Just got my first Wested (with pics)

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:05 pm

Hey guys I just was getting ready today, when I got a knock on my door and got my first Wested. I am going to post a few pics in this thread and you guys can click on the links for more. The only nit picks I have might be the collar, I think it might be a bit big. I measured it and it was around 3" The other thing is I asked for rectangular buckles and I got black d-rings. The pockets I think are right on, and the zipper could be a bit more down. It fits like a suit jacket, so I guess I better keep watch of my weight

What is your guys input? I think I might go with goat next time that is if there is any left for me. This is authentic brown lambskin (customized) Well now my satisfaction is over, any things you guys notice let me know. Now all I got to do is get a hat. Thanks and enjoy.

IndianaChris

Here is a shot of the seams in the back

Here are more pictures as well, some are duplicates of the ones above for a bit bigger picture.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/221 ... 4467_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/221 ... cfc0_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/221 ... 7072_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/221 ... ccd1_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2226/221 ... fa29_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2079/221 ... e1a0_b.jpg

Nebraska Brad · Post by **Nebraska Brad** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:11 pm

Congrats on the new jacket. It looks great!

-Nebraska

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:38 pm

Thanks Nebraska Brad, I think I may go for a 42 next time unless someone chimes in not to, it sure does fit like a suit jacket. I appreciate the compliments.

IndianaChris

Nebraska Brad · Post by **Nebraska Brad** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:55 pm

IndianaChris,

What size is it? Mine is a 42 custom and it fits well as I have a 42+ chest and a 32" waist. The 80's fit made a big difference in the fit as my last one was very big around the middle. . Did you specify any details about sleeve taper? That is something I wish I would have got nailed down. I asked Gemma about it but never was able to get confirmation on that as a possibility. Maybe next time.

-Nebraska

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:22 pm

It is a size 40, I just recently a few months ago got sized up for some suits and they are a size 40, My chest is measured around a 39 so a 40 does well for me. I guess I am just not used to a leather jacket being like a suit jacket. I did not specify anything about sleeve taper, I pretty much gave Agent5's specs. I did try to e-mail them something about sending me samples of leather, I did not get a response about that. I got no samples with my jacket either unless they hid them in the pockets. I don't know what jacket to get next, I was thinking a novapella LC maybe. Now that Peter just announced goatskin, I am not sure if I should get one or not. The only reason I was thinking of a 42 next time was it would give me a few inches so we will see. I have a waist of 32 as well, I did not mention waist to Peter so I don't know if that would have helped or not. I don't know what jacket to get next, right now I just need my hat and I am pretty much set, the whip I am not sure when I am going to get, maybe I could save up some money and get it before the film comes out. I really don't know what jacket to get next. I am leaning either towards a goatskin Raiders or a LC Novapelle, maybe Raiders in Horsehide.

IndianaChris

Nebraska Brad · Post by **Nebraska Brad** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:48 pm

My suit jacket size is a 41 but in an Indy jacket that is too small. In fact, if I zip my 42 Wested up it is just a tad tight in the chest but I would not want to go any bigger. I think a suit jacket can be tighter in the chest since it generally does not close very near to the collar and hangs more open.

I hear you on what jacket to get next. Goat sounds appealing. I should be getting some samples soon. Decisions, decisions...

-Nebraska

RockBottom · Post by **RockBottom** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 9:56 pm

Nebraska Brad wrote:My suit jacket size is a 41 but in an Indy jacket that is too small. In fact, if I zip my 42 Wested up it is just a tad tight in the chest but I would not want to go any bigger. I think a suit jacket can be tighter in the chest since it generally does not close very near to the collar and hangs more open.

I hear you on what jacket to get next. Goat sounds appealing. I should be getting some samples soon. Decisions, decisions...

-Nebraska

I wear a 48 suit jacket and the Wested I got last week is a 48 and it fit fine in the chest. I just had to have the sleeves shortened.

Having just gotten it back from the tailor this afternoon, I've been putting Pecards on it. I'm amazing at how it stunk that stuff up. I can almost hear it slurping. Really softened it nicely. I could tell much difference when I put Pecards on my lamb A2.

Indiana Kev · Post by **Indiana Kev** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:16 pm

Nice jacket...those pockets look good.

