Looking at ordering an Aero leather jacket...assistance if you will

[Canuck Panda]

The Highwayman in this size fits you much better than the last half belt jacket. I am biased towards the Highwayman. I think Aero does a great job on this particular jacket. And I would also add the extra inch on the body length.

 

[KingCotton]

Back unzipped. Though I don't think I have the straps loosened here.

 

[RDS]

As there’s just one photo and then with only the one arm hanging by the side it’s difficult to say for sure but if it was me I’d want to go with at least 1 inch, and possibly 2, off the sleeve length.
However the issue with requesting 2 inches from the sleeve length is that due to the tolerances Aero work to this could end up being 2 1/2 inches and the result being the sleeve is too short.

 

[Eagledog]

Sleeves are too long unless you are riding horses or motorcycles.

 

[KingCotton]

The Highwayman in this size fits you much better than the last half belt jacket. I am biased towards the Highwayman. I think Aero does a great job on this particular jacket. And I would also add the extra inch on the body length.

It fit well, but the half belt deluxe has always been the jacket that caught my eye.... decisions decisions

 

[Peter Mackin]

Fit jacket arrived today.

I had to let out the side adjustments all the way to be able to zip it up and even then it is tighter then I like across my stomach. I can wear it, but its tight and certainly no room for a sweater or anything over my polo T-shirt.

View attachment 663742 View attachment 663742 View attachment 663743 View attachment 663744 View attachment 663745 i think i would like it to be a little longer in length in front and back. At the moment it doesn't quite reach my belt and I would like it to reach my pockets.

Sleeve length seems perfect. Sleeves feel a hair tight on arms when I bend them but not sure if that is just the leather.

Could be a tad bit looser across my back and shoulders.

It zipped up with the buckles out as far as they'd go without being completely undone. So there isn't any more letting out from this point.

It was a bit more work then I like getting my 2nd arm in the hole as well.

The leather is beautiful, Brown CXLFQHH. .... though at first I thought it was cordovan even though the add said brown.

The weight and thickness doesn’t bother me, though I have been advised that Steer fxl might be more comfortable.

I like the tartan liner, though I also like the black watch, still looking on the locharon website.

Sent the pics in to Thurston.

Careful, you will burst that wee no5 zip.....

 

[Peter Mackin]

I have a halfbelt from around 2010,made with supersoft h/h,,i don't know if Aero still use it ,brilliant stuff.made by Janet.ditched all my others except this and a jerky A2,,the zips never lasted on the heavy stuff.

 

[marauf]

throwing in my 2 cents on top of all the great advice ... I got the Vincent in tumbled cordovan fqhh. I did receive the sample of the steerhide cordovan. I don't regret getting the tumbled at all. It is very soft and broken in nicely. The grain is showing, and it will get better the more I wear it. If I were to do it all over again, I'd get the steer. I'd also consider the black goat. I received the sample of it and love the grainy texture of it. I might get Vincent in black goat at some point. Slowly entering the more money than brains category.

 

[gmaki]

Just going to second the Vincenza Horsehide. I bought a custom Highwayman through Thurston in 2020 and the wife talked me into Vincenza based on the swatch at the last minute. Looking back I am so glad she made that suggestion. Frankly though this is the first year it is really broken in, but that is because I do not wear it all the time as a So Cal resident. I can only imagine how long it would take to break in CXL.

I ordered the Cameron of Erracht Ancient Tartan liner, (Cameron is a family name) and I love it. Doesn't add any warmth though, purely aesthetic.

I am in the process of ordering another Jacket with Carrie at the moment. Started out looking for a Vanson but I am in the process of completely changing my mind and possibly going with a Thedi. Why I want to spend years breaking in a another jacket I don't know. There is something wrong with me.

Anyway I love my Highwayman. I sold two vintage jackets I owned that were too large after learning so much in the custom sizing process.

 

[Dasher]

Fit jacket arrived today.

I had to let out the side adjustments all the way to be able to zip it up and even then it is tighter then I like across my stomach. I can wear it, but its tight and certainly no room for a sweater or anything over my polo T-shirt.

View attachment 663742 View attachment 663742 View attachment 663743 View attachment 663744 View attachment 663745 i think i would like it to be a little longer in length in front and back. At the moment it doesn't quite reach my belt and I would like it to reach my pockets.

Sleeve length seems perfect. Sleeves feel a hair tight on arms when I bend them but not sure if that is just the leather.

Could be a tad bit looser across my back and shoulders.

It zipped up with the buckles out as far as they'd go without being completely undone. So there isn't any more letting out from this point.

It was a bit more work then I like getting my 2nd arm in the hole as well.

The leather is beautiful, Brown CXLFQHH. .... though at first I thought it was cordovan even though the add said brown.

The weight and thickness doesn’t bother me, though I have been advised that Steer fxl might be more comfortable.

I like the tartan liner, though I also like the black watch, still looking on the locharon website.

Sent the pics in to Thurston.

Hi KingCotton
I was in a similar position to you regards choices. I fancied a Highwayman, Halfbelt or something similar and wasn't sure of sizing. The difference was that I was having this dilemma but I was in the Aero factory at the time. I ended up looking for that little extra length and from your images it looks like you could use the same. I'm a similar silhouette to yourself but only 5'11" in height. My solution - with virtually every option in front of me to try - and the Aero fitting lady - was to go for a Long Half Belt. It's not a 'long' jacket at all - but longer than a Half Belt! The Long Half Belt sizing runs pretty close to actual chest - if you measure 46 then buy a 46 (if you are 45 then a 44 may well fit). I'm a measured 42 and take a 42 in an Aero LHB. The cut of the LHB and the HB are different - the LHB is not just a HB with a bit tagged on. The LHB is a nice and relaxed fit. I have three LHBs - all bought new. I've been measured by Aero but luckily take a standard size. I have FQHH, Vicenza (in Cordovan) and a Battered Seal HH. The FQHH is heavy, hasn't yet started to soften (it's 3 yrs old and gets worn a lot) and is like armour. The Vicenza is light for an Aero, the cordovan a fantastic shade, the leather is very flexible but if you are looking for the feel of something thick and solid then it is definitely not that. My Vicenza can be worn as a smart jacket - it has that tailored look. The BSHH is a great mid point. It softened up quickly, has a solid feel without being immobilising, is now quite flexible and has developed a great patina (5yrs old). Linings: I have tartan, sateen and drill. Go for the tartan if you want individuality and look - it adds little over drill once being worn. Definitely go for sateen sleeve lining - it helps massively when putting them on and taking them off again.. Zips: I've had loads of Aeros over the years - both new and pre owned - I have yet to have a zip fail on me. If in doubt drop Aero a mail - they are ever so helpful. Happy hunting - they are great jackets and it's worth spend time to get it right.

 

[Eagledog]

Great advice Dasher.
I think zipper issues are often related to a "corset fit" jacket. Zippers are designed to work in the vertical direction. They are not cam locks for cinching from the side.