I just ordered a Todd's Off the rack...

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:59 pm

After about a month of being a pain in the arsenic, I decided to derail my entire line of thought, research etc. and ordered an off the rack Todd's.

The deciding factor was the size, actually. The Wested ones are great, but I HAVE to get a custom to be close to a correct fit. On the Todd's, only the sleeve length is in question, and actually, it is perfect, for a tailored jacket, but the problem is that the Indy 'look' is with a sleeve length about 3/4 inch too long.

So, if it fits perfect, I may decide to just keep it and live with the slightly incorrect sleeve, or just be hapy to have an inexpensive jacket that, for once, fits me well and be done with it.

I called and confirmed that if I have any fitment isues, that jacket will be the basis for alterations in a custom from Todd's, so if I have to change the pockets, buckles or whatever else (in addition to the fitment changes) it will all be done on the custom.

So, that's my story. The jacket is already ordered and paid for (along with a few other bits- they have 'second' bag straps for $10.00!).

SO, apologies to all those whose lives I made miserable tryng to get the details right on the Wested. It is deepy appreciated, and you all here obviously know your stuff. I already owe a lot of photos, but will certainly get photos up as soon as I have them...

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:21 pm

Keep in mind that if the sleeves are only 3/4 of an inch long, that as it breaks in and develops natural wrinkles, that the sleeves may ride up a little, making the length perfect for you in the long run.

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:26 pm

That's the problem, actually...

They will be TOO SHORT quite possibly, not too long. Long is easy to fix!

Other than that, (if the dimensions on their site are accurate) it will fit like 'a glove'.

I did have a bit of a problem, as they ship the entire order together- the backordered holster was holding up the entire order until next month.

I called and sorted it out, however... I should have the jacket in a couple weeks (I'm away this wekend, and only at my shipping address on the weekends).

So, stay tuned!

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:41 pm

Well, shrink you arms, then!

Depending how much of a hem there is in the end of the sleeve, you may be able to have it let out a little. You may or may not end up with a crease mark from the original cuff, though. But do keep us posted!

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:43 pm

yeah, I have monkey arms...

We'll see how it does. It may be fine, and it may not be fine.

Time will tell!

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:56 pm

You can let the sleeves out a litte if they ride up. I did that with my Todd's jacket, just unroll the cuff and start a new crease. Works perfectly!

Weston

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:20 pm

That's good news...

Hopefully, it will be a painless process!

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:43 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Keep in mind that if the sleeves are only 3/4 of an inch long, that as it breaks in and develops natural wrinkles, that the sleeves may ride up a little, making the length perfect for you in the long run.

Am I the only one who thinks sleeves that are only 3/4 of an inch long won't reach very far past the shoulder

-KB

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:45 pm

Um, yeah! we call that "A vest".

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:28 pm

OK, a bit of an update.

The package from Todd's has been delivered!

As I am in NY I won't see it until Saturday some time, when I'm back in CT.

Waiting....

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:54 am

Can't wait to see it! I hope you get as good a fit as I did!

Weston

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:44 am

YOU can't wait! How do you think I feel!?!?!

I am hoping for a good fit; however I am used to having to send stuff back all the time....

Hopefully, not this time!

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:37 am

Weston wrote:You can let the sleeves out a litte if they ride up. I did that with my Todd's jacket, just unroll the cuff and start a new crease. Works perfectly!

Weston

Worked for me also. I just rolled out an extra inch of leather in the sleeve. Just use a paper market bag and an iron and you can iron out the crease. Now my sleeves are perfect! You won't regret your choice; This jacket is Raiders right out of the box! Now get it wet and dirty!

Regards, Dr. J

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 11:20 am

Wet and dirty is not a problem...

Whait a minute, what were we talking about? Jackets or women?

Yep, it will be 'distressed' naturally, and very likely quite quickly.

I have a trip up to Acadia National Park in Maine in a couple weeks... If it fits, it will come along.

That ability to let out an inch in the sleeve is great news! This area is of the greatest concern to me, although the body length may be a problem as well...

