Jacket sighting .... any awkward experiences?

dirtyepic129 · Post by **dirtyepic129** » Sun May 03, 2009 12:50 pm

Hey all,

I recently noticed a guy at work who wears an indy jacket everyday (it appears to be a G&B expo, but I'm not an expert at identification)---and not just to and from the parking lot ... all day in the office. I'm generally not an extrovert, so I haven't said anything, and I don't work with him directly. But, I have been wearing my USW CE lately, and have passed him in the hallway multiple times. I was talking to my wife about this (who started rolling her eyes when I was debating which vendor the jacket was from with myself), and she thought it would be funny if I confronted him and he had no idea what I was talking about, and thought I was a weirdo. While I think this would be humorous too, I don't plan to let it unfold.

So I was curious, has anyone ever confronted someone else wearing an Indy jacket, who either (1) didn't realize or care that it was an Indy jacket, or (2) was weirded out by you asking? I could see some good humor in this.

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Sun May 03, 2009 1:07 pm

Anyone I've encountered wearing an Indy jacket knows they are wearing one - I've passed guys on the street who have been wearing Indy jackets - I usually say something like "good taste in jackets" and received replies such as "fortune and glory", "nice", "you too", "Is that a Nowak/Wested/WIngs?", etc. No one I have spoken to or commented to has looked at me blankly - it appears that guys wearing Indy jackets know that they are and are proud of it.

WConly · Post by **WConly** » Sun May 03, 2009 1:46 pm

Several years ago, when I was manager for several cell phone stores a gentleman and his wife came in and he was wearing a Wested Indy jacket and I said: "Nice Wested." He replied: "Thanks for noticing." So yes those wearing them know when, where and why they are doing said. W>

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Sun May 03, 2009 1:59 pm

I would imagine that even if they don't know it's an Indy jacket (as it may be a gift from an Indy-fan), they would probably remember the name on the label.

But yeah, I've only seen someone wearing a Wested once, and someone with a MkVII once, and ironically both times were in or outside theme parks (the former in Disneyworld, Orlando, and the latter outside Universal Studios, Hollywood). Just alot of staring, but no talking though.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun May 03, 2009 2:07 pm

I encountered a fellow COW member, Oklahoma Jones, at a local restaurant. I was sporting my Todd's, he just walked right up, and asked me who made my "Indy" jacket. We had a pleasant conversation wherein which we discovered we were both COW members.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Sun May 03, 2009 2:12 pm

The only 2 times I've seen Indy jackets were in the supermarket.

1st was a youngster (late teens) way down the end of an aisle, I didn't rush over and say hi... that would have been a bit weird!

2nd was a guy with an official suede jacket with a HUGE hat and whip logo on the back. I didn't say hi either, I thought it would be a bit off to go and show him what a s*cky jacket he had.

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Sun May 03, 2009 6:59 pm

In late March, I was in Arlington National Cemetary during my vacation in D.C. I spotted this tall guy decked-out in full Indy gear...fedora, jacket, shirt, pants, MK VII, shoes and even a whip. I was afraid to approach the guy to talk about his stuff.....but with all that gear, I'm pretty sure he was a COW member.....and a brave one at that.

Post by **Holt** » Sun May 03, 2009 7:31 pm

are 100% sure that it wasnt pitfall harry you saw?

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Sun May 03, 2009 9:46 pm

wow, Neutron, I feel like I just read your college thesis or something...

Forrest For the Trees · Sun May 03, 2009 10:21 pm

Hi everyone. I'm new around these parts and this is my first post. I've been lurking as it were for a while now, and I must say it has been fascinating reading at times, sometimes like a soap opera, with heroes and villains. (Handle-bar mustaches have proven not to be villainous, contrary to popular belief

) I'm a jacket guy. Yeah, I got a Federation a few years ago, but I never ever wear it. It looks terrible on my peanut shaped head. I'm a stingy brim kinda guy. But the jacket is awesome. I wear it as much as I can, and no one seems to notice it for what it is. Which is just the way I like it. And if the occasional passerby did know what it was, well then we can acknowledge each other for our nerd-tastic identities.

As far as seeing others with an item or two of gear, well I've seen someone wearing an Expo at the Smithsonian, and saw some dude in full gear at the zoo, but I didn't feel the need to comment. People should wear what they want and not get hassled. But I also think a tall crowned, wide brimmed hat may not look so great on many folks because of head type, like myself. If someone looked silly, though, I wouldn't mock them (out-loud).

