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NEW CALIFORNIAN VENTURA

Fanch

I'll Lock Up
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4,490
Location
Texas
When I compared measurements of my Ventura (left) and Aero Maxwell (right) from the top of the collar to the bottom of the jacket in the back, I found they were similar. To my way of thinking, both seem to fit exceptionally well, and both just barely clear my back pockets.

2016-04-30 14.34.36 HDR.jpg 2014-06-21 13.21.03.jpg
 

Fanch

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Messages
4,490
Location
Texas
And the Ventura (left) compared to my Sheene (right). I just tried on both the Ventura and Sheene with the same jeans and found both jackets to have virtually the same back length, or rather just barely clear my back pockets at the same point. Same clearance in front too.
2016-04-30 14.34.36 HDR.jpg 2015-08-18 14.51.23.jpg
 
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Fanch

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4,490
Location
Texas
When I saw the 25.5" back length shown on John Chapman's website, my only concern was that the Ventura might be too short, although as anyone can clearly see, if the Ventura were 27" in the back, it would be too long for me in the body.
 
Messages
17,511
Location
Chicago
When I saw the 25.5" back length shown on John Chapman's website, my only concern was that the Ventura might be too short, although as anyone can clearly see, if the Ventura were 27" in the back, it would be too long for me in the body.
Absolutely. It's a SPOT on fit. And it's got some really good looking roommates to boot!
 

Fanch

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4,490
Location
Texas
So basically you just close your eyes, reach into the closet and win.
I've finally got a few now that fit me. Unfortunately, this is probably the last week I can wear leather jackets to work (temps in the high 80's next week), whereas in Chicago you @ton312 still have a few weeks left this season to wear leather jackets.
 
Messages
17,511
Location
Chicago
I've finally got a few now that fit me. Unfortunately, this is probably the last week I can wear leather jackets to work (temps in the high 80's next week), whereas in Chicago you @ton312 still have a few weeks left this season to wear leather jackets.
Yeah but I tell ya I'm ready to hang 'em up and sport a t-shirt and dad shorts! Until my 30's HB arrives. Then it's t-shirt, dad shorts and that midnight blue beauty. All from the comfort and safety of my living room:)
 

tmitchell59

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7,750
Location
Illinois
The lighter colored jacket is the first Himel/GW Ventura. The second is a GW Ventura. Both are marked as size 44. Given the Himel/GW is the first it may have different characteristics. You can see the fit for yourselves.

Odd as it may seem, I don't know what leather the Darker jacket is.

 

Fanch

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Messages
4,490
Location
Texas
Terry, that was an exceptionally nice video illustrating two great jackets. If it were me, I think I'd prefer the less snug fit of the first, including the longer sleeves, although both seem like great fits, just different. I have enjoyed watching all of your videos that are far more informative than just pictures.
 

jacketjunkie

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,321
Location
Germany
Fanch, this jacket fits you perfect, no less! Coming from Goodwear the quality will be the best you can get, too. Congratulations! That's definitely a keeper, maybe the one. Seriously looks great on you.

Terry, another two great jackets. I'm waiting for pictures of your showroom where we can see them all together. Must be quite the collection by now! I'm currently at 7 jackets and I already consider institutionalizing myself, but there's another part in me who envies you and wants all these styles and jackets too. :D
 

Fanch

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,490
Location
Texas
It's interesting how Terry' still has the buckle sleeves while Fanch's has the Forbisher style.
I think that the original Californian Ventura pattern that JC sent to Himel might have had buckles on the sleeves but have a vague recollection of John telling me that he didn't send the buckles to Himel for whatever reason (recent memory not so good these days). No question the sleeve buckles add pizzazz, although I'm of two minds as I am told occasionally the buckles can snag on something. Honestly said though, I'm just as happy with the plain cuff as is. I wish that JC would chime in here, but he seems to be the ultimate non-self-promoter.
 
Messages
10,181
Location
Pasadena, CA
Buckles have been 100% snag-free here, @Fanch. One thing I ordered on mine was to not have the cuffs lined - well, I wanted them lined in leather, not fabric. Don't like snagging/wear from watches, etc. Great call. I love this jacket - but she's a tad short on me in the length. That is, in comparison to yours...
 

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