Saturday I will know for sure.

I assume it has to be re-stitched after the length is let out? can someone post a photo before and after so I understand what we are all talking about?

Thanks in advance. A minor alteration like that is much faster and easier than sending it back for a custom...

Solent MKIII · Post by **Solent MKIII** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 4:09 am

I was wondering about the sleeve length as well - good to know that can be remedied
fairly easily. Hope you enjoy your new jacket, J!m ( only one more day to wait now )

I'm thinking of making a run up the hill to Todd's in a month or two ( I'm a little over an
hour away ) to check out his jacket and other gear in person. Looking forward to trying
one on myself. :junior:

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:46 am

Yes, I am eagar to try mine on...

Great that you can go there and try one before buying! Next time I'm in England, I want to schedule a meeting with Peter for a fitting.

This way I can try all the leathers, different jacket styles, and get all my measurements on file for the future, if I order pants or a shirt (or more jackets?!?) later.

When you have the ability, as you do, to get to the source (and in a short ammount of time!) I say that is always the best way to do it.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 8:57 pm

OK! I got it!

It fits perfectly! The body size is as if it was tailored for me- so close in fact, when zipped it gives just the slightest hint of 'pulling' from the top of the shoulders to mid-chest at the zipper. In a custom, I would add one inch to the chest. If you are a 'true 44' (I am a 43.5 chest) it fits. If you are a 45- go up or you won't be able to zip it...

Sleeves are also good- perfect for a dinner jacket, but as expected, does not give the 'slightly too long' look when un-zipped as the screen hjacket does. The sleeves are easy to let out, up to about an inch I guess,so that is covered. Custom will add at least an inch to the sleeves.

But, it is likely going back, pending an in-depth study of screen stills...

The body length is in 'never land'- a bit long for a typical moto jacket (which usually sit right on the waist) and a typical car coat (which tend to sit on the hip bone), so it's a bit weird in front (but not horrible).

The back is quite a bit too short for me, however... I tried several side strap adjustments, zipped and un-zipped and just can't seem to make myself happy with the length in the back. The front MAY be OK- I have to check the screen shots- but the back is way too short. I may need as much as two inches in the back panel just to have it sit 'level' with the front panel.

I noticed this when I took a measurement off my Schott, and reaslized how much longer that jacket is, before this one came in... The Schott is a bit long in back- I added a bit more length forcoverage when bent down over the bike.

So, I guess it goes back.

The question is, do I make alterations to Todds and get a custom from him, or should I get a custom from Wested...

This seems far more difficult than it should need to be...

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 10:11 pm

OK So here's an update on the jacket project...

I sent the XL back today, for a refund. I think an XXL will fit reasonably well, but they are not in stock at the moment.

So, I checked our Cairo Bazaar, and found a member selling a Todd's custom in Cowhide.

Now the size on that one seems like it might be just about perfect, and that member was gracious enough to send it to me to try, on his dime. really going above and beyond on that one.

Once I try it on, I either send it back (it will then be on eBay I suspect) or I pay him and "end this destructive conflict" (2 points if you guess the movie).

I hope this is finally over, but I will keep every one posted, as promised...

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 11:57 pm

Everyone on COW is glued to the edge of their seats in anticipation of how this all works out!

Solent MKIII · Post by **Solent MKIII** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 5:06 am

Jim wrote:Once I try it on, I either send it back, (it will then be on eBay I suspect) or I pay him
and "end this destructive conflict" (2 points if you guess the movie).

"The Empire Strikes Back" - Now hand over those free points! :junior:

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 7:42 am

"Together we can rule this galaxy as Fater and son..."

mark seven · Post by **mark seven** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:26 am

J!m wrote:"Together we can rule this galaxy as Fater and son..."

..or Fater and Thiner?

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:38 am

Too many midichlorians in your diet. You need to cut back a little.

JimL · Post by **JimL** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 9:35 am

They have ben found to cause cancer in laboratory anumals.

Fortunately, I am not in a laboratory; I am however, an animal!