Indiana Max · Post by **Indiana Max** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 9:47 am

Wested looks great

HANSOLOJONES · Post by **HANSOLOJONES** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 9:52 am

LOOKIN GOOD!

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:42 pm

the SA nazi's would reitterate everything that you commented on plus:

- the jacket looks to be a little short
- for lambskin, that collar looks very rigid....perhaps needs some breaking in but when i viewed it, i though it was a horsehide jacket
- the arm seam meets the yoke seam at the same level (it should be below the yoke). this seems to be a growing trend with the wested's coming out....peter, someone needs to get their hands slapped

the jacket lovers would say:

that jacket does look great on you. you wear that fitted look well. wested's lamb, i find, has always been a very luxurious hide and is very comfortable to wear. congratulations!

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:06 pm

Indiana G wrote:the SA nazi's would reitterate everything that you commented on plus:

- the jacket looks to be a little short
- for lambskin, that collar looks very rigid....perhaps needs some breaking in but when i viewed it, i though it was a horsehide jacket
- the arm seam meets the yoke seam at the same level (it should be below the yoke). this seems to be a growing trend with the wested's coming out....peter, someone needs to get their hands slapped

Ya I am not sure about the collar, whether to send it back or not, its only off by 1/4 inch or so. It did feel short when I put it on, but I realized it did go past my waist a few inches, about 3 or 4. My shirt in the picture is over my waist in that shot. Ya the jacket in spankin' new. I don't what to do to get it worn in. I think I might try _'s idea, putting in the washer. Let it dry, see what that does. Any ideas? I thought it looked dark for a lamb myself, then I got it in bright sunlight and lamb color stood out. As for the arm seam at same level as yoke, I requested it and they just did not meet my specs. I thought they nailed the pockets though. Thanks for the compliments G, I don't know what jacket I may get next from them for a Raiders, I am leaning either horsehide or goat if they still have any left. I just hope they get my specs right, is it better to talk to Peter on the phone when ordering or online, this one was online. I just don't want to run up my phone bill again.

IndianaChris

jones the whip · Post by **jones the whip** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:07 pm

Great pics, and a superb looking jacket. The collar and pockets really do look perfect to me, obviously, it's very new looking at the moment.
Is this Wested jacket a 'Raiders' or 'LC'?
The reason I'm asking is that I should receive my first Wested next week, an LC custom, and seeing yours, I'm so glad I choose authentic brown lambskin.
Whose fedora have you gone with?
LTW.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:14 pm

I wouldn't let the little things bug you, you've got a great fitting jacket there.

See the arm seams 'look' like they are below the yoke, even though we know they are not. The arm holes are high and the pockets look nicely in proportion.

You could do with it being an inch longer in the body but that is personal taste.

You can buy some rectangular sliders online for a few dollars. So don't let that bother you either.

The collar should relax with wear to.

Wear it and enjoy.

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:16 pm

Jones the whip, thanks for the compliments, it is a Raiders jacket. I was surprised how well the authentic brown looks, hope your LC custom arrives soon, it was over a month when I got my wested. As for a Fedora, I am getting one from Magnoli, hopefully to get one soon. Also one from Steve, which I probably won't get until later this year, but it will be worth the wait.

I was thinking of getting one from Marc, but his prices have increased enough that I just cannot afford it right now.

Best

IndianaChris

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:24 pm

Thanks KT, how do I replace the D-rings with rectangular ones? I guess you would have to pull the stitching or something right? Thanks for the compliments, I appreciate them. I may go with a 42 next time, it depends, but I love the jacket. I don't mind the d-rings, just did not know you could replace them. Thanks again KT.

IndianaChris

jones the whip · Post by **jones the whip** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:27 pm

Thanks mate, good luck in your continuing quest.
Believe it or not, I live approx 20 mins from Barhill, near Cambridge, England, where they shape the Herbert Johnson fedora's for Swaine Adeney. However, it's still taking them until April to get mine (ordered last November!!).
JTW.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:29 pm

IndianaChris711 wrote:Thanks KT, how do I replace the D-rings with rectangular ones? I guess you would have to pull the stitching or something right? Thanks for the compliments, I appreciate them. I may go with a 42 next time, it depends, but I love the jacket. I don't mind the d-rings, just did not know you could replace them. Thanks again KT.

