Problem with Wested jacket fit

[tomek9210]

Hi guys!
I have a problem with my jacket from Wested. The action pleats stick out and there is "wave" on back panel + space between my back and jacket when unzipped. When zipped, it fits pretty good.
My chest is 38, so I ordered custom ROLA based on 38 size. I thought that I would get jacket with 40" total room in chest (2" in 80's cut, right?). I was suprised when I measured the jacket and it's got 22" armpit to armpit. Weird, isn't it? I wrote to Gemma and she replied that this is standard for them, 38 size jackets have 44" chest. So what's wrong?
I also wrote to her, before I ordered the jacket, to make sure if ROLA jackets have 2" space in chest. She confirmed that. Now when I wrote to her about that, she replied: That’s correct, 2 extra inches each side put 1 inch extra for side seams.
I don't understand that. 80's cut jackets had 2" above size, now have 6" ?
What do you think guys?

[IndianaChris711]

Wow that is a huge gap for 80's fit, I thought 80's was suppose to be a trimmer fitting jacket, I guess now they are going to a more looser approach. Maybe they cut you a standard instead of 80's fit. I know my 80's fit, fits me pretty tightly. That is kind of why I got a standard cut, and my standard fits nicely. For a 38" chest to be wearing basically a size 42 inch jacket in 80's cut, probably the jacket is extremely baggy, no? Would help if you had some pictures of you wearing the jacket.

IndianaChris

[tomek9210]

I'll try do shot some pics so you can see what I'm talking about. The jacket is tapered so when zipped it fits pretty nice. Here are pics with zipped jacket: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=44673
Edit:
Action pleats when zipped:

Waved back panel when unzipped:
and

[Bdgsi11]

I have the exact same problem with my back pannel when the jacket is unzipped. Mine is a size 38 OR (off the rack) and I have been trying to fix it for the longest time.

[RCSignals]

The jacket is too big for a 38

[tomek9210]

I agree with you, it doesn't fit as it should to. Gemma wrote me that I can return jacket to get another one but that costs 80 pounds, half price of custom jacket
I don't know what's up with their pattern. Or they had just made a mistake. But why do I have to pay for that?

[Indyzane]

[crismans]

But why do I have to pay for that?

Hmm, because you're dealing with Wested?

[TheExit148]

It does look big for a 38. My 38 measures 21" across the chest. But is it me, or does the front/back length look similiar to the Nowak Raiders pattern. I know my Wested didn't fall like that, and this one here looks to have the front a lot longer then the back like the Raiders jacket should

[RCSignals]

I agree with you, it doesn't fit as it should to. Gemma wrote me that I can return jacket to get another one but that costs 80 pounds, half price of custom jacket
I don't know what's up with their pattern. Or they had just made a mistake. But why do I have to pay for that?

You will have to take that up with them, but seems they are maintaining you got what you ordered, but they will exchange it at your return cost.

Based on this

I also wrote to her, before I ordered the jacket, to make sure if ROLA jackets have 2" space in chest. She confirmed that. Now when I wrote to her about that, she replied: That’s correct, 2 extra inches each side put 1 inch extra for side seams.

This was a Custom, not an off the rack right?

Try contacting Peter and see if he will admit there was a mistake, Wested pay for return and send you a proper sized jacket.

If not, sell it, save your money and buy one from Tony Nowak, Todd's Costumes, Magnoli, G+B, USWings etc.

[Holt]

Try contacting Peter and see if he will admit there was a mistake

yeah, good luck with that.

[RCSignals]

Try contacting Peter and see if he will admit there was a mistake

yeah, good luck with that.

you never know.

there is this

I also wrote to her, before I ordered the jacket, to make sure if ROLA jackets have 2" space in chest. She confirmed that. Now when I wrote to her about that, she replied: That’s correct, 2 extra inches each side put 1 inch extra for side seams.

[Holt]

RC: you know soon why I said that.

[RCSignals]

RC: you know soon why I said that.

Yeah, I'm just giving tomek one last thing to work with.

[Flyderf]

Dealing with Wested seems to be like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates.............."you never know what you're going to get".

[scot2525]

Try contacting Peter and see if he will admit there was a mistake

yeah, good luck with that.

This post really intrigues me, Holt! Are we to expect some new information from Wested soon?

I have owned two Wested jackets, still have one and it is my favorite jacket. I had issues with the purchasing and shipment of both jackets and some were my fault. The communication is spotty at best from them but I am not willing to label them as "rip off or con artist" as others have in the past. Flyderf may have said it best.

