Optimal Weight/Thickness

[Monitor]

leather is pretty much obsolete as a garment fabric. It has been replaced by lighter, more flexible, more economical, better fitting and more available fabrics.

I can agree with everything except for better fitting. That's just not true. Denim is close, canvas too, everything else is just lame.

 

[Guppy]

Except for a few applications such as fashion, welding,shoes and boots, motorcycle riding and a few others, leather is pretty much obsolete as a garment fabric.

But aside from that, what have the Romans done for US?

 

[dannyk]

I haven’t been here that long so maybe it’s been mentioned before years ago. But as we talk about optimal weights and thicknesses it always gets intersected with all the other quality concerns. And then personal preferences and stories. But in the last page of comments it’s come up about what look people are going for and what they use their jackets for etc... it would be a fascinating thread idea to discuss how all of us got into this obsession. Was it because of riding, a job, a movie you saw, a band you liked?

 

[JMax]

It's not a preference to wear heavier gear than necessary. Every working man wants stuff that's as light as possible, while still durable and functional for the job.

But by necessity, that stuff weighs more than just regular clothes. And when you are in the habit of wearing that stuff for years, you do get used to it. Now, if you're overburdened by your gear to the point that it takes a toll on your body, I'm thinking firemen and infantry type jobs, then probably when you get the chance you don't want to wear heavy stuff. But if you wear heavier clothing and it's not burdensome, then you may enjoy the feeling, and feel underdressed without it.

That was my thought, much better said than i did. Describes the root of my preference methinks.

 

[Peacoat]

I haven’t been here that long so maybe it’s been mentioned before years ago. But as we talk about optimal weights and thicknesses it always gets intersected with all the other quality concerns. And then personal preferences and stories. But in the last page of comments it’s come up about what look people are going for and what they use their jackets for etc... it would be a fascinating thread idea to discuss how all of us got into this obsession. Was it because of riding, a job, a movie you saw, a band you liked?

Or perhaps because of the Outerwear section here at the Fedora?

 

[dannyk]

Or perhaps because of the Outerwear section here at the Fedora?

That too! But you probably don’t find a place like this without some initial spark!

 

[nick123]

I haven’t been here that long so maybe it’s been mentioned before years ago. But as we talk about optimal weights and thicknesses it always gets intersected with all the other quality concerns. And then personal preferences and stories. But in the last page of comments it’s come up about what look people are going for and what they use their jackets for etc... it would be a fascinating thread idea to discuss how all of us got into this obsession. Was it because of riding, a job, a movie you saw, a band you liked?

It was a love of aviation that lead to the discovery of the A-2, among other things. Probably some Freuidian thing with my pilot dad. As I aged, I realized I just did not care for modernity, and especially today’s politcal correctness/commercial
music and culture, while my heart was stuck somewhere in the past, but not to the point where it has made me want to dress myself in full-blown days-passed-by attire. I’ll keep my shirt from Kohl’s on while I wear my A-2. In fact, I truly put little thought into what I wear. But I do value my possessions. If my A-2 reminds me of my dad, and my great uncle who was killed during the War, at times it makes me feel closer to them. Other times, it has nothing to do with sentimentality, and is simply “this looks neat/I appreciate the effort and thought that went into my jacket”.

 

[Hh121]

Did Aero used to offer much heavier horsehide? Like 4oz?

 

[Milesdeathescape]

This has to be the most common sense lacking thread in the fedora lounge.


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[Flightengineer]

It's unexpectedly how sometimes threads turning. From leather thickness to the sources and reasons of starting interest to the jackets.

 

[bn1966]

Box jacket in burgundy leather from 'Kays' catalogue at the age of 14, age of 18 an original G-1 flight jacket...... that was the beginning of the end

 

[ton312]

Did Aero used to offer much heavier horsehide? Like 4oz?

It was steer. And yes it was around 4.5oz. The j 106 I had was done up in it. That was a full 12lb monster jacket.

 

[bn1966]

Had a REALLY HEAVY leather jacket once, custom made for me Flight Wear (beautiful). Shocked Folk when I handed it to them..couldn't face the 'break-in' so sold it on

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I enjoy different weights of leather jackets up to 3 1/2 ounces. I don't care for one makers super heavy HH with the unusual stretch mark type grain and painted on finish that rarely if ever shows a patina or a weathered and rustic finish. Guess I like a leather that has or will show character regardless of weight. If I remember correctly my fascination with better leather jackets began with running across 'on line' custom ones that stood out compared to 'Mall' or more regular leather jackets. Rock stars never influenced me since most wear their jackets a couple sizes too small and with sleeves up to their elbows. Er...thanks but no thanks.
HD

 

[dannyk]

Well I did say a separate thread it would be a cool idea for not this one. Ha. So sorry for that. But I do hear the old Aero Connelly hide was amazing. I believe there is a thread about that somewhat active here.

 

[dannyk]

And the unnamed newer steer that a few people have used. Which I’m not sure is standard but I’ve heard you can ask for.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I'm pretty sure there is a 'what got you into leather' tread somewhere here already.

 

[dannyk]

I'm pretty sure there is a 'what got you into leather' tread somewhere here already.

Good to know as I said I may have missed it. I will search for it. Thank you.

 

[OceanBreeze]

I generally agree with your statement. That being said leather's incredible durability, ruggedness, and looks remain compelling to a minority of individuals. Also natural fibers like leather, cotton, and wool are better for the environment (though I won't pretend leather manufacturing is 100% green)

Found this info online:

Of course, wool and cotton clothing sheds fibers, too. But those materials biodegrade. Plastics contain potentially harmful additives and can absorb toxins, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), that they encounter floating in waterways—and then get ingested by small organisms, crustaceans, and fish. These particles can accumulate in the animals’ guts and tissues, potentially weakening immunity or disrupting their endocrine systems. Less is known about how that payload may accumulate up the food chain.

Except for a few applications such as fashion, welding,shoes and boots, motorcycle riding and a few others, leather is pretty much obsolete as a garment fabric. It has been replaced by lighter, more flexible, more economical, better fitting and more available fabrics. That said I have a couple of premium leather jackets which I wear occasionally. I enjoy the quality and construction of these. However, when headed out the door, I typically will grab a jacket made of a woven fabric.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I think the whole 'better for the environment' cry is elusive and largely rhetorical. We don't really know what is better and the calculations we use to establish which things are so are highly contestable.

Cotton, for instance, is also said to be one of the most environmentally destructive fabrics on earth because of the intensive use of pesticides used in its production in countries where the laws are flexible.

Take polar fleece. It's essentially recycled Coke bottles turned into a hard wearing fabric. I've heard lots of people call fleece the most environmentally friendly fabric around. If you look at it from one angle it may be that and if you can stomach wearing plastic on your torso...