When is close enough, good enough? What would you do?

[Coriu]

Not sure this will be of any help, but here goes. Would say the same to anyone collecting jackets, especially someone with some gray on their head. Why not think toward the future and buy a bit on the bigger side to allow for "growth" as you age? Even if your weight doesn't change, gravity does interesting things to our bodies as we age that can radically change fit. There are so many things that can cause us to put on weight as we grow older...many out of our control, ie health issues. It would be a shame to have a "perfect" collection of jackets today become unwearable in one fell swoop because one cut things so close from a fit perspective.

 

[ton312]

Not sure if I should even go there but I will…
What about the back length? Now it looks great in the photos you posted but I thought I remembered you saying that a back length that short meant the jacket was not going to hang around long.

Despite the tape it hits me right in the sweet spot, so that’s a non factor. Back length only hurts me when there’s no front drop. Even 1” front drop helps compensate a shorter back length, at least in most cases.

 

[ton312]

Not sure this will be of any help, but here goes. Would say the same to anyone collecting jackets, especially someone with some gray on their head. Why not think toward the future and buy a bit on the bigger side to allow for "growth" as you age? Even if your weight doesn't change, gravity does interesting things to our bodies as we age that can radically change fit. There are so many things that can cause us to put on weight as we grow older...many out of our control, ie health issues. It would be a shame to have a "perfect" collection of jackets today become unwearable in one fell swoop because one cut things so close from a fit perspective.

Fair point but if anything, I suspect I’ll lose weight. Even three weeks out of the gym cost me nearly 10lbs. I’m very strict with my diet and I do work hard to avoid much fluctuation in weight. I do hear what you are saying. I don’t spec jackets for tomorrow though and this one was a very low impact purchase. I just don’t think the extra $400 I’ll pay for a size up will pay much dividend. I’m just not convinced. I feel like I’ll be on the other side asking myself if the 42” is too big.

 

[Hobbes1]

Keep this oxford and cancel/change the order. If t his fit is comfortable, keep ot as it looks great! You can live with it and always order a larger size at a later date.

 

[Coriu]

Fair point but if anything, I suspect I’ll lose weight. Even three weeks out of the gym cost me nearly 10lbs. I’m very strict with my diet and I do work hard to avoid much fluctuation in weight. I do hear what you are saying. I don’t spec jackets for tomorrow though and this one was a very low impact purchase. I just don’t think the extra $400 I’ll pay for a size up will pay much dividend. I’m just not convinced. I feel like I’ll be on the other side asking myself if the 42” is too big.

Well, maybe something to consider for the future then, especially with a jacket(s) you know you'll keep forever. I swore I would always have six pack abs...then life humbled me with some serious health issues. If there was one positive, it cured me of my perfectionism LOL Good luck with the jackets and decision!

 

[El Marro]

Despite the tape it hits me right in the sweet spot, so that’s a non factor. Back length only hurts me when there’s no front drop. Even 1” front drop helps compensate a shorter back length, at least in most cases.

Right on. Just goes to show numbers only tell you so much. I think it looks very good, and I think you’re right that the front drop makes the difference because otherwise it would be riding up and showing belt buckle.

 

[MrProper]

Not sure this will be of any help, but here goes. Would say the same to anyone collecting jackets, especially someone with some gray on their head. Why not think toward the future and buy a bit on the bigger side to allow for "growth" as you age? Even if your weight doesn't change, gravity does interesting things to our bodies as we age that can radically change fit. There are so many things that can cause us to put on weight as we grow older...many out of our control, ie health issues. It would be a shame to have a "perfect" collection of jackets today become unwearable in one fell swoop because one cut things so close from a fit perspective.

Such a massive change in the body is often self-inflicted, regardless of age. If a disease causes it, you probably have other problems than not fitting leather jackets.
I would look at it optimistically: Leather jackets that fit perfectly now will motivate you to fit tomorrow.
And if they don't, that's an excellent excuse to buy new jackets.lol

 

[MrProper]

Back length only hurts me when there’s no front drop. Even 1” front drop helps compensate a shorter back length, at least in most cases.

This is exactly what I have found out in the meantime. The back length is only meaningful in conjunction with the front drop.
With my measurements, the back length + front drop = 69 cm and then the chances are good that it looks good.

 

[navetsea]

this size fit you well, it doesn't even look tight like some jackets you wore. maybe if you order different color it would make sense to have one a size bigger for more relaxed look vs a trim look, but that works for normal folks out there who own 2 or 3 leather jackets, not for someone who already have so many other stellar options like you.

 

[handymike]

Wait and see.

 

[ton312]

Decision made. I canceled the 42”. Makes no sense to spend another $400 on 1/2”, deal with a return, etc. this is my 9D. Appreciate the thoughts and input fellas. I’ll put that dough toward another jacket, spoke with Kim this AM about a custom Halfbelt. That’s what’s next!

 

[MrProper]

How does it work with custom jackets at Vanson?
Can I just specify the dimensions of the jacket, as I do at 5*? Select leather and go?

 

[ton312]

How does it work with custom jackets at Vanson?
Can I just specify the dimensions of the jacket, as I do at 5*? Select leather and go?

I’m not entirely sure. I’m emailing her the jacket I want, which they made, for Logan’s closet. This Halfbelt:

They don’t have this leather, nor do they have any octogan. I asked about brown and they do have some, so I’ll see what that looks like or I’ll do it comp weight.

 

[MrProper]

I’m not entirely sure. I’m emailing her the jacket I want, which they made, for Logan’s closet. This Halfbelt:
View attachment 369959 View attachment 369960
They don’t have this leather, nor do they have any octogan. I asked about brown and they do have some, so I’ll see what that looks like or I’ll do it comp weight.

Many thanks.
Then I am curious.
A Vanson I would like, but only with my dimensions. Otherwise they do not fit. Despite customs duty in the EU, the price should be within reason.

 

[ton312]

Many thanks.
Then I am curious.
A Vanson I would like, but only with my dimensions. Otherwise they do not fit. Despite customs duty in the EU, the price should be within reason.

I’ll keep this thread updated on how this shakes out!

 

[Monitor]

I’m not entirely sure. I’m emailing her the jacket I want, which they made, for Logan’s closet. This Halfbelt:
View attachment 369959 View attachment 369960
They don’t have this leather, nor do they have any octogan. I asked about brown and they do have some, so I’ll see what that looks like or I’ll do it comp weight.

This is cool!

 

[JMax]

I’m not entirely sure. I’m emailing her the jacket I want, which they made, for Logan’s closet. This Halfbelt:
View attachment 369959 View attachment 369960
They don’t have this leather, nor do they have any octogan. I asked about brown and they do have some, so I’ll see what that looks like or I’ll do it comp weight.

What about the TB leather offerings for the HB? Can Vanson do any of those cool browns without bringing TB into it?

 

[ton312]

What about the TB leather offerings for the HB? Can Vanson do any of those cool browns without bringing TB into it?

I doubt it. I’m going to get more details Monday!

 

[El Marro]

Many thanks.
Then I am curious.
A Vanson I would like, but only with my dimensions. Otherwise they do not fit. Despite customs duty in the EU, the price should be within reason.

I don’t think they will allow you the free range offered by 5 Star but if there is a model that you like they may allow you to tweak the dimensions a bit.

 

[Carlos840]

I don’t think they will allow you the free range offered by 5 Star but if there is a model that you like they may allow you to tweak the dimensions a bit.

When i had my custom CXL padded commando they allowed pretty much any change i wanted, nothing was off limits.