I've been lurking... now before order I have a few Questions

[mantis3214]

Edits-
-This jacket is being purchased to be used! This will need to be a functional jacket, so even if something isn't neccessaril screen accurate, if it aids to the functionality please let me know
-Also, do you think I should request of Gemma to send me the goat skin authentic brown sample? I am not yet convinced on color because they look so different in the pictures I see and they both look great!

Thanks.
________________________

Hi all!

I have been looking on the forums and my account activation email finally arrived! I am pretty sure I know what I am looking for, but I have some additional questions for my first leather jacket and first Wested:

Skin:
I got samples from Gemma (I received authentic and dark lamb, and dark goat), and although I love the feel and look of the lamb skin I just know it will be too fragile for me. Goat is what I will get. Color wise, I think I want the dark brown, but I am not 100% sure because I never got the authentic brown goat. Owners: authentic brown goat or dark brown goat?


Jacket Features:
I understand that the jacket comes by default with the action pleat, the pockets have the push buttons to keep them closed right?

What i want to know is:
-Is the Gusset under the arm is worth it? If it is no big deal, I dont think I need it.
-How many inside pockets are included by default? I like the idea of having an inside pocket for important things just in case... If only 1, can I get more and is there a common pocket people tend to get?
-Storm Flap: Is this really useful for those who dont have it? Do you wish you had it? For those who do have it, do you think its worth it? This is a LC feature correct? The others didnt have this on the jackets right?

Sizing:
-How should I go about determining my size? I have so far measured myself with a tape measure and the measurements are EXACT to the cm. Is this the way to go, or should I add an inch or something for each?
-Also, I am 18 and still growing a bit. My chest will most certainly increase in size, as I currently dont work out much and if I did it would definately increase. So would it be wise to get add a few inches to my current chest width?


Last question: Raiders or TOD? The only difference, as far as I have read, is an additional 1" for teh length... which doesnt sound bad at all. I think this is the way to go, so do I just say TOD jacket or must I say add an inch? etc..?? Also what about the collar? Must I specifiy I want a raiders collar size on a TOD jacket?

I know whatever I order will be beautiful and I will love it, but it is causing me so much trouble in figuring out what to order... that I get it right, you know? Thanks guys!

[BendingOak]

I took measurements of a old leather jacket that I have owned for about 25 years ( that fit me just the way I like). I sent those measurements to Wested and my jacket came out perfect. As for the other questions someone else will have to jump in here.

[Mr. Das]

1. You may not have the authentic goat sample, but it's the same colour as lamb, just different texture.

2. Gussets for me are worth it. I reach a lot and drive with my jacket on, so gussets give me a little more movement.

3. Default is one inside pocket on the left side.

4. Do you mean press studs? I don't think anyone has asked for a jacket without a stormflap. I had it on my first jacket and never ended up using it.

5. Don't measure yourself, you'll end up returning the jacket for a size issue. Stop by a tailor to get measured up. Do you wear a suit or own a tux? If you do, then you can save yourself the trip and write that down as your size. No need to upsize your jacket. Order your chest size and you'll have enough room. If you want Grandma sweater room, then order a size bigger.

6. Watch the Indy movies again. Do you want that length? If you do, then you'll have to request the length to Wested(give an actual measurement). IMHO, Wested's default Raiders length is a bit longer than what Ford wore in the movies.

[mantis3214]

thanks so far guys, I guess I will go to a tailor to get a good sizing done.

Mr. Das, what do you mean by " I don't think anyone has asked for a jacket without a stormflap. I had it on my first jacket and never ended up using it. "
Do you mean everyone gets their jacket with it but never really uses it?

[Colby]

I think he was talking about the press studs on the jacket. They are like buttons that pop on the top and bottom of the storm flap to keep the flap tight against the jacket. I had a bomber jacket with it and I never used them either. As far as I know everyone gets the storm flap and it comes standard since its screen accurate and it does have a use. I personally like the storm flap.

[agent5]

The storm flap is the strip of leather that covers the zipper. If you ask for no storm flap, you are changing the entire look of the jacket. It'll look slightly more like the Minority Report jacket in the front.

