Consider Teamster for my first aero, have some questions.

[firstoar]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster here

Here is the dilly. I’m looking at getting my first Aero Leather Jacket and was looking for a little input.
The style I’ve settled on is the Teamster. I’m looking for a jacket that I can wear about 10 months of the year and is useable for work as well as maybe a night out on the town and I’m a fan of longer type jackets (and buttons).

I am super nervous about spending what will be close to 2000 on a coat once exchange rates are factored in (I live in Canada). One of the details that kinda freaks me out is that the fit coat I tried on was a 46 in FQHH, and it felt good. Roomy, but good. Carrie suggested that I would fit better in a 44, especially if I went with the Vincenza leather, so I’m going with her recommendation on that. That kinda freaks me out because there wasn’t a size 44 in that style to try on. She seems to know her stuff very well, so I’m trusting her on it, but still kinda worried about it.

The second thing I’m spending WAY to much time on is the back of the jacket. I’m not a fan of the bi-swing back and the western point yoke, so I’m looking to have it changed to the speedway/1920’s Work Coat back, with the seam running down the middle. My concern with this, and this is where I hope some people here can help with, is that I’m fine with the seam/vent/whatever you call it opening, but I really don’t want it open all the time (ie. when my hands are at my sides, or driving). Does anyone here happen to know a.) how much these seams open and b.) how often they open?
I realize the alternative is to just have the vent sown up, but I’m worried that might restrict movement, especially because I’m looking at getting rid of the bi-swing back.

Part of my anxiety over this decision comes from the fact that I myself am a graphic designer, and I’m very conscious of changes to my design by clients. So I recognize that Aero designed the Teamster as they did for a reason, and I don’t want to create a ‘franken-jacket’ that interferes with their design and looks utterly bizarre. I’ve done a super quick photoshop mock up of what I’m thinking, I’m curious to know what people think.

I would welcome thoughts from any members on this issues or advice on how to reduce anxiety during all the decision making.

Thanks very much for reading this rambling!

 

[Carlos840]

I think that you are doing what first time buyers always do, worry too much!

From what i have seen on the forum about Carrie and Thurston Bros, i wouldn't worry, they usually get it right first time, and if they don't, they fix it.

Now, regarding the back seam, i can't help as i have never had one, but i assume that if the jacket is sized correctly it will only spread when you do the zombie walk or reach for something high up.
Now if you are built like Mr Universe it might spread more often, but i doubt it will be a problem. Also, the seam is in the back, you will never see it!

 

[firstoar]

@ Carlos840 I know I'm worrying too much! I do trust Carrie, she is an amazing sales rep, but to order something that costs that much and not have a sense of how it will fit, gah!
No mr. universe here. Just a gangly tall man

 

[jpk_NJ]

I personally feel the center vent will start gaping slightly once the coat is fully broken in. It will never look as tight as does brand new. For that reason Id pass on that back style. I also think the back curved yoke might look a bit odd when paired with the front straight chest yoke. Re- Sizing, measure some coats you have that fit how YOU want them (pit, waist, hip, shoulder). Thurston tends to prefer a slimmer /tighter fit than I like. Just my opinion. At the end of the day, its your money and you have to wear it. So you should get what you pay for.

 

[wdw]

I had the Work Coat and the vent was open all the time. I didn't like that, but it may have been because the jacket was too neat a fit on me. I have the Wool HB with the centre vent and that doesn't have the same problem, but that may be because it's wool or because it's a slightly bigger fit.

As for the Teamster back, if you don't like that, I'd suggest a different style rather than trying to change it. For example, the Maxwell is similar, but has a plain back. I have both, and each has its place and neither back worries me one jot.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I have a premier half belt with that exact back and I have to say I love it!

I wouldn't say its particularly functional, I don't think it really has an impact on my range of motion but I wouldn't change it on this jacket for anything......really gives it a unique look, I've never seen another jacket like it. I was slightly hunching my back in the picture to show the expansion of the slit for the photo, I don't think that is its resting position....although I would be the last person to know.



I also have had a speedway with the seam but it wasn't functional. Again I liked the design but the jacket was just way to short.



Of the two, I personally prefer the functional one just because it has that extra touch, but if you think the open back will annoy you, there is nothing wrong with the stitched closed version.

 

[firstoar]

@jpk_NJ good point about the vent and how much the coat has been broken in. There are other styles that have a front straight yoke and a curved rear yoke so I'm not overly concerned about that. But nevertheless it is a good point.
@wdw Thanks for the info on the vents. I'm a fan of the longer style coats, with buttons, so that kinda reduces my choices. I had really wanted the 1920's work coat, but it the arms were too slim and the arm holes too far up. Not really a fan of the Stockman/VDR/Cheyanne so that doesn't leave many options

 

[firstoar]

@ProteinNerd. Thanks for that! I was wondering if the stitched closed version limited range of movement, so thanks for that. Just curious have your had many jackets where you've modified them and felt anxious about doing so? Nice looking 1930s half belt btw.

 

[wdw]

@firstoar, I think you're stuck with the Teamster then, which is no bad thing. Have a good think about the back and whether or not you really need to change it. And there's no guarantee Aero will make a relatively drastic change like that anyway, but you can only ask.

