ANJ-4 overkill for UK weather?

[HBK2025]

Hi all,

Since joining I have flip flopped on what I want and don't want and narrowed it down to a leather jacket I can layer under if needed or an ANJ-4.

I am going to try the Ironheart ANJ-4 on Friday. It's a stunning looking jacket but my concern after reading many threads here is it will be overkill for the UK. I tend to run cold. Weather in UK is barely below freezing. Will be used for walking the dog, waiting on a cold train platform in the morning and when the weather requires a cold jacket.

In mild weather, I tend to wear a boa fleeced trucker jacket leading me to believe the bulk, legth and collar won't be too dissimilar.

It's a lot of money to get the wrong thing.

I also looked at N1 jackets but not a fan of the style.

Thanks and sorry for so many basic questions.

 

[Edward]

This is one of those highly subjective things that will depend on the combination of local climate and you. Lots of folks here will queue up to tell you shearlings are "too warm" above or below certain temperatures, or not suited to certain places. All I can say is a B3 and an Irvin are very welcome to me here in London in the Winter, and I would be fine in an ANJ3 (really keen to get my hands on one eventually).

You'll probably have a clearer idea when you get the chance to try one on.

The only limit I find with shearlings like that is the big collars can feel a bit.... wet labrador if it rains hard, and obviously they're not an option over a suitjacket or a blazer (I mean, you can wear one on top of a suit at a push, but it'll look ridiculous). Those are the only reasons I wouldn't have one as an only Winter coat, though. Basically I see them as a leather jacket for when it's too cold for a leather jacket.

In terms of instead layering under a leather, well, then it's all about the lining. Leather is a good windbreaker, but it does nothing for warmth. The next step down from a shearling warmth wise would be something like the heavy wool blanket or the quilt lining options Aero offer.

 

[HBK2025]

This is one of those highly subjective things that will depend on the combination of local climate and you. Lots of folks here will queue up to tell you shearlings are "too warm" above or below certain temperatures, or not suited to certain places. All I can say is a B3 and an Irvin are very welcome to me here in London in the Winter, and I would be fine in an ANJ3 (really keen to get my hands on one eventually).

You'll probably have a clearer idea when you get the chance to try one on.

The only limit I find with shearlings like that is the big collars can feel a bit.... wet labrador if it rains hard, and obviously they're not an option over a suitjacket or a blazer (I mean, you can wear one on top of a suit at a push, but it'll look ridiculous). Those are the only reasons I wouldn't have one as an only Winter coat, though. Basically I see them as a leather jacket for when it's too cold for a leather jacket.

In terms of instead layering under a leather, well, then it's all about the lining. Leather is a good windbreaker, but it does nothing for warmth. The next step down from a shearling warmth wise would be something like the heavy wool blanket or the quilt lining options Aero offer.

Thank you. Good to know you are in London and a B3 and Irvin are not overkill. I do have a barbour as a go anywhere do anything coat and layer with a jumper and a gilet.

I looked at B6/D1 for practicality but feel they don't have the same aesthetic appeal as the ANJ-4. That said the ones I saw on here in redskin look amazing.

Either way, will post some pics of the ironheart jacket on Friday for the forum.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Speaking from experience, the Anj4 is useless for walking the dog.im in Scotland, the coldest ,wettest place in the UK. I doesn't work.be great for waiting for a train on a freezing platform, but dog walking, no way,you will get too hot too quickly.,and wish you had worn something else.far better to buy one of the lighter weight sheepskin and layer,they are much warmer than you think. Heavier doesn't always mean better.i persevered too long with my anj4 and b3 ,,before getting rid of.I got to wear mine a handful of times a year,and I'm outdoors every day for hours at a time.
I've found my perfect sheepskin, posted here and vlj many times over the couple of months I've had it.worn it more than the anj4 & B3 in over 10 years.hence when I sold them they were in immac condition. I do love the look of the Anj4 ,,but I love this more