I’ll be honest. In 20 years I’ve found only 3 “short styles” that even remotely hit the mark.Not to dispute what is clearly being presented in pure photographic honesty by the straightest of straight shooters around these parts, my take is that the back length of the Hercules Half Belts MUST vary by maker and/or age. BELIEVE YOU ME, I would say that the SHORT BACK LENGTH is the fattest fly in the ointment with Vintage Jacket fit for me. Period. I've been traumatized by short jackets. A short back length has become a total non starter for me.
I do have a few HBs. Even a few Hercs---and all of them are at the very least 24" on the back length. A few are closer to the 25-25.5" range. I have a Goatskin Herc HB with the same Black Label as the HB on Facebook and its definitely longer than 23".
Admittedly, of the jackets I own---I believe they are made by at least 3 different makers and are also different ages. I do not have a Leather Label Herc like Ton has pictured (which appears to be one of the older Labels). I am thinking that there must be some variation in the back length on these jackets. I know they are not all this short. I still think its even POSSIBLE the FB jacket is a tad longer than reported but not much. Take every jacket as it comes and always ask for measurements because I can attest to the fact that some Herc HBs are longer than others.
Lastly, it saddens me a little bit that our brother @ton312 is taking a firm stance against pursuing true vintage jackets in the future. Don't tap out bro!!! These jackets ARE OUT THERE!!! You don't see em everyday but true vintage jackets in good wearable lengths do exist. Tough to find but worth the hunt!!!
This Kurland:
Westbury:
Campus:
The surcoat style is much more my jam. The fact that I even tried to sell the Windward is just insane, as it’s the only vintage jacket I’ve ever owned that actually really fit. I’ll stick with 25” or more and leave the brave to fend the bulls. In the past two years I’ve seen more 23” back and sleeves than I care to count! I’ve also firmly decided this just ain’t it:
I’m bidding a fond farewell to vintage…..until I inevitably change my mind next year.