My new AL-8 ( grainey steerhide)

[schitzo]

Dealing in tautologies proves nothing: a jacket has to function as a jacket, otherwise it's something else. Surely the primary concern on this site is whether it's a good looking jacket or a bad looking jacket, otherwise why even bother discussing it?
And as regards my 'being unfair' comment; to simply say 'fashion jackets are for ponces', it's as I said: there are good looking, well-made jackets and poorly-made, awful-looking jackets; in this respect, their weight, size and utility is objectively immaterial. .

1) What I said is not tautological
2) Using the word tautologies when what was said is not tautological is a bit silly
3) Dodging the question doesn't prove a lot either
4) I never said 'fashion jackets are for ponces'. Those are your words. But now that you mention it..

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Huh?..What's with all the arguing and defensive posturing over the fit of this jacket? I don't get it. I could care less who makes it..it is just obvious that most who 'look' at the photos would consider the jacket as fitting too big. Seems there are always two camps. Those who feel that 'anyway you want it' just always 'looks' good...or the honest who will dare tell the truth about how it really 'looks'. I'm assuming the pics are posted here to show how it fits for a reason. Many of us ride motorcycles..but rather than buying jackets appearing too big for us...we purchase them 'made' to ride a MC and layer..but still fit. My lord..there is nothing so unusual about that. In my view..anyone can either disreguard other's opinion because they just don't want to hear it..consider it an attack..or..if possible on the other side of the coin..realize it is just honesty from those who have no doubt to them that 'it looks too big' and can't understand why anyone would settle for that with an otherwise sweet looking jacket. Simple...but silly to continually attempt to justify why it should/must look the way it does to everyone else. The photos do speak for themselves.
HD

 

[Worf]

I've no dog in this fight. I think the jacket looks good and if'n he's happy... I'm happy. But on the other hand I want folks to be brutally honest with me on mine. If I'm to old of fat for a particular jacket or if it doesn't fit at all... let me know!

Worf

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

It looks really good from the front (so good in fact that it makes me want to try it on right now and thats a good sign in my book) so it makes me think its your pose that makes some of the bulks in the backshot.

It probably looks trimmer when you stand normal without the hands in the pockets, and offcourse whne it has molded some to your body. Some of my jackets were really puffy in the back but settled fine after some wear.

 

[Sloan1874]

1) What I said is not tautological
2) Using the word tautologies when what was said is not tautological is a bit silly
3) Dodging the question doesn't prove a lot either
4) I never said 'fashion jackets are for ponces'. Those are your words. But now that you mention it..

You're asking for a jacket jacket, which you're absolutely right isn't a tautology - that's black crows, white polar bears etc. What I meant was that your definitition was redundant. ( Man walks into a clothes shop: "I want a jacket that fits me like a jacket, please", Shop assistant: "Er, can you be more specific, sir?") Apologies for being a little off in terminology - though tautology is a form of redundancy - but it was late, and I'll try harder next time.
I'm not absolutely sure which question I was dodging, because I didn't actual see any questions from you. You seem to be of the opinion that there's only one valid type of leather jacket, and I think you're wrong - I've got well-made 'fashion' leather jackets, I didn't pay full-whack for them (you'd have to be mad) and they're good for summer/nights out and have lasted me years. If that makes me a ponce in your book, I'm delighted to be one! Personally, I like having an year-round wardrobe and that's what having a selection of styles and weights constitutes.
But let's wind this back to the substance of this thread and just stop what is descending into a stupid argument: the jacket looks finely made, it's a nice colour and I really like the lining - I'd certainly consider the combination for future jackets. As far as the fit goes, it just looks a little too big at the back for my tastes. There really isn't anything more to it than that. I get the biker thing, and if the owner is happy with it, fine-and-dandy.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Thanks Peter ... if it was too big, I think I'd know though .... don't you think

Trust me guys .... from wearing it ... on me ..... it fits fine

You guys make me smile ... where else would someone tell you your jacket's "too big" based on a photograph ... even though you - the wearer - tell them the fit is perfect and exactly what you wanted.

By al means tell me you hate the colour .... or the collar it too pointy, or the zip is too high, or the wrong make, or the half belt is too high on the waist or perhaps you don't like the cut or the style.

The "fit" I can tell you is absolutely fine and dandy ... it's not a 1930's halfbelt skinny fit, it's not an A-2 fit sitting on my waist and neat across all apendages fit, it's not a super trim 1980's bike jacket which I can only fit a compression t-shirt under. It's NOT 1920's fit ...... because I'm NOT a 1920's shape

It's a bike jacket ...... it fits great as a bike jacket, It has thr right amount of room and enough freedom of movement to allow it not to ride up etc. on the bike and it has an extra inch in the arms to make sure they don't ride up on either the VFR or the BMW or the YZR. It fits my 44" short arsed frame perfectly and just how I want it to. If I loosen off the side adjusters I'll get a jumper underneath.
B
I'm delighted with it and it goes on tour to USA in March ( replacing my current travel jacket - Aero Californian) and we will see how it travels ..... but thank's for the fitting advice .... I'll tell my tailor (Mick the Stitch - Michael Waterson in Bedford) I'm sure he'll welcome your insight

lol you are right.its doesnt matter what anyone thinks of your jacket.its you who payed the money..i wear jackets that some would say could fit better..do i care.not a bit..im glad your happy withit..i looks a good un...

