Repro 1930s Sears Original Hercules jackets; whose is best?

[Sloan1874]

I think from VLJ and looking at the lining, it's closer to this one:

 

[Ishmael]

Maybe more appropriate would be BK / Rainbow Country / Aero. They all claim to have been taken from originals.

I've never heard RC claim that their Single Rider's jacket is taken from an original. Indeed, I've never seen or heard RC claim anything. They don't even have a website from which to lay down any claims.

 

[nick123]

sure, go ahead






For those still pushing the apples and oranges angle let me ask one simple question. How many of you can honestly say you'd seriously contemplate owning more than 2 of the three from this poll? I know they're not the exact same thing, but close enough I think that you wouldn't want two ergo if you're a buyer contemplating a jacket in this style these 3 along with rainbow county (assuming you're not too tall nor averse to financing it) are the likely contenders. Am I wrong?

They aren't different enough to want to own more than one from the list at one time, as once I had whichever one, I'd be looking at different styles for my next. So perhaps my "apples to oranges" analogy is flawed, for if they were indeed the apple and orange, I'd want two at one time in my fruit basket.
I'm simply not comfortable with declaring which one is the best. If one of them stated they sourced their horsehide from the dumpster, then it would be fair. But each one is a well thought out piece. Happier to state which one I like the most. They each have merit and their own nuances, and the makers each had a different vision in mind. Historical accuracy, I know not a thing about.

 

[ProteinNerd]

WOW, some people are taking this VERY seriously!

Isn't it just a poll for fun to see which people superficially prefer? While I voted for the one that looked the best in the pics to me, tbh , they are all damn nice jackets and I'd be happy to own any of them....

 

[bretron]

sure, go ahead






For those still pushing the apples and oranges angle let me ask one simple question. How many of you can honestly say you'd seriously contemplate owning more than 2 of the three from this poll? I know they're not the exact same thing, but close enough I think that you wouldn't want two ergo if you're a buyer contemplating a jacket in this style these 3 along with rainbow county (assuming you're not too tall nor averse to financing it) are the likely contenders. Am I wrong?

My vote stands with the BK. Arguably John's nod to a Herc is likely done with more finesse; however, the top to bottom details on BK's win my vote. They even have the cord neck flap for Christ's sake!

 

[tmitchell59]

Here is a vintage Sears Herc on ebay.

 

[handymike]

This was up on BK's Facebook page yesterday. Although I think they slimmed theirs down a bit for the production model. This original looks blousey to me, and the sleeves are pretty roomy. After looking at the fit of the one John Chapman is wearing, do we really want an "authentic" repro? or do we want a "modern re-envisioning" of the jacket we see in the old ads?
That's how I ended up going.

 

[zhz]

Holly Crap... $3800 for that original jacket ... this is a crazy price...

 

[Blackadder]

View attachment 20155

This was up on BK's Facebook page yesterday. Although I think they slimmed theirs down a bit for the production model. This original looks blousey to me, and the sleeves are pretty roomy. After looking at the fit of the one John Chapman is wearing, do we really want an "authentic" repro? or do we want a "modern re-envisioning" of the jacket we see in the old ads?
That's how I ended up going.

I guess it also depends whether you want to achieve the whole 30s look with 30s wide legs high rise pants. If you wear low rise slimmer fitting jeans then the original may not be a match. Personally, I have both high rise and low rise pants to match different types of jackets.

 

[handymike]

Holly Crap... $3800 for that original jacket ... this is a crazy price...

That's why it's been sitting there for the last 3 months ;-)

 

[Superfluous]

 

[Dinerman]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161452529924

 

[tonydi]

I am sick over not hitting "Buy It Now" on that jacket. I studied it for awhile to make sure it was the real deal, thought about making an offer, got a phone call, came back and it was gone!! In my size too! Anybody here get it?

 

[schitzo]

Now that probably everyone who is going to has voted I think we can all clearly see that as ever the results of this poll are totally inconclusive!

 

[zhz]

Now that probably everyone who is going to has voted I think we can all clearly see that as ever the results of this poll are totally inconclusive!

I think the conclusion is they are more or less equally good

 

[schitzo]

My personal conclusion is that the one aero do is still the best and I love the shape and fit. But I think JC makes a very valid point about it possibly not being as great in sizes beyond 42. In my mind the one in the picture of him looked good, and I like that shape, but it is maybe just a bit too big. IMO this is a model that works best as a short and tight fitting jacket on slim guys. Unless you're 6,2+ I don't think it needs to be any longer than 25.5". Have to say that for me, for sizes 38, 40 and 42, I rate this aero as my joint top most desirable short fitted jacket, right up there alongside a Ventura. Last thought I have is that this one is best in black

 

[nick123]

My personal conclusion is that the one aero do is still the best and I love the shape and fit. But I think JC makes a very valid point about it possibly not being as great in sizes beyond 42. In my mind the one in the picture of him looked good, and I like that shape, but it is maybe just a bit too big. IMO this is a model that works best as a short and tight fitting jacket on slim guys. Unless you're 6,2+ I don't think it needs to be any longer than 25.5". Have to say that for me, for sizes 38, 40 and 42, I rate this aero as my joint top most desirable short fitted jacket, right up there alongside a Ventura. Last thought I have is that this one is best in black

And I think your jacket raises some good points about how much additional length a tall person actually needs per jacket.

 

[handymike]

2" according to Sears & Roebuck- if you're 6ft or taller.

 

[schitzo]

but doesn't the 25.5" quoted for standard length by those guys include the collar too? Ergo really that's more like 24", no? In which case, an actual 26" for tall dudes is not so far away from what I'm saying. And if 'tall' is a one size fits all jobbie then to accommodate the really tall guys I'd say 26" as a mean figure is probably about right

 

[nick123]

It's just gnarly how short I can go with my shirt tucked in. I'd say I could as short as 24.5-25", when in the past, I was afraid to go below 27". Remembering some of those photos now I'd say that was way too long. For an everyday fit that's fine, but I think the jackets begin to lose their intended elegance when you add a lot of extra length. Knitted jackets seem harder to wear shorter, but for a Highwayman or something similar, next time I'd opt for 25.5". I'm 6'2". Denim jackets, my next venture, I'm not sure about. Most of those run rather short.