Wested's HERO jacket...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 1:42 pm

HEY! There's a light at the end of the tunnel!

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:00 pm

Oh, _, I am so getting one of those Magneto jackets. I am so thru with Indy jackets right now. I flipped when you posted that pic of that x-men jacket. compared to you I`m a skinny liitle runt so I don`t think a wolverine jacket would look 'fiitting' on my stature. My wife loves me in this old blue Express Peacoat that greatly resembles that Magneto jacket save for a few of the details so I feel that style may work best for me in a non-Indy jacket.

Hers are a couple of left overs worn with my new Wade Egan Phone Holster...
And for those still just wanting to see what this jacket really looks like ...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 090954.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Couldn`t remember the exact pose but....
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 111734.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 111142.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 103134.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 095523.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

jkeene71 · Post by **jkeene71** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:45 pm

Just received an e-mail from wested. Order has been "dispatched". I just placed my order last Friday...that was really fast!!

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:10 pm

They may let him in the door , just not the dawg!

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:29 pm

Here are a couple of pics with me wearing the hero:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/j ... G_7220.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Quindy · Post by **Quindy** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 4:00 pm

jnicktem wrote:So I do recommend on ordering a little extra sleeve length, at least a half an inch.

I'm a little bit confused now, because two owners of the Hero earlier mentioned in this thread everybody should order 1/2 inch less of your regular sleeve length.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 4:37 pm

The reason why I mentioned that is due to the "off the shoulder" cut of these jackets-the more the jacket is hanging off your shoulders, then the sleeves will extend further down the arm. If in doubt, just order your regular size, because it is better to have too much sleeve than not enough. But if you are intrepid enough to go for a just right fit, then that is a suggestion to consider.

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 5:22 pm

jkeene71 wrote:Just received an e-mail from wested. Order has been "dispatched". I just placed my order last Friday...that was really fast!!

Awesome! Which hide did you go with?

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 5:33 pm

jnicktem wrote:Here are a couple of pics with me wearing the hero:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/j ... G_7220.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The jacket looks great on ya and has a good fit too. Can we see a back shot of it being worn, though?

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 5:35 pm

Nick that jacket looks great on ya! I really want to just order one today but i have to hold back.

Besides the SL jacket is sold out until further notice sadly.

jkeene71 · Post by **jkeene71** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:01 pm

Bdgsi11 wrote:
jkeene71 wrote:Just received an e-mail from wested. Order has been "dispatched". I just placed my order last Friday...that was really fast!!
Awesome! Which hide did you go with?

I went with the original dark goat same as Texan Scott and Zoltar's

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:13 pm

Good choice! I think you may like it!

jkeene71 · Post by **jkeene71** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:05 pm

I went with my usual jacket size of 46 so I'm curious to see how the Hero pattern looks in bigger size. So far I haven't seen any over a 44

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:38 pm

PETER wrote:Kevin, Maybe you can understand why as now i have only offered the 'Hero' in sizes 36' to 44'.
That is two sizes up and two sizes down of the 40+ pattern within which the look can be spot on or as near as.
I can make bigger but it may lose the look and I find myself under the cosh again.
It seems I am ###### if I do and ###### if I dont.
Peter

Still sober but looking at the bottle in frustration.

This now only relates to the 'Hero' in shrunken lamb, correct? Until larger hides can be sourced?
I see the Hero in the standard leathers or Crispe is now available in most sizes, or was that always the case?
It will be interesting to see if the larger sizes can pull off the look.
Gorak, your Hero jacket in particular is superb. Your recent 'squirrel' shots show just how a well made sleeve and armhole should look and function.
Virtually no ride-up at all, even with the jacket fully zipped. Very nice!

gladd96 · Post by **gladd96** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:00 pm

Texan Scott wrote:The reason why I mentioned that is due to the "off the shoulder" cut of these jackets-the more the jacket is hanging off your shoulders, then the sleeves will extend further down the arm. If in doubt, just order your regular size, because it is better to have too much sleeve than not enough. But if you are intrepid enough to go for a just right fit, then that is a suggestion to consider.

