Probably a dumb question but........

[dep126]

I've been looking at jackets from several manufacturers and noticed that a lot from aero and lost worlds seem to be almost shiny while others have a more matte appearance. Is this due to high quality leather or some treatment applied to it? I've been leaning towards a us authentic jacket which doesn't have the shiny appearance. Do they use fqhh as well or a lesser quality grade of horsehide? Do the aero jackets stay shiny or does that fade as the jacket wears?

 

[andy richards]

Hi and welcome on the Fedora Lounge,
My experience with Aero's FQHH leather jackets is that they will become shiny after some time of wear. The more you wear them, the better they look!
Andy

 

[Dav]

Yes they can be shiny but not in a bad way, it mostly seems dependant on lighting, as the pictures below hopefully demonstrate.
With flash

Without flash

Outside

In a conservatory

The difference is quite surprising.
Edit
It just occured to me that there is about 2.5 months between the 1st pic and the last.

 

[Peacoat]

They shiny appearance comes from the tanning process. As Day's photographs show, the shiny surface becomes less so as the jacket is worn. At least that has been my experience with Aero and other leather coat companies that use hides with that type of finish.

 

[westinghouse]

If you're looking for a matte finish, then HH is not a good choice.

 

[dep126]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I actually like that shiny look. While I love the aero jackets, I can't afford one right now. I will probably be getting a custom us authentic in vintage horse. I was curious if they use fqhh or a lower quality leather as the pictures on thier site aren't as shiny. I've got some samples coming so I guess I will see soon.

 

[Windward]

Yes they can be shiny but not in a bad way, it mostly seems dependant on lighting, as the pictures below hopefully demonstrate.

Dep126 - if you dont like the shiny look go for oil pull horsehide which look definitly more matt!
Dav - appreciate your efforts for so many good pics -
BTW: My mouth is watering while looking at your jacket....congrat also for the great fit!
Windward

 

[Dav]

Cheers Windward, it seemed like a good excuse to show it off a bit.

 

[dep126]

Well, I just got the leather samples from us authentic. Wow, these are some serious pieces of leather!! Shaul sent me five switches which were black, Russett, seal brown, and two vintage, all horsehide. The Russett and seal brown were REALLY stiff. I held them by a corner and they didn't flex much at all. I think I could make combat boots from them. The black was the most supple and looked to be the thinnest of them all, but not by much. I really liked the vintage. I feel it was the nicest of all. Seemed to be as thick as the rest but very supple. The color was in between seal and russett with some nice grain showing through. I'll be sure to post some pics when I finally get my new jacket.

 

[Philalethes]

Well, I just got the leather samples from us authentic. Wow, these are some serious pieces of leather!! Shaul sent me five switches which were black, Russett, seal brown, and two vintage, all horsehide. The Russett and seal brown were REALLY stiff. I held them by a corner and they didn't flex much at all. I think I could make combat boots from them. The black was the most supple and looked to be the thinnest of them all, but not by much. I really liked the vintage. I feel it was the nicest of all. Seemed to be as thick as the rest but very supple. The color was in between seal and russett with some nice grain showing through. I'll be sure to post some pics when I finally get my new jacket.

Just wondering, did you ever get your jacket from U.S. Authentic? If so, do you have pictures?