On Dec 18, just four days later, a big box arrived with the US Wings logo all over it.
Inside, I found the jacket, in a protective plastic wrapper, a nice wide hanger, plus a
promotional T shirt and a gift card for $10 toward future purchases.
I’m 5’ 10”, and weigh about 175 lbs. My normal size is a 40 regular. I had read a lot of posts
regarding the fits of jackets from various makers, some are said to run large, others small. I had
emailed US Wings and requested actual dimensions for the various sizes because I had been a
little concerned about their “blended” sizing, i.e. “M” is said to be fine for 38-40.
One very helpful post from a forum member had informed me that US Wings sizes tend to run
toward the upper end of the range, so a “M” (in regular, not tall) should hypothetically be dead-on for a 40.....and it
was.
I would not have expected this jacket to fit better if I had been measured by a tailor and the
jacket customized to my frame. The fit around my chest, width across my shoulders, and length
of the sleeves is absolutely perfect, roomy enough to allow a sweater or fleece if desired, without being
so roomy as to swallow me. Shoulder seams are right out to the edge of my own shoulders, and sleeves reach to the backs
of my hands, but not down to my knuckles. Back length on my jacket is 27 1/4”, so slightly longer than a
motorcycle jacket, and perhaps longer than a "Raiders" jacket. Perhaps this is “Last Crusade” length.
In the photos I'm wearing twill slacks with a slightly higher waist than most jeans, which makes the jacket appear longer than it really is.
Wearing regular jeans, the jacket reaches to an inch or so below the tops of the jeans front pockets, and about halfway down the back pockets.
The bottom edge of the jacket pocket is almost exactly over the top of the jeans front pockets.
I examined the jacket very closely for any irregularities which might warrant a return, actually
checking for things I’ve never thought to check any previous jacket for, such as matching sleeve
length and pocket placement, and can report that no defect of any kind was found, not even any
loose threads poking out. Seams run true, and where they meet other seams on adjacent panels,
line up with perfection.
The jacket is a rich, dark “chocolate” brown. I would not describe the finish as “glossy” but as
“satin”, with a soft, luxurious shine (at least for the time being). There is a subtle texture which I
will try to show in photos.
This is precisely what I was hoping for, something like what Indy’s jacket would have looked
when new, waiting for my own adventures to personalize.
It is quite soft throughout, no “breaking in” required in order to achieve comfort.
No one will EVER mistake this garment for a windbreaker, as the leather is quite thick, similar
to some cowhide motorcycle jackets I own. As a result, the jacket has “presence”, which
somehow promotes a sense of security when wearing it.
It is almost as if the jacket is reminding you on a subconscious level “Hey, I’m here for you, I
won’t let you down”....
This sturdy outer shell is closed with a brass YKK zipper which has an dark bronze color.
A 1 1/2” storm flap covers the zipper, and facings 1.5” wide extend from the stiching which
secures the zipper to the very thick nylon liner.
The liner appears to be exactly the same weight and color as in my old Navy-issue G1, of
sufficient thickness to make a windbreaker all by itself, so should last essentially forever inside
the leather outer shell.
Nylon is in many ways an ideal fabric for a liner, it simply glides over whatever shirt one may be
wearing with almost no friction, not bunching up and restricting motion. It doesn’t absorb
significant amounts of moisture, and dries quickly if it is wetted.
There is a inside pocket on the left side, slightly less than 6” wide, bound with leather.
On the outside, sleeves are about 11” wide where they attach to the body, and taper to a 5 1/5”
barrel cuff, with no gussets in the armpits.
The two patch pockets await grail diaries or whatever else one may wish to cram into them.
The hidden handwarmers do not go through the shell of the jacket, so your palms are against the
leather jacket shell, while the backs of your hands are against the fabric back lining of the
pocket.
The pockets themselves are 8” tall and 6 3/4” wide, so I can get my entire hand into the
handwarmer, and spread my fingers a little bit.
The pockets are closed with flaps (with concealed snaps) whose lower edge has a very minimal
radius which lends a “clean” look I find pleasing to the eye.
The bi-swing back, with it’s 1 1/2” wide pleat, extends from the hem upwards to the yoke, which
means that the bi-swing ends essentially over my scapula. This appears to be part of the design,
observed to a greater or lesser degree in the movie jackets, and replicas from every maker as well.
This particular feature is not the very best for complete freedom of movement, but as a compromise
to obtain a degree of screen accuracy, it is certainly acceptable.
It would work a little better to extend the bi-swing all the way to the top of the shoulder, as on a G1,
or a Schott 141, however this would be probably be seen as so great a deviation with regard to screen
accuracy that most people would no longer consider it an “Indy” jacket.
However, it wouldn’t hurt if the yoke seam were a couple of inches higher, which would allow
the bi-swing to work a little better, and perhaps still look “right”.
The "gap" between the edge of the bi-swing back and the sleeve seam is just about 1 1/8".
About four inches up from the hem, and so, exactly at my beltline, are leather straps, 1” wide,
with antique finish D-rings for adjusting the fit. Below the straps, the bi-swing becomes a vent,
which enhances flexibility, especially when crouching or sitting.
Taken as a whole, I’m extremely pleased with my jacket. It is US made, and appears to have
absolutely flawless workmanship and materials.
It looks good and feels good, exuding an aura of
quality throughout.
Those design features which deviate from one or another screen incarnation
of the jacket are, to my mind, minor issues.
The only things I can think of which would improve the jacket would be to extend the bi-swing a little bit
higher up the back, and to add ventilated gussets under the arms to increase the range of
motion. And maybe offer this premium cowhide leather in black? I'd certainly be happy to own one.
In sum, an excellent product at any price, and given the price, an outstanding value.
