New forum member brand (Rugged West)

[TartuWolf]

I didn't mean to imply it's a bad jacket or that these are deal breakers considering the price point.
Like I mentioned, I agree adding the zippers doesn't do a thing and seems unnecessary - guess the way I phrased it didn't make it clear.

All good, I'm pretty sure everyone on TFL wishes Leilah and her business all the best We analyse, discuss, identify problematic areas, suggest improvements.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

All good, I'm pretty sure everyone on TFL wishes Leilah and her business all the best

The more the merrier!

 

[MrProper]

I'm not sure if I've missed something, but wasn't it common practice here at TFL at some point to only discuss the fit of a jacket if this was requested as part of a fit check, for example?
I don't think it's nice when someone proudly presents their jacket and is obviously happy with it and then goes on to tell them all the things that don't fit on their new jacket.
I don't want to rule out the possibility that I haven't given my opinion without being asked, but I try not to.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

I'm not sure if I've missed something, but wasn't it common practice here at TFL at some point to only discuss the fit of a jacket if this was requested as part of a fit check, for example?
I don't think it's nice when someone proudly presents their jacket and is obviously happy with it and then goes on to tell them all the things that don't fit on their new jacket.
I don't want to rule out the possibility that I haven't given my opinion without being asked, but I try not to.

That's a fair point - but I feel like the comments were directed more at the maker and their design rather than how the jacket fit the person.

Tbh, I think the fit on the jacket is just fine and do hope that person continues to enjoy it.
It's just the other small details we got hung up on.

 

[herculance]

Got my Sentinel in black tea core.
View attachment 701164 View attachment 701165 View attachment 701166 View attachment 701167 View attachment 701168

Looks great on you! Love the shine too esp with a dressier outfit.

 

[Leilah RW]

Hey members,

I actually really appreciate the scrutiny some of my designs have received here - it’s genuinely helpful. I’d be a ***** to get defensive over people pointing out things that can help me improve.

I’m in the midst of reworking some of my patterns. I want to move away from anything that feels too much like a “fashion jacket” (each time that has been mentioned before I find myself shuddering ) and steer more into proper vintage repro territory. We did a test run for a new pattern using some really beautiful Tuscan steerhide and it turned out brilliantly. I’ll upload some pics here today.

Cuff circumference is definitely one of those tricky areas. I definitely agree that they need to be narrowed, but the question is by how much - I don’t want to make them uncomfortably tight. For example, my HD Cycle Queen has super snug cuffs - even on my tiny wrists, I can’t zip them down all the way, and the little opening it leaves at the bottom really irks me. That’s definitely something I want to avoid.

Also, big thank you to those who have posted pictures here. I’m always so happy (and proud) to share the thread with friends and family. Your support and feedback really mean a lot.

 

[NielsLyhne]

Can’t wait to see the new pattern @Leilah Wilde

 

[P2D]

Hey members,

I actually really appreciate the scrutiny some of my designs have received here - it’s genuinely helpful. I’d be a ***** to get defensive over people pointing out things that can help me improve.

I’m in the midst of reworking some of my patterns. I want to move away from anything that feels too much like a “fashion jacket” (each time that has been mentioned before I find myself shuddering ) and steer more into proper vintage repro territory. We did a test run for a new pattern using some really beautiful Tuscan steerhide and it turned out brilliantly. I’ll upload some pics here today.

Cuff circumference is definitely one of those tricky areas. I definitely agree that they need to be narrowed, but the question is by how much - I don’t want to make them uncomfortably tight. For example, my HD Cycle Queen has super snug cuffs - even on my tiny wrists, I can’t zip them down all the way, and the little opening it leaves at the bottom really irks me. That’s definitely something I want to avoid.

Also, big thank you to those who have posted pictures here. I’m always so happy (and proud) to share the thread with friends and family. Your support and feedback really mean a lot.

This level of humility is really impressive and appreciated

 

[Leilah RW]

Here it is! I think this may be my first ever “fit check” on TFL. Better late than never eh.

Walpier steerhide.
Riri zippers.
Cool little vintage brass buckles I managed to source here in London.
Went boujee with this one.

I’ve fought with myself about the length of the jacket. I deliberately gave it quite a large front drop because I really wanted that classic 40’s fit, but I’ve spent the last week or so wondering whether I went too short. Although admittedly I do like the way it accentuates my waist - I don’t think this would’ve been the case had I increased the overall length. Maybe I just need to start wearing higher waisted jeans.

 

[Alfredodelavega]

Here it is! I think this may be my first ever “fit check” on TFL. Better late than never eh.

Walpier steerhide.
Riri zippers.
Cool little vintage brass buckles I managed to source here in London.
Went boujee with this one.

