Dear Loungers,
I got a lot of information from reading all the threads here, and I wanted to contribute in return by showing my first Aero, in a model and leather that I've seen rarely on the Lounge: the plainsman model, in battered horsehide.
I exchanged with Holly from Aero, who was very helpful to answer all my questions (and several emails). She sent me samples of different leather and linings: photos are often deceiving, and seeing and feeling materials is critical (even if they do not fully allow to see what the full jacket will really look like).
I chose the plainsman model, because it was longer and with clean, elegant lines.
I wanted the jacket for cold weather, in a tough and water-resistant leather but not overly heavy. Thus, i chose horsehide but I decided against FQHH, because i did not want nor need a "stiff armor". I chose instead the battered horsehide, because it was still substantial but somewhat lighter - and i hoped that it would look quite nice. It was my first Aero, so I went with the somewhat conservative battered seal brown (same leather shown on aero site for the plainsman, supposedly).
For the lining, the Harris tweed sample felt to me the best combination of wear resistance, warmth retention and good looks.
For better warmth, i asked to change the cuffs to the storm cuffs (as on the highwayman). I think that it also makes the jacket lines even more clean.
I also asked an inside pocket, despite Holly's recommendation against it. I saw the threads on the possible effect of the "dreaded inside pocket". But for me, a jacket must be practical first (for the safety of my wallet and ID) and i do not like too much stuff in my pants' pockets.
I expected the waiting time to be significant, but the jacket arrived within several weeks.
The jacket was superb, with excellent craftsmanship. Even if not FQHH, the jacket is quite heavy and stands on its own for the moment.
However, I was surprised by the color of the hide, which looked medium brown rather than seal. Holly confirmed me that it was battered seal. Honestly, it looks like the battered brown seen on the Shackleton vest of Ken. But, I really love the color and i find it much better than the darkest seal sample i had.
The fit is exactly how i wanted. I love the jacket.
Now some photos (hoping that the flickr url copy/paste will work)
http://flic.kr/p/qVLvGU
http://flic.kr/p/qFv9JQ
http://flic.kr/p/qFu1bC
I got a lot of information from reading all the threads here, and I wanted to contribute in return by showing my first Aero, in a model and leather that I've seen rarely on the Lounge: the plainsman model, in battered horsehide.
I exchanged with Holly from Aero, who was very helpful to answer all my questions (and several emails). She sent me samples of different leather and linings: photos are often deceiving, and seeing and feeling materials is critical (even if they do not fully allow to see what the full jacket will really look like).
I chose the plainsman model, because it was longer and with clean, elegant lines.
I wanted the jacket for cold weather, in a tough and water-resistant leather but not overly heavy. Thus, i chose horsehide but I decided against FQHH, because i did not want nor need a "stiff armor". I chose instead the battered horsehide, because it was still substantial but somewhat lighter - and i hoped that it would look quite nice. It was my first Aero, so I went with the somewhat conservative battered seal brown (same leather shown on aero site for the plainsman, supposedly).
For the lining, the Harris tweed sample felt to me the best combination of wear resistance, warmth retention and good looks.
For better warmth, i asked to change the cuffs to the storm cuffs (as on the highwayman). I think that it also makes the jacket lines even more clean.
I also asked an inside pocket, despite Holly's recommendation against it. I saw the threads on the possible effect of the "dreaded inside pocket". But for me, a jacket must be practical first (for the safety of my wallet and ID) and i do not like too much stuff in my pants' pockets.
I expected the waiting time to be significant, but the jacket arrived within several weeks.
The jacket was superb, with excellent craftsmanship. Even if not FQHH, the jacket is quite heavy and stands on its own for the moment.
However, I was surprised by the color of the hide, which looked medium brown rather than seal. Holly confirmed me that it was battered seal. Honestly, it looks like the battered brown seen on the Shackleton vest of Ken. But, I really love the color and i find it much better than the darkest seal sample i had.
The fit is exactly how i wanted. I love the jacket.
Now some photos (hoping that the flickr url copy/paste will work)
http://flic.kr/p/qVLvGU
http://flic.kr/p/qFv9JQ
http://flic.kr/p/qFu1bC
