re: altering a Aero Highwayman

[LaymanX]

Does anyone have experience altering a FQHH Aero HWM? Looking to shorten sleeve length and body length and would rather not pay the 150 dollars to ship back to Scotland. Is this even possible?

Thanks!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

It is possible...but you know that Aero would do the expert job. I'm assumimg the front cuff would need to be removed..then the rest of the sleeve shortened..and the cuff reattached to come out looking right. Same with the bottom trim..and then there's the lining to shorten as well.
HD

 

[schitzo]

aero - or somebody else - could certainly do the sleeves. But can the body be shortened too?

 

[ButteMT61]

At a certain point, it's better to sell/trade and get one that fits right. It's been the right solution for most folks.

 

[LaymanX]

Hmm.. Actually never mind.. I just received it and its stiff as heck. The lengths are fine.. Just a bit taken back by the boxiness of it, but it looks great when its left unzipped.

 

[LaymanX]

Sorry for the freakout.. Starting to really appreciate the jacket and can't wait for it to break in more to develop a better drape.

 

[blazerbud]

For my own information, what is the size of the jacket?
What is your height and body weight and chest and waist?
I'm 5'10" 167 pounds 32 waist, and 38 chest is skin tight on me, I usually go 38 or 40 chest to look tight but fit right. I know this sounds like a weird request but helps me judge my own purchase.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I'm a big fan of jackets at that length. Longer than many posted here but to my taste yours is a better length.

 

[Edward]

Layman, that's a gorgeous HWM. Looks spot on, fit-wise, to my eye. It is simply a boxier design. I found it strange at first, with being used to a Thirties Halfbelt and other, snugger styles, but mine quickly became a favourite, not least when it is cold enough for a thin sweater to be desirable underneath. For comparison, if it helps, a while back I put up this post, comparing the fit of a 30s Halfbelt, A2, and Highwayman - all size 42.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...act-question&p=1589062&highlight=#post1589062

My Highwayman is made from the European Steer, a more pliable hide than FQHH right from the off. To my eye, these jackets drape better with a nicely broken in hide - I suspect you'll be less aware of the perceived boxiness of your HWM when the stiffness is worked out of the leather. Great looking jacket, though, already - enjoy it!

 

[Cooperson]

It does look quite a bit longer than the standard Highwayman pattern, could I Could I ask if you specified the length when you ordered it, or did it come that way? For me, I could always live with a bit of extra length but a jacket that was half way up my back would have to go.

 

[majormajor]

Hi LaymanX

For me, with a standard length (ie - not a Long HB or such) jacket, if you are wearing jeans, at least some of the front pockets should be visible without hitching up the front of your jacket.

Doesn't look like you can do that, so I would say the jacket is a little long.

But that is not to say that it is not the perfect fit for other folks.

As has often been said on here, fit is a very personal thing

 

[wdw]

Without knowing Layman's height, I'd say that was possibly deliberately specced long. Normally a HWM would sit above the back pockets, I think.

FWIW, a 40" has a standard back length of 25", as I understand it.

 

[Edward]

I've not measured mine (standard pattern, right down to lack of inside pocket), but it is definitely shorter in body length on me - not significantly longer than my 30s Halfbelt, as it goes. To my eye, though, the somewhat boxy fit of the HWM pattern is quite forgiving in that it works in a number of body lengths.

 

[LaymanX]

Hi folks, sorry for the delayed response.

This is the 42 inch HWM with the following changes:
- Shoulders at 18 inches
- Sleeves at 26 inches
- Body Length at 28 inches

I'm 5'10", 180 lbs, average build.

My previous jacket was a 1950's half belt and the back just was much too short.. I traded that jacket back into Aero and commissioned this HWM. I suppose I overcompensated a bit for the back length due to my previous experience with the 1950's HB.

I *might* send this jacket back in to reduce the body length by 1-2 inches.. but for now, I'll just enjoy it and wear it for the rest of the season.

 

[wdw]

I think the standard length for a 42 would be 25.5 Max.

As a matter of interest, when did you place the HWM order? I'm kind of surprised it went out the door under the current regime if they knew your height.

 

[LaymanX]

It was the current regime, but it was from my instructions.

Holly had mentioned that the front would be a bit shorter than the back so I took that into consideration when providing the back length measurement. It appears that the front sits a bit *longer* than the back however, so I wasn't expecting this.

Still, extra length is much better than an overly short jacket. At least I have the option to shorten it!

 

[Capesofwrath]

I prefer a slightly longer jacket too now. I bought a HWM a few years ago in an 'authentic' fifties length, and although it is right and covers the belt, just sitting on the top of the jeans front pockets. I would rather it was an inch longer really and forget the fifties fit. I have a HB on order which is a bit shorter than yours. A sort of half way house between a LHB and a HB.

 

[HorseHide]

Back to the original question - Johnson Leathers in San Francisco can rework that jacket. They do wonderful work.

 

[Highwaymanman]

Funny how the increase in length makes it look like a totally different jacket but still very cool. I love the highwayman more than any other Aero design, probably.

 

[JoeNiblick]

I agree that a lot of what we're discussing is personal preference, not "right" or "wrong."

With that said, the sleeves look perfect to me--especially if they shorten a bit more with age. I think a slightly longer sleeve looks infinitely better than one that's too short--Kind of like wearing floods (although, I think they might be the style now!).

If it were my jacket, based on the style of the original, I'd probably want the body and inch or two smaller, but I like your plan of enjoying it for now. Why not waste time in transit on the hot summer months?!