 

[schitzo]

I'm not absolutely sure which question I was dodging, because I didn't actual see any questions from you. .

Rewind. You said I was being unfair. I asked, if so then who are my comments unfair on. The options are either you could qualify it by identifying the offended party/parties, or you could concede that it wasn't unfair.

As for ponces and fashion jackets - two things brought up by you not me - I think if you want to contest my comments, which is fine, it's better if you can stick to responding to the things I have actually said. You seem to have inferred a lot from my words, but what I actually said bears little or no correlation to much of this meaning that you have attributed. The concern would be that if you continue down this track you could end up arguing with yourself which could potentially lead to an incorrect schizophrenia diagnosis proceeded by a premature sectioning. Which would all be very sad indeed. I hope that fate can be avoided. I'm here to help

 

[majormajor]

The concern would be that if you continue down this track you could end up arguing with yourself which could potentially lead to an incorrect schizophrenia diagnosis proceeded by a premature sectioning. Which would all be very sad indeed. I hope that fate can be avoided. I'm here to help

Patronizing b*ll*x.

Yet another thread that has descended into infantile diatribe, and will ultimately get closed or removed.

Well done schitzo. A verbose hero in your own lunchtime.

Respond with more fancy monologue if you want. I won't be reading it.

 

[Sloan1874]

Ah, schitzo, you're so funny. But there is at least one thread here in which what could be construed a fashion jacket is being discussed, and it seems unfair to say that they're not worth consideration, which seemed to be the thrust of your argument. Surely the FL is a broad church: all jackets and opinions are welcome, and make it fun. After all, variety is the spice of life. Of course, We don't have to agree on everything, but we do agree to disagree in a polite and gentlemanly manner, and maintain the Lounge as the enjoyable, chatty place it is. If I misconstrued your original argument, it wasn't done on purpose, and I apologise.
Oh, as MM says, feel free to wax lyrical.

 

[schitzo]

Ah, schitzo, you're so funny. But there is at least one thread here in which what could be construed a fashion jacket is being discussed, and it seems unfair to say that they're not worth consideration, which seemed to be the thrust of your argument. Surely the FL is a broad church: all jackets and opinions are welcome, and make it fun. After all, variety is the spice of life. Of course, We don't have to agree on everything, but we do agree to disagree in a polite and gentlemanly manner, and maintain the Lounge as the enjoyable, chatty place it is. If I misconstrued your original argument, it wasn't done on purpose, and I apologise.
Oh, as MM says, feel free to wax lyrical.

Sure Sloan. And I think the odd skermish here and there (this is tautology lols) if handled properly is a healthy thing that makes this place a more vibrant community. For sure no one needs a love in!
Even with the glaring omission of any emoticons or exclamation marks it was my hope that it would require a Major league idiot to not understand I was joking, and I am pleased to see that the blindingly obvious has not escaped you

FWIW, I never would wish to insult anybody, just to represent my own perspective, and I hope that I will always be able to do so without resorting to name calling or excessive profanity - particularly on those occasions when my own opinion is a strongly held conviction.

Nope , you won't ever see me call somebody a dick, or a prick, or label their contribution as bo**ox because to me, to do so is frankly unbecoming of a fully grown adult. I am over 30 years old now! Nor will you ever read about me reporting another member to a moderator as that is not my job, and I understand and accept that. In my book getting involved in that type of thing would be embarrassing.

All the best
Schitz

PS I'm glad he isn't reading this (even though he obviously is!) as now without any more of his input here, the issues raised in this particular thread can be discussed fully, free from any of the juvenile nonsense that sometimes gets them closed

 

[Plumbline]

So just to bring a bit of context .... here are pics of three of my Halfbelt jackets. I have kept the same posture and position in all pics ( as much as possible) and have kept my hands out of the jacket pockets :


2005 Aero 1950's Halfbelt in Black FQHH 44" - 1" added in the sleeve

2004 Aero Californian Mid-brown Buffalo 44" - 1" added in the sleeve

2012 Alexander Leathers "Detroit" in grainy Steerhide 44" ( one piece sleeve top, 1" longer than std.

now of them all the Californian is my FAVOURITE jacket for fit, style, comfort ... it's done over 1 million air miles with me and been to 26 countries ... gets comment wherever it's worn ( it was relined by Aero 2 yrs ago in weathered Gordon tartan ) ........ maybe I just like jackets which don't fit eh

 

[Peter Mackin]

So just to bring a bit of context .... here are pics of three of my Halfbelt jackets. I have kept the same posture and position in all pics ( as much as possible) and have kept my hands out of the jacket pockets :


