New Aero Premier Highwayman = Perfection

[Bat02]

Am I correct to think that the color went from glossy black to dark cement grey or was it the sun in handymike’s pictures ?

 

[handymike]

It is black, but it isn’t glossy. More of a satin/flat black (like tires), so I guess it could read dark grey. That might also be the reflection from my white house.

 

[Bat02]

It looks really nice. It gives it flair and character in my opinion

 

[handymike]

I just love putting on this jacket!

But...if anyone is considering speccing out one of these, I will offer up an opinion:
Ask about lining the gussets with thinner leather than the standard CXL.
As mine are, there is a lot of hide bunched up in the sleeves when zipped, and they are slim to begin with. Also you can’t get the zipper to go all the way down to your wrist with the excess inside.

 

[AeroFan_07]

^^I would second this motion based off my limited experanced with my PHMN as well.

 

[handymike]

@AeroFan_07, why not have Alan fix yours while he has it?

 

[Mr Knight]

^^I would second this motion based off my limited experanced with my PHMN as well.

Seconded, my Board Racer had standard CXL in the sleeve gussets and they were an awkward pinch point when the zips were closed.

 

[AeroFan_07]

@AeroFan_07, why not have Alan fix yours while he has it?

It's not a bad idea, but I can live with it as it is...thanks!

 

[Psant25]

I actually had allan do that to one of mine I sold a while back. Took out the gusset, ran the zipper to the end, and tapered 1 inch. Turned out pretty good. Think someone here bought it

 

[Oscar22]

hello friend, nice jacket It is the first time that I will buy a jacket of this brand and I am also a size 38 or 40 I hope and you can help me because your fit is perfect what are your measures ? Is the jacket modified of any size? Or are their original factory measurements? I would appreciate your answer, thank you !!

 

[handymike]

Welcome to TFL @Oscar22!
I am not the original owner, so I don’t know for sure if there were sizing modifications when the jacket was made. Aero will typically alter sleeve and body length per customer request. This jacket is labeled 38, but here are the measurements.

Shoulder to shoulder: 17.25in
Pit to pit: 21in
Sleeve length: 25.25 around curve/ 24,75-25in straight
Bottom hem: 19in
Back length: 24.25in
Front drop: 1.25in

I would ask for another 1in. Front drop as the jacket tends to sit back on the body when standing straight up.
Are you thinking CXL?
If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me (start a conversation).

 

[JacketFit08]

Hello,

I’m very pleased to announce the arrival of my custom Premier Highwayman, purchased with the invaluable help from Carrie & Wade @ Thurston Bros. I feel very fortunate to have discovered their amazing store and fit jacket process. It’s an expensive gamble ordering custom and the fit jacket process took most of the guessing out of the equation. They are true professionals and a pleasure to work with. Thanks Carrie & Wade!

I wanted to break a jacket in from scratch so CXL FQHH was the only real option as far as I was concerned. Carrie warned me about the stiffness of CXL, but I was masochistically determined to have a FQHH jacket (I was concerned Steer would be too heavy). I received a size 40 Vicenza Premier HWM fit jacket and I really liked it (those pics are posted on my other thread). It fit well, but I thought it was a little too large and so I went with a size 38 for my final order and prayed I was making the right decision. (I’ve read over and over about the unpleasantries of a too-small CXL jacket.)

When the jacket came, I took it out of the box and chuckled. It was like a 5-6lb hunk of leather armor. I’ve always wanted a suit of armor, so this was a promising start. It was gorgeous. I struggled to get it on and proceeded to do every Elvis Karate move I know, then some improvisational modern dance and finally a little Yoga (and of course some good old fashioned crumpling & rolling). I never really understood all the posts of people talking about their jackets beating them up until they broke it in enough to get the upper hand. Say no more - I get it. I will say, 1 hour of determined “abuse” worked wonders on making it more flexible. This is going to be a fun process, I can’t wait until Fall.

As this was my first custom order, I went for every option I thought I’d want. And remarkably, they all turned out great. Should I have chosen sateen over drill in the sleeves? Maybe. Should I have chosen a more exciting, busier tartan? Maybe. I definitely would not have gotten the snap on the inner left pocket. That’s going to be my glasses pocket and the button is overkill, that pocket is not opening on it’s own - but it’s all good. It is what it is and it’s perfect. (BTW, the sleeve & back length are excellent, whew

Which brings me to thanking above all, Julie V for her unbelievable artistry. I can’t comprehend how someone can manipulate this hide and sew with such precision, but she (and I'm sure any of the Aero Machinists), like a true artist, did and I'm beyond proud to own one of her pieces. Thanks Julie!

And of course, thanks for all of the advice and input you guys gave me - I’m already dreaming up my Vicenza Board racer which will have all the right choices. The disease has struck…

OK, enough blabbing. Bring on the Dancing Horses! (yeah, just ignore the wonky shirt collar)

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How are you going breaking in this jacket mate?
I have a board racer custom CXL FQHH and absolutely love it! I wear it 24/7 and after 6 months I’m finally getting there.
I wanted tough thick leather though - and I sure got it.

You won’t be disappointed!

 

[handymike]

I was just mentioning on another thread how after doing the Fedora Lounge 30 day wear last year, it has been in the closet. I put it on yesterday and it was stiff again.
I am planning on doing a video about collar shaping, I might hot soak the whole thing afterwards.