New Jackets I picked up at Wested Leather

[crazylegsmurphy]

How's the construction? Does it feel like it will last you a decade or few; or does it feel like it might come apart at the seams after a few nights out on the town?

The Indy one looks like it is solid, but I think much of that has to do with the fact that this was Peter's control jacket. It looks like it should last quite a while, but I'm not really that hard on my clothing. I usually end up donating them long before they're wrecked due to them simply going out of style.

The other two jackets look solid as well. They all "feel" sturdy and strong. The sewing is tight and there are no loose threads or wonky lines. All the seams match up, and the patters are cut perfectly.

I have never owned an expensive leather jacket so I can't speak to how they compare, but they do look good. Time will tell I suppose, but as it's been said, for the price they're great.

I was able to get all three of these for £350 which is a pretty good deal I think.

 

[Papa M]

I was able to get all three of these for £350 which is a pretty good deal I think.

It sure sounds like a great deal. I always tend to go towards the more expensive brands but I figure that I should go and take a close look at these guys.

Thanks for the tip-off.

 

[Seb Lucas]

You guys should really do some searches and look up some of the old Wested discussion threads. We've already discussed here that Wested's jackets are movie wardrobe, made to look good on camera, and nowhere near the "milspec" construction standards of military flight jackets.

They're beautiful, and certainly put together well enough for ordinary use at their reasonable price, but they proably won't stand up to really rough treatment. (I had one of their lambskin jackets tear horribly... but they repaired it at no charge.)

My Wested goat is as strong as any other jacket Milspec or not I have owned. Lamb as leather is pretty poor at the best of times and likes to tear. I have owned dozens of leather jackets. What I will say about Wested is that they are not all that well cut. I personally would not buy anything other than a goat Indy from them as I think all the others look a bit like cheap knock-off jackets you might find at a market. The Indy pattern they have almost got right by now...

 

[BellyTank]

You guys should really do some searches and look up some of the old Wested discussion threads. We've already discussed here that Wested's jackets are movie wardrobe, made to look good on camera, and nowhere near the "milspec" construction standards of military flight jackets...

No harm discussing things particular to THESE 3 jackets, surely.
Since Crazylegsmurphy was asking for honest feedback on these jackets
and their fit and seems only too happy to talk about them.

I would hope that ANY "garment" costing hundreds of dollars should be up
to the task of allowing comfortable wear and SOME utility.
From what we can see, these ones seem somewhat lacking in the area
of comfort- stemming from the design.
Costume or not, they should be reasonably useable.

Mil-spec, can be totally disastrous anyway.


B
T

 

[Doctor Strange]

How did I become the naysayer?!?

Look, I am a major fan of Wested. Their jackets are definitely great for the price, and certainly well made by ordinary standards. My custom-sized Raiders jacket fits me better than any other garment I own! I love the thing, it's my standard lightweight leather. (And that unexpected free repair when it tore further convinced me that Peter is an ace!)

But... compared to my Gibson & Barnes jackets, the construction quality just isn't there. Not so much in the materials, but in the thread/sewing and how everything is attached beneath the surface.

My only point was that Westeds aren't built for hard use, they're designed to look good on camera. They are great for everyday wearing, but if I were planning on actual Indy-style adventures, I'd get myself a G&B Expedition!

 

[BellyTank]

It is clear that you are a fan of Wested.
But it really sounded like you were "putting your foot down" and trying to stop this discussion, with it's possible negative comments.
My mistake, if this was not the case.


B
T

 

[Doctor Strange]

I was just pointing out that there have been several significant Wested discussions in past years, and there's already a lot of info/opinion available if you search for it.

And that Wested's construction quality shouldn't be compared to the top makers of military/motorcycle jackets - it's not "bombproof", but is just fine for average wear. I didn't mean to imply that their jackets fall apart easily, just that they're not as "indestructible" as some others.

In their price range, Wested jackets are great!

 

[Seb Lucas]

I was just pointing out that there have been several significant Wested discussions in past years, and there's already a lot of info/opinion available if you search for it.

And that Wested's construction quality shouldn't be compared to the top makers of military/motorcycle jackets - it's not "bombproof", but is just fine for average wear. I didn't mean to imply that their jackets fall apart easily, just that they're not as "indestructible" as some others.

In their price range, Wested jackets are great!

Fair point, Doc. My G&B is far better made than my Wested.

 

[BellyTank]

Now it seems like Wested are being defended as "good for the price".
That's a little sad.


B
T

 

[Seb Lucas]

Now it seems like Wested are being defended as "good for the price".
That's a little sad.


B
T

Well they are good for the price... not sad, unless you think that Wested deserves special consideration. It's good that there is a middle-range maker that does reasonable work for affordable prices. But compare any Wested to a Vanson, Aero or G&B and you'll see clearly that some finesse is missing in the end product. Even Magnoli, whose affordable bespoke work is outsourced in Asia (India?) produces a highly refined product by comparison.