Hello Everybody
It has been a long time since I posted here about considering my first Aero jacket. 2016 to be precise. I'm coming up on 9 years of owning a teamster and I have questions that I'm hoping people can help me with.
Notes about my jacket:
- The jacket is an Aero Teamster in Dark Seal Vicenza Leather, with cotton drill lining for the back and cotton sateen for the sleeves
- I was custom fitted for the jacket by Thurston Bros. in Seattle
- Maintenance. The only thing I've ever done to maintain my jacket is about every two years or so, I apply a coat of vaseline.
- In use from about september to around april/may
- Worn with, t-shirts, sweaters, most things with no collar.
Issues I have with the jacket:
1.) Collar curl, the right tip of my collar lies flat, but the left tip of my jacket, curls up, I've tried to uncurl it by bending it the other way repeatedly but it just curls back. I've been told, I may have to try the "water method" but I'm not sure what that means or how to do it. (see attached image)
2.) Back of jacket. I'm not entirely sure if this is an issue or not, but it does look kinda strange. note the 'x' pattern creases, and the weird curls in the back panel up near the top. Is this par for the course? Or does this mean that something happened either during fitting or making that makes the jacket curl and wrinkle this way. ( see attached image) really curious to know if this is just the nature of this style of back, or if this is uncommon.
3.) Lining tear around armpit. While I've been very impressed with how well the lining of the jacket has endured, unfortunately I have a tear around the armpit of my right arm. I was hoping this I would be able to get this repaired but I was told that it is relatively minor issue and that I would be able to solve it using "armpit guards" I've never heard of these. Is this a common thing that happens with linings are armpits? Is the solution of armpit guards something that people have heard of or done themselves? (see attached image)
General Questions:
a.) As mentioned the only thing I've put on my jacket is a coat of vaseline every two or three years. Google seems split as to if this is a good idea. Have I damaged my coat by doing this?
b.) I've used a suit hanger for as long as I've had the jacket, not knowing any better, apparently this is not the kind of hanger to use. After 9 years, have I "damaged" (damaged is the right word, but I don't know what word is) is it worth getting a proper 'straight' hanger?
c.) maintenance. Is there a process to cleaning/maintaining a jacket that I should observe? What should I be doing to maintain my jacket. I see several people suggest a mild leather conditioner. I have a brush for the coat, but no leather conditioners, and was told not to use a leather cleaning service because of what they might use on the jacket (not that there is one around where I live anyways).
d.) After 9 years of use, have my habits done anything to the jacket that is irreversible?
I would like to thank anyone that has taken the time to read this, I don't know where else to turn, and any advice by people who have dealt with this kind of thing before, I'd welcome hearing from you. Thanks for any help you can give.
It has been a long time since I posted here about considering my first Aero jacket. 2016 to be precise. I'm coming up on 9 years of owning a teamster and I have questions that I'm hoping people can help me with.
Notes about my jacket:
- The jacket is an Aero Teamster in Dark Seal Vicenza Leather, with cotton drill lining for the back and cotton sateen for the sleeves
- I was custom fitted for the jacket by Thurston Bros. in Seattle
- Maintenance. The only thing I've ever done to maintain my jacket is about every two years or so, I apply a coat of vaseline.
- In use from about september to around april/may
- Worn with, t-shirts, sweaters, most things with no collar.
Issues I have with the jacket:
1.) Collar curl, the right tip of my collar lies flat, but the left tip of my jacket, curls up, I've tried to uncurl it by bending it the other way repeatedly but it just curls back. I've been told, I may have to try the "water method" but I'm not sure what that means or how to do it. (see attached image)
2.) Back of jacket. I'm not entirely sure if this is an issue or not, but it does look kinda strange. note the 'x' pattern creases, and the weird curls in the back panel up near the top. Is this par for the course? Or does this mean that something happened either during fitting or making that makes the jacket curl and wrinkle this way. ( see attached image) really curious to know if this is just the nature of this style of back, or if this is uncommon.
3.) Lining tear around armpit. While I've been very impressed with how well the lining of the jacket has endured, unfortunately I have a tear around the armpit of my right arm. I was hoping this I would be able to get this repaired but I was told that it is relatively minor issue and that I would be able to solve it using "armpit guards" I've never heard of these. Is this a common thing that happens with linings are armpits? Is the solution of armpit guards something that people have heard of or done themselves? (see attached image)
General Questions:
a.) As mentioned the only thing I've put on my jacket is a coat of vaseline every two or three years. Google seems split as to if this is a good idea. Have I damaged my coat by doing this?
b.) I've used a suit hanger for as long as I've had the jacket, not knowing any better, apparently this is not the kind of hanger to use. After 9 years, have I "damaged" (damaged is the right word, but I don't know what word is) is it worth getting a proper 'straight' hanger?
c.) maintenance. Is there a process to cleaning/maintaining a jacket that I should observe? What should I be doing to maintain my jacket. I see several people suggest a mild leather conditioner. I have a brush for the coat, but no leather conditioners, and was told not to use a leather cleaning service because of what they might use on the jacket (not that there is one around where I live anyways).
d.) After 9 years of use, have my habits done anything to the jacket that is irreversible?
I would like to thank anyone that has taken the time to read this, I don't know where else to turn, and any advice by people who have dealt with this kind of thing before, I'd welcome hearing from you. Thanks for any help you can give.