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Sun May 03, 2009 10:43 pm

Good points NB

I think the key is dress appropriately for the occasion/situation.
Indiana Jones didn't wear his adventurer outfit all the time. Superman didn't wear his tights and cape all the time either.
I see the I-J attire as more casual wear, but others may see it as every day and wear it as such. To wear everything all at once though, all the time, might be stretching it

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sun May 03, 2009 10:44 pm

I've never seen anyone in the jacket, but I have seen someone in an Indy fedora at Heroescon. He was getting into an elevator so I would have had to cause a major scene to ask him about the hat. If I'd been in the elevator though, I would've struck up a conversation. My curiosity would have killed me not to.

bigrex · Post by **bigrex** » Sun May 03, 2009 10:49 pm

I would ask him about his jacket, chances are, as everyone has said, he is fully aware that it is an Indy jacket. Next time passing you might just say, nice jacket or something, after that you might pause the following time to inquire about the maker. Let us know how it turns out.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sun May 03, 2009 10:51 pm

Or take Indy G's approach and ask if you can have it.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon May 04, 2009 12:35 am

Tundrarider, there is nothing wrong with it. Just try not to wear your Superman and Batman PJs in public

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Mon May 04, 2009 1:40 am

Well, it also depends too on which area of the country you live......I guess if you live in some areas of California or in Japan, most people won't even give a second look no matter what you're wearing. (Once I saw a grown man--about 400lbs-- in a diaper carrying a gigantic rattle on the boardwalk in Venice Beach, Calif., and not one person stared at him). Now wearing a fully decked-out Indy outfit and gear in public in the Midwest or say in the middle of Manhattan, NY may be stretching it.

BTW, I think wearing a whip and/or gunbelt w/holster is illegal in some states/counties.

DAVIDUGLY · Post by **DAVIDUGLY** » Mon May 04, 2009 2:31 am

I wear the Nowak jackets around anytime its under 69 degrees out
but I have yet to hear anything.
Funny though... I had Tony create a non SA version of the Indy 4 with Raiders
leather recently without the action back or buckle thingys
in the rear and 3 people have made INDY comments so far.
I highly recommend this non SA version by the way.
Thanks Tony!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27851887@N07/3499394577/

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon May 04, 2009 2:56 am

Makes for an interesting jacket David.

Solo4114 · Post by **Solo4114** » Mon May 04, 2009 2:39 pm

In 2001, I ran into a guy at a Halloween party who was also wearing a Wested (but I had the better hat!). I said "Hey, is that a Wested?" He seemed surprised that I knew it was, and said "Yeah! Is yours?" I said yeah, and that was about it. We just sort of admired each other's jackets and that was it.

dirtyepic129 · Post by **dirtyepic129** » Wed May 06, 2009 12:55 pm

bigrex wrote:I would ask him about his jacket, chances are, as everyone has said, he is fully aware that it is an Indy jacket. Next time passing you might just say, nice jacket or something, after that you might pause the following time to inquire about the maker. Let us know how it turns out.

I was buying a soda today at work and was next to the guy with the jacket. In the most friendly, non-creepy way I said, "Hey, nice Indiana Jones jacket" The following three emotions were displayed on his face within a times span of about 1 second.... yes 1 second:

1). Confusion, as he looked down at his own jacket
2). Surprise, as he noticed that hey, it IS an Indiana Jones jacket
3). Acceptance of said complement, as he quickly smiled.

Then he promptly changed the subject about how much candy he was stocking up on .... then walked away. I chuckled to myself at this exchange, but thought it was even more amusing as he walked away down the long hallway, as he did two double takes, turning around and inquisitively looking back at me (caught this out of the corner of my eye). So, either:

1). He knew exactly what I was talking about and was caught off guard and embarrassed (this is possible), or
2) He truly thought I was a weirdo and kept turning around to see if I was chasing him with a burning heart in my hand screaming "Kali Ma Shakti de!".

Anyways, I thought it was amusing. Both fortunately and unfortunately, I ordered my new G&B dark brown goat, the same jacket he has, a few weeks ago (should be arriving soon). If I show up to work in that, he may REALLY think I'm stalking him!

