Thinking about Lost Worlds.. thoughts, experiences?

[MrProper]

I'll throw in my two cents... I don't own an LW jacket and never will, even though your jackets from LW are very nice and seem to be well made. I also like the leather, but unfortunately not the sales policy and also not the content of the website. It may be that it is my lack of English skills, but as I read and understand the texts, they come across very unappealing to me.
And if I don't like someone, I don't buy from them.
It could very well be that it's completely different offline, but I probably won't find out.

But I'm always happy to see your pictures of the LW jackets

 

[Gone]

If you look at the pea coat on his site, the first few pictures are my coat, it was ordered as a size 48, what I got was a size 46, it was the exact same measurements as my previous LW 46 pea, it was even labeled 46! he gave me the excuse that the pea coats are slim in size and told me that no one had ever complained about incorrect sizing (a bold face lie) this was my 6th LW that I had bought from Stewie and last. Never, never again for me. If I only bought things from people I like, I wouldn't buy anything, but this crossed the line for me. He made no effort or offer to make things right. Not the manly man he colours himself as by my standards.

 

[Aloysius]

My only way to reconcile these experiences is that there are some people (JMax, red, Carlos) who he personally likes and receive good service. The rest can burn, I suppose.

That sizing switch is beyond belief.

 

[photo2u]

If you look at the pea coat on his site, the first few pictures are my coat, it was ordered as a size 48, what I got was a size 46, it was the exact same measurements as my previous LW 46 pea, it was even labeled 46! he gave me the excuse that the pea coats are slim in size and told me that no one had ever complained about incorrect sizing (a bold face lie) this was my 6th LW that I had bought from Stewie and last. Never, never again for me. If I only bought things from people I like, I wouldn't buy anything, but this crossed the line for me. He made no effort or offer to make things right. Not the manly man he colours himself as by my standards.

I have two LW car coats (Bedford) One in size 42 and the other in size 44. Different colors but they fit the same. Things like these do happen often with some jacket makers. In my case, I wanted a little bigger size so that I can layer. It was not the case. However, at the end of the day, I chucked it and saw it as part of doing business with "premium jacket makers.

 

[Aloysius]

However, at the end of the day, I chucked it and saw it as part of doing business with "premium jacket makers.

Meanwhile, Schott is helping me troubleshoot something bought on a final sale basis at their factory clearance.

 

[AeroFan_07]

So I own and enjoy a Lost Words J23 that was ordred by a member here with several upgrades. I will upload photos of it but they are around on this site already. This specific LW J23 has Crown zips and the same rayon lining as the Easy Ryder, which if purchased today would be ~ 1k in upgrades, so it'll be a cold day before I sell this one off. Just FYI - the J23 has quilted lining with polyester fill as standard, and I found that lining to be a bit too warm overall. It fits perfect and even though it is not my daily driver jacket, I love wearing it when it's practical to do so. I have not ridden motorcycles in 10 years, but it would be my go-to if I still did.

As you will read here, I have sold and re-purchased this same Lost Worlds jacket once. I even, dumbly, tried to sell it again and finally decided it's staying with me. This is called The Fedora Lounge Effect - and it is both real and contageous. https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/lost-worlds-j23-version-2-0.101368/#post-2700481

Given Thurston's fit jacket model is used to determine your spec, if it was too short then that's an automatic remake, isn't it?

If that's the case, have you considered the Indian Ranger? No one but Aero (and on rare occasion, Sugar Cane) repros it. It comes with deadstock 50s Talons by default. Stunning design that's not seen nearly often enough.

I also own a Aero Indian Ranger, ordered custom through Carrie (Just sizing changes). It was built in Horween FQHH which as I understand it, they no longer offer for this style. I recieved it in the fall of 2020, and it is my daily driver jacket. I will post some updated photos of it soon, it's really been developing character, as I wear a backpack into and out of work each day, it's gaining character. The CXL FQHH on this one has really made it a second skin, even though it's not particurly "slim fit" of design.

That said, I think the OP is looking for something heavier, with more noticeable "edge" and "heft" to it. The IR is ~ 6 lbs and it is a solid, very usable jacket - espeically once broken in. The LW J23 is nearly 10.0 lbs, although a little more fitted of design, and it is also quite wearable. However it does take a lot to break in that beast, and it still even ofter ~ 3.5 years, and being shipped in and out, it's still more work to wear it.