[Chewbacca Jones]

I have noticed that Wested's acceptance of their own mistakes is almost as hit-or-miss as their jacket quality control. At least, based on reports here. More than a few people have had great experiences with them, and it is important to take note of that. However, Wested is, at this point, kind of known for holding customers responsible for return shipping fees on their own mistakes. If it were one or two people griping, I'd be as "intrigued" as scot2525. But that's not how it plays out.

Give credit where it is due, as well as criticism. Do it nicely, and maybe someday this sort of thing won't provoke a response like Holt's.

[BwanaJohn]

If they won't cover The Shipping, measure it*, and post it on an Auction Site...Myself, I had problems with one Auction Site, unrelated reasons ("E"), but you may be able to sell it, and get your costs back. *A lot of buyers on auctions sites always want all the dimensions of items...

[tomek9210]

This was a Custom, not an off the rack right?

Try contacting Peter and see if he will admit there was a mistake, Wested pay for return and send you a proper sized jacket.

If not, sell it, save your money and buy one from Tony Nowak, Todd's Costumes, Magnoli, G+B, USWings etc.

Yep, it's custom. I'll send tem pics to show my problem.
I don't understand one thing. As far as I remember I always have read that ROLA, 80's cut jackets, slimmer cut jacket, regardless the name of them, have 2" above size in chest. So why do they have now 6"? Slimmer cut with 6"? I'm afraid to ask how many inches have standard jackets
Does anybody know what's up with that?

[IndianaChris711]

That is pretty bad, send that one back if you can. I'm not sure how they will handle it as the last time I bought a Wested was 2008 and that will probably be the last time. I got the jacket I wanted eventually by sending the one I had received which was way off, not even close to what I had requested. It cost me an extra $30 bucks to send it back and never got my money back from returning it, even though Peter said they sent the wrong jacket. I hope it goes well for you tomek 9210.

IndianaChris

[Holt]

the 80's cut is just a tapered body. not a slim chest. chest is the same as full cut. torso is not.

[RCSignals]

that may be Holt, but 22" armpit to armpit is not a 38, it is a 40 at least. Many 40s are 21.5"

[Holt]

I know. to much.

I just said what the ROLA really is because the author contacted me via pm and I just answered here..

[Chewbacca Jones]

I just checked my Magnoli, which fits exactly as it should. If it's anything to go by, the difference from size to measure should be about half of what you're getting, tomek.

[IndyBrit]

Hi Tomek,

You were wearing the jacket when we met. I thought the fit was good on you.One thing you may wish to consider is the hide. I have a HH and it took a year and a few soakings inthe ran before it became less stiff than new.

Maybe sell this one on Allegro or the bay. We owe each other a cracking session next time your in Warsaw.

Indybrit

[tomek9210]

Nope, I was wearing HH or other winter jacket, I don't remember, it wasn't that jacket, I'm sure.
I'm considering selling this jacket. But what's next? Another wested? I'd have to be custom custom jacket

[RCSignals]

tomek read the first post in this thread

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=44375&p=637191#p637191

Wested has taken back custom jackets for people, and in this case it was the buyer's fault for bad fit.
Maybe there is hope yet?

[Chewbacca Jones]

RC; In what way is a jacket that's at least one size bigger than it's label "buyer error?" Compounded with conflicting info from Gemma before ordering?

tomek, since you asked; Get a Magnoli. YOU tell him the measurements, not the other way around. Sure, it'll cost you a bit more. But it's worth it.

[RCSignals]

RC; In what way is a jacket that's at least one size bigger than it's label "buyer error?" Compounded with conflicting info from Gemma before ordering?

tomek, since you asked; Get a Magnoli. YOU tell him the measurements, not the other way around. Sure, it'll cost you a bit more. But it's worth it.

In tomeks case it isn't buyer error. In the case of the link I posted the individual claimed it was the buyers error.

I just posted the link as one example of Wested taking back a Custom, even though in that case it was apparently the buyer's error. Sorry if I was unclear.

I agree tomek is likely better going with another vendor, that still doesn't help him what this jacket has cost him, and he will not recover that amount selling it, in all likelihood.

[Chewbacca Jones]

In the case of the link I posted the individual claimed it was the buyers error.

Ah, got it!