I've had a jacket with and without gussets and I don't think they do a ### thing except make more bunched up material under my arms. You do not need them, but if it makes you feel better, go ahead.

The action pleats are part of the jacket although you can order with an elastic to hold them down if you'd like. I never went with that. Yes, they are push buttons on the pockets.


If you have an authentic brown swatch, that is what the color is. It won't change just because it's on goat. If you want to see a nice, authentic brown goat, check out this thread:
http://www.rpf.invisionzone.com/index.p ... opic=98245
Jose and I ordered our Westeds together, his in goat, mine in lamb. His goat now looks so nice and worn in. Also notice how dark the color looks in pics. The authentic brown goat is hard to distress but once broken in it looks the most like the film used jackets, even though they were all lamb. See, they used a different tannery and a completely different method of producing the hides back when the films were made. Lamb used to be made very textured (like todays goat) but now are made with a more smooth finish (like todays lamb). The goat, as I'm sure you can see, has that textured look to it.

If going with an inside pocket, ask for the one with less leather. They'll understand. There are two different ways they do the inside pockets. You can also request two inside pockets if you wish.

You do need to specify collar width or you will end up with a 3" collar. Too big for my taste anyways. I think 2 1/2" is good, some have gone 2 1/4". Still, not bad.

I'm a Raiders guy so I'd have to say to go with a Raiders jacket. BUT, first make sure of the length of the jacket they intend to make without the extra 1", it may be long enough for you to begin with. When I started messing with extra inches, the jackets got messed up in terms of my sizing.

You're only 18 yrs old, man? I thought you had a house and a family already?

[Colby]

I got my jacket without the gussets and they seem fine to me although one gusset could be a bit more practical. I just ordered his standard no mods Raiders jacket on ebay. It doesn't have xbox stitching, no gussets, no elastic on the action pleats, and it wasn't 80's cut.

[agent5]

I agree with everything that agent5 said.

WOW! If I could only find a hot woman who thought like you do, Michaelson.

The only thing I'd mention is that I've found the action pleat (he means gussets) to be a nice addition if you have to raise your arms much, like I do. I pull things out of my car a lot, and it's nice to have that extra material in the armpits that allow for more forward and overhead movement without pulling the entire front of the jacket up.

I know you meant gussets, but I just wanted to clarrify that as to not confuse anyone at all. I've never had a problem driving in my Wested without gussets. But, we're all made differently and perhaps wear our jackets differently so it may work for anyone else where to me it makes little difference. I also happen to think the gussets to be a bit of an eyesore.

I did forget to mention that you should go with the black, rectangular sliders and NOT the D-rings for the side straps. The d-rings are sometimes prone to slipping while the sliders are not. If you don't specify, you may get the D-rings.

[mantis3214]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I take it from the most recent comments to:

-Not get gussets as they really aren't neccessary and they may have additional negative qualities.
-Get the storm flap because its supposed to be there!
-Give them my exact size, playing with sizes results in a messed up jacket.
-Get the black sliders because they are more practical than the d-rings.

-Goat looks great, I like the dark goat color, I think dark goat is the way to go.

And Agent5, why would you think i had a house and family ?

[Michaelson]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I take it from the most recent comments to:

-Not get gussets as they really aren't neccessary and they may have additional negative qualities.

Oh, well, never mind then.

Regards! Michaelson

[agent5]

And Agent5, why would you think i had a house and family

I thought you were a different Mantis. D'OH!!!

About the gussets. It's really a matter of personal choice. Some people swear by them and I found by experience that they weren't necessary for me. If you are planning on bulking up some, you may want to consider it. Just a thought.

[mantis3214]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I take it from the most recent comments to:

-Not get gussets as they really aren't neccessary and they may have additional negative qualities.

Oh, well, never mind then.

Regards! Michaelson

Hey man no hard feelings meant by any of my statements. I am hearing contradictory statements and I say things sorry if I appeared to ignore one statement over the other. Maybe gussets are in fact the way to go.