I’ve fought with myself about the length of the jacket. I deliberately gave it quite a large front drop because I really wanted that classic 40’s fit, but I’ve spent the last week or so wondering whether I went too short. Although admittedly I do like the way it accentuates my waist - I don’t think this would’ve been the case had I increased the overall length. Maybe I just need to start wearing higher waisted jeans.


View attachment 701662

Very pretty, but we are on the edge, it shouldn't have been any shorter.

 

[herculance]

Here it is! I think this may be my first ever “fit check” on TFL. Better late than never eh.

Walpier steerhide.
Riri zippers.
Cool little vintage brass buckles I managed to source here in London.
Went boujee with this one.

I’ve fought with myself about the length of the jacket. I deliberately gave it quite a large front drop because I really wanted that classic 40’s fit, but I’ve spent the last week or so wondering whether I went too short. Although admittedly I do like the way it accentuates my waist - I don’t think this would’ve been the case had I increased the overall length. Maybe I just need to start wearing higher waisted jeans.


View attachment 701662

Great fit, Leilah! Agree that this is probably the shortest it should go, the 1/3 look is a classic.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

Here it is! I think this may be my first ever “fit check” on TFL. Better late than never eh.

Walpier steerhide.
Riri zippers.
Cool little vintage brass buckles I managed to source here in London.
Went boujee with this one.

I’ve fought with myself about the length of the jacket. I deliberately gave it quite a large front drop because I really wanted that classic 40’s fit, but I’ve spent the last week or so wondering whether I went too short. Although admittedly I do like the way it accentuates my waist - I don’t think this would’ve been the case had I increased the overall length. Maybe I just need to start wearing higher waisted jeans.


View attachment 701662

The overall fit is pretty good actually.

I just don't know about the pocket placements - they're all way too high.

 

[Leilah RW]

The overall fit is pretty good actually.

I just don't know about the pocket placements - they're all way too high.

As this one was mine, I chose the pocket placement intentionally. I seldom use handwarmers unless I’m storing a receipt or something, and I raised the chest pocket so it didn’t sit straight across my bust (that always creates a weird bulk on one side). For the men’s version, I’ll shorten the waist belt and shift all of the pockets lower down.

 

[P2D]

Here it is! I think this may be my first ever “fit check” on TFL. Better late than never eh.

Walpier steerhide.
Riri zippers.
Cool little vintage brass buckles I managed to source here in London.
Went boujee with this one.

I’ve fought with myself about the length of the jacket. I deliberately gave it quite a large front drop because I really wanted that classic 40’s fit, but I’ve spent the last week or so wondering whether I went too short. Although admittedly I do like the way it accentuates my waist - I don’t think this would’ve been the case had I increased the overall length. Maybe I just need to start wearing higher waisted jeans.


View attachment 701662

Shorter fit looks great. Was also
Concerned on pocket locations but saw you post and see they have been adapted for fit and use. So looks good to me

 

[Wellfounded_60]

Hey members,

I actually really appreciate the scrutiny some of my designs have received here - it’s genuinely helpful. I’d be a ***** to get defensive over people pointing out things that can help me improve.

I’m in the midst of reworking some of my patterns. I want to move away from anything that feels too much like a “fashion jacket” (each time that has been mentioned before I find myself shuddering ) and steer more into proper vintage repro territory. We did a test run for a new pattern using some really beautiful Tuscan steerhide and it turned out brilliantly. I’ll upload some pics here today.

Cuff circumference is definitely one of those tricky areas. I definitely agree that they need to be narrowed, but the question is by how much - I don’t want to make them uncomfortably tight. For example, my HD Cycle Queen has super snug cuffs - even on my tiny wrists, I can’t zip them down all the way, and the little opening it leaves at the bottom really irks me. That’s definitely something I want to avoid.

Also, big thank you to those who have posted pictures here. I’m always so happy (and proud) to share the thread with friends and family. Your support and feedback really mean a lot.

Hi Leilah, received my Cordovan Rough Rider yesterday and absolutely love it. Thanks for advice on sizing, worked out perfectly. I plan to post some fit photos up within a couple of days. The leather is spectacular, and your photos on the website capture the true color perfectly. Stitching is on point and the general fit in all areas (except one) I'm very happy with. My only thing is I tend to agree with what others have said on the cuff width. Without even being aware that was a concern here, I did notice they seemed a bit wide. I measured them compared to my other zip sleeve leather jackets (2 Simmons Bilt's and a Schott) and those all measured in at 5" straight across cuff. My RW measures at just under 5.5". Doesn't sound like much but it does make a difference..especially if I want to wear it with a short sleeve shirt. If the jacket had more of a taper over the bottom 9-10" of the sleeve I think it would be perfect. That said, with my other leather jackets it is tough to wear a watch and zip sleeve all the way comfortably, same with some denim shirts underneath and zipping all the way. No problems in that regard with this jacket. Maybe split the difference between 5 and 5.5 inches ..if you are looking for input? Defitiely not a dealbreaker, and I may and see if it's possible to have a tailor narrow the sleeves from just below the elbow down? I do looking forward to another RW jacket in the future!