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Sat May 09, 2009 4:28 pm

2. If it's you wearing the gear, "what are you Indiana Jones?". "Giving it my best shot" with a grin.

If somebody told me that, my response would be: "Yeah, and I can kick ### like him, too." Some people might find that as a insecure response, but I just like fighting

Risu · Post by **Risu** » Thu May 14, 2009 5:52 pm

I've had 3 encounters with Indy gear in real life. The first was over a period of days. I passed a guy on my college campus wearing a mark VII and he noticed my magnoli bag and we just walked by a bit awkwardly. A couple days later I spotted him wearing a wested and I was wearing mine, so I asked if it was a wested. Turns out he's a member here and we talked about gear and stuff for a while.

Second was a member here who approached me and asked what kind of jacket I was wearing.

And third was a person in a class of mine that was wearing Aldens. They're a subtle piece, so I didn't comment for a few weeks. One day I said something and it turned out he didn't know they were Indy boots, he just liked to buy the most expensive clothing he could find. (his words)

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Thu May 14, 2009 6:53 pm

I've had 2 encounters with Indy jackets "in the wild." The first time I was at Disneyland and I saw a guy and his wife / girlfriend walking away and noticed the straps and back panel of the jacket. But I DID run up and say hi. I said, "Is that a Wested?" And he turned and said, "Yeah, it is!" I think he was surprised that I picked out the brand, but probably also a little because I was a stranger. Then I said, "I have one too, but mine's cotton!" (This was a few years ago)

The second time was at school, I came out of a classroom and saw another student leaning against a wall with a fedora (not Indy) and a nice jacket on. I first noticed the hat and was going to compliment him, when I saw the jacket and did this:

So then I went over and said, "Is that lamb or goat?"

Turns out it was a brand new Wested Raiders goat. I think the kid was a lurker here. I happened to be wearing my own Wested lamb which I showed him, and then I said bye and took off!

Shane

sithspawn · Post by **sithspawn** » Fri May 15, 2009 10:08 am

Was in line last Sunday for Star Trek when I noticed a guy with a fedora and leather jacket. It had the bi-swing back and sidebuckles and the general look of the Indy jacket. It was a distressed leather. Did not look like the normal Wested. I thought possibly it could be a custom. I complimented him on it and asked who the maker was. It turns out it wasn't Wested, he said it was Cabelas. In the short conversation we had i told him about how I'd been wearing the Indy look since 1981, gearheads, and COW. I told him the Indygear address, so maybe in the future he can not only get more SA gear, but might join up.

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Fri May 15, 2009 12:43 pm

McFly wrote:I've had 2 encounters with Indy jackets "in the wild." The first time I was at Disneyland and I saw a guy and his wife / girlfriend walking away and noticed the straps and back panel of the jacket. But I DID run up and say hi. I said, "Is that a Wested?" And he turned and said, "Yeah, it is!" I think he was surprised that I picked out the brand, but probably also a little because I was a stranger. Then I said, "I have one too, but mine's cotton!" (This was a few years ago)

The second time was at school, I came out of a classroom and saw another student leaning against a wall with a fedora (not Indy) and a nice jacket on. I first noticed the hat and was going to compliment him, when I saw the jacket and did this: So then I went over and said, "Is that lamb or goat?" Turns out it was a brand new Wested Raiders goat. I think the kid was a lurker here. I happened to be wearing my own Wested lamb which I showed him, and then I said bye and took off!

Shane

Hey that is pretty funny ! I don't think I've ever seen anyone in an Indy Jacket over here ! Well the guy who lives in my mirrors wears a wested sometimes !

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Fri May 15, 2009 1:37 pm

lol I was totally surprised! I was confused because I only see Indy jackets at summits, so I didn't know whether I should start talking shop with the guy or if he knew anything at all about the stuff besides the jacket. Funny thing is that my friends were looking for me and they saw this dude and thought he was me!!

At least my doppelganger has good taste, right?

Shane

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Fri May 15, 2009 1:49 pm

McFly wrote:lol I was totally surprised! I was confused because I only see Indy jackets at summits, so I didn't know whether I should start talking shop with the guy or if he knew anything at all about the stuff besides the jacket. Funny thing is that my friends were looking for me and they saw this dude and thought he was me!! At least my doppelganger has good taste, right?

Shane

LOL agreed !!

