Well, with all the U.S. Wings discussions floating about, I thought I'd post about the U.S. Wings Cotton Indy I recently acquired.
I picked this up used and for an unbelievable price of e-Bay, but it's as good as new! It makes a great warm weather jacket and is very comfortable to wear. It's not dark brown like the Wested cotton, rather, it's a tan colored jacket with a leather collar. (The collar goes nicely with my Akubra.) I like the fact that this is a little different. If I want to be "pure Indy" I can wear my beloved Wested Raiders, but this jacket is Indy enough without having folks yell "Hey, Indy" all the time. It also adds some color variety to the wardrobe.
I have no basis as to U.S. Wing's customer service, or the quality of their leather jackets, but this cotton feel pretty well made to me. It's the right weight when leather is too warm, but you need a little something extra than just a shirt or sweater. Here's the pics:
Nice jacket, Bink. It sort of looks like a cross between an Indy jacket and a barn coat. I prefer the dark cotton of the Wested, but this jacket looks nice too. I would like to see it on.
Primary problem...color. it was the biggest turn off. Secondary problem, bright brassy hardware rather than antiqued coloration, and last but not least, the infamous Wings sizing carried over to the cotton jacket. Other than those things, it had/has a LOT going for it in terms of durability, ease of care (machine wash with NO problems), and just plain comfort for cooler weather. Wested finally stepped up to the plate, and created what the fans wanted, forcing the Wings version to take a back seat. They've threatened several times to discontinue it, but apparently it's differences actually saved it, as it's 'different' enough from a standard Indy jacket to have folks who don't WANT that connection to pick them up.
If you're looking for a good alternative, but not technically 'Indy' correct color wise, it's a great choice, and a really good jacket!
If I can find a way to take a pic of myself with it on, I'll post a picture of the jacket on me. And yes, Hemmingway, it does remind me a little of a barn coat, but with style. That's another thing I like about it.
It's not as snug as my Wested, but being a cotton, I don't think I'd want it to be snug like my goatskin jacket. I like my lightweight jackets to "breathe" a little more. I could always take the sleeve length up just a smidge, but I think I'm going to leave the jacket as is.
I'd love to have a Wested cotton, but I think if I get another Wested, it'll be the horsehide!
binkmeisterRick wrote:I'd love to have a Wested cotton, but I think if I get another Wested, it'll be the horsehide!
Go the horse!
I think horse could actually be quite a compelling choice for many people - especially those who already have, say, a lamb & are now looking for something tougher, with just enough difference, colour-wise to make it worthwhile.
Horse deliviers on both counts Conversely, if I get another Wested, it will most likely be a lamb.
Rob, have you ever had a goat jacket? If so, how would you compare your new horsehide to the goat in terms of weight and drape. Oh, the goat doesn't have to be a Wested...they're all about the same. Regards. Michaelson
Conversely, if I get another Wested, it will most likely be a lamb.