New Aero 'Stuart' 9-15-11

[HoosierDaddy]

That's a fantastic looking jacket and have to agree the wine is stunning against the black leather.



Wow it seems you have tried all the different linings. Any possibility of you listing them in order from most warm to cold?

I once had an Aero 'Longshoreman' that was hvy FQHH lined with shearling. This must be the warmest lining that Aero offers. However...the shearling limited the jackets use to very cold weather for me. I found myself wearing my more comfortable (softer..lighterweight)shearling B-6..while the Longshoreman more often remained on a hanger. So I sold it on.
I find the Alcapa lining to be warm in colder weather especially when layering...and versatile enough for fall and spring wear. Since wool doesn't itch me..I can't really comment on how it may affect others. It does seem to be good at insulating against the chill and dampness.
I don't consider any of Aero's linings to be exceptionally warm for extremely cold weather,tho...except the shearling. All come standard with one layer of material without any fill behind the lining...as far as I know.
So I would rate Shearling as number 1..Alcapa..number 2.
I do have a HalfBelt with hvy saddle blancket lining that Aero once offered mainly in their long coats at one time(rolls purchased from an old mill that was closing)..but not sure if it is still offered. It is of somewhat coarse material resulting in great durability..fairly warm (versatile,too)...and came in various color patterns.
I have never tried the gabardine..although I've heard good things about it.
The tartans that I have had can very in weight..or thickness. Some so thin that durability greatly suffers. Others thicker...but never seemed very abrasion resistent. Perhaps it is how I wear and use a jacket..we all can do it differently. (I would place the thicker tartans at No. 3 in warmth)
For me the least warmest is the cotton drill. Although quite durable..it seems to let in the chill..or cold dampness in the air...and just doesn't seem to be comfy in any respect on colder days. Probably because of the way it is woven. However..in milder climates..it might be just the ticket. I think that these are all the Aero linings that I am familiar with...and,of course, opinions may differ.
HD

 

[Equality 7-2521]

Thank you for the very informative response! It truly helps in the myriad of choices to make .

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Here is the heavy saddleblanket lining that I have in a HalfBelt. It is one of several patterns that was offered...

 

[HoosierDaddy]

HD,
That looks great! How do you like the Stuart fit compared to the Highwayman fit?

Brian

Hi saucerfiend
Well the Highwayman was always my 'go to' jacket...but right now I'm enjoying breaking in the Bootlegger and Stuart. Of course the Stuart is based on the Halfbelt design...with some of the 30's HB features. I would say that the Stuart might be more for a slimmer build where the Highwayman's style may be more adaptable to practically any body form. Once broken-in the Hwymn is just so damn comfortable. However this Stuart is new...but for a HalfBelt style..it feels pretty good..!
HD

 

[Windward]

Lining from most warm to cold...

I agree with HD regarding the lining - listing in order from most warm to cold from what I own:
1. shearling
2. Alpaca
3. Gabardine (od green B10 cloth)
4. Cotton drill (the most versatile)
5. satin lining (luxery feel and look - have it with my jerky seal HH jacket)

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I like it. I think the buttons in combination with the colour give it a smarter, more versatile look than your average motorcycle jacket. It looks like something that could be worn with a tie if need be. It's also unique in that you usually see 3/4 leather jackets with buttons.

*****Are they hard to fasten at first?*****

Well...YES! Keep in mind that I just took this jacket out of the box. This HH is also quite 'stiff'...more than usual..compared to the others that I have received in the past. This should make for a very nice marbled pattern after broken in....but...my language began to turn pretty crude trying to button the last two buttons farther up the jacket while wearing it. Then unbuttoning it turned out to be the real chore....:censored:
In sure that buttoning the jacket will will eventually become easier..the more I use the buttons(although right now..I do dread the process)!..but they should loosen up with use...ray:
HD

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I agree with HD regarding the lining - listing in order from most warm to cold from what I own:
1. shearling
2. Alpaca
3. Gabardine (od green B10 cloth)
4. Cotton drill (the most versatile)
5. satin lining (luxery feel and look - have it with my jerky seal HH jacket)

Ah,yes,Windward
I forgot about the satin lining. I did have it in an Aero jacket. Actually...I was very impressed with how it slid on and off...seemed cool on a warmer day...and surprisingly not bone chilling cold in cooler weather. Very nice!
HD

 

[smoz]

I like the colour of that alpaca lining, think it's the first time I have seen it in wine, it contrasts very well with the black FQHH and makes for a very nice jacket.

 

[Cooperson]

Beautiful jacket HD, the fit looks absolutely perfect. It's great to see a different Aero style being worn. The half belt features really appeal to me and the wine lining against the black hide was an inspired choice. It sounds like it's a heavy one, but I bet it breaks in really well - would love to see it again after some wear. Enjoy!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I like the colour of that alpaca lining, think it's the first time I have seen it in wine, it contrasts very well with the black FQHH and makes for a very nice jacket.

Thanks,smoz..!

Beautiful jacket HD, the fit looks absolutely perfect. It's great to see a different Aero style being worn. The half belt features really appeal to me and the wine lining against the black hide was an inspired choice. It sounds like it's a heavy one, but I bet it breaks in really well - would love to see it again after some wear. Enjoy!

Coop...I wanted something a little different...but yet keeping it simple with the FQHH Stuart. Zans any sleeve straps...buckles..bi-swings..added bells as whistles. I've narrowed my collection down and cleared up closet space by selling a few other Aeros that I got good use out of. Purchased my first Aero jacket probably 10 yrs or so ago(Hwymn). Finally narrowed it down to four styles that completed the journey. Just took awhile...and a little experimentation.
I will certainly post some more pics..probably mid winter.
HD