191145 · Post by **191145** » Sun May 17, 2009 9:32 pm

dirtyepic129 wrote:Hey all,

I recently noticed a guy at work who wears an indy jacket everyday (it appears to be a G&B expo, but I'm not an expert at identification)---and not just to and from the parking lot ... all day in the office. I'm generally not an extrovert, so I haven't said anything, and I don't work with him directly. But, I have been wearing my USW CE lately, and have passed him in the hallway multiple times. I was talking to my wife about this (who started rolling her eyes when I was debating which vendor the jacket was from with myself), and she thought it would be funny if I confronted him and he had no idea what I was talking about, and thought I was a weirdo. While I think this would be humorous too, I don't plan to let it unfold.

So I was curious, has anyone ever confronted someone else wearing an Indy jacket, who either (1) didn't realize or care that it was an Indy jacket, or (2) was weirded out by you asking? I could see some good humor in this.

I just want to comment on the apparent misuse of the word 'confront'. The connotations are negative with this word, as in scolding or accusing. Obviously, none of us on this forum would ever 'confront' someone wearing an Indy jacket, but we may very well greet them and have a short conversation about the jackets. That would be for a stranger - for someone in your office, definately compliment them on the coat and strike up a short conversation about it. You'll be able to tell right away if they want to talk about it or not. If not, forget about it as far as that person is concerned.
From my observation, you can wear the complete get-up, but without the hat, and very few people not 'in the game' will think 'Indiana Jones'. But - just put on the hat with almost any clothes, and you will get the association. I used to be self-conscious when just wearing the jacket, but quickly realized that nobody seemed to notice, and I don't remember seeing a single other man wearing one. Now, if I wear the hat, particularly with the jacket or even just the shirt and pants, I will get stares and sometimes laughs. You have to be somewhat selective on where you wear 'outfits'.

raider 57 · Post by **raider 57** » Sun May 17, 2009 10:35 pm

This "feeling weird" in various Indy gear items seems to be discussed quite often and I've been meaning to post.
As for me,I'm so used to covering many miles in public in this type of outfit:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x36/ ... C00924.jpg

That going about like this:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x36/ ... C01640.jpg
Doesn't bother me in the least.Believe me, I get worse comments on the former!

~raider 57

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue May 19, 2009 2:25 pm

From the field, the IJ gear is very practical, and a throwback to how archaeologists of the past used to dress, generally speaking. At least it pays homage to the 'adventure' style. The one exception, the MK VII bag, which is a good idea for carrying light equipment and pottery sherds. Today, many if not most wear the Columbia-styled mesh, breathable hunter's shirt, and pants with legs that zip off for shorts. Same concept though, just updated for the modern era.

Some things learned in the field....why does Indy wear long sleeved shirts...biting flies in the Mid-east, protection from the sun. In the mid-east, wearing shorts is taboo except when you are going swimming, etc. Long sleeves are also a custom. Jacket, obviously for cool weather and treking through the jungles, ie barbed vegitation. Bag as mentioned above.

VP · Post by VP » Tue May 19, 2009 2:39 pm

raider 57 wrote:As for me,I'm so used to covering many miles in public in this type of outfit:
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x36/ ... C00924.jpg

Nice.

Is that a Mongoose you're riding? I have a Focus Mares Expert cyclocrosser myself. Here's a pic of it with the original tires (I have since then changed them to touring tires): http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/I ... ocross.jpg

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Tue May 19, 2009 2:44 pm

One of the vendors that I work with is always wearing his company jacket and it's an Indy style jacket. I was wearing mine one day and he looked at it and said "Hey that's like mine". He had no clue it was an Indy Jacket. All he cared about were the hand warmers. He thought they were neat...

I started talking about the Indy connection then stopped because he didn't get it. It wasn't worth explaining.

davyjones007 · Post by **davyjones007** » Tue May 19, 2009 7:00 pm

Being stationed overseas on a military base has its perks. One of them is NOT eating at the galley. One day, about three years ago, I was sitting there and an older guy came in wearing a very worn Wings jacket. I had to say something. The funny thing is it all happened so fast I am not sure but I think I asked him how he liked his US Wings jacket. He looked up and smiled and said he had owned it for several years and that he liked it very much. He also mentioned that most people don't know what it is. After that, if we saw each other around the base, we would nod or wave. That was the first and last time I have ever seen someone else wearing an Indy jacket from any maker. I wear mine when weather permits and my 405's to dress things up a bit. No hats though. When you have to wear them as part of your uniform, it kinda ruins it for you.

CM · Post by CM » Tue May 19, 2009 9:52 pm

Wore my Indy jacket with a wide-brim felt hat (a light brown Akubra drover) the other day at a freind's birthday lunch.

