Vanson fit pics w question

[JohnS33931]

I’m looking for opinions on two Vansons I purchased. Bought a Dakota first in Firenze and then a Model B in brown heavyweight - not sure its comp weight.
Although they are both 46, the shoulder width on the Dakota is about 2” wider.
The Dakota is very comfortable - the B feels tight . Wondering if it is just the style difference or the stiffer leather of the B.
Guess what it really comes down to is - does the B look like a stuffed sausage on me? Sorry I couldn’t figure out how to order the pictures correctly.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

Both look just about right. Yes, the B is a racer style and in theory should fit and look tighter. If you want to go by the "book", you should actually go one size down on the B. I don't recommend, but if you were truly trying to recreate the cafe racer style, it should be more snug. It sounds like you're looking for a comfortable wear but with 2 different looks. So I think you did well here. I wouldn't change a thing.

 

[MrProper]

I like B better on you.
With the other I find the shoulders too wide.
Length too long, sleeves too long.
Probably at least one size too big

 

[Canuck Panda]

The brown Model B looks awesome! You got best of both worlds there. The Dakota for everyday comfort wear and the Model B for looking sharp on the night out.
I have no experience with Vanson brown heavyweight leather. It looks stiff in the photo. It will get softer after a while.
Was there an upcharge for the brown heavyweight leather?

 

[ton312]

I like the look of both, the barn jacket should be one size smaller imho. If it’s not too much to ask, can you post some close up shots of the brown model B?

 

[photo2u]

Both are nice. One with layer will fill you up better with the brown. The other one just very delightful due to the drape of the leather. With time, the brown will be less stiff.

 

[Bfd70]

Nope
Both look good to me

 

[barnabus]

I like B better on you.
With the other I find the shoulders too wide.
Length too long, sleeves too long.
Probably at least one size too big

Absolutely this.

The B looks the actual nuts though.

 

[El Marro]

Both jackets look good and I particularly like the model B. As the leather breaks m I think you will find that to be a very comfortable jacket. The size is good, any looser would look sloppy.

 

[JohnS33931]

Thanks all for your thoughts - I really appreciate them!
My wife told me it looked ok, but she always says that just to shut me up!
The Dakota is definitely loose and the sleeves are too long, but I had just spent a few months breaking in an Aero half belt deluxe that still has very restrictive arm movement - so I went with the larger size for comfort and figured I could have a warmer layer with it. The lady at Vanson did say she thought the shoulders were too large when I was buying it - guess I should have taken her advise. The B, I just picked up on Ebay. It was advertised as comp weight, but in messaging the seller, he said he wasn’t sure. He said he ordered it from Vanson, but never wore it. (He also has a used B in Firenze for sale). I’ll post some up close pictures of the brown leather. It certainly weighs a lot more than the Dakota. I’m working on breaking it in!

 

[jglf]

The Dakota is one size too big in my opinion. The b looks good.

 

[JohnS33931]

Sorry for poor pics - took some indoors as the sun is down for the day.

]

 

[TREEMAN]

The B does not look too small or too tight.

 

[JohnS33931]

I'm very happy that you all think the fit is good - I was thinking that I might have wasted more $ on something I shouldn't wear.
Thank you!

 

[Seank]

I agree with the others who have said the B looks better. The Dakota (black) looks to long in the body and sleeves.

 

[morrison2951]

B for the win!

 

[ton312]

Thanks for the close ups! It appears that the brown isn’t as sanded down, processed, as the standard black comp weight.

 

[JohnS33931]

Thanks for the close ups! It appears that the brown isn’t as sanded down, processed, as the standard black comp weight.

Thanks - I thought it might not be the comp weight leather and it was one of the questions that I asked the seller - he sent this response:
I purchased the jacket directly from Kim at Vanson in Fall River, Mass. This is confirmed in the invoice that you will receive if you purchase the jacket. About the leather: It is NOT a Firenze leather jacket. It is a heavy weight thicker leather than Firenze. I know this for certain because I am currently selling a black Firenze Vanson Jacket on Ebay. It too is a model B, but it is pre-owned (slightly) but technically not new. Check out that listing and you will see how the leather on that jacket drapes and how this one is significantly stiffer. However, when you purchase a brown jacket from Vanson it's like a custom purchase. You describe the kind of leather you want and then they wait for an appropriate batch to come in. When I ordered this jacket they did not have brown on hand. They send you the swatches and when you choose, they make your jacket. This is not Firenze, nor is it exotic leather. It is simply brown leather which I think is competittion weight, but for the exact weight and thickness, you would have to refer directly to Vanson. I don't know why Thurston Bros refers to "brown cowhide" and I do not know how that differs, if it does differ, from competiton weight leather. I know I waited many months for this leather to become available. I will post this answer to the listing just to let everyone know what kind of leather it is. Perhaps they know more than me, but I admit I am not an expert. I hope this helps. Thank you for looking and good luck bidding.
He didn’t include the invoice when he shipped the jacket, so I don’t know what Vanson called it.

 

[f2002q]

The Model B look like a great fit. The Dakota looks a little big, especially on the shoulders. You can always give Vanson the serial number of the brown jacket and they can tell you what kind of leather they used when they made it. You may want to do that anyway, telling them you're the new owner.

 

[JohnS33931]

You can always give Vanson the serial number of the brown jacket and they can tell you what kind of leather they used when they made it. You may want to do that anyway, telling them you're the new owner.

Thats a good idea - I’ll give them a call!