Lost Worlds sizing - classified information?

[Eyestrain]

Hello all. Long time lurker here, but a new member and first post.

I sent an email to Lost Worlds asking that they provide me the measurements for one of their off-the-rack jackets (the Easy Rider cafe racer at the top of this page: http://lostworldsinc.com/Motorcycle_Jacket_Horsehide_Leather_Cafe_Racer.htm). LW responded by asking for my height/weight and provided a couple of recommendations. However, when I followed up, LW simply refused to provide me the actual measurements.

It seems more than a little odd that LW expects you to pay nearly $1,000 for a jacket, but will not provide you something as basic as the jacket's measurements. Further, LW went so far as to denigrate my (and apparently, every other jacket) by stating: "Using another mfg.'s jacket as a template against a L/W is not helpful. Our hides, workmanship, pattern, etc. simply do not conform to lesser jackets -- just the reality." I really like the LW jacket, but in light of that response, I'm considering going somewhere else or just learning to love my existing jacket, although the sleeves are slightly too short.

Anybody else have this experience? Is this common with high-end leather manufacturers?

Finally, if anybody has that jacket in a size 40R, could you please share the measurements?

Thanks.

 

[Grayland]

I had a LW Ryder (not the Easy Ryder, the Ryder is a half-belt) in size 40. Not sure if it will help, but the measurements were as follows:

18 3/8-in Shoulder
21-in Pit to Pit
24.75-in Sleeve
24.5-inch Length

I would guess the Easy Ryder has longer sleeves as it is a motorcycle jacket. You may consider looking at Schott as they have a nice HH jacket for $710. They will provide you with detailed measurements. http://www.schottnyc.com/products/fabric/leather/classic-schott-racer-leather-motorcycle.htm

 

[kojax]

i called them a couple of years ago very nasty on the phone.

 

[Sloan1874]

LW do seem to be the jacket world's Jekyll and Hyde (boom boom). I really like the look of their stuff, but even the web site really puts me off, while the stories about the proprietor are just bonkers. I'm not looking for Savile Row-style 'customer's always right' service, but there seems to be 'enter at your own risk...' vibe to LW. Or am I wrong in this feeling?

 

[Fletch]

LW jackets are better than originals. Mostly 'cause they're stiffer and heavier. LW Firm Attitudinal Horsehide is for men, not boys. If it's too stiff for you, maybe you're not a man. Leave it for your descendants to break in. Good jackets not only never wear out - they never break in.

LW makes jackets so good they don't need no stinking customer service. Their New York craftsmen are the world's greatest, and their time is worth more than your money. So shut up about customer service until you've spent some coin and are worth their time.

LW makes jackets so good they don't even need to fit. Anyone can make a jacket that fits. LW doesn't have time for that $#!! and must protect its company secrets.

Remember, don't trust people on the internet with agendas of their own. They are all shills for other jacket makers. I myself am a shill for a jacket company I haven't even started yet. Trust only LW about LW products.

Or else go be a Basement Bombardier. "Throw down some more soap, mom!" Also known as an Aero A**munch, Eastman Effeminate, Bill Kelso Butt Kisser, or Good Wear G*y Wad.

I will never get tired of poking fun at LW.

 

[Eyestrain]

Grayland - thanks much for the measurements. It's sad that I can get more information from strangers on the internet than the actual manufacturer of the product.

Fletch - thanks for the laugh.

 

[Peacoat]

Fletch: Great job.

 

[Rudie]

Let's not forget the Schott Suckers.

 

[Vespizzare]

In my opinion a man has a right to run his business the way he wants to. LW is a going concern so they must be doing something right in the eyes of a critical mass of people. I read his return policy (and have placed the proverbial $1000 order based on same) which states that if you buy a stock item, you can return it for a $10 fee. That seems fair to me. If others don't like it, LW is happy for them to take their business elsewhere. I copied and pasted their return policy. It seems pretty clear.

RETURN POLICY

A) All Regular Production products Fully Refundable less $10.00 Restock Charge. Garment must be unworn, undamaged and returned as shipped. EXCHANGES: No Restock Charge; customer only pays Shipping.

B) For RETURNS, customer MUST notify us by phone, fax or e-mail WITHIN 7 DAYS after receipt of merchandise to request RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER (RAN). Customer then must return merchandise within 14 days of receipt.

Please save original packing carton and materials for possible reuse.