IndianaChris

You can find a couple of tutorials if you do a search, it's a piece of cake. Turn the D-ring around and you'll see they are not welded so they can be pried open with pliers. No unstitching required!

.

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:34 pm

Oh wow,

Did not know that. I will try to do some searches on it and see what I come up with. Where do I purchase rectangular black slides from though? Thanks Kt.

IndianaChris

Doug C · Post by **Doug C** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 2:56 pm

IndianaChris - the jacket looks great, don't think a thing about the collar..to me it just looks "new", too new probably. I recommend getting the collar (atleast) good and damp then shape it by hand while watching a movie (an Indy one of course)

. I echoe what the others say about the pockets, they are nice and I love the rounded corners Wested is doing to them now.

Here's where you can get the 1 inch rectangular buckles in flat black (metal loops at the top) I recently bought some (you'll need 4 total), $8 delivered in the US: http://www.strapworks.com/slides_loops_ ... s_s/32.htm

Doug C

JulianK · Post by **JulianK** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:14 pm

I don't what to do to get it worn in.

Here's a radical idea: Wear it!

...and I mean everywhere. Sleep in it even. The lamb breaks in very quickly.

*edit*

If you get the rings from strapworks; do yourself a favour and get a couple extra. They're not as thick as the ones on your Wested and if you're not careful with the pliers you will bend them too much which will either break one or cause the coating to come off. For a couple extra bucks it's cheap insurance. You'll also find that they look better than the ones that came with the jacket and will not slide like them either. Great cheap modification!

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 3:39 pm

I just put a shot of the seams in the back for those want to look.

Doug C, ya I know the jacket feels too new, I will try what you said dampening the collar pretty good and just kind of shaping it, while I am watching an Indy movie.

I love the pockets too, just look really great. Thanks for the help.

JulianK, thanks for giving me the advice of wearing it. I was going to wear it when the weather gets cool here not so freaking cold, but it is good to wear inside. I am wearing it now as I type. Maybe I will sleep in it

It is quite comfortable, your right the more I wear it, the more it breaks in. I will probably buy 8, that should be enough right? Just in case I break 4 of them.

I appreciate all the help and comments guys, I just am starting to really get used to the jacket. Great jacket Peter keep up the good work.

IndianaChris

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 4:20 pm

i stand corrected......it looks like wested nailed the proper alignment for the sleeve and yoke seam. (thanks for the PM chris711).

....man, i can't get over those pocket flaps either....perfect imo.

that's a great jacket you have there chris, in fit, quality and pedigree to the IJ franchise. be proud to wear it

Erri · Post by **Erri** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 6:46 pm

This is one of the best raiders jacket i've seen in a while. Nice purchase!

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:04 pm

Thanks for the generous, compliments on the jacket. I get a lot of nice compliments on the jacket when wearing it now. I am extremely proud to wear this jacket. I took it outside today and it was a raining a bit, not heavy, I wiped the rain all over the jacket to try to get it give a little, it has a little bit, but not much, when it gets warmer out and it rain pretty good I probably will take it out for good soak. I had a leather jacket for a long while and it took years to get it distressed to what it is today.

When I get my next jacket, if I want a longer body do I just mention back length to wested, or just say I want the body at 26 inches, cause I do think it could be a bit longer. Thanks again for the compliments G and erri_wan, in time this jacket will get distressed enough to look more close to Raiders.

IndianaChris

Gater · Post by **Gater** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:34 pm

you had the same thing happen as I did, which is to say LC collar on a Raiders jacket. Sadly, it does happen..I HATED mine to begin with! But I got used to it and am glad that I didn't bother to send it back. Any local leather tailor can cut it down and reattach it, too, but even that I couldn't be too concerned with. I wear my Raiders lamb almost daily, and it is one of my favorite posessions.

It looks good on you, so I wouldn't worry about a thing! Just wear it a lot, and it'll break in nicely

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:07 pm

Ya I am not too worried about the collar, I mean its about 3 inches, a quarter of an inch off, not a big deal. I love the jacket and have been wearing it pretty much at least everyday. Just trying to get it broke in as much as possible. When the warmer weather breaks out, then I will be wearing it more outside than inside. Thanks.

