Leather spring/summer jackets

[The Good]

I think the Indy jacket is a very nice jacket. It is not only a fictional character's costume but a shot of what it would had been an A-2 for civilians back in the 30s.

Once I saw a guy in almost full Indy outfit on the street. He has the jacket, the fedora, shirt, pants and adventurer boots. The only thing I missed was the bag and the whip. Since he hasn't the whip with him at that very same moment :lol: he didn't look too much out of place, but I noticed some people turning their heads. He really made my day and I remember I thought WTH with a big smile.

You know, last week on my community college campus, I saw a guy wearing what almost seemed to be the silhouette of the Indiana Jones clothing; brown leather jacket (almost exactly like Indy's as far as I could tell, except maybe a bit lighter brown or more bronze), white shirt (either dress or safari?), khaki/tan chinos or slacks, brown dress shoes or boots... He wasn't wearing a fedora, or for that matter carrying a whip or satchel, but I thought it was pretty cool to see another individual on my college campus sporting a style somewhat similar to mine. This was actually the only time, outside of maybe Disneyland, I've seen another person wearing what closely enough looked like Indiana Jones' clothes.

I'll tell you what, though. I did once in public wear what resembled most of Indiana Jones' wardrobe; G-1 leather jacket, brown fedora, white dress shirt, khakis, brown dress shoes. None of the other things like the satchel, whip, webbed belt, but it conveyed the general Indiana Jones look. Now, that was actually the only time I've went so far as to dress the most Indy I could, but I don't usually wear a hat with my leather, and rarely even with just a white shirt and khakis too. I try not to incorporate more than one or two main Indy elements into my clothing, anything more may be seen as costume. I like the style though. I mean, you have to admit, who here does not actually like it, even if they don't wear it? I think most Fedora Lounge members like the style of Indiana Jones, based on posts I've read.


To get back on topic; as for leather during the summer time, I'll have to wait and see. I know I can wear mine during the evenings, but it'll probably be very warm down here in southern California.

 

[subject101]

I saw a guy wearing what almost seemed to be the silhouette of the Indiana Jones clothing; brown leather jacket (almost exactly like Indy's as far as I could tell, except maybe a bit lighter brown or more bronze), white shirt (either dress or safari?), khaki/tan chinos or slacks, brown dress shoes or boots...

That was me! :lol: I usually wear my ELC a-2 jacket, khaki chinos, brown half boots and a white t-shirt or a khaki shirt. I use no fedora.

Although it's a similar style, you won't think in Indiana Jones because the A-2 jacket is related with vintage pilots stuff.

 

[scottyrocks]

I see nothing wrong with the Indy look. I like it. I dont wear a whole lot of Indy-type stuff at the same time (I own three 'Indy' items - hat, jacket, bag) but even all three together feel good. I get comments if I wear the hat with or without the jacket and/or bag, so it doesnt matter, afaic. Im comfortable and secure in it.

 

[Woodfluter]

On Topic:

Not sure I'd be thinking about a leather jacket, where you're heading, in the summer. From a strictly practical standpoint, I'd bring my grey nylon lined Mountain Hardwear jacket which is a bit more forgiving, temperature-wise.

Off Topic:

The Wested Indy is flat-out wonderful from my perspective. I'm not trying to look like a fictional character, or anyone else for that matter. Mine is goat, and doesn't weigh 3.5#...in size 40 it's 2#15oz and wearable over a pretty wide range of temperatures. Really versatile and this sucker is tough.

Due to a windstorm, we've been without power for 38 hours until last night. I walked my dog in complete darkness, leash rigged around my waist, and didn't pay attention to a stone divider in a church parking lot - so Hannah pulled me at the wrong moment and I made a really bad landing onto asphalt. Sprained and scraped up my wrist. So I said to myself "OK, this'll just add character to the jacket". When I got a really good look at it in the daytime (and I'm being totally honest here)...absolutely nothing. Couldn't believe my eyes. No visible damage whatsoever.

I didn't buy it because of the movies but because of personal specifications. I already wore so much of the Indy character's stuff before the first movie came out that I sort of regretted the attendant ribbing. Didn't want elasticized cuffs (wear badly), nor elasticized waist (hate the riding-up and way it hangs if unzipped). Handwarmer slash pockets are OK, but definitely needed easily accessible large pockets - lower flapped ones far better than zipped upper ones made for MC riding. This was the only leather jacket I found that fit the bill.

Some say the design isn't period-authentic, but (a) it sure looks like a picture of what my dad wore in the late '30s or early '40s when hiking in the Sierras, and (b) I really don't care. It's practical. Rant over, and whatever you wear, enjoy it!

- Bill

 

[nicholasb]

I'm with you on that Bill. The poor Wested always divides opinion. I like mine and wear it as much as my other jackets.

Although it is quite good in the heat, I guess it depends how much heat.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I think the Indiana Jones look interests me becasue it's like the K-mart, entry level to classic wear and many guys never get past it. Right down to always creasing their fedora in that ham-fisted way. Great if you like it... no harm done to anyone, but lacking in imagination. Really it's a cartoon version of classic wear. I wanted to be Indiana when I first saw Raiders on its release - I get it. But the field is so much richer. And whenever I see that jacket, all I can think of is a classic movie and several terrible follow ups.

 

[ShrunkinCowboy]

Too hot around here in the summer to wear leather.
I have an older Split-S Aviation (California) A-2 jacket, that I'll wear around in the spring/fall though.

 

[Edward]

Just picked up a used Wested Raiders in goat for Summer use. Pleased with the quality. Not on the le el of my Aeros, but a fraction of the price. Wanted an Indy jacket but didn't want to spend the big bucks on one. It's utility in warmer months made it a no-brainer. Eventually I would love to have an Aero Summer Halfbelt, but this will do just fine for now, and less harm done if it gets lost on holiday. The weight will make it ideal for the cooler evenings. It was, after all, designed to be worn in a not climate (albeit in lamb).