A guy there looked at my G&B and said, "All you need to do now is get an Indiana Jones jacket and you'll look the part." I told him it was an Indy jacket. He said, "Almost, but Indy's is black and has wool cuffs."

I didn't correct him becasue I kind of like people not knowing what an Indy jacket is.

Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Wed May 20, 2009 11:04 am

davyjones007 wrote:Being stationed overseas on a military base has its perks. One of them is NOT eating at the galley. One day, about three years ago, I was sitting there and an older guy came in wearing a very worn Wings jacket. I had to say something. The funny thing is it all happened so fast I am not sure but I think I asked him how he liked his US Wings jacket. He looked up and smiled and said he had owned it for several years and that he liked it very much. He also mentioned that most people don't know what it is. After that, if we saw each other around the base, we would nod or wave. That was the first and last time I have ever seen someone else wearing an Indy jacket from any maker. I wear mine when weather permits and my 405's to dress things up a bit. No hats though. When you have to wear them as part of your uniform, it kinda ruins it for you.

I feel the same way about the hat.. i wear my cover most of the day and to wear my fed is a pain sometimes... but the jacket i wear all the time!

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Wed May 20, 2009 11:13 am

I saw a complete stranger wearing a Wested while walking out of a Sting concert. He had no idea what COW even was.

Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Wed May 20, 2009 11:14 am

i saw wested a good year before i joined CoW

Ranger36 · Post by **Ranger36** » Wed May 20, 2009 12:25 pm

Deleted by Ranger36

henryindianajonesjr44 · Sun May 31, 2009 11:58 pm

Someone came up to me at a starbucks and asked if I was wearing a Wested. We had a brief conversation and went on our way. It was nice to meet a fellow Indyfan and gear head.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:34 pm

Just talked to a guy this weekend in a ROTLA Wested, in Goat, who didnt know what the COW was, only wanted a jacket. I was in my TOD gear, and he seemed a little confused, even tho it was a comic book con.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 9:43 am

there are usually quite a few 'confused' people at comic book conventions....

Herr Doktor · Post by **Herr Doktor** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:48 am

I caught a guy at the mall wearing an Indy jacket. I had to catch up to him, and when I did, the exchange was something like this...

Hey. How are you doing? I have kind of a weird question...is that a Wested Indy jacket?
Yes, it is. How did you know?
I have one as well. How did you come by it?
I was at the Wested shop while I was in England, and decided to buy one. Pretty nice jacket.
Oh, ok. [Thinking...not a gearhead] Yeah, I really like mine. Well, thanks. Have a nice day.

And that was it.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 11:19 am

Herr Doktor wrote:I caught a guy at the mall wearing an Indy jacket. I had to catch up to him, and when I did, the exchange was something like this...

Hey. How are you doing? I have kind of a weird question...is that a Wested Indy jacket?
Yes, it is. How did you know?
I have one as well. How did you come by it?
I was at the Wested shop while I was in England, and decided to buy one. Pretty nice jacket.
Oh, ok. [Thinking...not a gearhead] Yeah, I really like mine. Well, thanks. Have a nice day.

And that was it.

Ha! I suspect he was!

You have to really go out of your way to get to the shop. There is no other reason to be in the vicinity otherwise, unless you live around there!

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 8:15 pm

For one: I have NEVER seen anyone else wearing Indygear in my life. Aside from myself of course. Never have I seen anyone in a wested or a pb or a anything that was indy.

Second: I've never had ANYONE recognize my jacket as an Indy....as they just think its a leather jacket...which it is. I usually have to tell people what kind of jacket it is after they compliment me on it. THEN they usually seem impressed.

In my experience its only the fedora thats EVER garnered Indy comments for me. and it doesn't even have to be an indy felt fedora. it can be a straw hat, anything thats dark colored and a fedora of any type.

Lord_Clarence · Post by **Lord_Clarence** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 2:11 pm

I used to ride the train downtown to work, and there was a guy who would wear what looked like an Indy jacket and a straw fedora. Didn't look like a Wested, but definitely was cut like an Indy jacket. I never had the nerve to say something--I'm not an extrovert either--but I wish I had.

I've only ever been approached once. The security guy in the lobby of my wife's building downtown once stopped me and asked about my jacket. I was quite happy to explain where I got it and the story of the original, Peter, and Wested. If I recall, I also wrote down the Wested and COW urls for him.