 

[OBaoighill86]

Hello folks.

Recently stumbled across this brand & currently a little bit obsessed with these amazing jackets.

Can anyone give a rough idea of how long the timescale is between ordering & receiving the jacket (mainly to prevent me from spamming Leilah with any more questions)

I haven’t requested any alterations to size on the website, if that makes a difference?

 

[herculance]

Hello folks.

Recently stumbled across this brand & currently a little bit obsessed with these amazing jackets.

Can anyone give a rough idea of how long the timescale is between ordering & receiving the jacket (mainly to prevent me from spamming Leilah with any more questions)

I haven’t requested any alterations to size on the website, if that makes a difference?

I'm thinking it should take a week or so with shipping (depends where you are) if it's stock. Not sure if Leilah has resumed custom orders already. My custom took around 7 weeks production and received it in a week (London to USA) after it was picked up.

 

[Wellfounded_60]

Hello folks.

Recently stumbled across this brand & currently a little bit obsessed with these amazing jackets.

Can anyone give a rough idea of how long the timescale is between ordering & receiving the jacket (mainly to prevent me from spamming Leilah with any more questions)

I haven’t requested any alterations to size on the website, if that makes a difference?

I received mine within 2.5 weeks shipped to US via FedEx . Was a stock jacket in terms of not being custom.

 

[300e]

My stock Lonely Hunter in bison took 11 days from the UK to Ohio. I was impressed.

 

[Quest]

I got the Rugged Rider 2.0 Cordovan Special, after seeing the pictures and color contrast in this thread & Reddit. Got an off the Rack size 42, as I am pretty standard L/42 and most jackets fit me fine
and have never felt the need to be custom. I have a box shaped frame, so the measurements work with not much of an aggressive taper. It sits just below the belt, which looks fine on me, and I would not
worry if you prefer a more traditional higher sitting jacket, because I have scoliosis and am about one inch shorter than I should be lol at 5'11 instead of 6'0 (having repair surgery as a teen
bumped me from 5'9 to 5'11, but there's still an inch of spine compression). So for the overall pattern, everything is cut to where it needs to be for the 'standard sizes'

Best Bits:
- The color of the cordovan is just as pretty as the pictures! I won't post any dynamic photos as others have captured it much better with better cameras. It's a rich chocolate with hints of dark cherry that
really pops into a purple in any light, sun or artificial. Contrast with brass hardwear and it looks pretty great.
- I asked for a leather strap to be attached to the main zipper for that extra heritage look (seen on their other jackets), and it looks great.
- Lining is decent for the price. Easy to put on & off, has good warmth and breathability. Got lucky with the weather dipping back into the 55/60f range and wore it with a T-shirt. No overheating.
- Leather is going to require very little break in, fits fine and molds well. Great jacket to pick up and begin using, almost an 'easy mode' heritage style jacket.
- Cordovan color easier than expected to style with any denim color or chino.


Nitpicks:
- Saw the comments on the cuff size. It is the widest out of any jacket I have, but is not a personal pet peeve that I would really notice. Might be a deal-breaker for others. On the functionality side, it works just fine. The zipper tightens up and if you have gloves on, air isn't going to get in. I have pretty narrow wrists, so I thought the effect would be exaggerated.
- Smell ... its got the 'new car' chemical smell, versus any veg tan. My Best personal reference is a Shangri-La Explorator, which smelled like being in a forest of fresh cedar trees. It goes away, and I feel acceptable for this price point. If you were buying a used jacket in this range you aren't going to smell much anyway
- Double-sided zipper. I have never had a two sided zipper that is easy to use, and I almost never unzip the lower part in my own functions. Would prefer if every jacket was single zip, and this one used requires perfect alignment with the bottom and lower parts before it properly engages. Kinda have to have my middle or ring finger hold the lower part aligned with the top. On the plus side, it didn't let me 'make a mistake' and zip it up incorrectly and get stuck.
- Slight squeak noise on second day of wear, will see how it develops



Who is this for?

- Ballin' on a budget, you want that heritage pice but your Aero & Co are out of range. RW is well made and will last.
- Perfect counter to any 'mall fashion'. Why bother with Allsaints / Straight to Hell of the world, when there is so much more thought and care going into Rugged West for the same pricepoint?
- Someones first time, or a friend who wants to dip their toes in after finding out you have a wierd obsession with too many leather jackets! For the unnassuming customer who isn't a nerd, they are going to be blown away by the product.