NEW CALIFORNIAN VENTURA

[ButteMT61]

Fellas - these aren't off the rack jackets...jsut sayin' - would not expect consistency on numbers...

 

[Fanch]

When I compared measurements of my Ventura (left) and Aero Maxwell (right) from the top of the collar to the bottom of the jacket in the back, I found they were similar. To my way of thinking, both seem to fit exceptionally well, and both just barely clear my back pockets.

 

[handymike]

That Ventura is more flattering IMHO.

 

[ton312]

I love the way the sleeve seam and back yoke bleed into each other on that Ventura. ******** man. Both stellar jackets.

 

[Fanch]

And the Ventura (left) compared to my Sheene (right). I just tried on both the Ventura and Sheene with the same jeans and found both jackets to have virtually the same back length, or rather just barely clear my back pockets at the same point. Same clearance in front too.

 

[ton312]

And the Ventura (left) compared to my Sheene (right)
View attachment 49302 View attachment 49303

So basically you just close your eyes, reach into the closet and win.

 

[Fanch]

When I saw the 25.5" back length shown on John Chapman's website, my only concern was that the Ventura might be too short, although as anyone can clearly see, if the Ventura were 27" in the back, it would be too long for me in the body.

 

[ton312]

When I saw the 25.5" back length shown on John Chapman's website, my only concern was that the Ventura might be too short, although as anyone can clearly see, if the Ventura were 27" in the back, it would be too long for me in the body.

Absolutely. It's a SPOT on fit. And it's got some really good looking roommates to boot!

 

[Fanch]

So basically you just close your eyes, reach into the closet and win.

I've finally got a few now that fit me. Unfortunately, this is probably the last week I can wear leather jackets to work (temps in the high 80's next week), whereas in Chicago you @ton312 still have a few weeks left this season to wear leather jackets.

 

[ton312]

I've finally got a few now that fit me. Unfortunately, this is probably the last week I can wear leather jackets to work (temps in the high 80's next week), whereas in Chicago you @ton312 still have a few weeks left this season to wear leather jackets.

Yeah but I tell ya I'm ready to hang 'em up and sport a t-shirt and dad shorts! Until my 30's HB arrives. Then it's t-shirt, dad shorts and that midnight blue beauty. All from the comfort and safety of my living room

 

[Superfluous]

Fanch, your Ventura is gorgeous!

 

[tmitchell59]

The lighter colored jacket is the first Himel/GW Ventura. The second is a GW Ventura. Both are marked as size 44. Given the Himel/GW is the first it may have different characteristics. You can see the fit for yourselves.

Odd as it may seem, I don't know what leather the Darker jacket is.

 

[handymike]

Very interesting Terry.
I think the GW one is John's Seal Shinki (LHJ103).
Congratulations on 2 great jackets!

 

[Fanch]

Fanch, your Ventura is gorgeous!

Thanks Craig! I am particularly partial to your Himel Frobisher!!

 

[Fanch]

Terry, that was an exceptionally nice video illustrating two great jackets. If it were me, I think I'd prefer the less snug fit of the first, including the longer sleeves, although both seem like great fits, just different. I have enjoyed watching all of your videos that are far more informative than just pictures.

 

[handymike]

It's interesting how Terry' still has the buckle sleeves while Fanch's has the Forbisher style.

 

[jacketjunkie]

Fanch, this jacket fits you perfect, no less! Coming from Goodwear the quality will be the best you can get, too. Congratulations! That's definitely a keeper, maybe the one. Seriously looks great on you.

Terry, another two great jackets. I'm waiting for pictures of your showroom where we can see them all together. Must be quite the collection by now! I'm currently at 7 jackets and I already consider institutionalizing myself, but there's another part in me who envies you and wants all these styles and jackets too.

 

[Fanch]

It's interesting how Terry' still has the buckle sleeves while Fanch's has the Forbisher style.

I think that the original Californian Ventura pattern that JC sent to Himel might have had buckles on the sleeves but have a vague recollection of John telling me that he didn't send the buckles to Himel for whatever reason (recent memory not so good these days). No question the sleeve buckles add pizzazz, although I'm of two minds as I am told occasionally the buckles can snag on something. Honestly said though, I'm just as happy with the plain cuff as is. I wish that JC would chime in here, but he seems to be the ultimate non-self-promoter.

 

[ProteinNerd]

seems to be the ultimate non-self-promoter

With a 2 year queue for his jackets, I'm guessing he doesn't need to self promote and is probably way to busy working on them!

 

[ButteMT61]

Buckles have been 100% snag-free here, @Fanch. One thing I ordered on mine was to not have the cuffs lined - well, I wanted them lined in leather, not fabric. Don't like snagging/wear from watches, etc. Great call. I love this jacket - but she's a tad short on me in the length. That is, in comparison to yours...