The dreaded inside pocket question

[Sir Jacket]

Thanks all – some helpful comments here. It's a tough one – don't think I'd want the jacket without inside pockets. SJ

 

[ProteinNerd]

Does anyone have any pics of the inside pockets actually showing through?

 

[Sloan1874]

Here you go:

Should point out that in real life it's a lot less noticeable when I'm just wearing it - these pics were taken specifically to show to Holly at Aero. It's not a problem really, as the patina that's developed and drape of the leather means it's not that noticeable.

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

Does anyone have any pics of the inside pockets actually showing through?

Didnt you see my post on page 2?

Here is another pic.

 

[Plumbline]

One alternative would be to have the pocket fitted to the lining like on the VDR ( sort of like a suit jacket pocket rather than a "G-1 style" ???

 

[Sloan1874]

Gotta say, Griff, that's a fine looking jacket. The pockets don't detract from the overall look at all.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Didnt you see my post on page 2?

Here is another pic.

I couldn't see what I thought I was looking for in the original photos...got it in the added link thanks.

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

Protein: Alright.

Sloan: Thanks, I love it. I actually dont think anyone notices it since you never stand still and its more aparant in photos. I cant imagine a life without it

 

[Edward]

It's a non-issue for me. It's really not especially apparent. I can't say I'm bothered by it - I never gave it a second thought prior to it being talked about on here as "an issue". It still doesn't bother me. FWIW, my Highwayman was bought as an Apprentice Made model (though mine has the Blue Label inside, as it predates the specific AM one), and as such it is completely to the standard pattern: the only pockets are the zipped chest pocket and the handwarmers. In common with others on here, I prefer not to put anything of value in the handwarmer pockets. It would probably be safe enough, but why take the risk? The lack of inner pockets in the HWM was certainly something I had to adjust to. I've owned two A2s and a Waterfront without inner pockets, but the patch pockets on those obviated any difficulty as a result. I absolutely loathe carrying wallet, phone and other additional bulk in my trousers (I try to keep that to travelpass, coins and keys and no more whenever at all possible). Both my Bootlegger and Thirties Half belt have two G1 style inner pockets, one on each side. The Halfbelt was purchased from the sales page. Originally purchased by another Flounger, it was specced with two breast pockets, both horizontal and markedly smaller than the normal breast pocket. I don't find them particularly accessible while the jacket is being worn, or big enough for much other than holding an in-use iPod when travelling. The two inner pockets in this case are essential for me for phone and wallet (though naturally given the slim fit of this jacket, it is advisible to avoid over-stuffing them as that can ruin the line - I was under the impression that this is what Aero are considering when they advise against these pockets on their slimmer fit designs). The Bootlegger's breast pocket is angled, with a considerably longer opening, and a much deeper pocket bag. I'm looking seriously at a Speedster for next year, and if I had a breast pocket like the one in the Bootlegger on the left, I think I'd be fine with one, right-hand side, inner G1 pocket. I can certainly see the argument for keeping things simple in terms of not adding more pockets than you need, even if personally I feel the show-through issue has been somewhat blown out of proportion.

 

[Feraud]

I fully suspect that any of the popular dreaded hot water treatments that act to make the leather more malleable, followed by wearing while wet, will only exacerbate any "showing through".

This makes sense. Anyone who treats their jacket with hot water and wears to dry is wet moldiing the leather. Stick a wallet in the pocket of a damp jacket and one may see the outline.

 

[wdw]

Building on that, with HWT, it's only the outer layer which will get wet and possibly shrink, not the inner pocket patch. That would possibly explain some of the more obvious ones.

 

[Plumbline]

It's a non-issue for me. It's really not especially apparent. .................. I feel the show-through issue has been somewhat blown out of proportion.

+1 and in full agreement Edward.

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

It is not the HWT that is at fault its how they make the pockets!

Its also not what you carry in the pocket, its the construction of the pocket...the inside panel between the outer leather and the inner lining

Let me again show you exibit A:

This is a medium weight horsehide jacket. Notice the sharp square outline of the construction of the pocket, a centimeter or so away from the zipper/pocket itself? Most noticable on the left poclet (the wearers right pocket). This is from a sharp cut square "something" that makes up the pocket. This isnt even an inside pocket but they are aparently made the same way.

This is a new jacket. This jacket havent been HWTreated.
This jacket havent had anything inside the pockets, it havent even been used...its new.

Offcourse if you would wet it and rub against it, it might show even more (if thats possible).

But I want to spell out that I have not ever done the HWT on my jacket and it shows through anyways. This new jacket from the Aero website should clear all doubts that its the construction that makes this happen, not the user.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I've seen this effect on many different makes of leather jacket. Who cares? It's a leather jacket... they are a hand made item... the only perfectly smooth jackets I've seen are bought in malls.

 

[Sir Jacket]

Griff is right – that is what would show through. SJ

 

[Seb Lucas]

If we didn't want this look would the answer be a smaller cut of hide and of a thinner grade of leather placed around the pocket opening mount? Generally this method of building a pocket is pretty standard. I've checked my Mars, Brooks, Schott, Aero, Alexander and Johnson's jackets - they all do this but the Aero and Alexanders use a 3oz rectangle of leather that is wider than half an inch around inside the pocket opening as you can see in the photos posted earlier.

The other jackets use a thinner hide inside the pocket - maybe 2oz by rough estimate and they are cut narrower, perhaps just of 1/4 inch around the pocket edge. My 1970 Brooks cafe racer, for instance, has 2 chest pockets and you can see the same basic square shape edge (for want of a better term) but it is more subtle because the leather used underneath is thinner and cut narrower.

As I said I don't particularly care if it is there but it is interesting that Aero use such a thick piece of leather to shore up their pocket opening. Maybe it's just an example of over-engineering.

 

[MuyJingo]

After reading through the thread, this seems to be mainly an issue with Aero jackets -- is that a correct surmation?

Can anyone say if this happens with AL jackets?

This wasn't an issue on my last jacket at all, although I don't think it used an extra piece of leather in construction of the inside pocket...it seemed to just be made out of the lining.

 

[Plumbline]

It is a common feature with the AL jackets also ( I don't count it as an issue .. althouigh some may ).

I can understand why some amy find it an issue .... I just don't on either Aero or AL jackets ... it's a feature which like others you may like, dislike or be agnostic to .. I'm simply agnostic.

HTH

 

[Seb Lucas]

After reading through the thread, this seems to be mainly an issue with Aero jackets -- is that a correct surmation?

Can anyone say if this happens with AL jackets?

This wasn't an issue on my last jacket at all, although I don't think it used an extra piece of leather in construction of the inside pocket...it seemed to just be made out of the lining.

If you read my post above you, you'd read the answer to your question.

 

[MuyJingo]

If you read my post above you, you'd read the answer to your question.

Aye, my bad. I had read through the entire thread earlier and somehow missed/forgot your reply when posting..


Does anyone know if it is possible to ask for a thinner piece of hide to be used when ordering from Aero or Alexander?