Ribbon for zip on Aero Highwayman

[Andrew Putnam]

Bit of a noob question here but.. I'm looking at this jacket and noticed it just appears to have a cotton ribbon on the zip not a leather one. Is that normal? I know its probably no big deal just thought they were leather originally... and can you get replacements from Aero for them if needed?
Also are highwaymans better in steerhide than horse? I heard so.

 

[Peter Bowden]

I think that is leather-seems to have a rough and smooth side and is the typical shape of an Aero puller.I am biased towards horsehide in any jacket.

 

[Andrew Putnam]

Thanks very much Peter.
My only other concern apart from sizing is a small rip on the lining. I was thinking I could get a tailor to repair it? Any thoughts?

 

[zebedee]

A tailor could easily fix that- five minutes' work.

 

[Guppy]

Steer vs. Horse, people like what they like. Horween's CXL Steer is not to be underrated, it is one of the nicest leathers around. It differs from horse in that it tends to not be as stiff, breaks quicker and easier, and shows grain faster. FQHH is smoother and has a stiffer, harder hand. You can't go wrong either way, but depending on what you like, you may prefer one or the other.

That's a nice jacket. I was watching it, I already have owned enough Highwaymans that I didn't need to buy this one, but if you're in the market for one it's a good one.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Andrew, one thing to consider where we live is jacket weight. A heavy jacket with a wool liner may not get worn very much. Over 30 odd years, I have generally found that a 3oz weight leather isn't very practical in Melbourne and only gets a few weeks wear every year. You'll get a lot more wear out of goat, or mid weight horse.

 

[handymike]

Get the liner patched up. They tend to wear at the point where the jacket rubs the belt. Even more so where the adjuster straps are. The post above is correct that both Horween steer and horse are “lifetime” leathers. I personally prefer the old steerhide that Aero used up to 1992...Connolly.

 

[Andrew Putnam]

That's a nice jacket. I was watching it, I already have owned enough Highwaymans that I didn't need to buy this one, but if you're in the market for one it's a good one.

Yeah it's nice that it has an inside pocket...yes I know I know.. over time the inside pocket shape can "blemish" the exterior jacket- a price I am willing to pay in order not to have to keep my phone or wallet in my dacks. One of the things I always liked about jackets is inside pockets so very much a bonus. The leather nicely on the way to wearing in. However the lining, after the repair, wool.... I was wondering what type of lining this could be be..Maybe a wool lining previous to the Locharron Tartan? What can you say about that, anyone?

And the hardware; the antique brass is nice- I think that is a matt type of brass rather than bright and shiny?

I wonder how old the jacket is.

 

[Bennarion]

I saw this jacket on eBay. This is a good jacket. The tape should be made of leather, but do not worry. The lining is easy to repair. Look inside the pockets, you can find a tag with information.

 

[Bennarion]

I will say that the most important thing in a jacket is size. If it fits you well and likes to wear, you can ignore the rest.

 

[Andrew Putnam]

I will say that the most important thing in a jacket is size. If it fits you well and likes to wear, you can ignore the rest.

I would agree. I've had some jackets over the years that I just love wearing over the years, one today actually, most weren't leather though. However I have two which I bought 18 months ago online (leather) and I've just never been 100% comfortable with either.
I bought this my first Aero with the knowledge it may not work and that it could be moved on and another sought for the reason you mention.
Now just the wait til it arrives!

 

[Bennarion]

And the hardware; the antique brass is nice- I think that is a matt type of brass rather than bright and shiny?

The zipper on the jacket is brass shiny

 

[Peacoat]

Don't know why you think that is fabric. I can't tell from the photograph. All of my Aeros have the leather on the pull. If it is fabric, and you don't like it, I imagine Aero would send you a replacement at little or no charge.

As others have said, a seamstress or tailor could fix that tear in a few minutes.

 

[Andrew Putnam]

Don't know why you think that is fabric. I can't tell from the photograph. All of my Aeros have the leather on the pull. If it is fabric, and you don't like it, I imagine Aero would send you a replacement at little or no charge..

Thanks Peacoat. I've zoomed in on the pull enough now to realise it's too thick to be fabric.