It's always best to provide your measurements and seek advice from the source of the jacket. They should be able to recommend the proper size

As particular as this group is it's still going to be a @#$% shoot. In a perfect world you would have a fitting to compensate for weird things like how the jacket sits on a you. For a lot it's a series of different jackets until we get it just right.

I like the details on this latest Wested

just not enough to feel compelled to buy thankfully.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:15 pm

Gorak, I love your jacket, what size are you. Cause I wanna come down there and try it on, well maybe not, but I wanna.
Love that color, looks so Raiders. I know you asked for the thinnest leather, but what type did you get agin. ya I know I just don't want to read. Long day.

Love it, man, love it.

Croft

Oh and did you order a "stndard Hero".

indydude18 · Post by **indydude18** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 2:44 am

Harrison Fords original was a size 41" chest all the other sizes are grades up and down from a size 40+Block so cannot be exact the same but in proportion so bear that in mind when ordering.

Funny, I had always thought he was a size 40 chest! Now does this mean that he would have worn a size 40 or 42 jacket?

All this info is REALLY helpful! Thanks Guys!

CM · Post by CM » Fri Jul 22, 2011 6:13 am

indydude18 wrote:
Harrison Fords original was a size 41" chest all the other sizes are grades up and down from a size 40+Block so cannot be exact the same but in proportion so bear that in mind when ordering.
Funny, I had always thought he was a size 40 chest! Now does this mean that he would have worn a size 40 or 42 jacket?

All this info is REALLY helpful! Thanks Guys!

You realise of course that sizes don't mean squat. An Aero size 38 fits a 40 or 42 in other makes. A Schott 42 bike jacket is a 46 in other brands. Harrison's 40 might have been a 38, a 40, a 42, a 44 depending on the comparison and the scale used. Wested's sizing is an unknown quantity.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:43 am

That's what makes me occasionally shake my head when I read someone stating that G&B's are made to big because they measured one at 'such and such a measurement' across the chest, multiplied it by two, then state categorically that since the person's chest isn't that big around, the jackets are too big and therefore made wrong.

I've read the same argument with Wings jackets too.

As hard as I've tried to help explain what's going on, they don't listen, so I don't try anymore.

I DO chuckle when some of the same people post to complain that a custom jacket they just received, using their supplied specs they insisted be met to the letter, feel 'too tight across the chest' when the jacket maker followed their exact instructions to make the jacket the same size as their chest measurement.

They then rant and rave at the vendor and here, demanding a new jacket be cut or their monies refunded because the jacket HAS to be 'wrong'.

I honestly don't know why some of our custom jacket vendors even bother. That COULD explain why Nowak's were so expensive too.

Regards! Michaelson

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 10:10 am

Plus you don't get any drape so characteristic of Raiders with the leather stretched across you like spandex... now you may garner other attentions, but it won't be because they think you look like Indy.

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 10:31 am

hovitos loincloth · Post by **hovitos loincloth** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 11:04 am

_ wrote:
Tibor wrote:Plus you don't get any drape so characteristic of Raiders with the leather stretched across you like spandex... now you may garner other attentions, but it won't be because they think you look like Indy.
Yeah - it's because you look like you are wearing your jacket from junior high school...

Is that a before or after picture?

Forrest For the Trees · Fri Jul 22, 2011 11:27 am

Michaelson wrote:That's what makes me occasionally shake my head when I read someone stating that G&B's are made to big because they measured one at 'such and such a measurement' across the chest, multiplied it by two, then state categorically that since the person's chest isn't that big around, the jackets are too big and therefore made wrong.

I've read the same argument with Wings jackets too.

As hard as I've tried to help explain what's going on, they don't listen, so I don't try anymore.

I DO chuckle when some of the same people post to complain that a custom jacket they just received, using their supplied specs they insisted be met to the letter, feel 'too tight across the chest' when the jacket maker followed their exact instructions to make the jacket the same size as their chest measurement.

They then rant and rave at the vendor and here, demanding a new jacket be cut or their monies refunded because the jacket HAS to be 'wrong'.

I honestly don't know why some of our custom jacket vendors even bother. That COULD explain why Nowak's were so expensive too.