IndianaChris

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:39 pm

That is a very nice jacket!

bullit · Post by **bullit** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:22 am

It's a quality looking Jacket, all looks good to me!
I tried the rectangular sliders from stapworks but took em off as they were too loose, also they didn't look very neat after you bent them a few times.

Bullitt.

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:49 pm

I just bought some of the rectangular ones from strapworks. I guess I will see how it goes when I get them. I am going to try to bend them as little as possible.

Bullit, do you mean the strap was loose in the sliders or were the sliders too loose? The places where it needs to bend should be inside the leather so no one is really going to see it. I guess I will find out when they get here. Thanks for the comments on my jacket, really is starting to loosen up a bit now.

IndianaChris

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:53 pm

I have the say the fit on the back looks right. Too often it looks like the shoulder fit is too small. Not in this case.

bullit · Post by **bullit** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 4:57 am

I used the rectangular sliders from strapworks on my 2 year old Wested ROTLA Goatskin. The side straps were loose in the sliders and pulled through easily. Also they went out of shape as a result of fiddling to get them on. Thats not to say you will have the same problem, but they just were't for me.
I asked Peter to put rectangular sliders on my Cow TOD and they are superb.

Bullit.

PETER · Post by **PETER** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:56 am

If anyone wants sliders for our make jackets sent they are free just pay postage.
Cheets
Peter

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:57 am

I've requested sliders on my new HH which should be done soon (fingers crossed)

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 10:56 am

I asked for rectangular sliders on this jacket, just didn't get any. Thanks for the info Peter, I may be calling or sending you guys an e-mail about those sliders.

Bullit, I see what you mean now. So the straps are fairly loose in the strapworks, I don't mind the D-rings, its just the straps tend to move on me a bit and I have to pull on the straps every now and then to keep it where I want it. Maybe I will get some rectangular strap buckles from Peter since they are free, all I have to pay is to get them here.

Nicktheguy, hope your HH turns out good, I learned to have some patience when getting my jacket. Show us some pics when you do get your jacket.

IndianaChris

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:21 pm

IndianaChris711 wrote:I don't mind the D-rings, its just the straps tend to move on me a bit and I have to pull on the straps every now and then to keep it where I want it.

This is just a general comment, and not directed at IndianaChris in particular, but I find it odd how most folks seem to complain about the D-rings? I have them on my lambs and cow (since LC Indy is my favorite), and they pretty much stay in the same place that I put them in after the first adjustment...

Granted, one came totally undone once, but that was no fault of the jacket, since someone grabbed on to my jacket to keep from falling... Don't ask.

Perhaps if you try the double loop method like I do, then that might help matters? It also has the double advantage of making the straps point backward instead of forward...

Btw, nice jacket, Chris! Like the others say, don't get too hung about the collar. After you get your Wested soaked in its first shower, the collar should look much better. The jacket length is a totally subjective thing, so if you like the look, then it's a perfect jacket!

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:41 pm

Castor Dioscuri wrote:
Granted, one came totally undone once, but that was no fault of the jacket, since someone grabbed on to my jacket to keep from falling... Don't ask.

Hope the stitching didn't break there Castor.

Castor Dioscuri wrote:After you get your Wested soaked in its first shower, the collar should look much better. The jacket length is a totally subjective thing, so if you like the look, then it's a perfect jacket!

I am very happy with the jacket, the length does not bother me at all, I may get it a little longer next time but not too much. I will try double looping the straps for now. The collar is starting to relax as is the jacket, I got it wet a little bit and that cause the jacket to give some, I will probably wear it when the weather is warmer and a good rain coming down to really wear the jacket in good. Thanks for the comments Castor.

IndianaChris

TomK · Post by **TomK** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:36 pm

I just received my first Wested today and it's absolutely beautiful. It's the standard Raiders model and the leather is so soft and luxurious. However it's about 4 inches too short and barely reaches the waist band of my jeans. I'm about 6 feet in height (not exactly a giant) and fairly broad in the shoulders and chest as I've worked out quite regularly over the years. It's a size 50 and fits fine across the chest but it's just too short. It needs about another inch on the sleeves too.

I can't believe it's meant to be this size and shape, and looked odd as soon as I opened it up. It never looks that way in any of the movies, although I must say some of jackets I've seen on this site are in my opinion too short.

I've just contacted Wested and hopefully we can work something out.