 

[photo2u]

So I own and enjoy a Lost Words J23 that was ordred by a member here with several upgrades. I will upload photos of it but they are around on this site already. This specific LW J23 has Crown zips and the same rayon lining as the Easy Ryder, which if purchased today would be ~ 1k in upgrades, so it'll be a cold day before I sell this one off. Just FYI - the J23 has quilted lining with polyester fill as standard, and I found that lining to be a bit too warm overall. It fits perfect and even though it is not my daily driver jacket, I love wearing it when it's practical to do so. I have not ridden motorcycles in 10 years, but it would be my go-to if I still did.

As you will read here, I have sold and re-purchased this same Lost Worlds jacket once. I even, dumbly, tried to sell it again and finally decided it's staying with me. This is called The Fedora Lounge Effect - and it is both real and contageous. https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/lost-worlds-j23-version-2-0.101368/#post-2700481



I also own a Aero Indian Ranger, ordered custom through Carrie (Just sizing changes). It was built in Horween FQHH which as I understand it, they no longer offer for this style. I recieved it in the fall of 2020, and it is my daily driver jacket. I will post some updated photos of it soon, it's really been developing character, as I wear a backpack into and out of work each day, it's gaining character. The CXL FQHH on this one has really made it a second skin, even though it's not particurly "slim fit" of design.

That said, I think the OP is looking for something heavier, with more noticeable "edge" and "heft" to it. The IR is ~ 6 lbs and it is a solid, very usable jacket - espeically once broken in. The LW J23 is nearly 9.0 lbs, although a little more fitted of design, and it is also quite wearable. However it does take a lot to break in that beast, and it still even ofter ~ 3.5 years, and being shipped in and out, it's still more work to wear it.

Randy, you know I have called dibs on your j23 jacket if you ever decide to sell. LOL. I should off jump at the opportunity when you briefly had it for sale. I also regret not getting your HD cycle king. The hide-in that CK is no longer available for that jacket. That is 0-2 for me with your jackets. In TfL, you must pull the trigger fast. If you snooze, you will lose. LOL.

 

[Schambach]

Every time I read the macho nonsense on the lost worlds site, I write them off and decide that I'm better off without one of his jackets. But then I see a jacket like AeroFan_07s j23 and all of that is out the door. Holy shit that is a badass jacket. I definitely need a lost worlds at some point.

 

[ton312]

My only way to reconcile these experiences is that there are some people (JMax, red, Carlos) who he personally likes and receive good service. The rest can burn, I suppose.

That sizing switch is beyond belief.

I think anyone willing to pay for Stu’s terms and conditions will be ok. I personally can’t accept an upcharge to “reserve” a hide that is/was(?)allegedly standard, nor can I accept an upcharge to lengthen a standard sleeve cuff. My God it’s the simplest cuff design found on any jacket. It’s just a matter of measuring FFS.

But that’s how he lays it out. Up to the customer to decide if they are willing to accept that. You can’t argue the craftsmanship or the quality. In my mind that goes without saying with regard to LW. They are indeed top tier (minus the stock zippers).

But there’s a lot of top tier to choose from too, some with friendlier policies.

I’m also sure if I ever find a Ryder with acceptable sleeves, I’ll buy it instantly.

 

[JMax]

I don’t need to fiddle with the measurements of his stock jackets. It is easier for me. He knows I like how they fit, so easier for him.

The only upcharge for me was for the crown package on the LTB. It was not close to $500, let alone $750. Of course, you can just order the crown main zip and not crown it all out.

 

[Damon141]

I’ve had three ryders, all with 24” sleeves….
A massive 48”
A “long” 44”
A “standard” 44”
So I assume the that IS the stock sleeve measurement, which is why I presume the fee to alter is sort of a baked in upcharge.

24” sleeve lengths with large body diameter…..this could be the maker to cater to me for once lol. I’m tired of you talking people getting all the goods.

Marketing, judging by what you say he should start at a price point like most bespoke makers THEN he could offer a 10% discount for stock patterns.
I get it, it’s hard to imagine being charged for alterations on a jacket not built yet.

 

[ChewingWax]

