's easiest to get a big unsightly gash on it. Which when it's basically still pristine doesn't look so great. Of course it'll pick up nicks over time and these will blend in to form a wonderful character - like the HB has - I get that, and I'll embrace it as it happens. But I prefer it to happen gradually without my noticing, or in other words, within reason, to keep it pristine like this for as long as possible. I used beeswax which I think helps achieve my aim. It certainly doesn't do it any harm
2) The cotton drill lining was slightly overhanging. Holly offered to fit a cord hem on it back in an old thread on here, sometime before xmas
3) I've had cordovan and cherry aeros in the past but I like the brown best. Cherry and cordovan bleeds sometimes, which I don't dig . Yes, I would have preferred it if Alexanders had more colours to consider but for now they only have brown and black and I don't dig black

 

[schitzo]

Great jackets, thanks for posting! The Herc really does look amazing, that brown Chromexcel is really something. As much as I've been on the fence about the hide choice for my next jacket, the Aero brown HH nearly has me re-reconsidering, it's just gorgeous! I don't know if it's the lighting or some other photographic variable, but compared to the Herc the brown steerhide looks almost mundane. How do you feel about it? Are there qualities of the steerhide that don't show up well in pics, that make the Roadster a worthy stablemate to the Herc?

Everything you can see in those pictures is what the eye sees in real life when the light catches it. There are no camera tricks. Overall it is a dark brown, but very deep with a lot of awesome different hues to it.

I know what you mean, but the steerhide is also impressive in person too. though in a more subtle way. Colour wise it's a very nice chocolate brown and when you catch a glimpse of it in the light you can see the tight pores all over the surface. It is an endearing leather but I think it's definitely more challenging to capture those qualities on camera - not dissimilar to if you're trying to photograph some nice black leather. The stuff is labelled 'grainy' and when you look at my pictures you could be forgiven for asking how so since the grain is not clearly pronounced like it might be for say bison. But it's definitely there and when I look closely I can see a lot of other markings too that lend it a nice character. In short it's good stuff, very nice in fact but chromexcel FQHH it isn't

 

[Sloan1874]

Really like the Herc, Schitzo! The brown HH is fantastic, just so much depth in it. I know what you mean about getting marks on the jacket initially, though I tend to just lick my thumb and rub them til they're worked in a bit.

 

[wild_balls]

You lucky man, three new great jackets!!!:jaw: The hercules is stunning, awesome color! Enjoy!

Cheers Joakim

 

[wdw]

I especially like the Herc, Schitzo. I'm also curious as to the shoulder widths and pit-to-pits for each, if you don't mind.

 

[pauleway]

Do yourself a favor and keep that 50's HB. My favorite of the three!

 

[Sloan1874]

What's been put in place of the cord section? If my memory serves me, Holly said that you didn't get the cord inserts on vintage jackets, which is why they're being phased out.