Fit Check Thread for Jackets

[Ruler1609]

I would say, with a leather jacket like that, the shoulders and sleeves are the most important things to nail. If it is tight to zip, you gotta ask yourself if you're ever really going to wear it zipped. I really only ever zip my raincoats and parkas.

Leather will loosen up slightly, but only slightly.

Let's say that even if I manage to adapt to a garment that fits this well, being demanding by nature, I'll still not be completely satisfied. In my case, the shoulders are perfect, the sleeves are the right length, although a bit tight when I flex my biceps, but the torso feels quite narrow with just a t-shirt when the jacket is closed. In a normal posture, I don't feel any discomfort, but conversely, if I puff out my chest, spread my arms, or breathe deeply, it compresses and the fit can become a bit oppressive

 

[barnabus]

In a normal posture, I don't feel any discomfort, but conversely, if I puff out my chest, spread my arms, or breathe deeply, it compresses and the fit can become a bit oppressive

It does sound too small then. I'd expect to be able to breathe when wearing a jacket.

 

[Ruler1609]

It does sound too small then. I'd expect to be able to breathe when wearing a jacket.

Yes, I think so. I'll continue wearing it and see if it evolves positively

 

[WolfofStateSt]

It does sound too small then. I'd expect to be able to breathe when wearing a jacket.

I agree.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Let's say that even if I manage to adapt to a garment that fits this well, being demanding by nature, I'll still not be completely satisfied. In my case, the shoulders are perfect, the sleeves are the right length, although a bit tight when I flex my biceps, but the torso feels quite narrow with just a t-shirt when the jacket is closed. In a normal posture, I don't feel any discomfort, but conversely, if I puff out my chest, spread my arms, or breathe deeply, it compresses and the fit can become a bit oppressive

Yes…. a little story and bit of free advice.

When I got into collecting the first two jackets I bought were Real McCoy’s A2 and B3 leather flight jackets. One is sheepskin, you probably are familiar with them.

I thought those would be defining identity pieces for me, the best jackets ever, I was so excited.

The reality is I wear each maybe 10 times a year. You have to be honest with yourself, am I okay wearing a jacket that costs as much as some people’s cars in the rain, to a bar with greasy food where people spill drinks, draping it over grimy chairs in public, on the bus (I know you said you are in Belgium, from my travels to Europe I can safely say worrying about grimy public transport is probably not as much as a concern for you as it would be in Chicago or Cincinnati or NYC… but still)…

Some people buy a jacket like that and they wear it everywhere… some people spend that much money on a jacket and… they start to become very protective of it.

You might get more wear out of something less iconic but more practical from a company like iron heart… I probably wear wool and Bedford cord jackets much more often than leather because it's simply more practical.

Leather jackets become a special occasion piece, a little like a casual tuxedo… I only wear them when I have a reason or want to mix it up.

If you want a leather jacket for a daily driver you can beat the **** out of? Go with Schott. They will save you money and in my experience they are thick and easier to layer and size.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I just bought this CPO shirt from Real McCoys. I want your opinion on the fit. This shirt is based on the U.S. Navy’s WWII CPO Wool Twill shirt issued to Chief Petty Officers. I think it is an iconic flannel design, up there with the western shirt, work shirt, and board shirt. I apologize for the picture quality. This navy color is so dark that it is hard to see on camera. I am torn as to whether this should be worn as a shirt or an overshirt. I heard that historically, in the U.S. Navy, they were treated more like over-shirts or shirt-jackets. It does fit under my Iron Heart N-1 deck jacket, though. Please comment your thoughts!

Also what do you guys think of that CPO lol?

 

[Ruler1609]

Yes…. a little story and bit of free advice.

When I got into collecting the first two jackets I bought were Real McCoy’s A2 and B3 leather flight jackets. One is sheepskin, you probably are familiar with them.

I thought those would be defining identity pieces for me, the best jackets ever, I was so excited.

