Recent Wested Quality?

[Zoo]

Honestly, I don't remember. I'm inclined to think it's goat, less likely that it's lamb. Pretty sure it isn't cowhide.

What hide is this? Planning on buying one soon.

 

[ton312]

Figured I’d post a quick review on my wested as there’s just not much about them on the net. First off, I like it. It’s nothing to write home about but it feels like a good jacket. Overall a solid build , steer is very reminiscent of 5 Star. Maybe a bit lighter. It’s garden variety printed cow. Stitching is not nearly as good as 5 Star. But it’s sufficient. A good example would be the button hole at the cuff. I’m my opinion eliminating that hole all together and just attaching the button to the sleeve strap (it’s purely ornamental anyway) would make more sense and look far better. I l eliminated the makers tag at the neck. It looked awfully cheap. “Jacket maker to the film and TV industry”. Yeah. No thanks.
Back design is interesting. I would simplify it, delete the pleats and the AB. There is no elastic to hold the AB in place. That feels like a novice move to me. Simple thing like that helps the back keep its shape. Lining is a nice light cotton, satin in the sleeves. Very easy to wear. Fit is decent. Hardware and buttons are nice looking.
Some pics:

Overall, I give a B-
It’s good enough for me to want the DOFP Logan in black with a pocket mod:

 

[Edward]

Yes, well, it worked in a movie, it photographed well and a youthful looking Harrison wore it. But this doesn't mean it looks good on people in the real world. Didn't stop me buying three versions, though.

The impression I get from the Wested write-up is, in essence, "Well, if you *want* total screen accuracy we'll sell you it, but don't expect it to look 'all that'." I considered a Hero version myself at one point, but I don't imagine the cut would be as flattering on me as the standard. Also, there are a number of details they changed (including the addition of the leather facings on the inside of the jacket) that really vastly improve its wearability and quality as a garment. I suppose it all keeping coming back to whether one wants a costume piece or an item of regular wardrobe.

If I was looking for a Captain America, I'd probably go to Aero; the actual, screen-worn jacket is an Aero Bootlegger with a couple of minor details changed (chiefly the pockets), and heavily distressed by the film's costume department.

 

[Marc mndt]

There is no elastic to hold the AB in place.

That's true to original. Those gussets were bulging out fresh out of the box.

What makes the original LVC jacket interesting imo is the distressed sheepskin. I've handled sheepskin jackets from the 30s and the LVC comes very close in terms of temper and wear.

 

[ton312]

That's true to original. Those gussets were bulging out fresh out of the box.

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What makes the original LVC jacket interesting imo is the distressed sheepskin. I've handled sheepskin jackets from the 30s and the LVC comes very close in terms of temper and wear.

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Ah that’s interesting! You can certainly see the quantum leap in quality in the Levi’s jacket. Those were selling for under $600 used (even one here if I recall) a few years ago but have actually skyrocketed in value it seems. Wish I knew then…
Wested offers a bunch of faux distressed hides but I thought they looked too forced. The pattern is good though. Unfortunately I don’t think mine will ever show much patina. It’s dyed straight through and very dark brown.

 

[Marc mndt]

Those were selling for under $600 used (even one here if I recall) a few years ago but have actually skyrocketed in value it seems. Wish I knew then…

Crazy right?! I sold this one for $1500 (and ordered a FL with the funds).

I still have the women's version. I'd be surprised if it'd fetch more than $100 if I were to list it on eBay. (Not because it's not a nice jacket. But because I think that's what it's actually worth without the James Bond connection)

 

[Worf]

I've a Wested Indy I bought used years and years ago. I don't wear much, too big for me now. I also never got used to what they call "horsehide". It doesn't feel or look like any other horsehide I own. Hell its grain and texture doesn't look like ANY hide I own and I've Vansons, GoodWear, Aero, and others.

Worf

 

[marker2037]

Ah that’s interesting! You can certainly see the quantum leap in quality in the Levi’s jacket. Those were selling for under $600 used (even one here if I recall) a few years ago but have actually skyrocketed in value it seems. Wish I knew then…
Wested offers a bunch of faux distressed hides but I thought they looked too forced. The pattern is good though. Unfortunately I don’t think mine will ever show much patina. It’s dyed straight through and very dark brown.

You should try the dark brown novapelle. They end up with some very nice wear.

 

[moktabe]

Bought a couple of Wested jackets around 18 months ago, a Captain America and a Skyfall.

