Aero Highwayman v Long Half Belt

[Drax]

Hi everyone

Been lurking around on here for some time but now I'd like to ask for some advice please. (Having the usual "Have I ordered the right jacket" moment.)

Currently I own a Black Anniversary Heavy Steerhide Highwayman in 42L which I've had for several years & is beautifully broken in. However. I've lost some weight & as much as I love the jacket it's got to go as it's too big.
I'm 6.1" 79kg & built like a racing snake.

So using my jacket as PX I've ordered:
40" Highwayman (Tapered to 38")
Tumbled Brown FQHH (but might change to brown steerhide as it looks awesome)
Back 26.5" (may go to 27" as I prefer a longer jacket)
Sleeves 26" ( may go to 27" + will explain why)

On the Aero used website last week saw a Teamster that seemed to tick all the boxes fro my size.

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=2362

So, I bought it but it was too tight across the shoulders with a thin fleece & the sleeves at 26" were slightly too short. I also didn't like the button front. I thought that the Teamster was a roomier fit similar to a Highwayman?
Unfortunately, I 've had to return it but it made me think about a longer jacket & the Long HB looks like a Highwayman front /sleeves with a Bi-Swing back which I really like the look of. Sounds the best of both worlds.

Does anybody own both jackets & could offer up an opinion of the pros & cons of each?

Thanks for taking the time to read this post & look forward to any advice or opinions.

 

[Fanch]

As far as I know the LHB and Teamster are similar in fit. For a longer jacket I prefer buttons and love my Teamster. The HWM is a boxier fit and found I need to size down for a HWM. One of the well known members Sloan owns a LHB that hopefully will see this thread and comment.

 

[tropicalbob]

I've had my Aero LHB for three years and must say it's the finest leather jacket I've owned. I particularly like the 50's design, as it provides just enough room for a mid-thickness sweater without feeling restrained at all. I've noticed that other LHB owners here on the Lounge often refer to them as their "go-to" jackets. I also agree with you about the bi-swing back.

 

[Grayland]

When I first came to TFL, I read about Aero and headed over to their website. The Long Half Belt was the design that caught my eye. I was lucky to find a NWT version on eBay and it is, without a doubt, my go-to jacket. The length allows me to dress it up a bit, it has enough room for a nice sweater underneath and I can pull the tabs in a bit and it still looks pretty fitted. I have a GW Ventura that I love, but I can grab and go with my LHB easier than any other leather jacket I own.

 

[zebedee]

The LHB has a lot going for it. I own one in cordovan fqhh and it sees as much use as my Highwayman, if not more. The only issue with the Hwm is that it is a little short- I need to clinch mine in to stop cold breezes in the winter. The LHB is an ideal length; short enough to be casual, but long enough to stop draughts. I didn't want an action back to avoid possible billowing, but others know much more about this possible (non) issue than I. This isn't to dish dirt on the HWM- it is also a fantastic jacket- but the LHB should have been my 'intro' jacket as far as Aeros are concerned.

 

[tropicalbob]

The billowing, or bat-wing, effect only happens if the jacket doesn't fit properly.

 

[Don Tomaso]

I have the LHB and the order is out for a Teamster. The LHB has a perfect length for me, better than the Pioneer, which is my summer-jacket. On large guys like me at 6ft4, the longer and relaxed cut of the LHB looks just perfect, mildly accentuating a masculine silhouette. I ordered the Teamster, which is essential the same cut as the LHB because of the different back and the missing of the flap-pockets. I like the cleaner design and the buttons will give it a classy touch, I think.

 

[Drax]

Don that's exactly the information I was looking for.

I loved the fit of the Teamster (although tight on the shoulders but I am after a slimmer fitting jacket - may go back up a size to a 42?) & I like the design of the LHB - but I would prefer it without the external pockets - just the hand-warmer pockets. I guess I want a combination of both jackets.

Looking through various other posts, would I be correct in assuming that there isn't much leeway for customization of the jackets anymore - apart from the length/ lining / inner pockets etc?

Thanks to everybody for your replies. The quest continues.....will keep you all posted.

 

[Plumbline]

I have a LHB with Shearling liner and Mouton Collar in MWHH. Its a great jacket and incredibly warm.

I'm normally a 42" - 44" Aero ( with enough room for layering ) or a 40" Highwayman

My LHB is a 46" ( to accomodate the shearling ) with 1 1/2" short sleeves and 1" short body and it fits great .. the shearling lining is like having a D-1 on inside the LHB

I've had it 10 years or more and it's soft like a very soft thing and broken in amazingly ...... It's current;y my second oldest Aero

 

[Drax]

Thanks Plumbline for the heads up on the sizing. I'm usually verging on a 42" chest in most things but it's my shoulders which are quite wide that cause the problems -and a 32-33" waist. Hence my problem with the HWM. I hope that they can taper it for me.

It looks good from the front but when you turn me sideways you have to squint to see me.

Will try & post some pics over the weekend to explain what I mean.

 

[trapp]

I've had it 10 years or more and it's soft like a very soft thing and broken in amazingly ...... It's current;y my second oldest Aero

Would love to see this jacket.

 

[zebedee]

Keep the cargo pockets- without them, the LHB is too long and looks odd.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Keep the cargo pockets- without them, the LHB is too long and looks odd.

I really dislike the look of the cargo pocket flaps- they are unsightly. Actually there are many period long leathers that only have slash pockets. It's a legitimate look.

 

[zebedee]

it's all a matter of taste, but the cargo pockets on mine didn't bulge out and are very practical. I reckon the longer zip jackets look a bit empty without 'em.

 

[Don Tomaso]

Keep the cargo pockets- without them, the LHB is too long and looks odd.

Well, I could do without them. I guess it's a matter of personal taste.

 

[Drax]

Hmmm! I've ended up where I started.

A question with answers that leave me right back where I started but with more information.

How good is that? F***in brilliant!

Thanks for all your replies & respect to the FL Forum!

 

[Drax]

I really dislike the look of the cargo pocket flaps- they are unsightly. Actually there are many period long leathers that only have slash pockets. It's a legitimate look.

It's what puts me off the LHB

 

[Sloan1874]

For me, the pockets are a nice detail, not as prominent as you might think, and they are incredibly useful.

 

[pawineguy]

For me, the pockets are a nice detail, not as prominent as you might think, and they are incredibly useful.

I like the pockets. With that said, I really like when jacket makers make them tuckable, giving you two possible looks. (even if they just offer that as an option)

P.S. I want that blanket! My motorcycle gang (tongue firmly planted in cheek) has a smoking skull as our symbol.

 

[Grayland]

For me, the pockets are a nice detail, not as prominent as you might think, and they are incredibly useful.

I agree. I've no problem with mine either.