 

[firstoar]

@wdw yah, I know. It's a good all purpose general style though so I'm ok with it that way, It's just the western style point yoke and the way the bi-wing style angles down to give the back a sort of "V" shape that I'm not a fan of. Just don't know if I'm not a fan of it to the extent that I want to change it. Finding myself leaning towards the closed seam, but opinions by experienced people on the forum almost have me second guessing myself. Ultimately it is my decision and I have to live with it, just have problems making that decision!

Thanks everybody to all the advice and suggestions!

 

[wdw]

As to the vents, I have these on my Dustbowl and they don't gape open at all, and it's also a very neat fitting jacket. I'm not sure why it was so obvious on the Work Coat. It might be ok on you without modification, you never know.

 

[StrykerMontana]

That's a nice jacket! I always consider that the HH will loosen up a little bit and keep them form fitting. If it's a casual jacket, comfortable but not too loose. This one will be around many years so consider your waist line in the future! It wont look too big since it's not a form fitting riding jacket.
Good luck! I hope to have one some day soon.

 

[firstoar]

One thing I did forget to mention. I never button my jackets, I mean never ever, not even an torrential downpour will button my jacket. Dunno if that factors into the vent being open or not, but I forgot to mention it in my original post.

 

[ProteinNerd]

@ProteinNerd. Just curious have your had many jackets where you've modified them and felt anxious about doing so? Nice looking 1930s half belt btw.

Everytime lol.

Aero are much stricter these days about altering things and they just won't make something if they don't think it will work.....saves us from ourselves. They have knocked back more than a few of my requests [emoji13]

 

[firstoar]

ok, well Carrie seemed to think it wouldn't be a problem to modify the teamster that way, double checking with aero just to make sure. Oddly enough I think I'm less sure now then when I posted the original question. Interesting to see how much an opinion can sway because of others.

 

[Sockeye]

@wdw yah, I know. It's a good all purpose general style though so I'm ok with it that way, It's just the western style point yoke and the way the bi-wing style angles down to give the back a sort of "V" shape that I'm not a fan of. Just don't know if I'm not a fan of it to the extent that I want to change it. Finding myself leaning towards the closed seam, but opinions by experienced people on the forum almost have me second guessing myself. Ultimately it is my decision and I have to live with it, just have problems making that decision!

Thanks everybody to all the advice and suggestions!

I have a teamster on order now with the back yoke from Aero's August jacket.

 

[dan_t]

Well, I happen to really like your mock-up.
A very classic and neat looking jacket.
I say that if Carrie / Aero say this can be done, then go for it.
Remember, Aero are simply NOT going to make a jacket that will ruin the original design. It's their brand and reputation on the line & it doesn't matter how much someone is willing to pay for a 'custom' product, if it ends up on the second hand market down the line, all anyone will say is how ugly that Aero is.
Fortunately, I don't think your idea is ugly at all.

 

[rocketeer]

I have the standard Teamster in brown Front quarter horse with the bi swing back and love it. Personally I think this makes the coat what it is in our country, stylish and just about unique. If I could change anything I think the cuffs are a little fussy but not a problem.
The Aero gang are trained well. I was lucky enough to visit the factory, they looked at me, advised a 42 with a little more in the chest. Perfect fit, and this has happened on more than one occasion.
If you don't like the Teamster back, why not pick another single breasted design and go with some simple custom preferences such as the pockets as this would be an easy change, whereas changing the back is a whole new jacket design in reality.
Good luck but the standard Teamster is a very popular jacket that works. It would be a shame to order it with the different back then you found it did not wear as you expected.
Just my 25p worth
JTee

 

[Amir]

Form follows function with the Teamster back. I would retain the original design, especially if in the heavier FQHH. The Vincenza would obviously be more pliable, though.

On my Dustbowl, I have the back gussets stitched down, and that added touch wears and works well.

 

[firstoar]

@Sockeye That looks like an interesting choice, bringing the bifold back up more, might even increase movement around the arms a bit more.

@dan_t Thanks very much for letting me know that about Aero, I appreciate a company that will "just say no" to something they think is going to ruin the design. Both Carrie and Aero say the change is doable and appropriate, so I know it won't get tossed back at least. Now I just have to decide!

@rocketeer Carrie did the same thing with me, sized me up as a 44 as I walked in the door. Problem was that the fit coats were all in heavy FQHH, and it felt like wearing a suitcase, so it was hard to get a sense how it would fit. I went up to the 46 in size and that felt comfortable, but in retrospect I think it was just because I could move inside the jacket. (dunno if that makes sense)
As I mentioned earlier, the only other single breasted design that I like is the 1920 work coat and that just didn't fit well on me (arm holes too high, sleeves too slim with a sweater on) So I think the teamster is my best option. But your point about the fit with a bi swing back vs. a modified back is well taken.

@Amir I am considering the Vincenza, the FQHH hide, while nice, was just a little too thick/heavy for my liking.

Thank you everyone for your opinions on this decision of mine. I recognize quite a few of you are suggesting going with the original design and it has given me pause. I've looked at a lot of google picks (probably some of the members here!) to look at the back, and the kind of "v" that is implied (yes I know it's trivial) by the western yoke and the lines of the bi-fold are just something that I not sure about. Again, part of this is likely because I had my heart set on the 1920s work coat (crushed when it didn't fit well) but also it was the reason why the Teamster was my 'second' choice. Anyways, thanks very much for all your advice. It is all well taken.