Radz108
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 193
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
Hello Fellow TFLers,
I finally bit the bullet and got my first Aero FQHH jacket! I've always loved the photos of all the Aero jackets posted on this board. I contemplated of getting my own Aero for a number of years now. But due to the very long wait times, huge shipping duties and taxes, the issues with Aero USA and then the horsehide/steerhide fiasco, I was a bit discouraged to get my own order in. I just settled to admire all the Aero jackets posted here. However recently, I noticed a few members getting there Aero jackets from Insurrection and they seemed very pleased with them. Insurrection had Aero jackets in stock (i.e.: minimal wait times), the prices were comparable to Aero direct prices, plus they had free shipping worldwide and since they use USPS/Canada post, I would not have to pay any brokerage fees or duties. I decided to contact Insurrection/Thurston Bros about ordering one of their Aero slimfit 1930s half belts. Carrie and Wade were awesome to deal it. They were very prompt to respond to my emails and answered all of my annoying questions with patience and understanding. I was a bit worried that the extra length they added to the arms and bodies of their stock jackets would compromise the fit of the jacket on me since I am only 5'7" (on good days) In addition, I was also worried that the slimfit HB would be too snug for me since I am a bit overweight and far from having an athletic build. I gave Carrie my measurements (5'7", 185lbs, 36 pant waist, shoulders 19, chest 43) and she recommended a size 42 in the slim fit HB. She stated that it would be trim fitting but I would be able to wear a thin sweater for layering if needed. I placed the order on Feb 11 and received the Jacket on Feb 19.
My first impressions were that of pure amazement! The smell of the new horsehide leather was intoxicating and the build quality, leather thickness, richness of colour and other attributes were outstanding. As all of you know, Aero leather products are one of the best of the best in the industry! However, I had a minor issue with the jacket. The lining in the left arm seemed to have come undone at the seam. I informed Carrie of this defect and they were more than accommodating and apologetic for this issue. They offered to pay for shipping back to them so that they can repair the jacket and ship it back to me ASAP. Since it seemed like a minor repair and didn't need a leather specialist, I asked Carrie if I can bring it to a local suit tailor to fix and she agreed. The repair was easily done locally and Carrie (Insurrection) even refunded me the fee I paid to get the jacket lining fixed...now that's service! I would not hesitate to purchase my next Aero jacket from Insurrection/Thurston Bros again!
So before the pics, here are the jacket specs:
Brown Aero slimfit 1930s Halfbelt (Insurrection stock 42)
From Thurston-Bros Website - "The jacket is specified in either brown chrome-tanned steerhide or brown chrome-tanned front quarter horsehide. Each jacket is specified to be 1930s period-correct with one chest pocket and two hand warmer pockets. Jackets are off-the-rack with brass hardware, brown cotton drill liner, corduroy reinforcement on the inside of the bottom hem, and leather-lined cuffs." I really like the plain brown cotton drill. It gives the jacket a simple, elegant yet modern look to a classic 1930s style. I was pleasantly surprised that the arm and body length were OK for my build and height and even though the jacket fitted quite snug initially, I was able to wear a thin sweater and still be able to zip it up. Interestingly, after only about a week of wear, I noticed the jacket "stretching and conforming" to my body shape more and it fits better than it did initially!
Jacket measurements:
Shoulder to shoulder - 19
Shoulder to cuff - 26
Back of collar to bottom of jacket - 25
Pit to Pit - 22.5/23
Now here's the pics!
I finally bit the bullet and got my first Aero FQHH jacket! I've always loved the photos of all the Aero jackets posted on this board. I contemplated of getting my own Aero for a number of years now. But due to the very long wait times, huge shipping duties and taxes, the issues with Aero USA and then the horsehide/steerhide fiasco, I was a bit discouraged to get my own order in. I just settled to admire all the Aero jackets posted here. However recently, I noticed a few members getting there Aero jackets from Insurrection and they seemed very pleased with them. Insurrection had Aero jackets in stock (i.e.: minimal wait times), the prices were comparable to Aero direct prices, plus they had free shipping worldwide and since they use USPS/Canada post, I would not have to pay any brokerage fees or duties. I decided to contact Insurrection/Thurston Bros about ordering one of their Aero slimfit 1930s half belts. Carrie and Wade were awesome to deal it. They were very prompt to respond to my emails and answered all of my annoying questions with patience and understanding. I was a bit worried that the extra length they added to the arms and bodies of their stock jackets would compromise the fit of the jacket on me since I am only 5'7" (on good days) In addition, I was also worried that the slimfit HB would be too snug for me since I am a bit overweight and far from having an athletic build. I gave Carrie my measurements (5'7", 185lbs, 36 pant waist, shoulders 19, chest 43) and she recommended a size 42 in the slim fit HB. She stated that it would be trim fitting but I would be able to wear a thin sweater for layering if needed. I placed the order on Feb 11 and received the Jacket on Feb 19.
My first impressions were that of pure amazement! The smell of the new horsehide leather was intoxicating and the build quality, leather thickness, richness of colour and other attributes were outstanding. As all of you know, Aero leather products are one of the best of the best in the industry! However, I had a minor issue with the jacket. The lining in the left arm seemed to have come undone at the seam. I informed Carrie of this defect and they were more than accommodating and apologetic for this issue. They offered to pay for shipping back to them so that they can repair the jacket and ship it back to me ASAP. Since it seemed like a minor repair and didn't need a leather specialist, I asked Carrie if I can bring it to a local suit tailor to fix and she agreed. The repair was easily done locally and Carrie (Insurrection) even refunded me the fee I paid to get the jacket lining fixed...now that's service! I would not hesitate to purchase my next Aero jacket from Insurrection/Thurston Bros again!
So before the pics, here are the jacket specs:
Brown Aero slimfit 1930s Halfbelt (Insurrection stock 42)
From Thurston-Bros Website - "The jacket is specified in either brown chrome-tanned steerhide or brown chrome-tanned front quarter horsehide. Each jacket is specified to be 1930s period-correct with one chest pocket and two hand warmer pockets. Jackets are off-the-rack with brass hardware, brown cotton drill liner, corduroy reinforcement on the inside of the bottom hem, and leather-lined cuffs." I really like the plain brown cotton drill. It gives the jacket a simple, elegant yet modern look to a classic 1930s style. I was pleasantly surprised that the arm and body length were OK for my build and height and even though the jacket fitted quite snug initially, I was able to wear a thin sweater and still be able to zip it up. Interestingly, after only about a week of wear, I noticed the jacket "stretching and conforming" to my body shape more and it fits better than it did initially!
Jacket measurements:
Shoulder to shoulder - 19
Shoulder to cuff - 26
Back of collar to bottom of jacket - 25
Pit to Pit - 22.5/23
Now here's the pics!