2005 Aero 1950's Halfbelt in Black FQHH 44" - 1" added in the sleeve

2004 Aero Californian Mid-brown Buffalo 44" - 1" added in the sleeve

2012 Alexander Leathers "Detroit" in grainy Steerhide 44" ( one piece sleeve top, 1" longer than std.

now of them all the Californian is my FAVOURITE jacket for fit, style, comfort ... it's done over 1 million air miles with me and been to 26 countries ... gets comment wherever it's worn ( it was relined by Aero 2 yrs ago in weathered Gordon tartan ) ........ maybe I just like jackets which don't fit eh

plumb...i take my hat
off to you..brought a smile to my face with your last comment.i didnt realise you where using your jackets on your bike..my fault for not reading your post through...i was wrong..they fit very similar to what i wear when on the bike...i feel better now

 

[Edward]

I don't believe that some of the (perhaps rather more frank than the OP anticipated) responses here are some sort of Aero fanboy vendetta, as has been suggested.... Simply the case that folks in these parts tend to favour their leather neat-fitting. [huh]

The shoulders look too wide, there's a crease of extra hide between the sides and the sleeves, and two big creases down each side of the back.

And if you look at a 40's tailored jacket with a half belt, it is not at kidney level. It should be in the small of the back.

Well, now, there's the rub. I can't find a website for Alexander at all now (not even the holding site they had), bar a Facebook, but I'm not sure what their thing is. Obviously we're assuming they're aiming for the Aero market, but could they be trying to carve a nice for themselves as a producer of modern jackets, rather than the vintage focus Aero have? That would influence fit. What I#'m trying to say in a roundabout way is that it's not a 40s looking fit, but I'm not sure whether it is trying to be.

Actually, while the jacket alone looked like a Bootlegger to me, the one in Plumbline's photos looks less like a Bootlegger (which is, if memory serves, based on adding a different front to the 50s halfbelt), more like something with similar spec built around a Highwayman. The latter is (as is accurate to the late 50s, of course) a much boxier cut. If you stuck a half belt on the back of a Highwayman at that place, and changed the front...

@schitzo...Do you REALLY buy jackets ONLY for function? For £600?

Ha.... at that kinda money, practicality is often the second thought for me.

 

[Fanch]

I agree with Peter; would need the longer sleeve length and room in the back of the shoulders to reach the handle bars - somewhat similar to the bikers' bi-swing back without the bi-swing.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Well the photos do show your preference for how you want your jackets to fit...so really there shouldn't be any further critique or argument. I would certainly say..case closed.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

That is possibly accurate for some leather jackets, yes. Not many though.

The latter is (as is accurate to the late 50s, of course) a much boxier cut.

This link should see you right …

I can't find a website for Alexander at all now (not even the holding site they had), bar a Facebook, but I'm not sure what their thing is.

 

[Plumbline]

Thanks for the link Baron .. I hadn't seen it.

"Vintage Styling with a modern fit!" as it says at the top of the website ....... I couldn't have put it better myself

20's it isn't, 40's it isn't ...... but it is rather nice IMHO ( and very similar to my Aero's in fit if I'm honest - see photos ... but then that shouldn't be a surprise given who designed them, cut them and sewed them).

 

[majormajor]

Thanks for posting the extra pics PB.

All I can say is - you like your jackets loose.

And that is perfectly acceptable if that's what you want. It's your money.

And fair enough, maybe you need that room if you are gonna ride with them.

But for me (and we are all entitled to an opinion on here ) I would not wear a Half Belt that loose.

I don't ride, I drive. But if I need a loose jacket, I wear a Highwayman. They are, by design, a loose boxy jacket.

The Half Belt design, whomever it is made by, should have a closer fitting back - with the actual half-belt placed at small-of-the-back height - not at kidney level.

Yes, it would be harder to ride in a jacket like that - but then I guess that is why they do models with bi-swing shoulders.

In simple terms, the non bi-swing HBs are not designed for riding.

So buying them too big in order to do so is fine if that's what you want, but all too big, in my humble opinion.

Both the Aero and AlexCo are very nice jackets, and I love the lapel design on the AlexCo. Very cool

 

[Plumbline]

They are indeed major .... we all wear what's comfortable and suitable for our own needs and I respect the fact that you guys seem to prefer a much more fitted jacket .... they just feel too small on me

I have had several 42" Aero's ( 2 x highwayman - oil pull and FQHH) and two 42" Lost Worlds (J24 repro and a Trojan repro) and sold them all because they just felt too tight and restrictive. They may have looked good ... but it's how they "feel" ... for me ..... that matters.

The image and sillhouette may be more important to others .... for me if it's not comfortable, I'll NEVER wear it ... and a leather jacket deserves to be worn and worn hard used but not abused.

I'm glad the pics added context.

 

[Plumbline]

P.S. If you look at the halfbelt pics oin the merchant's page ... NONE of these have the halfbelt across the small of the back or even the kidney area ... they are almost MID-BACK ( look at where the base of the jacket cuts the pocket of my jeans .... in ALL of my jackets the halfbelt sits just above ( perhaps 1/2" - 1" ) above my belt ( The "Detroit" sits 1 1/2" above my belt) which is where this feels comfortable for me ... on my natural waist. Any higher and it just feels uncomfortable.

Maybe they had higher waist's in the 40's ....