To Epaulette or not to Epaulette an Aero J107/106

[Damo]

Hello All,

If everything goes well with my tax return I'm strongly considering an Aero J107 or 106. I'm slightly leaning towards the 107 as I think the front of the jacket looks cleaner than the d-pocket however the D-Pocket does look really nice. I feel like a d-pocket is pure moto whereas the 107 can be worn more casually. Regarding epaulettes, I like the look of them from the back of the jacket however not as much from the front. I would love to hear peoples thoughts on 106 or 107 and epaulettes, is there a purpose to them? I noticed some are studded others not, is there a reason for this? Below are a few photos for reference

Back with epaulettes (I really prefer brown over black)


J107 sans epaulettes


106 with studded epaulettes

 

[pawineguy]

Obviously this one is just straight opinion, but to me, the J107 "without" for a casual jacket. (or a Ridley) My assumption (and it's only an assumption) is that the epaulets are a vestigial remnant of the evolution from flight and military jackets into what we know as the modern moto jacket.

With my opinion stated, I do agree with you that it's a tough choice. If you can pull off a moto jacket as casual wear, the D pocket does look so good.

 

[mendelboaz]

I say don't mess with a classic design; either go with a J106 or J107 with epaulettes if you think you can pull off the moto look, or go for an Aero Ridley/Bootlegger or Vanson CHP jacket if you want a simpler design sans epaulettes.

IMO, you should wear whatever jacket you feel like wearing for whatever occasion, without putting too much thought into 'what function the jacket was originally designed for'. I wear my J106, HWM and Vanson Model B anywhere whenever I feel like it

 

[bretron]

^^ +1

 

[pawineguy]

I think a brown Ridley would look fantastic

 

[HoosierDaddy]

What is a 'Ridley'..??

 

[mendelboaz]

http://www.styleforum.net/t/384450/...s-north-america-official-affiliate-thread/405

It's a custom design by Thurston Bros.

 

[pawineguy]

What is a 'Ridley'..??

Basically a cross zip but made on the Board Racer pattern so high armholes and slim fit.

http://www.thurston-bros.com/#!aero-ridley-jacket/c4yr

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Ahh..I see. Thanks. I like it...but think the Ridley would look very stylish without the epaulettes.
HD

 

[Sloan1874]

Less is more, no epaulettes.

 

[Surferbruce]

Agree with Sloan.

 

[IXL]

I've been around epaulettes for so much of my life that I don't even see them anymore. Unless they are heavily studded, I doubt a lot of folks pay much attention to them. Since you state a reservation concerning having them on a jacket, I would council omitting them. The jacket would still look great either way.

 

[roadking04]

Epaulettes have a use if you are in a motorcycle club or like to wear a vest with patches over your leather. The epaulettes are very useful for securing your vest and help hold it in place.

 

[Monitor]

I'm with Mendel on this one - J106 is based entirely on one or any of the Buco J-20something styles, all of which had epaulettes. Aero left 'em there for a reason. You should too.

But yeah, it's up to you, really. Bates Terminator 2 jacket is essentially a Buco jacket without the epaulettes and that gives the jacket a more serious, no-nonsense look. But, I'm guessing there's got to be a reason why you've decided to go with a style that probably has more history behind it than any other piece of clothing - way too much to change one little detail and think it has affected the way you're being perceived. Epaulettes or no epaulettes, it's always going to be that jacket. I'd leave them.

 

[Vespizzare]

I vote for no epulets. When my JL bomber came, it had epulets by mistake so I sent it back (and you really can't see any holes). If you were displaying rank or something, then they make sense; otherwise they seem unnecessary (and I've read that in Africa epulets imply colonialism).

 

[RJR]

No good reason for epaulettes,imo.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I'm voting no on epaulettes. I am definitely for the 'less is more' look.

 

[AustinTX]

While you're all here, what's a D pocket?

 

[tropicalbob]

The purpose of epaulettes was to hold your gloves when you weren't wearing them. I've always had a particular soft spot for the Schott jacket with the single star on them. Something dashing about them. Besides, you never know when some animal's going to insult your ancestors and you'll need the glove to smack his insolent face and dare him to the field of honor.

 

[Monitor]

It's a large, conveniently shaped and conveniently placed pocket for you to put your stuff like road maps, firearms and booze in. Smaller pocket with a snap is called coin/ticket pocket or a cigarette pocket or a lighter/Zippo pocket, sometimes even a clip pocket. It's true name thought, as TFL once explained to me, is a condom pocket. The idea behind the D-pocket was that you could easily get any of that super important stuff from your jacket out with just one arm, without having to stop the motorcycle.