Regards! Michaelson

Ah, but shouldn't there be a certain amount of room built into a jacket? Each vendor seems to build in a different amount of extra space. Wested seems fairly consistent with an extra 4 inches built in (ie. a size 40 will measure 44 inches total, or 22 pit-to-pit). Other vendors, such as Gibson & Barnes and Aero, seem to be a far more generous cut. I've heard of some being an additional 10 inches in chest size! That may be cool for some, but most don't want to look like they're wearing a leather poncho. So unless we are talking about a true made-to-measure jacket, you would have to intentionally size down to get the fit you want, but then you face the problem of sleeves becoming too short.

indydude18 · Post by **indydude18** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 11:58 am

CM, _, and Michaelson,

Thanks for clearing that up, gentleman.

Looks like I've been getting the wrong jacket sizes all the time!

61ButteMT · Post by **61ButteMT** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 1:12 pm

For me, trial SMS error and time got me a few jackets that I love the fit of.
I use these, along with my measurements to order a custom. It helps the vendor a lot. People order custom and often fudge numbers, thinking they're smarter than the makers are. Almost always ends up in a mess.
Once you have at least one perfect jacket, fit-wise, use it to help with the next one.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 1:56 pm

Hey Kevin..funny thing is, while I'm wearing it, I thought I had the FS syndrome and my original reson to post the pics was to show that the jacket still had them. But then, after seeing the pics, I realized how minimal to zero they were.

Croft- you'll have to find me first! Well, I guess it wouldn't be too hard considering us fedora wearers stand out like a sore thumb. $\:D/$
dude, you were one of the ones who inspired me to pick up a USWings Legend as your display pics really looked fantastic. You make all those jackets you showed look really good, especially with your cool ambience. So, I appreciate your comments.
The jacket is a size 38 in authentic lamb. Was really unimpressed with it when I first opened the bag, but as soon as I wet it, it kinda sprang to life. Whats confusing is that the grain seems really difficult to catch on film but in person, it is crazy awesome looking. Plus, I love that the color seems to turn really dark in different lighting and then lighten up later. Pictures really dont do this skin justice but it also needs a serious breakin in to soften and grain in a way that only gearhead coukd appreciate. I showed my wife some stills from the movie that matched some grain spots on my jacket and her response was," just looks like its messed up and you just need a new jacket." And it was meant negatively.
( funny how a gearhead would take a comment like that as a compliment.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:34 pm

," just looks like its messed up and you just need a new jacket." And it was meant negatively.
( funny how a gearhead would take a comment like that as a compliment.

And thank you, seems as though wev'e inspired each other. Wished we lived closer.

Croft

CM · Post by CM » Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:53 pm

_ wrote:Uh, yeah? Generally a "size 40" is NOT going to have a 40" chest. It'll be more likely to be 46" in cut - very often more. The idea of sizing is that when they measure you and your chest is 40", the coat they grab "says it fits somebody with a 40" chest" NOT that it measures exactly 40".

I get that. I have a size 40 chest. In relation to my local leather jacket maker, 46 is my size, their 42 won't go over my shoudlers. In Brooks Leather jackets I need a size 48, their 44 won't zip up across my chest. My Wested is a size 42 and is a loose fit. My G&B which is a 42 tall and fits like it was tailored. Aero tells me a 38 will fita 40 inch chest. It's a question of trust to do business without trying a jacket on. Everyone's idea of what fits a 40 chest is different, and, as you say, as long as the merchant in question knows what they're doing, we should be okay.

gladd96 · Post by **gladd96** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:43 pm

_ wrote:Yep - Part of paying that premium is to get their expertise. I'd once heard there are real guidlines for military dress cuts and tailoring. I'd be interested in hearing them.

But I laugh too. if you put that tape around your chest and it says 40, a 40 cut jacket is gonna have as much "give" as your skin. You cannot wear a shirt under your skin, can you?

