New Highwayman too short. Help me correct this.

[HoosierDaddy]

This is what I asked Aero:
* +3" in body length
* +1.5" in sleeves
* +1cm longer collar (just slightly longer so it folds more easy)
* light heavy steer. Not midweight, but as light as the heavy steer comes
if you have it in the same color, otherwise use the same hide.

So in a way it comes dow to color. If they have same color in a thinner hide
then that will be nice.
If they dont, and offer horse, then I will ask about color and think about it.

I do think that what you have listed above will make for a much nicer fit than the first jacket ...although the sleeves might be a little long. I have a 34" shirtsleeve and wear a 26" jacket zip sleeve for motorcycle riding. As I understand it..the sleeve on your first jacket was 25". Just an added inch in sleeve length can make a noticable difference...but better a little long than too short.
Also...I use a plastic spray bottle of water to get my collar quite wet on all new Aero jackets...then crease and shape the collar while wet...and let dry.
Getting the hide that "you" want...plus a good fit that favors that particular jacket style is key to making it a very enjoyable experience and a premium jacket to treasure.
I am 6'2"...with a 34" shirtsleeve and slender. I've found that a 26" sleeve...and 26" body length serves me well for an all around jacket. However I have a few jackets mainly for "streetwear" that have a 25" sleeve and 25" body length that are borderline fit...and I wouldn't want any shorter.
Ordering on line isn't the easiest process...unless you happen to get the first jacket right...then the others come easy...and even custom work not such a gamble. I don't envy Aero..even though pros..trying to fit all different makes and models and then customize special desires as well from a distance. It is often hard enough on us(customers) to visualize what we need...and then take it a couple of steps further to what we think we want. If it all comes together..it is wonderful! If not...it seems quite the disaster.
Gathering info is key. Several on this forum have experience. Jansolo certainly with customization..and others added all the time with their new jackets. However...even with that...how you want your jacket to fit and look is up to you..and if feasible...Aero as well. We do expect for Aero to always get it right...and understand. Thank God and Aero for second chances....
HD

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

Yeah its really cool that they will do it.
If not, then I would have ordered another jacket in another style.

I have been using most of the morning to understand how much extra
I needed in sleeves. It isnt easy.
I think 1" could be enough but the leather is extremely thick and it will
get hard creases so thats why I went with 1.5.
If I have the arms down and measure then 1" is enough, but if I work the
arms up and down some and then lower them slowly to keep the
"break-in" creases then it looks like I need 1.5"
Im thinking that even if they are a little too long I have the zipsleeves
and I can wear them zipped when breaking in.
They become very tight and will make the jackets arms crease
a little higher, and then when its broken in it will fit with the zipps
opened up some. I think this will work.

I never wear shirts and doesnt even own a suit so I have no idea of
my shirtsleeve measure. The Cheyenne was my first ever made to fit garment.

On the Cheyenne I soaked a smaller towel in hot water and held around the
collar for a moment and then shaped it and let it dry. It works very good.
As soon as the warm weather came I started using it open all the time
and one of the sides of the jacket always wanted to fold outwards
so I did the same thing with the wet towel and folded the entire side
slightly inwards paying alot of attention to just under the collar
and it also worked like a charm.
On my Harley I just held the end of sleeves under running hot tap water
and then wore it until dry.
This method you speak of is similar and I´ll be sure to remember it.


I do have some days before Aero recieves the package and I could
ask Amanda to change the sleeve measure.
I will think about it hard for some days.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

I never wear shirts and doesnt even own a suit so I have no idea of my shirtsleeve measure. The Cheyenne was my first ever made to fit garment.

If it helps, check out the video and pictures here on how to measure your sleeves on an existing jacket using a measuring tape. I've purchased a few suits and sportsjackets from this made-to-measure suit vendor, and I used the same measurements to order my Aero jackets and made-to-measure dress shirts.

Note: the measurements from the above site are intended to be used for suit jackets and dress shirts, not overcoats. As such, you should expect that Aero will add about 2" to the measured length -- because overcoat sleeves >should< be longer than your shirt sleeve length.

I prefer my overcoat sleeve length a bit longer on a leather jacket (basically ending halfway between the wrist and first knuckle), and I find that both my Aeros fit very well. If this is not your preference then tell Amanda where you'd like it to fall.

At the very least, the videos and pics in that link should tell you how most "standard" sleeve measurements are taken so you and Amanda will have a base point of reference when discussing sleeve length.

PS I'm sure you're not running around Norway shirtless, right? lol

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

Hehe no I´m not shirtless, and Im really not running either.
You usually see me strolling along in a t-shirt and leather jacket.


Thank you very much for the link, I will use it.

 

[58panheadfan]

Hi Griff
For me, your jacket looks perfect in every way... for a typical 40's/50's Biker-Jacket like Buco J-21,J-22,J-23 or J-24 short version... my Buco J-21 has a 22" inch Back by Size 44" and I'm 180cm tall.

In these days biker-jackets were worn over belt line ;-)

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/americanmarketkawasaki/archive/2009/10/24

or i.e.

http://oscarapparel.blogspot.com/2009/07/buco-jackets.html

also, nothing can beat that classic D-Pocket style for a motorcycle jacket! But this is another story...