C) Merchandise received by us without RAN within 14 days of customer receipt is subject to an Additional $15.00 Restock Charge.

D) Merchandise returned with RAN after 14 days of customer receipt incurs Additional $15.00 Restock Charge.

E) Merchandise is NOT RETURNABLE after 14 days of customer receipt without LOST WORLDS Permission and RAN. Merchandise will not be accepted if shipped to us without RAN on carton.

F) RETURNS/EXCHANGES SHIPPING COSTS: Customer pays all Shipping Charges.

RETURN POLICY: REGULAR SIZES & STYLES IN SPECIAL ORDER HIDES:
- 25% Deducted from Cost for Size Exchange Only.

RETURN POLICY: LONGS AND BIG SIZES :
- 25% Deducted from Cost for Size Exchange Only. NO REFUNDS.*

*Unless we've made the sizing error, we require this Penalty because we don't need non-standard sizes and versions in stock. Each LONG and BIG SIZE is also custom made, even in Regular styles, to the customer's measurements. It's not a generic LONG or BIG.

We apologize if this policy seems Draconian, but as a small specialist manufacturer we need to control our inventory so as to satisfy dedicated, serious customers. Please, however, confer directly with us if circumstances require that the policy be redefined in a particular case.

G) MODIFIED OR ALTERED (by LOST WORLDS or outside provider) MERCHANDISE, SALE, CUSTOM OR REGULAR PRODUCTION: Is NOT RETURNABLE.

H) NUISANCE ORDERS: If an Item is ordered, made and shipped and the customer refuses UPS or other carrier delivery when it arrives without having cancelled the order in writing or by email previously, a 10% Restock charge will be assessed.

 

[nabottle]

I recently bought a Horsehide Peacoat from them. I gave Stuart my measurements and weight and he suggested the size of peacoat for my build. I went with what he suggested and I have to say it is the best fitting jacket I have ever purchased. I have nothing but great things to say about the quality, fitment, and Stuart's professional attitude.

 

[too much coffee]

Yep Stuart is a piece of work........but the jackets are great.

Fletch....brilliant man!

 

[Sloan1874]

I don't think anyone has a problem with the returns policy, it's the LW general attitude that causes people to think twice.
I do think their stuff looks lovely and I would not question the craftsmanship - xRacer's new peacoat is stunning - but if I'm shelling out in excess of £700, I don't want to feel that I'm handing it somebody who thinks I should be grateful for being allowed to buy one of their jackets in the first place.
Again, this is only based on what I've read here and, more pertinently, from their website spiel. I'm all for individualism and honesty, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

 

[Vespizzare]

I don't think anyone has a problem with the returns policy, it's the LW general attitude that causes people to think twice.
I do think their stuff looks lovely and I would not question the craftsmanship - xRacer's new peacoat is stunning - but if I'm shelling out in excess of £700, I don't want to feel that I'm handing it somebody who thinks I should be grateful for being allowed to buy one of their jackets in the first place.
Again, this is only based on what I've read here and, more pertinently, from their website spiel. I'm all for individualism and honesty, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

Without going into too great detail, I know I've given my money plenty of times to people who weren't that great , if they had something I wanted

 

[Equality 7-2521]

Well can't say he isn't upfront and honest about how he feels .

 

[Sloan1874]

Without going into too great detail, I know I've given my money plenty of times to people who weren't that great , if they had something I wanted

Fair point, but I still find it an odd pitch.

 

[kyboots]

At least they answered your email. I had trouble in past too and bought another Aero. --John

 

[Sloan1874]

At least they answered your email. I had trouble in past too and bought another Aero. --John

That's what happens when you think you're too cool for school.

 

[kyboots]

"Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to give you money!"

 

[thor]

"Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to give you money!"

I've purchased 5 different LW jackets over the years; Stuart was always a consummate professional on the phone and in his prompt, concise replies to my e-mails. I gave him my height and weight and afew other simple measurements and he recommended a certain sized jacket. The jacket always fit exactly as I anticipated and the quality of the leather was simply the best! Just my 2 cents based on my own personal experiences with LW.

 

[Vespizzare]

I think you guys should cut the LW a break. Who knows what the future holds, but I've never had a problem having an email answered or getting Stuart on the phone. Maybe he's got some borderline autism or something. The Dodgers just signed a pitcher with "social anxiety disorder" and he seems like a cool guy, but maybe he wouldn't be so good dealing with customers.