Retail Stores That Sell Good Jacket Reproductions?

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 1:34 pm

I'm worried about maxing out my credit card with online purchases. Does anyone know about or recommend a retail store that sells a good Indy style jacket, preferrably in the "Raiders" style?

Maybe like a Macy's or a J.C. Penny. How about leather warehouse outlets? Does Wested have a store in the States?

I'd wait until my credit was in better shape, but my old jacket is in bad shape--it lasted 12 years, though, but it wasn't a really "official" looking Indy jacket. It was a Christmas gift from my parents, who tried hard to find a duplicate "Raiders" jacket, and what they found was close, but no cigar.

Now that I'm older, and have my own $$, I'd like to get something decent.

Any suggestions?

Post by **Ken** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:46 pm

Well pretty much any alternative you find is going to be in the same price range as a wested anyway. I guess the only difference would be shipping. I know most guys here would recommend a Wested as the best buy for the price.

Ken

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 2:50 pm

Unfortunately, Peter will not listen to reason (my reasoning) and pick up roots and move his entire family and operation here to the States.

Hopefully Peter might be able to attend the QM Summit this year though - which could be your chance to at least get fitted for an authentic Wested.

Also, I’m not sure I understand what exactly your saying. If you’re merely concerned about “maxin out” your credit card, and you want to deal in cash, there are several other methods of payment including check and money order on Wested’s site. If you are suggesting a cheaper alternative that falls into the “close, but no cigar” category, then you might check out the threads below. But, IMHO, I’d just bit the bullet and wait until you are in “better shape” to afford the real deal.

http://www.wested.com/

I’ve noticed other alternatives posted in the past, but I’m not sure they’re that much cheaper to warrant passing on a Wested:

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... ght=cabela

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... ght=cabela

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... ight=bauer

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic ... ight=bauer

My

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:36 pm

Thanks Rixter!

I didn't know that Wested took checks as well. That's good to know. It's not so much that I'm strapped for cash, it's that I'm a little wary about sending away for things. The delivery system in my area is pretty lousy, things get lost on a regular basis, and I guess I just woudl feel more comfortable with buying something in person.

Not to mention that my old jacket is really on its final legs, and I'm going to need something soon.

Anyway, I really appreciate the advice.

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:43 pm

I NEVER sent one email or made one phone call to Wested. I paid for my Raiders lamb by check and a letter with my specs. This was before I really got into paying for things online with my debit card. I got my jacket within 6 weeks total.

Oh, and the US Postal Service money orders do not work in England.

Peace,
Cliffhanger

JerseyJones · Post by **JerseyJones** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:46 pm

LuckyLighter wrote:Thanks Rixter!

I didn't know that Wested took checks as well. That's good to know. It's not so much that I'm strapped for cash, it's that I'm a little wary about sending away for things. The delivery system in my area is pretty lousy, things get lost on a regular basis, and I guess I just woudl feel more comfortable with buying something in person.

Not to mention that my old jacket is really on its final legs, and I'm going to need something soon.

Anyway, I really appreciate the advice.

Lucky,

You will be FINE with Wested. Trust me.

It's the best way to spend your money on a CUSTOM MADE leather jacket, Indy or not. MY authentic Goat is built like a tank and it destroys ANYTHING at Leather Warehouse.

My advice, go to a good tailor shop and get a full set of suit measurements and e-mail Peter. He will get it spot on. Shipped in my custom size 54 It was less than 375.00 to my door. Where are you in NJ , btw ?

Tough to beat !

Welcome and Enjoy !

Ken

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:51 pm

I'm in North Jersey--Bergen County.

Thanks for the encouragement! I'll definitely do the tailor thing and get those measurements.

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:11 pm

Please allow me to pile on top of everyone else and say that, like many people in here I am sure, everytime I go into a store I survey the khakis, the bags, the shirts, and the leather jackets for things which approach or accomplish screen accuracy. I have yet to find a leather jacket, which remotely compares to my Wested, both in spec, that goes without saying, but in true quality. I would rather wear my Wested than a $1,000 designer leather jacket.

I was very anxious when I ordered it, I had to wait for it longer than most: it was stuck for two and a half weeks in customs, yet I have never been so satisfied with a product, a company, and a customer service experience. I have nothing, but praise for everything Wested.

If your credit cards are maxed, I suggest calling the provider and asking them to raise your limit by at least three hundred dollars, then make that order.

Best,
HJ

Mola Ram · Post by **Mola Ram** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:32 pm

Go for a wested,
I got my first wested last friday(the 13th) and I just love it.
I dont know why you would buy any other jacket. The leather
feels great. trust us,
Pick a wested.
K.R.
Mola

Mr. Das · Post by **Mr. Das** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:15 pm

There's always the Raiders Cotton.

Schulte · Post by **Schulte** » Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:42 pm

My first thought before I bought my Wested was to find a similar jacket to Indy's, maybe at a local retail store or something like that. But after I found out about Wested (through this fantastic website and forum) and I could have the original made by the same company, I realized I had to have it!

