New Aero Highwayman

[RobT]

I have just taken delivery of a new Highwayman in brown FQHH .The quality is top notch, just as others have posted.

I originally went to the factory to get measured. I wanted a little extra room for layering in the winter. I am normally a 42 inch chest but when it was delivered it was a 44.

I felt it was too roomy, particularly the excess material at the back. Aero were great and sent me out a 42 inch jacket but with the same length sleeves and body length as originally specified. There was half an inch taken off the sleeves and an extra half an inch added to the body to fit slightly lower down.

I should state that I am 5 foot 9 inches, with a 42 inch chest and 36 inch waist.
The new jacket is a much better fit.

Although the leather is stiff as expected, I have had no problems wearing the jacket right out of the box. Even within a week it is starting to lose some of the original shine and is becoming more supple.

I am however having a problem with zipping up the jacket, in particular the first inch or so. The leather seams protrude slightly over the outside of the zip on both sides which does not help. Also, the zip has to be firmly held in place at the bottom before it will slide and often slips out.

Has anyone else had these teething problems (pardon the pun!)?

I will post some pictures shortly.

 

[Bebop]

Congratulations on your new jacket. I sympathize with your "teething problem". 3 weeks ago I received a used Highwayman from Thurston Bros. that is supposed to be somewhat broken in but not quite all the way, and I also have a tough time zipping up. The leather does cover the zipper and it does get in the way a bit. I have to lean the pull tab to the left in order to get the jacket to zip up without dragging too much on the leather.

 

[TREEMAN]

I never had a leather jacket that wasn't a bit of a pain to zip up...........

 

[oneterrifichog]

Paraffin wax works well. It's one of the first things I do on any new jacket or even old ones. Just run it up the teeth on both sides then run the zip up and down and it usually works fine from then on.

 

[Edward]

Which zipper type is it?

 

[Monitor]

Paraffin wax works well. It's one of the first things I do on any new jacket or even old ones. Just run it up the teeth on both sides then run the zip up and down and it usually works fine from then on.

+1. I do that too. Even Pecard will do the trick.

 

[RobT]

Which zipper type is it?

Talon

 

[OceanBreeze]

I have just taken delivery of a new Highwayman in brown FQHH .The quality is top notch, just as others have posted.

I originally went to the factory to get measured. I wanted a little extra room for layering in the winter. I am normally a 42 inch chest but when it was delivered it was a 44.

I felt it was too roomy, particularly the excess material at the back. Aero were great and sent me out a 42 inch jacket but with the same length sleeves and body length as originally specified. There was half an inch taken off the sleeves and an extra half an inch added to the body to fit slightly lower down.

I should state that I am 5 foot 9 inches, with a 42 inch chest and 36 inch waist.
The new jacket is a much better fit.

Although the leather is stiff as expected, I have had no problems wearing the jacket right out of the box. Even within a week it is starting to lose some of the original shine and is becoming more supple.

I am however having a problem with zipping up the jacket, in particular the first inch or so. The leather seams protrude slightly over the outside of the zip on both sides which does not help. Also, the zip has to be firmly held in place at the bottom before it will slide and often slips out.

Has anyone else had these teething problems (pardon the pun!)?

I will post some pictures shortly.

I think the zipping is normal for a brand new horsehide jacket as the leather is not supple enough to "follow the zipper" just yet. Seems to be getting easier on my LW jacket with time. Also consider some
zipper lubricant.

 

[TREEMAN]

Whats Paraffin?

 

[Sloan1874]

It's a white waxy petroleum by-product that is very slippery.

 

[Bebop]

I've used Chap-Sticks and cork grease for zippers without ill effects. I suppose the leather will eventually give a bit and allow the zipper to move more freely also.

 

[oneterrifichog]

Whats Paraffin?

It's used for Canning Jellies and can be found in most grocery stores. Gulf Wax is one of the brands. It can also be used for candle making.

 

[TREEMAN]

It's used for Canning Jellies and can be found in most grocery stores. Gulf Wax is one of the brands. It can also be used for candle making.

Thanks. Now that I think of it.........someone said bar soap will do the trick.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Yep my new Highwayman, and even my 30's HB have the same issue. If not careful the 30's HB will actually start to un-zip from the bottom if the tab isn't fully seated.

Congrats on the new Highwayman! Post pictures when you have a chance!

 

[robrinay]

It happens on new jackets because Aero stitch their zippers in correctly - the teeth of the zipper should be covered by the leather. Be reassured, it will get easier with use when the leather gets more flexible.

 

[dan_t]

Even a standard wax candle can be used by rubbing along the zipper.
Congrats on the new jacket!

 

[Edward]

Talon

Ah, that should come good in time - parafin wax, as others have said.

 

[kronos77]

Will beeswax do the same thing?

 

[Guppy]

Will beeswax do the same thing?

Pretty much any lubricant will work. Waxes are ideal good because they tend to stay put, don't harm leather, and actually help waterproof and preserve it. You don't need very much to lubricate a zipper, but if some excess does happen to get on the zipper tape or the leather, it's not going to hurt anything.

 

[Peacoat]

I would stay away from the beeswax as it is messier than the paraffin, which causes no problems. Also, as Dan said above, candle wax will work; it is paraffin.