archbury918
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 223
- Location
- wisconsin
For me, I feel it serves both fit and function. The zip provides a clean, smooth look.
Since it is designed to fit lower on your hip, a quick pull of the zip is all that is needed to fit comfortably when seated or especially driving.
When rising to stand, the jacket should fall back down naturally where it belongs without the need to adjust. It's not always necessary to zip, but when it's chilly out, you can quickly tell the difference.
A strap w/ buckle, particularly a few inches up is one more thing to catch and snag on doors when exiting. Also if you carry a laptop bag, it can tangle there as well.
It's all personal preference. I'm guessing the Army switched to the strap to save on jacket construction cost and time. Hence the later models w/ strap.
As I mentioned, if you snug up the strap, you will have it ride up your back while driving. If left so loose that it doesn't, it defeats it's clean line and look. Frankly, I'd remove it completely if they only came with a strap. Leather that thin and narrow in time will curl and look more shabby. I consider the B-6 a much more 'dressy' jacket. It wears well with a suit coat if the occasion calls for it.
Since it is designed to fit lower on your hip, a quick pull of the zip is all that is needed to fit comfortably when seated or especially driving.
When rising to stand, the jacket should fall back down naturally where it belongs without the need to adjust. It's not always necessary to zip, but when it's chilly out, you can quickly tell the difference.
A strap w/ buckle, particularly a few inches up is one more thing to catch and snag on doors when exiting. Also if you carry a laptop bag, it can tangle there as well.
It's all personal preference. I'm guessing the Army switched to the strap to save on jacket construction cost and time. Hence the later models w/ strap.
As I mentioned, if you snug up the strap, you will have it ride up your back while driving. If left so loose that it doesn't, it defeats it's clean line and look. Frankly, I'd remove it completely if they only came with a strap. Leather that thin and narrow in time will curl and look more shabby. I consider the B-6 a much more 'dressy' jacket. It wears well with a suit coat if the occasion calls for it.