My Wool & Horsehide Half-belt

[resortes805]

My Aero wool & horsehide half-belt arrived in the mail last week. Even though Southern California has been pretty warm, I've been wearing my new half -belt religiously every day. I'll post a review after a month's wear including fit pics in color.

Here's the specs:

*Navy blue melton wool with russet jerky horsehide trim

*Original talon zippers

*Black stewart cotton lining

I asked for two changes on the standard model, namely wool sleeves with leather cuffs as well as a slanted zipped breast pocket. Once again, I'll be posting a review in about 4 weeks or so.

 

[handymike]

It'll be good to hear what you think.
I've been eyeing something like that....

 

[Nyah]

I bet that color combo looks fantastic. +1

No leather elbow patches though. -1

Look into having those patches added. That's the area on wool tops that's most vulnerable in regular use.

 

[Benny Holiday]

Those jackets look great! Looking forward to your review in a few weeks' time.

 

[wdw]

Looks good and I also look forward to the pics. I have a black and cordovan one on order, so have a vested interest.

FWIW, Aero won't do elbow patches, but I don't plan on leaning on things excessively so can live without them.

 

[Edward]

If the wool is as tough as what they use to make the Waterfront jacket, I can certainly say it'll take a lot to damage it!

I've got myself down for a couple of production slots next year so this is off in the distance for me, but I really fancy the idea of a Aquamarine with a burgundy Melton body and FQHH cordovan sleeves, with pocket trim in the same hide. Black sleeves would look good too, though I like the idea of keeping it all one colour so that the contrast is focussed on the material rather than the colour; also, all-cordovan would go well with either brown or black.

 

[Feraud]

The navy wool and russet leather sound like a great combo. Looking forward to color pics and comments.

 

[resortes805]

Well, I've had this jacket for about a month and here's my review.

In looking at Aero's line-up, I found the wool and horsehide to be the best fit for my personal style and budget. I already have an Aero grizzly, and a couple of vintage horsehide halfbelts, so I wanted to go with something that was unlike what was already in my closet. The wool/horsehide also gives off a sportier vibe that I dig.

In terms of fit, the jacket is a bit on the trimmer side. The armholes are high enough to avoid the modern batwing effect, but low enough to not feel constricting. Also the rear center vent helps facilitate movement, and is a true action back. The rear half belt also sits at my natural waist so the side-cinchers actually match my body shape to create that forties v-shape.

The melton wool is pretty thick, and on par with my 1950s letterman jackets. I have a repop RL American Living halfbelt and Aero's melton blows that one out of the water. The horsehide is the same russet jerky Aero uses for their A-2, which is creasing and wearing in slowly but surely.

My only gripe is I would have preferred a '30s spade-shaped 'hookless' style center zip, but that's splitting hairs.

All-in-all, I am really pleased with this jacket: well worth the investment.

 

[wdw]

Great fit and pics. Good to finally see one in the flesh. Can't wait for mine to come next month. I only hope it looks half as good.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I couldn't pull it off but that looks great on you...

 

[simonc]

That looks great on you, can't fault it bro, very nice.

 

[strokes1251]

Awesome! I like the way the back of the jacket looks and if you have any time could you post a picture of your Grizzly? Lots of people don't seem to like it but I do and I don't really see much owner pics of those. Thanks in advance and again awesome jacket

 

[pauleway]

Looks great! I have basically the same jacket except mine has just the front yoke style with leather, and wool cuffs(no leather on cuffs). Mine has a roomier fit than my 30's HB, and the only thing I would change(modify) is I would prefer a dropped front(i.e.-30's HB). It's a nice jacket and the wool is thick and top notch. My leather trim is brown FQHH, lined with the Loch. capercaile wool. Hope you're as happy with yours as I am with mine!

 

[Benny Holiday]

I've been pretty busy of late with little time to check out the Lounge here, but I'm glad I took the time today. The fit and colours look
great! I'm very pleased for you, it's a swell look.

 

[flat-top]

I have a similar one (but not with that awesome vent in the back)
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?50293-1930-s-Style-Wool-and-Leather-Jacket

 

[handymike]

Love it! Love it!!!!

 

[Bunyip]

That is a lovely combo, and it really does suit you....well played sir.

 

[Benny Holiday]

I have a similar one (but not with that awesome vent in the back)
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?50293-1930-s-Style-Wool-and-Leather-Jacket

You beat Aero to the punch! Another great-looking jacket. I dig the style.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Where'd you get the loop collar shirt? Very nice.

 

[resortes805]

Where'd you get the loop collar shirt? Very nice.

Its' vintage.