I would say do what you can to get a Wested and you sure won't regret it. If you do buy a similar jacket or an "Indy Style" jacket, after you get it you may still be itching to get the real thing and end up buying a Wested anyway.

That's my two cents. Good luck.

GCR · Post by **GCR** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 9:54 am

I used to do the same thing when I was younger. I wandered the aisles of my local leather stores searching for a good match to "THE" jacket. I knew the basics of the jacket (it was brown, it was leather, it had the cargo pockets in front and a storm flap) and managed to find other jackets that fit this vague and limited description. But by the time I got my first Wested, I was amazed at how different it looked compared to my "other" jackets. I had been way off, but I was still limited in my selection by what designs and styles they offered. I'd say save your dough for the Wested. I just think about how I could have a pair of Aldens and a decent whip (at least) with the money I would have saved just buying a Wested instead of buying "close-enough" jackets for $150-$200 a pop.

-GCR

FLATHEAD · Post by **FLATHEAD** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:02 pm

I got my first wested last friday(the 13th) and I just love it.

Molorom, you should name your jacket "Lucky" since you got it
on friday the 13th!! That would add an interesting story to your
jacket when people ask you about it when they come up to
you on the street and ask about that beautiful jacket!!

I can second, third and forth the comments about getting the Wested.

Even if you go to the Mall, and shop at Wilsons house of crud, you
will pay at least as much as a Wested for something not even close
to a Wested.

With the Wested, you will get a jacket made to fit YOU, not a jacket
made to kind-of-fit a thousand people.

You will get sleeves that fit YOUR arms. You will get a body length that
fits YOUR torso. You will get a chest that was made to fit YOU. It won't
fit me, or your family, or anyone else here. It will be made just to fit YOU!
And, you can choose the leather type and style that YOU like best! Not
what I like best, or what your friends might like best, or what the people
at the Mall think is in style this week.

You can not beat that for under $300.00!! And if there is anything wrong
with it, you can send it back at just about anytime to make it right! You
will never, ever get that at the Mall...

Flathead

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 2:20 pm

I may be

ing a dead horse here, but your best choice is certainly a Wested. Their customer service can't be beat - they were actually willing to completely remake my jacket free of charge (except shipping) because of my initial reservations concerning the length. I got over my qualms, but the fact that they were willing to do that is a testament to how much they care that you, the customer, is happy. You're not going to get that kind of service off the rack at JCPenny...

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 3:14 pm

I also must say that I can not find any reason to pay two or three hundred bucks for an Indy wannabe, if you can have a custom real McCoy for the same price. And, a very reasonable price it is, considering what you are getting and what some people would charge if they made an item with this much history behind it. In today's world, so many charge the most the market will bear. This is a true testament to Peter's character. There doesn't seem to be many like him anymore.

Not only is the jacket custom made to fit you, but you can choose different types of leathers. You can have exactly what you want and you can choose a leather suited to your intended uses.

Having said that, if you are looking for an alternative due to budget restrictions, there was a post awhile back about a jacket that I believe was around $79.00. Unfortunately, I can't remember who made the post or the name of the company. It wasn't very long ago and should not be hard to locate. But, if you start to get into the price range of a Wested, buy a Wested.

Ok, I found the post, here is the link:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=121162

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 4:01 pm

Bufflehead Jones wrote:. Having said that, if you are looking for an alternative due to budget restrictions, there was a post awhile back about a jacket that I believe was around $79.00. Ok, I found the post, here is the link:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=121162

Thanks for the link. That jacket is exactly like the one that I have now. That thing lasted 12 years for me. I guess that's part of why I'm reluctant. I'm so d#@* sentimental about it!

But I have to get fitted for a tux--you can read all about it in a thread called "Temple of Doom Tuxedo" (yeah I know, creative ain't it

). So I can use those measurements for the Wested jacket. I can wait till the end of March when I get the tux, to order the Wested.

Thanks again to everyone who replied!

Panama Tom Jr. · Post by **Panama Tom Jr.** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 4:16 pm

Just remember - almost every post I've read says that if you give Wested your exact measurements coat wise, you may find it a snug fit. They are cut in more of a slimmer military cut. If you want to be able to wear layers underneath and/or have more freedom of movement, you'll need to either go one jacket size up or specify you want a roomier cut. When I spoke to Wested on the phone and mentioned wanting to wear layers, they suggested going a size up. Something to think about, anyways...

LuckyLighter · Post by **LuckyLighter** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 9:36 am

What should I expect to spend on shipping and handling?

And I thought I read in one thread that talked about a "Customs Bill" or something. What's up with that?

Bogie1943 · Post by **Bogie1943** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:09 pm

True Westeds are the best buy of the group price wise. But I say save your money and go with a Expedition from Flightsuits, trust me!