I agree tomek is likely better going with another vendor, that still doesn't help him what this jacket has cost him, and he will not recover that amount selling it, in all likelihood.

Too true. But exchanging it might cost him more than selling, unless Wested agrees to handle return shipping. Shame.

[Ford]

tomek9210, I had the same problem a year ago with a ROLA. I bought a 42 which measured 48 (24 arm-pit to arm-pit) and Gemma assured me this was normal, that all their jackets had 6 inches of room, or as she rather confusingly put it: they have 4 inches of room plus 1 extra inch either side (equalling an extra 2). So not so much an extra 6 as an extra 4 + 2

Not sure why they do this as which ever way you do the math you end up with a jacket one size too big.

So the best thing with Wested, it would seem, would be to order 1 size down and it should fit like you'd expect it to.

[RCSignals]

'Guessing' one has to order a size down when ordering a custom sized jacket shouldn't be.
A custom should be made for the measurements supplied. A 42 should simply fit for a 42 chest, not a 44 or 46 chest.

[Forrest For the Trees]

Hmmm... I have a 38 goatskin Wested, and it also measures 22 inches pit-to-pit. I had a little bit of the same problem with the waviness of the back and the back panel sticking out, but it relaxed with time. Keep in mind that other companies, like Gibson & Barnes, add a ton of extra inches from their marked size to actual measurements.

However, if you feel like the fit is bad, just send it back. You are a customer, and with most other companies if the customer doesn't like the product, he or she has the right to return it. Wested shouldn't be any different.

I have found that it might be best to specify specific measurements. On the custom requests section of the order form, just write, "Pit-to-pit: 20" That's what I did to specify back-length before Wested offered that in a drop-down menu (they used to just ask you for your height, which was a bit weird).

[Kt Templar]

However, if you feel like the fit is bad, just send it back. You are a customer, and with most other companies if the customer doesn't like the product, he or she has the right to return it. Wested shouldn't be any different.

Can't do that on 'foreign' purchases on a couple of US vendors. "All foreign sales final" they say.

[RCSignals]

However, if you feel like the fit is bad, just send it back. You are a customer, and with most other companies if the customer doesn't like the product, he or she has the right to return it. Wested shouldn't be any different.

Can't do that on 'foreign' purchases on a couple of US vendors. "All foreign sales final" they say.

Not sure which those are, but if they have a reputation for poor QC and or poor fit, knowing that policy and you are 'foreign' why order from a vendor like that?

[crismans]

However, if you feel like the fit is bad, just send it back. You are a customer, and with most other companies if the customer doesn't like the product, he or she has the right to return it. Wested shouldn't be any different.

Can't do that on 'foreign' purchases on a couple of US vendors. "All foreign sales final" they say.

KT, with all due respect, what does this have to do with the matter at hand? A few other vendors don't have this return policy so Wested shouldn't either?

Two wrongs and all of that...

[Chewbacca Jones]

I think KT is just pointing out that issues commonly exist for foreign sales, and it should be kept in mind while critiquing Wested's return policy. However, to answer that point (if it is your point, KT), Wested clearly states that returns are accepted, refunds and exchanges done, and that if they mess up they will reimburse return shipping. The big question is; has Wested ever accepted responsibility for their mistakes? I think I have read of ONE person who got reimbursed. One.

I also think that RC makes an important point. Wested's reputation for qc and returns is in tatters. Those who go forth and buy from them are either not doing their research or, to some degree, "asking for it." Sorry, but there it is.

As for requesting specific pit-to-pit measurements; Bad idea! That approach is only good for ball-parking size. Without the back measurement, the picture is incomplete. You see, the cut and design of a jacket can vary the location of features, seams, etc. Sometimes it works out even, but sometimes not. My Wested did not have 6 inches of extra room, I can assure you.

[RCSignals]

......

As for requesting specific pit-to-pit measurements; Bad idea! That approach is only good for ball-parking size. Without the back measurement, the picture is incomplete. You see, the cut and design of a jacket can vary the location of features, seams, etc. Sometimes it works out even, but sometimes not. My Wested did not have 6 inches of extra room, I can assure you.

Yes and No. If your chest measures 40" and most of your best fitting jackets have a pit to pit measurement of 21.5", a maker should be able to use that to determine a total jacket chest size and split the front/back measurements appropriately.
An issue that will vary that is the depth of the arm holes as that effects the 'pit' location of the jacket, but still a good maker should be able to produce a jacket that fits.
Still a maker should also be able to work with just that 40" chest measurement to produce a good fitting size 40 jacket.