[Michaelson]

Understood. No problem.

What you're reading are just opinions from folks regarding how and what they do with what they own. In this example, agent5 has no use for gussets in his daily life, where I've found them quite useful in what I do. Neither are wrong. YOU have to decide what works best for you and YOUR lifestyle.

That's what we're all here for....to give opinions, and you pick and choose what works for YOU, as you're the one who will be putting out the bucks and living with your gear. Make it the way YOU want! You're on the right track, and you have a lot of personal experiences out there who are more than happy to tell you what they know.

Hey, a compromise! Have one arm made with a gusset, the other without. That way you can use the gusseted arm exclusively for waving at folks! Well, maybe not....

High regards! Michaelson

[Kt Templar]

Hey, a compromise! Have one arm made with a gusset, the other without. That way you can use the gusseted arm exclusively for waving at folks! Well, maybe not....

Sir, i think you may have hit on something here! Gusseted non tapered whip arm for better mobility and tapered non gusseted on the other for warmth. Why did we never think of it before!

I like taper and I like gussets. BTW and a smaller collar.

[Shawnkara]

Another two cents on the subject....

I've owned five Westeds now, one had gussetts. It seemed to me that they made the sleeves fit really tight in the upper arm. Keep in mind, this jacket was NOT made for me. I got it from a forum member. That may have had something to do with it. But the fit overall was great, with that one exception. Since the jacket fit properly aside from that I kinda figured the tightness was not a sizing issue but rather a design issue. But I could be wrong. Has anyone else had this problem with gussetts?

[indybill]

My two bits worth regarding your questions:

Gussets: Helpful if you plan on doing any reaching, especially overhead. I've not noticed any negatives to having them.

Storm flap: Required to be accurate. I recommend adding three hidden press studs as they detract nothing from the look and add some function in stormy weather.

Sizing: If you're still growing I'd go up a size and enjoy wearing your Wested for many years.

Raiders or TOD: IMHO Raiders is the jacket to have, but this is a very personal and subjective subject. You must choose the look that you want.

You are right; no matter what you order from Peter it will be a top notch job. The questions that you're asking will only determine your personal preferences and uniqueness of your jacket.

Good luck with your choices.

Regards,
Indybill

[Covenant]

Hi,

I am new to these boards and get the vibe that Wested is the way to go for my first jacket.

"Off the peg" for £130 to me that seems quite cheap for what appears to be a great jacket.

At this price I would be happy to wear it any time without fear of damaging it. I want to wear it, not display it and stress out if it gets a speck of dust on it!

So before I make my order, any thoughts, wise words or warnings you can give me are most appreciated.

Should I make my first jacket a Wested? Will Wested be the only jacket an Indy fan ever want/need?

Thanks.

[Michaelson]

Yep.... provided you buy either goatskin or horsehide, and make sure your specifications you provide Wested allow for any possibilities in terms of growth (due to age or weight ), it could very well be the only Indy jacket you'll ever own.

Regards! Michaelson

[Kt Templar]

I am new to these boards and get the vibe that Wested is the way to go for my first jacket.

"Off the peg" for £130 to me that seems quite cheap for what appears to be a great jacket.

Should I make my first jacket a Wested? Will Wested be the only jacket an Indy fan ever want/need?

Welcome Sir! Nice to see yet another Brit.

The Wested is amazing value, in the UK I don't believe you can buy better for under £250. If you weren't taking into account the amazing history it's still a great buy. At £139 on ebay off the peg or £145 made to measure from the shop you really cannot loose. If you are close enough to Swanley go there yourself, get measured up and save yourself the postage.

Will it be you last jacket? Er, probably not! This hobby is addictive, very addictive. Before long many Gearheads start contemplating a second jacket. Maybe the second colour you didn't go with first time, maybe a different cut, maybe a different leather. That evil man Peter has put in just enough variables to keep you wanting more for many years to come!

Other people have their favourites, esp the Flightsuits, but in the UK it has to be Wested in my book.

Welcome again, and enjoy! Pace yourself though!