Best AERO Leather jacket for a Big Man

[tnjyoung]

Okay, so I have my boss convinced at buying a leather jacket for use when riding his Harley. Here is my question, he is a big man, which Aero leather Jacket is the best for large men? He is leaning toward a military-style A2. I am guessing he is a size 56-58. Will this jacket be comfortable on him? What do I (does he) need to know?

 

[ProteinNerd]

I would have thought a moto specific model preferably with an action back or shoulder gussets at least would be better for a Harley rider for use on the bike.

 

[ButteMT61]

Will Aero do one that large? Not joking, I know when I was a 52, nobody would make me one but them.

 

[tnjyoung]

Think "Tony Soprano" for the size of man. Then, remember, this guy rides a modern Fatboy WWII-replica bike. It is flat army-green and painted and built to look like the WLA. In fact, he is planning to buy an actual WLA soon. He thought the WWI A2 would match the theme he is going for and that the waistband webbing would be the most forgiving.

 

[Monitor]

For motorcycling, when it comes to Aero, I'd recommend anything with full action back as opposed to shoulder gussets. Daytona is a very nice jacket, and so is J106.

Or perhaps not, as these are slim fit styles... I think A-2's should do the job?

 

[IXL]

If your boss is larger in the middle than he is in the waist, an A2 should be a good bet because of the knitted waistband, when had in a shoulder-appropriate size. Also, any classically styled jacket which features a belt, as these can be drawn up a bit to give both an effective seal and a more pleasing form.
We need pictures of the bike in order to make an informed recommendation!!

 

[tnjyoung]

We need pictures of the bike in order to make an informed recommendation!!

How's this?

 

[IXL]

^^^That is a really good looking ride.

 

[Guppy]

Think "Tony Soprano" for the size of man. Then, remember, this guy rides a modern Fatboy WWII-replica bike. It is flat army-green and painted and built to look like the WLA. In fact, he is planning to buy an actual WLA soon. He thought the WWI A2 would match the theme he is going for and that the waistband webbing would be the most forgiving.

Any Perfecto/Buco inspired jacket will be period correct for such a purpose.

 

[Monitor]

How about a Trail Rider? It would go very well with the bike.

 

[tnjyoung]

Is that an Aero? He doesn't want just "any" leather jacket. It must be an Aero

 

[Sockeye]

Thunder Bay, without shearling. The belt to cinch things down might work well for him.

 

[Monitor]

Is that an Aero? He doesn't want just "any" leather jacket. It must be an Aero

Of course it's Aero - http://aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=35
Thunder Bay is a very similar looking jacket, or rather, the same looking, only with a chest pocket - http://aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=1473

 

[Bunyip]

Another fantastic option would be a Langlitz Columbia. Custom made, snap on fur collar. Outstanding and functional motorcycle jacket. They do big sizes and will be able to make it comfortable and as flattering as possible. Made in the USA with an amazing motorcycle pedigree.

 

[oneterrifichog]

I think a zip sleeve Highwayman or Half Belt with the Bi-Swing Back. The Highwayman and Half Belts are built boxey and can handle a larger person.

Also those knits on an A-2 are not conducive to rain and riding. They turn into crap when going long distances on a bike.

 

[Bunyip]

Highwayman is a great suggestion!

 

[jacketjunkie]

Truthfully, I do not think he'll have much fun riding in an Aero. They are simply not designed for it. Aero are beautful repro jackets in outstanding leather but in terms of functionality and movability they cannot compete with a real biking jacket. I know I couldnt ride in Teamster or Highwayman because the jacket would rise up way too much when grabbing the bike handles. My father owns an Aero A2 and even though the arm holes are higher there, it's still too short to ride in, he tried once and didn't do it again.

Your boss should get a Lewis Leather or Vanson "Trailmaster", whatever they are calling them there. Long jacket will be more forgiving than a short jacket that ends right where he is widest.

 

[Interbak]

I'd have to say no to the A2 as well. I have many A2's, including an Aero, but don't wear them for riding. I'd also stay away from a belted jacket if he's a round shape. My first riding jacket, many years and many pounds ago, was a "Perfecto" style jacket with a belt. The belt always rolled under my belly and became uncomfortable and didn't do it's job. I ended up removing it. I typically wear my old Bristol cafe racer, but switch off with a Belstaff Trialmaster, Hein Gerike Dakar, or modern textile riding jacket. In an Aero I would not go with a heavy horsehide of any sort. As others have said, lovely jackets, but too stiff and restricting for riding, especially when it gets colder. I have a custom Aero half belt with bi-swing back in FQHH, kind of a cross between a regular and a long half belt . Love the jacket, but it doesn't see near as much wear time as other leathers due to the weight and stiffness. It's a very heavy jacket, but with only a cotton drill lining, not particularly warm, wouldn't wear it for riding either.

B

 

[Monitor]

+1 on Hein Gericke, if you can find it. Great motorcycle jackets!

 

[Capesofwrath]

This is what I call a big Aero. It sold on UK eBay a few days ago for not much money unsurprisingly. It’s a 62 chest.