Opinions on Aeros

[DarkKnight]

Hey TFL

I've been lurking these forums for a while now, sucking you dry for that sweet sweet information on heaps of things. Lately it's been researching Aero Jackets. I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on a custom Premier Highwayman, but I wanted an opinion on something specific and you can't really search for it as a topic. So I made an account to ask you guys:

Opinions on hand warmer pockets. Zips or no zips?

I like my jackets very form fitting and my concern is that with that tautness that comes from having a form fitting jacket, i'll get the blousing/bunching effect where the non-zip pockets will stick out a bit.

BUT - I already have a Thedi, which has zipped hand warmer pockets and I've owned other jackets in the past that have also had them and the fact (for me) is that it's just less pleasant to slip your hands into pockets lined with zips. Even if they don't actually do much damage, you have to be careful and if it's cold (which it often is when wearing a jacket) those little scrapes etc hurt more. I don't need this jacket for riding or anything so security of my stuff isn't an issue. There's no practical reason for zips on those pockets, just an image concern.

What has the experience been for others ?

 

[ProteinNerd]

Not sure they will add zips to the hand warmer pockets on a premier HWM, may not be considered period correct.

I would have though if you want them, maybe a Sheene is a better option?

 

[ButteMT61]

Nope on zips. A semi worthless opinion but no.
You already know the reasons. Do what you like.

 

[dan_t]

Nope on zips. A semi worthless opinion but no.
You already know the reasons. Do what you like.

What he said....

 

[mendelboaz]

No zips. I love the look on my Zip Sleeve Highwayman, and I pretty much always slide my hands into those handwarmet pockets cus it's so comfy. Not so much on my old Schott jackets.

 

[ton312]

I have to differ. Yes get zips on your hand warmers and have them close toward the hem. Use them for storage. Nobody puts their hands in there anyway (at least not that I've ever seen). Put your hands in your pants pockets. When hand warmer pockets bulge it's a sad thing and it ruins the jackets profile entirely. If you do put your meat hooks in there it's a scratchy affair and not comfortable with the zips. Unsolicited extra opinion: Omit any interior pocket as well. Keep it simple and clean.
*edit*
I'm totally biased and have spec'd all my jackets this way. I'm the Trump of zippered handwarmers and it's fantastic, really.

 

[theundeadkennedy]

I always use handwarmer pockets on my jackets that have them and I agree with everyone that says to ditch the zips.


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[jacketjunkie]

I use the Handwarmer Pockets on my HWM and zippers would make it very uncomfortable to use them . However my HWM is a relaxed fit, if you want a super tight fit, I see why you wouldn't use the handwarmers. Too tight to comfortably rest hands there. So, do as you prefer, but you should make sure the Premier HWM is the right style for you. From what I have seen here, it's a tighter fit than regular HWM but still not as fitted as a Sheene, Seven, Boardracer or Café Racer. All styles which look better in the tight fit department, imho.

 

[Superfluous]

Unless you have a need to secure items in hand warmer pockets, just say no to zippers. Zippers on hand warmer pockets destroy watches.

 

[Monitor]

What Ton said; HWM is a short jacket. It's what, 25" at the back by detault? The jacket ends around the beltline so you will more likely use your pants pockets as handwarmers. I never used my jacket pockets to keep my hands warm, don't want to look like I'm doing a chicken dance but I always have something stored inside. Keys, phone, etc. Honestly, I would get them zippered for that reason alone. But yeah, they do destroy watches.

 

[Carlos840]

This is a question only you can answer.
As you can see there are two opposite camps, the "i use my pockets" and the "i don't use my pockets", no correct choice here!

Personally i don't use my pockets for my hands. I have had handwarmer pockets stretch and bulge on my first jacket and they ended up looking like crap.
After that i decided to stop using them for my hands. I will sometimes use them to keep small things but that's it.
Like Ton i like having them closed with the zipper pulls at the bottom, IMO it looks neater.

I haven't worn a watch in 20 years, so a zipper isn't a problem for me.

