Wind Flap Removal

[Johnny Deadlifts]

Hey folks, I'm looking for some direction in regards to having the wind flap removed from a Vanson Enfield. I've found an awesome local seamstress who is willing to do the work but lacks a lot of experience with leather jacket alterations.

Is it best to go as deep as one could go behind the zipper, or to cut it just proud of the zipper edge so it still shows a bit? The doubled up leather is quite thick so I'm concerned how the zipper edge will "lay" afterwards. My seamstress hasn't done this alteration before so I want to provide as much direction as possible. Thanks in advance

 

[Guppy]

Are you sure you want to mess with it? What problem are you trying to solve? I don't find it is overly large, and it does keep the wind out when zipped up.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

Are you sure you want to mess with it? What problem are you trying to solve? I don't find it is overly large, and it does keep the wind out when zipped up.

You have a valid point. I should have added the caveat that I am open to not removing it at all. I compare it to other jackets that I have and I find there is a "cleanness" to the zipper line without it; but I can also see that the style of the jacket, (with the shoulder gussets , side adjusters and sleeve zippers) leans a bit towards a cross zip, so the wind flap isn't necessarily out of place in that regard.

 

[Guppy]

You have a valid point. I should have added the caveat that I am open to not removing it at all. I compare it to other jackets that I have and I find there is a "cleanness" to the zipper line without it; but I can also see that the style of the jacket, (with the shoulder gussets , side adjusters and sleeve zippers) leans a bit towards a cross zip, so the wind flap isn't necessarily out of place in that regard.

If you haven't had it long, try wearing it as is for a while, before you decide. Especially in this colder weather.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

Good advice, I've only had it a couple of months. I have been known to " jump before I look" on occasion; following trends and such. Thanks for the input.

 

[Damon141]

If you haven't had it long, try wearing it as is for a while, before you decide. Especially in this colder weather.

I agree. From my eyes it doesn’t look bad though I do understand what you are saying, streamlining.
I’ve grown to like them on certain jackets like the Langlitz Crecent, Vanson Comet, Freewheelers Speedmaster, Schott 641xx.

 

[ton312]

Don’t do it!!!

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

I agree. From my eyes it doesn’t look bad though I do understand what you are saying, streamlining.
I’ve grown to like them on certain jackets like the Langlitz Crecent, Vanson Comet, Freewheelers Speedmaster, Schott 641xx.

Thanks, I guess you always run the risk of a screw up when you mess with the original design of some things.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

Don’t do it!!!

Ok! Ok! Lol, I'm surprised, I thought you guys would be more for it, I don't see to many jackets with wind flaps posted on the forum? Though I wasn't really looking for them previous to owning this one.

 

[navetsea]

the thing here if you set for removing, you'll get every reaction to not to do it.
on contrary
if you say it has windflap and you probably will let it be, then you'll get reactions to remove it and where or how you can do that.
you got to play the psychological game here.

 

[Peacoat]

The simple response is, Don't Do It. It's there for a purpose. I have an Enfield and don't even notice it except when it keeps the cold wind out.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

the thing here if you set for removing, you'll get every reaction to not to do it.
on contrary
if you say it has windflap and you probably will let it be, then you'll get reactions to remove it and where or how you can do that.
you got to play the psychological game here.

Lol, I'll give that a try next time.

 

[MrProper]

Ok! Ok! Lol, I'm surprised, I thought you guys would be more for it, I don't see to many jackets with wind flaps posted on the forum? Though I wasn't really looking for them previous to owning this one.

@ton312

Me:


Strictly speaking, any buttoned jacket is one with windflap and x-zip anyway.

I don't like it in every case either, but I've seen a few examples where I thought it was cool. There is no need to argue about the sense of the windflap function.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

The simple response is, Don't Do It. It's there for a purpose. I have an Enfield and don't even notice it except when it keeps the cold wind out.

The simple response is, Don't Do It. It's there for a purpose. I have an Enfield and don't even notice it except when it keeps the cold wind out.

It definately does do that for sure.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

@ton312 View attachment 472528

Me:
View attachment 472529

Strictly speaking, any buttoned jacket is one with windflap and x-zip anyway.

I don't like it in every case either, but I've seen a few examples were I thought it was cool. There is no need to argue about the sense of the windflap function.

I agree they definitely have a function, but I don't think I've seen to many members have a custom jacket made with a wind flap no?

 

[handymike]

I prefer the Enfield sans-flap, but I ended up selling it before I cut it out. They’ve grown on me in CR jackets. On my Bates, I folded it under and used velcro to hold it back.

 

[navetsea]

I google enfield, and its windflap starts somewhat from the middle of the chest and end before the hem it is much easier to the eye if the windflap is just starting from the top to bottom, I don't care for that look seeing it brand new like that, but perhaps when its old and broken in or it has creased and hang there perhaps it would be OK, perhaps rather than stopping wind it is more about protection for your sweater or scarf to not get stuck in the zip.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

I google enfield, and its windflap starts somewhat from the middle of the chest and end before the hem it is much easier to the eye if the windflap is just starting from the top to bottom, I don't care for that look seeing it brand new like that, but perhaps when its old and broken in or it has creased and hang there perhaps it would be OK, perhaps rather than stopping wind it is more about protection for your sweater or scarf to not get stuck in the zip.

It would definitely protect clothing from that beefy " meat grinder" of a zipper. Lol

 

[handymike]

With

Without

It’s not as easy as on a Brooks. Schott, or Kehoe since it is all part of the piece of facing leather.
From my experience I would advise to go for it only if you have a clear vision that it’ll make you happier. If you have any hesitancy...hold off. Something like this can’t be undone in a way that will preserve the $$ if you ever sell it, and it costs you extra $$ at the tailor.

 

[Johnny Deadlifts]

With
View attachment 472570
Without
View attachment 472569
It’s not as easy as on a Brooks. Schott, or Kehoe since it is all part of the piece of facing leather.
From my experience I would advise to go for it only if you have a clear vision that it’ll make you happier. If you have any hesitancy...hold off. Something like this can’t be undone in a way that will preserve the $$ if you ever sell it, and it costs you extra $$ at the tailor.

Darn it, looks good both ways,lol. Good advise, I can't believe I lose sleep over these decisions.