U.S. Wings G1

[Cody Wilson]

So after a long search for a jacket on a budget I decided to order a US Wings G1 in USCG spec. Just got it in today and so far I feel like the torso fit is good, and the fit and finish are what I would expect for a 230 dollar coat.

If I have one complaint at the moment, its that the arms about about 2 inches to long. I am debating weather this is reason enough to send it back or if I could have it altered by a local tailor. anyone with similar experiences? I know as the leather relaxes the sleaves will crease and thus "shorten" slightly, but Im not sure if that would be enough. Thoughts?

Also, I will be posting pictures in the near future.

Thanks in advace
-Cody

 

[Seb Lucas]

I've owned dozens of leather jackets over 30 years, never had one shrink from creasing. If yours is goat it won't do much of anything. New jacket or another 50 bucks on a tailor.

 

[Cody Wilson]

I know it wont actually shrink, and you make a good point, it is goat so I would imagine it wont crease the way my cow hide motorcycle jacket has.
Its looking like I need to find a tailor that does leather in my area.

 

[bn1966]

If I'm happy with the rest of the fit then down to the tailor it goes. Have done this with Eastman jackets & am about to do this with a Nomex CWU 45 jacket that's great apart from sleeves being about 1.5 inches too long

 

[pauleway]

If I'm happy with the rest of the fit then down to the tailor it goes.

+1

 

[Aerojoe]

I am debating weather this is reason enough to send it back or if I could have it altered by a local tailor. anyone with similar experiences?

Hell no! All jackets that fit my shoulders have the sleeves too long for me. Specially all the stuff that comes from the US. Don't you have shoulders over there? I always have them trimmed by a taylor [huh]

 

[bn1966]

As with Aerojoe, I have a similar shoulders / sleeve length issue. In addition if it's relatively modern then it's usually too long too. Local seamstress / tailor make money out me for sleeve & body length reduction. I like a relatively short fitting flight jacket not one that hangs down over my A**E.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Hi Cody,

Would be interested in seeing your photos (maybe a couple of you wearing it?) and maybe an overview on how you find the jacket. US-W seem to have a bit of a mixed reputation on this site, so of the fellas swear by them and some cant return them quick enough.

US-W was one of the options I was looking at along with Cockpit USA and Gibson and Barnes. I ended up ordering the Cockpit G1 as I was not confident in the sizing of the the G & B jacket.

Regards

Garry

 

[Cody Wilson]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I'll be sending it to a tailor as soon as I find one that does leather around me. I will take some "before" pics of the jacket and fit tonight after work

 

[Cody Wilson]

as promised, I had the wife took a couple pics of me in the jacket. please excuse the poor lighting.
The first one is a simple front view

This one has better lighting

Back view

Showing the sleeve length

Here my lovely wife lends a hand to show just where my wrist is

This one shows a spot on the map pocket where the leather appears to have been abraided is some way

in essence, I am quite happy with the purchase, but for what its worth I got it on sale for $230. I think if I paid the full $290 I would not be as thrilled. the goat feels substantial (although thinner than what I am used to with motorcycle gear) and not stiff or cheap feeling.
The collar is very nice as well, Ive never had a jacket with real fur on the collar.

No question this is not a top notch jacket, but for something I intend to wear quite often, I cant beat the price. overall, 7/10.

Do bear in mind that all of my comments come with the caveat that I am still new to military style leather jackets.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Nothing wrong with an unpretentious and sturdy goat jacket. I kind of prefer them to custom jobs because that's how jackets came decades ago. You got them in a clothing store off the rack and they were reasonably well made and affordable. Just do something about the sleeves.

 

[Aerojoe]

as promised, I had the wife took a couple pics of me in the jacket

That's around 2 inches too long. It's a classic. It's not a big deal for any taylor with a good sewing machine

 

[bn1966]

I've had a couple of Eastman sleeve shortening sessions: a M422A, B15 & a Luftwaffe jacket. A competent tailor soon sorted the sleeves & made the jackets much more wearable.

 

[Fanch]

Why call US Wings to see if they will shorten the sleeves?

 

[Cody Wilson]

ya know, I did think about that. but by the time I pay shipping to them and back, It would be the same cost as the tailor I dropped it off at. Besides, Ive been needing to find a local tailor anyway and the guy I found seems pretty competent. I should have it back in about a week at which time I will post more pics.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Let us know how much.

 

[Dr H]

It's a common problem for me. Most of my leather jackets (purchased second/third hand) have needed about 1-1.5" removed). I use a local small business that specialises in repairing bike leathers. Typical cost is £20, turnaround less than a week.

 

[bn1966]

I use a local seamstress (bike leather alterations) for my nylon & leathers (sleeve shortening)..getting great results, though for considerable amount more than £20.00 (great price ). Leather she loves, nylon she hates & says its a tricky customer. Still like I say great results

 

[Doctor Damage]

I realize everyone wants to have clothing that fits, and having alterations done is sometimes necessary, but I hope no one is eviscerating vintage flying jackets because they can't be bothered to just get something custom made. I realize custom is expensive, but you have to add up all the money spent on purchasing, shipping, and altering several jackets and I suspect the "gap" won't be much.

 

[bn1966]

I wouldn't eviscerate a vintage jacket lightly. My leather alterations to date have all been repros. I am about to have the sleeves shortened on an issued Nomex CWU 45 due to the degree of tunneling but this isn't a rare bird and is young dating from 2000. Thankfully the older CWU (Bi Swing version) I've just purchased fits fine in it's original state, though if it hadn't I would be comfortable with minor alterations if I intended to keep it.