[Kt Templar]

The chest size doesn't appear to be the main issue here. It is the room around his waist.

Tomek here is a pretty slim guy. His is not an average fit. He should send a picture of himself with form fitting clothes so they can see his bodyshape. Plus as much information as possible. Height, weight, actual chest size, actual waist size, sleeve length, required back length. And work from there.

His exisiting jacket, well I expect it's been worn too much to return. They may be able to help by recutting the back panel to be narrower at the bottom. They may be able to take a little out from the side panels too But any more remedial work like removing leather from the front will probably not work as the pockets are already installed, and there is so much work involved that a total remake would be more cost effective.

[Kt Templar]

Yep, it's custom. I'll send tem pics to show my problem.
I don't understand one thing. As far as I remember I always have read that ROLA, 80's cut jackets, slimmer cut jacket, regardless the name of them, have 2" above size in chest. So why do they have now 6"? Slimmer cut with 6"? I'm afraid to ask how many inches have standard jackets
Does anybody know what's up with that?

This is a bit of a forum myth. I have no side how much wiggle room you get. The guess has always been 4" for regualr 2" for the Rola. But as Gemma has stated 4 + 1 each side... which I expect is her trying to explain: all ow an extra inch either side for the room the pleats give you.

The Rola is slimmer in as such that the armholes are higher and smaller, (the denim jacket is made to the same mods) and the arms themselves are slightly narrower. The body 'may' be tighter but I cannot vouch for that.

[Ford]

This is a bit of a forum myth. I have no side how much wiggle room you get. The guess has always been 4" for regualr 2" for the Rola. But as Gemma has stated 4 + 1 each side... which I expect is her trying to explain: all ow an extra inch either side for the room the pleats give you.

But the extra 6 inches is pit to pit, surely that's irrespective of any extra room provided by the action pleats?

And the regular and ROLA are meant to have exactly the same cut across the chest, its purely in the waist that the ROAL is supposed to taper.

I think if Wested were a bit more open about its unusually generous measurments it would get less complaints. 6 inches oversized is one baggy jacket, especially when considering the indy jacket is supposed to be tighter fitting than normal.

I didn't want another one from them, no warmth at all in the jacket for me so too impractical, but if I had, one size below my usual size would have been a perfect fit. Just a point to consider if anyone's considering ordering one.

[Kt Templar]

My god. I'm glad you understood that. Re-reading it myself, I realised I'd fat fingered half of that and it made hardly any sense.

[tomek9210]

I wear usually slim fit clothes, so I thought that ROLA would be great for me with its 2'' room in chest. Now it's 6", I asked if they have changed the pattern, Gemma answered: no.
That's funny, I have also standard HH, size 40 and it has exactly 4" of movement, just as it was stated since years. And ROLA 38 is as big as standard 40? Come on...

They may be able to help by recutting the back panel to be narrower at the bottom.

At the bottom jacket fits ok, the body is tapered, so the chest should be made narrower. The bottom is, I think, as it used to be before "changing pattern". Problem is with chest.

Even if I know about the bagginess of the jacket, I couldn't go size down, just because 38 is the smallest one they make.

I wrote to Gemma, what should I do, she replied that I should send it back to them, so they can have a look at it.
Hmmm, but what could they say, when they will see it. If they changed the pattern, it's ok then, 6" above chest size, that's correct with their current measurements. So will they send it back to me or make me smaller one? No answer to date.

Tomek

[RCSignals]

.....
At the bottom jacket fits ok, the body is tapered, so the chest should be made narrower. The bottom is, I think, as it used to be before "changing pattern". Problem is with chest.

...

Tomek

Thanks for clearing that up Tomek. This is what I understood from your posts, the main issue is the chest size. 6" is much too much free room for a 38 jacket unless it is specifically what you asked for, or it's maybe an overcoat.

[tomek9210]

I mailed to Peter about the issue, I will return the jacket, and he will make a replacement, as he said. I hope everything will turn out great

[Kevin Anderson]

Who pays the postage?

[tomek9210]

I pay for sending jacket to England, they pay for sending new/fixed one to me.

[Kevin Anderson]

Oh dear...

[RCSignals]

Best of luck Tomek

[191145]

I think I would wash that jacket if it were mine. It looks way too big, and the washing would wrinkle it up some which 'takes up' the leather.