The Skyfall made me realise the shrunken lambskin wasn't for me and I never wore it but sold it on. The Captain America style suited the look I was after perfectly and the fit was great. The quality on both of them was not bad at all, quite commensurate with the cost.

The purchase of both jackets lead me to search more into leather jackets and ended up in this place. After seeing members photos of various jackets, different leathers and how they looked after varying amounts of wear I realised that the Captain America leather was never going to remotely mimic what I was seeing and realised it was time to move it on.

I suppose in reality we all look for different price points and the characteristics of different leathers. At the price point they're at I'd go as far as to say that Wested are spot on.

Now that I've learnt more and more from here my requirements have been honed down to the point of knowing exactly what I want from a leather jacket. Wested doesn't provide it.

 

[ton312]

Bought a couple of Wested jackets around 18 months ago, a Captain America and a Skyfall.

The Skyfall made me realise the shrunken lambskin wasn't for me and I never wore it but sold it on. The Captain America style suited the look I was after perfectly and the fit was great. The quality on both of them was not bad at all, quite commensurate with the cost.

The purchase of both jackets lead me to search more into leather jackets and ended up in this place. After seeing members photos of various jackets, different leathers and how they looked after varying amounts of wear I realised that the Captain America leather was never going to remotely mimic what I was seeing and realised it was time to move it on.

I suppose in reality we all look for different price points and the characteristics of different leathers. At the price point they're at I'd go as far as to say that Wested are spot on.

Now that I've learnt more and more from here my requirements have been honed down to the point of knowing exactly what I want from a leather jacket. Wested doesn't provide it.

I kind of went in reverse, and bought my wested after owning many, many other “high end” jackets. I didn’t care for the leather and sold mine. Felt like purse leather. The cut was good, craftsmanship was ok. I won’t buy another. Just a pit stop on the journey.

 

[Phil_G]

Got my first Indy Jacket from Wested about 15 years ago. This was one of the best jackets for daily use. Not as thick as my Aeros or Eastmans but really a great piece. It got to small for me by now, so I ordered a new one for replacement about a month ago. Went for a custom made Hero jacket in horsehide - big big mistake. I gave the specs which are a perfect fit with the other custom makers, but that damn thing ist just way off. Sleeves were way to long, back is really long, horsehide feels like, well I don't know. Turns out there is a blog on the wested side were they are going into that kind of "special details" with the Hero jacket. The back slag and the to long sleeves are due to the special pattern of the Hero, and and and. Now this would have been most helpful to read before ordering but there is no such info at the Hero site itself. They mention a bit about the fitting of this jacket, but the blog gives you all the really important details. I wrote their customer support and told them that this info should be at least linked within the Hero site, so that future customer can see this things right away. Their reply was exactly one sentence: "Sorry you didn’t see it but it’s been on the website for years." WTF - it may be on the website for years yes, but hidden on the blog page and not where it really belongs to.

So, if anyone considers going for the Hero jacket, do yourself a favor and read that blog post before ordering. Since I really, really love my original first jacket and that Hero thing was such a let down I had to order another one.... I know I know, but what can I do.... It's in production right now, hopefully it turns out the way it should be.

 

[bn1966]

I had a G-1 type copied from a Star contract by Wested, I chose the goatskin from their stock and provided everything else. Turned out well apart from some ‘off’ with the pattern which meant it didn’t zip properly beyond 3/5ths of the way up..deal breaker which saw it re-homed

 

[ton312]

Looking back at this thread and my own contribution I would say Wested punches several tiers below 5 Star, which is a far better buy for equivalent funds.

 

[Phil_G]

Will keep you posted about my latest order. Should be with me within the next two weeks.

 

[morrison2951]

I've got an older Wested Indy in horsehide I believe- it's not tagged anywhere.

Not bad, but I hear that G&B did an even better Indy at one time, but they are no longer available.

 

[morrison2951]

Here's my Wested. Nice jacket.

 

[Metatron]

Do you find it easy to communicate with these guys? I've never been able to continue a conversation with them via email beyond the first reply. The second email does not get answered. My emails are not at all long winded, rude, or confusing. I just ask things like 'what is the pit to pit measurement of a size 40 and a size 42'. Shame because I am trying to give someone local my business but it will be a no go if there is no communication.

 

[Harry Gooch]

I have a Wested Washed Goatskin Indy jacket I got from Wested years ago. It looks very dry, giving it a very aged look. I don't wear it much these days, but it's quite nice.

 

[bn1966]

I found it easier to speak to Wested on the phone than email.