Not sure if there are any specific guidelines like that out there. Perhaps they provide a technical bulletin for tailors but my experience with Army regulations is those given to personnel are fairly generic. For instance the class A dress jacket: "the coat is fitted slightly at the waist, conforming to body shape with out tightness and with no prominent flare". Ultimately I believe it's intended to be a mater judgement by your command and generaly left up to their discretion. There are some hard and fast regulations on the uniform but they mostly deal with the display of rank, ribbons, unit insignia, etc. All I can say for sure is that class A uniform is a TIGHT fit! At the end of basic they heard everyone to a tailor to have the uniforms fitted and necessary alterations made. They are much more particular than the equivalent civilian fitting.

Fit is such a matter of personal taste and preference it's hard to get exactly what you want with measurements alone. My experience is there is no substitute for actually trying something on. If you know how your body compares to the average composite they base sizing on and you are OK with a general fit then you can get by without trying something on but ultimately there is always an element of chance that something just won't work for you. Sadly it's not exactly practical to visit the Wested.

One of these days I'll invest the time and expense to get a truly custom made jacket but for now I'm happy with what I have. Besides it's far cheaper to just look at the jacket porn posted on this site $\:D/$

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 10:28 pm

Michaelson wrote:That's what makes me occasionally shake my head when I read someone stating that G&B's are made to big because they measured one at 'such and such a measurement' across the chest, multiplied it by two, then state categorically that since the person's chest isn't that big around, the jackets are too big and therefore made wrong.

I've read the same argument with Wings jackets too.

As hard as I've tried to help explain what's going on, they don't listen, so I don't try anymore.

I DO chuckle when some of the same people post to complain that a custom jacket they just received, using their supplied specs they insisted be met to the letter, feel 'too tight across the chest' when the jacket maker followed their exact instructions to make the jacket the same size as their chest measurement.

They then rant and rave at the vendor and here, demanding a new jacket be cut or their monies refunded because the jacket HAS to be 'wrong'.

I honestly don't know why some of our custom jacket vendors even bother. That COULD explain why Nowak's were so expensive too.

Regards! Michaelson

"Speaking for myself, kevin, I'm not going by photos.

Not sure about your 'chart', but I just pulled my G&B Expedition out of my closet this very minute. It measures 22 inches side to side front, 22 inches side to side back. 22 x 2= 44. It's marked size 44T.

I pulled my U. S. Wings VIP out. 22 inches front. 22 inches back, 22 x 2 =44. Their chart marks their 'L' to fit size 44-46.

I just pulled my Wested cloth Raiders out. 22 inches front. 22 inches back. 22 x 2 = 44. It's marked 44.

So, there's 3 manufacturers who match your measurements, and NONE of them come up with a size 40. Two of the jackets are custom, one OTR.

There's no way in the WORLD I can get my carcass in a size 40....well, maybe my leg, but something seems amiss in your chart.

Regards! Michaelson"

Hmm, it's wasn't too long ago that you thought the same way Michaelson!

To this day, I can't for the life of me imagine how you could incorrectly measure three seperate jackets!
Ancient history, I know, just pointing out that we all live and learn, I guess.

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 4:49 am

_ wrote:
Forrest For the Trees wrote:Ah, but shouldn't there be a certain amount of room built into a jacket? Each vendor seems to build in a different amount of extra space. Wested seems fairly consistent with an extra 4 inches built in (ie. a size 40 will measure 44 inches total, or 22 pit-to-pit). Other vendors, such as Gibson & Barnes and Aero, seem to be a far more generous cut. I've heard of some being an additional 10 inches in chest size! That may be cool for some, but most don't want to look like they're wearing a leather poncho. So unless we are talking about a true made-to-measure jacket, you would have to intentionally size down to get the fit you want, but then you face the problem of sleeves becoming too short.
That's true - some build in more "give" than others. See Wested's current vs the 80's cut. Wings builds in the most give, while G&B is sorta in the middle off the rack. I had my Expeditions cut military fit, i.e. I think a 48 was 52? That was the same as Wested - my 48 was 52. Some guys want to wear sweaters. Some guys have more gut and don't mind extra room through the ta-tas... But your point is accurate - quite accurate...