The reality is I wear each maybe 10 times a year. You have to be honest with yourself, am I okay wearing a jacket that costs as much as some people’s cars in the rain, to a bar with greasy food where people spill drinks, draping it over grimy chairs in public, on the bus (I know you said you are in Belgium, from my travels to Europe I can safely say worrying about grimy public transport is probably not as much as a concern for you as it would be in Chicago or Cincinnati or NYC… but still)…

Some people buy a jacket like that and they wear it everywhere… some people spend that much money on a jacket and… they start to become very protective of it.

You might get more wear out of something less iconic but more practical from a company like iron heart… I probably wear wool and Bedford cord jackets much more often than leather because it's simply more practical.

Leather jackets become a special occasion piece, a little like a casual tuxedo… I only wear them when I have a reason or want to mix it up.

If you want a leather jacket for a daily driver you can beat the **** out of? Go with Schott. They will save you money and in my experience they are thick and easier to layer and size.

I’ve had the same reflection myself. I own two shearling VSP, one shearling Aero leather B‑3, two Schott 184SM (brown and black), this Buco, and a Fine Creek Leon custom. And it’s true that in my case, the Buco — as beautiful as it is — feels almost like a museum piece that you can’t just wear anywhere or in any situation.

Your approach makes a lot of sense, and I’m actually quite similar. The jacket I wear the most these days is the brown 184SM, while the others see much less use. I love the double rider style, and I’ve been looking for something easier to wear, more forgiving, more “everyday.” My Fine Creek is roomier, but still not really an all‑purpose jacket.

Following that same logic, I’m now hesitating: should I really push all the way to a brand‑new Buco J‑24 in size 44 at around €3300, or would it make more sense to go for a fully‑optioned Aero Leather at roughly half the price? The Aero could probably fill that more practical, everyday role I’m missing.

And of course, there are plenty of other brands that are less expensive too — but it’s hard to navigate all of them. Double Helix, for example, is less iconic than Buco, but I keep hearing great things about their quality and value for money

 

[AeroFan_07]

@Ruler1609 -- Given your use-case and fit needs, and that you really like the style of J23/J24, I would encourage you to check out Lost Worlds, Steer or Horse-Hide. For less than the price you quote above (likely) you can have a jacket made that will fit you (Stuart has been doing this a long time) and that you will not have to be "careful" of. They are durable and will last a few lifetimes.

Might be worth careful consideration.

 

[nem500]

Hello!

I’ve been looking for a plain black horsehide leather jacket with two side pockets, one zipped ****** pocket, and a large collar since before the pandemic.

Over the years, I’ve tried various models from RMC, Addict, Fine Creek, and others. The closest was the RMC Nelson, which I almost bought. I tried it on twice in different years, but it was always just a little too tight and slightly too short. The search hasn’t been helped by the fact that I live in Stockholm, where very few shops carry high-quality leather jackets, so most of these were tried on during holidays in more leather-jacket-friendly destinations.

Lately, I have been leaning towards taking the plunge with Aero. The Plainsman looks great, and I was hoping the made-to-order process would be good enough. It is a bit scary, though, since unlike tailoring, you cannot make adjustments later.

However, last week I was in London with a list of jackets to try on in various shops (spare a thought for my long-suffering girlfriend), including the Y'2 Leather HVR-42, which finally ticked most of the boxes. My only small doubt is that it feels a little stiffer than I expected. Interestingly, the price is lower than the RMC Nelson cost in 2021, and that one is much more expensive today.

Here are the pictures. What do you think of the fit?

Let's hope I can pull a black leather jacket off, I've only ever owned brown leather jackets (suede, sheepskin and an old cowhide).

 

[Zoro]

Stiff but still comfortable? Or stiff, tight and restrictive? Cause if it is the former, that's basically a tailormade jacket for you.

 

[nem500]

Stiff but still comfortable? Or stiff, tight and restrictive? Cause if it is the former, that's basically a tailormade jacket for you.

