well done, Tom. I got mine yesterday and want to wear a day or two before I post pics, but pretty much love it, but also had some similar second guessing as you're having. Nitty picky type stuff.
First off, good call on the zipper. As soon as I got it, I thought to myself "%#$* I should have asked for a bigger zipper" LOL. First time going to zip, the pin didn't go all the way down and I got myself in bind where I was like oh no, I'm about to break this zipper and it's 2 minutes old. Just need to be careful.
I also got mine with only chest pockets. No second guessing for me. But I screwed up by not asking for an inside pocket. I think without the hand warmers gives a much more sleek look for this cafe style. So it's pure fashion.
I like the wrist zipper placement and the style you choose. I whimped out and moved mine to the underside. Now wish I would have kept in a more prominent place.
I too wish I had maybe another half inch on length, but it's not bad either. I think it would help the "hour glass" shape of the design if it runs a little longer. And same with you, the length is fine, but yeah, another finger or two wouldn't hurt.
That blue stitching might come back to life once you start getting the teacore, so be patient.
Speaking of the leather, I got to say my first impression given how much hype Shinki gets is that I was a little underwhelmed. Probably weights about 1.5 kg. Love the graining obviously but was surprised at the thin/lightness of the material. But even after a couple hours of wear, I can tell it's going to evolve into something glorious. I got sleeve creasing within minutes and I too have had some drizzles, so been in and out of the house a few times to help speed things along. So all things considered, I think it's a good thing it's on the lighter side. God knows I have enough chunky CXLs and comp weights and whatever else. So this jacket will come into play on those summer evenings.
I'm getting similar creasing off the neck shooting towards the arm pit. Very typical "Aero" LOL. I'm not sure what I could have changed in my measurements but I do think it'll settle some. It's clear this pattern is very well designed with sleekness in mind. There's a pulling effect from under the arms that creates a tension. This is probably where he has designed his back to front seam. Amazingly I get this hour glass silhouette even with the jacket unzipped. And with it zipped, I have my second skin. Curious about your ptp, shoulder, waist, and hip measurements as I know we're very similar. There's maybe a .25 here and there I'd go up or down, but generally speaking I think we both did good. Mine you'll see has a bit more mid section taper that flares out at the bottom, but very subtle. Yours seems to have more the board racer style of a straight line.
Good stuff. On mine, I see a few chips here and there of the brown underneath. Something I'm really looking forward to. Like I said, I think you'll come to love that blue contrast with time.
Thanks much!
By now, I am completely happy with my jacket. Some use of the jacket and tons of positive feedback have certainly contributed. I usually don’t second-guess my choices, but I do find the quest for the “Perfect Café Racer” a challenging one. It’s such a simple design, yet so hard to get exactly right.
I am looking forward to seeing your fit pictures. I am sure a tighter silhouette with a slight flare at the bottom looks great. I - intentionally- played it safe here - to have some room for layering. I am glad how that turned out.
I absolutely love the hide. There are occasions that demand for the heavy stuff, but there is something about shinki that is just subtle and luxurious (obviously with huge variations itself). Amazing how much my jacket has sprung into life with three days of wear.