Hello! I've been reading and following the forum here for probably at least a year now. I've learned so much and figured I'm way past due to say hi and eventually start contributing something useful to the community as well. I originally found Fedora Lounge because of my interest in leather jackets and I have to say that the wealth of knowledge on the forum and helpful members here is really something special.
I'd had a couple of jackets from Coronado Leather that I'd worn for 8-10 years, and I was happy with those until I starting working out in an effort to get healthier; eventually those jackets no longer fit. I own quite a few small leather goods and bags from Coronado (their facility in San Diego), which are phenomenal, but their leather coats and vests are made elsewhere (Mexico) and not of the same quality in terms of design and craftsmanship. So I wanted to see what else was out there rather than just re-upping in my new size...hence I ended up spending more time reading here than I care to admit!
At least it was time well spent. I learned some tips to help achieve a better fit and found brands and styles that I didn't know existed. I was drawn to Aero, and settled on them for my jacket...and well, that quickly turned into 4 jackets. I'm not trying to dress exclusively in period-correct attire, but I do appreciate that Aero recreates vintage era styles. To me, many of them are timeless classics and I think they're very appealing.
And very confusing to order the right size! First Aero I got was the Pioneer model in brown CXLFQHH. I loved that design and it had just been discontinued, but I found a new one remaining in size 46. I himmed and hawwed about it, and my fiancee pulled the trigger and ordered it for me. I can wear some things in 46, but the Pioneer must be in a more relaxed fit/generous cut and it's just too big for me. I still have have it, and maybe I will sell it eventually. Even though it didn't fit I was blown away by the quality and hooked on Aero.
So I kept looking, armed now with a physical data point of how the Pioneer fit, measured, and my own measurements. In March I ended up ordering a 1930's Half Belt direct from Aero that they had in stock. It too is labeled as a 46, and being a much slimmer design actually fits great. I'd be happy if I had custom ordered it, but if I'm being real nitpicky I wouldn't mind an extra inch in length front and back. This one is also in CXLFQHH and it's in Black:
I'm 18 Ben and Jerry's pints tall...because I'm American and will measure in anything other than the metric lol.
Just a couple of weeks after that I stumbled on for a deal that was priced too low to pass up...plus I now had some more confidence in what kinds of measurements should fit me OK. I love the classic car coat style and this will make a nice winter coat for me. Also in Black FQHH and coincidentally made by the same Aero machinist as my 1930's HB, although this one was a custom order for its original owner in Texas.
Most recently, and what prompted me to think about posting...with Aero's sale of 25% off stock jackets going on this week, I ordered a Long Half Belt in brown Pinnacle. Has not arrived yet, but I'm really looking forward to this one.
I'd had a couple of jackets from Coronado Leather that I'd worn for 8-10 years, and I was happy with those until I starting working out in an effort to get healthier; eventually those jackets no longer fit. I own quite a few small leather goods and bags from Coronado (their facility in San Diego), which are phenomenal, but their leather coats and vests are made elsewhere (Mexico) and not of the same quality in terms of design and craftsmanship. So I wanted to see what else was out there rather than just re-upping in my new size...hence I ended up spending more time reading here than I care to admit!
At least it was time well spent. I learned some tips to help achieve a better fit and found brands and styles that I didn't know existed. I was drawn to Aero, and settled on them for my jacket...and well, that quickly turned into 4 jackets. I'm not trying to dress exclusively in period-correct attire, but I do appreciate that Aero recreates vintage era styles. To me, many of them are timeless classics and I think they're very appealing.
And very confusing to order the right size! First Aero I got was the Pioneer model in brown CXLFQHH. I loved that design and it had just been discontinued, but I found a new one remaining in size 46. I himmed and hawwed about it, and my fiancee pulled the trigger and ordered it for me. I can wear some things in 46, but the Pioneer must be in a more relaxed fit/generous cut and it's just too big for me. I still have have it, and maybe I will sell it eventually. Even though it didn't fit I was blown away by the quality and hooked on Aero.
So I kept looking, armed now with a physical data point of how the Pioneer fit, measured, and my own measurements. In March I ended up ordering a 1930's Half Belt direct from Aero that they had in stock. It too is labeled as a 46, and being a much slimmer design actually fits great. I'd be happy if I had custom ordered it, but if I'm being real nitpicky I wouldn't mind an extra inch in length front and back. This one is also in CXLFQHH and it's in Black:
I'm 18 Ben and Jerry's pints tall...because I'm American and will measure in anything other than the metric lol.
Just a couple of weeks after that I stumbled on for a deal that was priced too low to pass up...plus I now had some more confidence in what kinds of measurements should fit me OK. I love the classic car coat style and this will make a nice winter coat for me. Also in Black FQHH and coincidentally made by the same Aero machinist as my 1930's HB, although this one was a custom order for its original owner in Texas.
Most recently, and what prompted me to think about posting...with Aero's sale of 25% off stock jackets going on this week, I ordered a Long Half Belt in brown Pinnacle. Has not arrived yet, but I'm really looking forward to this one.