 

[dan_t]

I have both variations. My preference is for no zips. They're much more comfortable if you do use the pockets & as Superfluous mentions above, better for your watches.
If however you plan to ride a bike & use the jacket this way, zips are essential to secure anything that may be put in the pockets.
This is pretty much the only reason that I can think of to support a zipped hand warmer pocket.

 

[mendelboaz]

If you really make a point of not using your handwarmer pockets because you're afraid they might bulge and take away the jacket's neat look, then you're kind of missing the point of these jackets. They're functional outerwear pieces. Wear 'em, and wear 'em hard. To me, bulging handwarmer pockets add to the look of a well-worn leather jacket.

BTW, when winter swings by, I'd much rather use my moleskin lined handwarmer pockets than my jeans pockets!

 

[Benproof]

"Opinions on hand warmer pockets. Zips or no zips?"

Don't know if it's just me being thick.

But don't you wear gloves? I mean...gloves are more likely to keep your hands warm.

The pockets are for keys, coins, credit cards and things. They need a zip. They are called handwarmer pockets because the money inside the pockets buys you a nice hot cappucino to keep you warm.

I just prefer zips. When you lose things from open trouser pockets, especially useless side pockets where everything falls out when you sit down, having a zipped pocket is so necessary.

 

[DarkKnight]

"Opinions on hand warmer pockets. Zips or no zips?"

Don't know if it's just me being thick.

But don't you wear gloves? I mean...gloves are more likely to keep your hands warm.

The pockets are for keys, coins, credit cards and things. They need a zip. They are called handwarmer pockets because the money inside the pockets buys you a nice hot cappucino to keep you warm.

I just prefer zips. When you lose things from open trouser pockets, especially useless side pockets where everything falls out when you sit down, having a zipped pocket is so necessary.

I will have two zipped chest pockets though for secure storage. For me this question boils down to comfort vs vanity.

If you really make a point of not using your handwarmer pockets because you're afraid they might bulge and take away the jacket's neat look, then you're kind of missing the point of these jackets. They're functional outerwear pieces. Wear 'em, and wear 'em hard. To me, bulging handwarmer pockets add to the look of a well-worn leather jacket.

I'm a big fan of this sentiment. It can be pretty easy to get caught up in the minutiae of all the details and trying to make something perfect. It's good to remember that the reason a lot of us search for these perfect items that are of great quality is so that we can live a lifetime with them. At least, that's the case for me. I put a lot of time and effort into researching and finding the best quality thing - jacket, boots, hat etc - so that I can hope to have it with me for a long time.

This promotional video/short film really captures that idea for me in a beautiful way:

So, do as you prefer, but you should make sure the Premier HWM is the right style for you. From what I have seen here, it's a tighter fit than regular HWM but still not as fitted as a Sheene, Seven, Boardracer or Café Racer. All styles which look better in the tight fit department, imho.

Yeah thanks. I think though that the Premier Highwayman is the best base model for me given the things I want. Carrie agrees. Plus Thurston are going to do a split size for me so a 37 (or maybe 36) for the bottom torso and 38 up top. I have quite a V shape going on. I literally have every single shirt I own altered to fit the taper of my body otherwise I'm swimming around the waist.


Thanks everyone for the opinions. I think I'm leaning towards the 'no zips' option at this point, but my mind is likely to change back and forth a few times before I make the order. I'll post the details of my order (if anyone cares) once I make it.

 

[Monitor]

To me, bulging handwarmer pockets add to the look of a well-worn leather jacket.

No idea why, but I really love the look of bulging handwarmer pockets... Same as patina to me.

 

[Peter Bowden]

This famous picture springs to mind

 

[ButteMT61]

The only time I want zips if at all is when I'm riding. If I'm riding, I'm not wearing an Aero (or other of the usual jackets we discuss here).
If I had a need to carry items, they are thin and fit in the breast (internal and/or external) pockets.
I appreciate pockets with zips, but only on riding gear.

 

[Dugafola]

i tend to lose stuff and/or drop stuff out of pockets. zips on all my jackets.

 

[IXL]

I would advise that if the jacket is intended as a fashion item then forgo the zippers. If it is intended for utility, zippers can be quite handy.