I take Michaelson's point of gearheads taking on the fedora as tailor. I trust Peter Botwright unconditionally in fitting me in a jacket beyond my abilities - and I'm a fairly well-educated customer. Quote me there - I trust Peter Botwright unconditionally in his knowledge as to fitting me. He's the expert and I'd pay - and have paid others - extra for the service. Why the man doesn't charge speaks well of him - I'd certainly charge a buck or a buck and a half ($100-$150) extra for made to measure. It's worth it and it is well-earned... JMO...

Hang on, you called the guy a 'snake-oil salesman' only a few days back.
I don't get it. Do you like the guy and recommend the company or not?
Talk about mixed messages..

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 5:01 am

No mixed messages, he means exactly and I mean exactly what he says.

Regards, Geert

Mark Raats · Post by **Mark Raats** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:10 am

_ wrote:Thomas Jefferson screwed women he held in bondage.

???

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:13 am

okay guys,

lets keep this jacket related.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sat Jul 23, 2011 11:36 pm

True, Mark...Sally Hemmings...look it up, bro...

And P is on about jacket fittings....I've gone wrong before...when I second guessed Peter.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:30 am

Mark, in his usual direct way _ is just saying that you can't hang a specific sign on anyone. We are all a duplicity of contradictions.

In the case of Bundy, he was a serial killer that was electrocuted in the Florida electric chair, and yet was an eagle scout in the Boy Scouts...the highest honor of a very honorable and long established group.

Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the U. S. and most highly regarded individuals of our nations history, had his dark side too.

So, every person have their high points, and their low points, but they're all different, and thank Heavens for that.

The world would be a boring place if everyone was the same.

Regards! Michaelson

jkeene71 · Post by **jkeene71** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:37 pm

Just picked up my Hero in original dark goat. First impression... WOW!

Love the leather!! For me it's the perfect weight and
color. More info and Pics to come

jkeene71 · Post by **jkeene71** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:05 pm

First few pics:

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:19 pm

Holy Smoke Stack!

That jacket looks amazing, I love it! The color, I think, is perfect for the raiders jacket and it looks to fit you very well. Enjoy your new jacket, it looks like an absolute keeper and winner.

Now I really can't wait to receive my hero jacket.

-Bdgsi11

sofianeomari · Post by **sofianeomari** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:41 pm

I ordered a hero jacket (in crispe), I can't wait !

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:46 pm

I ordered the Crispe as well. Really anxious to see it in person.

sofianeomari · Post by **sofianeomari** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:52 pm

Me too.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:03 pm

Great looking jacket.

you look very comfortable in it, like it is already part of you. Now get that collar trained! Of all the vendors out there, it is strickly my opinion and personal likes and dislikes, that Wested makes the coolest looking collar but not right out of the box...they definitely need some attention to form up.
Have fun getting to know your new friend...it is currently 97° and I am still wearing this thing just fine. Funny thing is, yesterday I took out my Wested washed goat to wear but walked out of the house with my Hero....then this morning, I pulled out my Todd's Standard and ended up walking out with my Hero. Not a diss on the others,its just that the Hero seems really comfortable and much mkre cooler to wear..and I mean Fonzi cool, not weather-wise.

really jazzed about seeing the jacket in these different skins so everybody keep them pics coming!

jkeene71 · Post by **jkeene71** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:13 pm

I totally agree on the collar! already workin on it

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:33 pm

I wish I could get better pictures taken, because these aren't really showing what I see. But if you look at my original pictures from when I first got it you will notice that the leather is mostly smooth. Now after wetting it a few times the leather is starting to gain some character. There are striations developing and it is beginning to have the pebbly look that my Nowak in shrunken lamb has.

And I haven't even had this jacket for very long. I wonder what it will look like in a month?

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:36 pm

Got to love the dark goat - my Hero is breaking in very nicely. It's the only jacket I wear!

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:17 pm

whiskyman wrote: It's the only jacket I wear!
]

until the next one eh?

lol

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:19 pm

Nope - this is it.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:23 pm

61ButteMT · Post by **61ButteMT** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:59 pm

Coincidentally, I've seen lots of used Indy jackets on forums and eBay lately.