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

Wow. Thats alot of stuff on the pants.
I think its kinda cool, but I wouldnt go around like that
unless I lived in Tokyo

The second link was insane!! my heart startet beating faster
just by scrolling through all that horsepower. Thank you :eusa_clap

 

[kyboots]

Aero Windward

Have a possible opportunity to purchase a slightly used Windward in great shape that looks like should fit me. What about the Windward? Any comments thoughts? What to look for and likes and dislikes? Any opinions would be appreciated. thanks John

 

[Windward]

You can't go wrong with AERO's Windward

Have a possible opportunity to purchase a slightly used Windward in great shape that looks like should fit me. What about the Windward? Any comments thoughts? What to look for and likes and dislikes? Any opinions would be appreciated. thanks John

John - from my point of view AERO''s Windward is the best style in short (sporty) and stylish jacket that I have ever found on the market.
And I must say I love them! (ALL)
AERO's Windward looks different to the Highwayman and IMO better with more features and the broad waistband. The corded effects (similiar with the Hercules Jacket) looks great and is an eyecatcher.
If you like to have a real cool looking jacket you can't be dissapointed - please show us some pics if you purchased the Beauty!! But - if you like this style - like I do - be sure it will not the last . . .
I going to order different Windward jacket for all of the "5-?" seasons!!lol
Windward

 

[Windward]

Windward's jacket

John - greatings to Kentucky - here are some pics of the fit of "Windward's" jacket!
( Griff - greatings to Norway - and hope you dont mind!? )

Great Day to all!!

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

Offcourse I dont mind.
You have some of the best pics on the lounge and its a delight to see them.

I do however like the straight front of the Highwayman better.
But I agree, if it it fits, the Windward looks amazing!

 

[Seb Lucas]

The advantage of the Highwayman look for me, Griff, is its simplicity and classic, calm styling. You've picked a goody - now just get one long enough.

I'm fascinated by how different people's views are about jacket length. I like a good 3-4 inches over my beltline, but most here seem to like the short look - just covering the belt.

A lot of this is about how you are built. If you have long legs, like me, a short jacket just makes you look like you have no torso.

If you are a heavier build, perhaps the shorter look makes you look okay - thinner? Who knows. There must be some dressing/fashion principles to this.

To my taste, Griff, your Harley jacket is on teh short side already - I'd prefer an extra inch or so there. But all this is so subjective.

Good luck....

 

[captaincaveman1]

Yeah its really cool that they will do it.
If not, then I would have ordered another jacket in another style.

I have been using most of the morning to understand how much extra
I needed in sleeves. It isnt easy.
I think 1" could be enough but the leather is extremely thick and it will
get hard creases so thats why I went with 1.5.
If I have the arms down and measure then 1" is enough, but if I work the
arms up and down some and then lower them slowly to keep the
"break-in" creases then it looks like I need 1.5"
Im thinking that even if they are a little too long I have the zipsleeves
and I can wear them zipped when breaking in.
They become very tight and will make the jackets arms crease
a little higher, and then when its broken in it will fit with the zipps
opened up some. I think this will work.

About sleeves... I think this is the right approach because they certainly do pull up a bit after break-in. Plus, it's much easier to hem a sleeve in but really hard to add length.


Here's a horsehide jacket BEFORE break-in. Brand new w/ tags:

And look how much higher the sleeves are after ~1 year of break-in:

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

Yeah.

And also, that is a KILLER jacket you got right there my friend.
I love it.

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

I have decided to go FQHH on the jacket.

We talked it over at home and the steerhide was almost unwearable,
so she understood my side of it all.
Even if I really love it and want to have a jacket like that,
its not a "to-go" jacket.

I actually dont like the shinyness at all with the horse, but its better
then the saddle-like steer leather. I hope it will dull off after some rain
and wear.

Even if the first jacket had been long enough, there was still the collar
issue. Maybe most of you dont think about the collar, but for me
its one of the most important things on a jacket and it was very short.

I hope this new one will be what I always wanted.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Horse leather shine goes in a matter of minutes - just chuck it in the washing machine with a little soap and you're done. The drying takes the time: a few days. This will also make the jacket soft and easier to wear.

 

[Creeping Past]

Horse leather shine goes in a matter of minutes - just chuck it in the washing machine with a little soap and you're done. The drying takes the time: a few days. This will also make the jacket soft and easier to wear.

I'm always confused by those who want to punish their new leather jackets. All a matter of personal taste, of course, but what about just wearing it? Nature will take care of the rest.

How do you think those nice old jackets got to be soft, pliable and patina'd?

 

[HighandDry]

I have decided to go FQHH on the jacket.

We talked it over at home and the steerhide was almost unwearable,
so she understood my side of it all.
Even if I really love it and want to have a jacket like that,
its not a "to-go" jacket.

Griff,

I don't have a FQHH jacket, but everything that I've read points to it being as stiff as your steerhide. Why not go with a softer hide, such as vintage FQHH, mid-weight, or jerky?

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

I want the jacket stiff. I love the stiffness, it creates nice looking creases.

The problem is the weight. My jacket was almost 7 pounds,
and the new one will be longer so even heavier.

Amanda said the horsehide will certainly be lighter.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I'm always confused by those who want to punish their new leather jackets. All a matter of personal taste, of course, but what about just wearing it? Nature will take care of the rest.

How do you think those nice old jackets got to be soft, pliable and patina'd?

We're all different CP. I simply responded to his post that he didn't like shiny - a problem easily fixed.