There are options. In my book, thicker is not always better. It's all about the application of the jacket. LW has a very talented team. Their prices are high but are many who had paid for their talented skills myself included. However, a nice used Vanson model E can be purchased for 1/10th the price of a new j23.
Here are my views. The j23 is one of my favorite models from lw. Not very accurate to the original j23 but very well made. My principal issue with Stu is the nickel-and-dime business model he follows. If his business model would have been different, I would have added 5 to 6 jackets to the 8 I currently own from his line. Just to give you an idea, He wanted about 300 dollars just to make the sleeves 1 inch shorter despite all of the extras I was willing to pay for some upgrades to a new jacket.
A top-of-the-line jacket manufacturer should and (expects) to include excellent hardware to go with his regular jacket lines. There are new hardware makers such as lenzip,Ideal and YKK who currently produce hardware that will not break the bank. In a j23 jacket, it can run up to 750 in zippers alone. If you want the sleeves altered. There is an additional charge of more than $300.
If you do the math, it adds up quickly. $2150 plus zips $750, shortening sleeve 1 inch at least $300 Don't Forget, shipping is an additional $90. and good old tax $300. Total price $3300. By the way, it does not include a belt. $250 plus tax if you want it. I strongly recommend getting a more accurate and less expensive leather belt that can easily be purchased for 30 dollars new.
If I remember correctly, members here have sold used Vansons model E for less than $400 delivered. The vanson's route is a no-brainer in my book. I also own a super heavy and thick leather PJ27 from Vanson that is a beauty. I paid $200 DELIVERED from a very nice TFL member. LW version (better quality) of the jp27 will set you back $2250 delivered within the US of course.

After dealing with Stu for more than 20 years, I threw in the towel two years ago. There is only so much bull I can take.

In what ways is the LW J23 not very accurate?

 

[Aloysius]

I don’t need to fiddle with the measurements of his stock jackets. It is easier for me. He knows I like how they fit, so easier for him.

The only upcharge for me was for the crown package on the LTB. It was not close to $500, let alone $750. Of course, you can just order the crown main zip and not crown it all out.

How tall are you? I’m 6’1“ and I find the stock 40 and 42 with most makers is long enough for my arms, but if the LW I like (Leathertogs mostly) come with 24” sleeves stock, I’m screwed.

(I do have one jacket I love for its features that’s shorter than it should be; I might end up moving it along but it’s nice to have for its aesthetics when I’m not wearing it lol.)

 

[photo2u]

I don’t need to fiddle with the measurements of his stock jackets. It is easier for me. He knows I like how they fit, so easier for him.

The only upcharge for me was for the crown package on the LTB. It was not close to $500, let alone $750. Of course, you can just order the crown main zip and not crown it all out.

Stu does have a simple sizing method that has worked for me. He asks you for your H&W to give you the proper size. The LTB is a thing of beauty and is my next jacket to purchase. There is so much work on that jacket that is truly a nice old-school jacket. Please remember the LTB has only 3 smaller zippers. The J23 has 7. Since we are writing about crowns, I would like to see the gold-plated NONE spring rectangular pull on that jacket. But if I ever ask Johnson leathers or others, I will use the Talon #10 with the fat teeth. I have some in the 30's crown NOS nickel chevron zippers that are just wonderful, and it will think they will match nicely. Because of the cut, a heavy dark brown will work for me.

 

[ton312]

How tall are you? I’m 6’1“ and I find the stock 40 and 42 with most makers is long enough for my arms, but if the LW I like (Leathertogs mostly) come with 24” sleeves stock, I’m screwed.

(I do have one jacket I love for its features that’s shorter than it should be; I might end up moving it along but it’s nice to have for its aesthetics when I’m not wearing it lol.)

I bet the LT has longer sleeves as “standard” my j-23 (x2) both had 25.5”-26” sleeves. The m/c cuts run longer in the sleeves in my experience. Which makes the Ryder cut all the more frustrating, as the sleeve itself is a far more simple config.

 

[JMax]

My LT B in a 44 has 25” sleeves, a tad under. Good for me on the bike and my tall apes.

I can measure all the other ones tomorrow. I am sure the PJ27 has 24-24.5” sleeves which work for me too but less so on the bike. I think the Trojan and J23 will be around 25” and the CHP perhaps a tad more. I’ll verify to tomorrow. So 25” ballpark in size 44.

I did buy a few 2d hand but have discussed all of their sizing, measurements and fit with Stuart when placing an order with him.

Yes, Stuart years ago asked for my height and weight. He said I will most often be a 44 in his jackets.

 

[Aloysius]

25” sleeves on a size 44??? Does Stu have a grudge against tall people?

 

[JMax]

25” sleeves on a size 44??? Does Stu have a grudge against tall people?

I think he truly appreciates shorter folks. Whatever it is, works for me.

BTW- I measure sleeves straight down from shoulder hem to cuff, not around the bend.

 

[Pandemic]

Stu does have a simple sizing method that has worked for me. He asks you for your H&W to give you the proper size. M

This does not sound like a good way to size. For example, @Marc mndt and I are the same height and weight. His chest is 42 and mine is 38 and I’m sure there are some other significant differences.

 

[Aloysius]

I think he truly appreciates shorter folks. Whatever it is, works for me.

BTW- I measure sleeves straight down from shoulder hem to cuff, not around the bend.

So do I. What bizarre sizing.

You expect extra-short sleeves from East Asian makers. not American ones.