Thank you. I would say mostly the former, stiff but not restrictive.The action pleats make it fairly easy to move. The stiffer parts are the sleeves, particularly when wearing knitwear. It's a fairly oily hide, which is meant to help the breaking in process.

Comfort is relative. Compared to a cardigan, this is a straitjacket, but compared to my sheepskin jacket, it's less comfortable but not by a huge difference.

 

[Ruler1609]

@Ruler1609 -- Given your use-case and fit needs, and that you really like the style of J23/J24, I would encourage you to check out Lost Worlds, Steer or Horse-Hide. For less than the price you quote above (likely) you can have a jacket made that will fit you (Stuart has been doing this a long time) and that you will not have to be "careful" of. They are durable and will last a few lifetimes.

Might be worth careful consideration.

Thx for this!

 

[Ruler1609]

Other pics of my Buco fit, what do you think ? Thx all!

 

[heehaw3]

Other pics of my Buco fit, what do you think ? Thx all!

Looks cool, but from what you’re saying it sounds a bit tight and if you’re looking for a more practical everyday jacket, id lean toward something more comfortable that you don’t feel like you have to baby

 

[MrProper]

Hello!

I’ve been looking for a plain black horsehide leather jacket with two side pockets, one zipped ****** pocket, and a large collar since before the pandemic.

Over the years, I’ve tried various models from RMC, Addict, Fine Creek, and others. The closest was the RMC Nelson, which I almost bought. I tried it on twice in different years, but it was always just a little too tight and slightly too short. The search hasn’t been helped by the fact that I live in Stockholm, where very few shops carry high-quality leather jackets, so most of these were tried on during holidays in more leather-jacket-friendly destinations.

Lately, I have been leaning towards taking the plunge with Aero. The Plainsman looks great, and I was hoping the made-to-order process would be good enough. It is a bit scary, though, since unlike tailoring, you cannot make adjustments later.

However, last week I was in London with a list of jackets to try on in various shops (spare a thought for my long-suffering girlfriend), including the Y'2 Leather HVR-42, which finally ticked most of the boxes. My only small doubt is that it feels a little stiffer than I expected. Interestingly, the price is lower than the RMC Nelson cost in 2021, and that one is much more expensive today.

Here are the pictures. What do you think of the fit?

Let's hope I can pull a black leather jacket off, I've only ever owned brown leather jackets (suede, sheepskin and an old cowhide).

I find the fit to be satisfactory and would purchase it as is.

It is a bit scary, though, since unlike tailoring, you cannot make adjustments later.

It's not really made to measure, but rather fine-tuning at best. And later on, you can make minor adjustments if you have a good leather tailor.

 

[marker2037]

Other pics of my Buco fit, what do you think ? Thx all!

Judging by “looks”, it fits you. Only you can feel if it fits or not when you move around. But looks, it’s a yes from me.

 

[nem500]

I find the fit to be satisfactory and would purchase it as is.

It's not really made to measure, but rather fine-tuning at best. And later on, you can make minor adjustments if you have a good leather tailor.

Thank you.

If I could try the Aero jackets in person, I would feel more confident in buying, as any adjustments would be based on the RTW version. A future jacket, perhaps.

What changes can a leather tailor actually make? Surely removing existing stitching would leave a mark?

 

[l0fielectronic]

zipped ****** pocket

Looks a great fit, though I'm stuck trying to guess what pocket this is

 

[nem500]

Looks a great fit, though I'm stuck trying to guess what pocket this is

Thank you! It's a b-r-e-a-s-t pocket. Odd that in the context of this forum, this word would be deemed inappropriate.

 

[bruno_cro]

Short time ago I acquired this Aero leather J-100 board racer jacket in Badalassi chestnut brown steerhide. I bought it used from ebay, for previous owner its too small.
Since I have been reading a lot on this website about fits of similar leather jackets, I want to ask you guys what do you think if this is good fit for this jacket.
I feel like it should be shorter for a 1-2cm? Also when unzipped, it has these “creases” on the front from collar to the bottom of the armpit, but that could be also from the width of my shoulders.