In February, I reached a milestone birthday and my lovely wife surprised me with a “coupon” for an Indy jacket. I immediately started looking at all the options and settled on a Wested custom LC. I emailed Wested all excited (even revealing that this was a b-day gift and a big deal for me). I asked about the differences between a few hides and sizing. I specifically mentioned that I was a member of COW and was interested in the heavy-duty lambskin and copper novapelle hides based on fellow COW members’ reviews for an LC jacket. I also asked how their sizing compares to standard off-the-shelf sizes. Wested recommended the heavy-duty lambskin, and attached a measurement guide. Short and to the point. Fine--the tone of the email didn’t match my enthusiasm, but whatever.
The same day, I asked a follow-up question on the best hide choices for an LC jacket. Wested noted, “[a]s a general rule I would not look too closely into COW as despite the reviews being very helpful they often get our skin names wrong and then in turn the customer order ends up being wrong.” They added that the heavy-duty lambskin, which they had just recommended that same day, was out-of-stock. What’s more, despite asking for other hide recommendations, they offered none. Enter minor frustration.
Hide choice TBD, I followed Wested’s sizing chart/measurement guide (I usually wear off-the-shelf size "L" and really only wanted to lengthen the back of the jacket), but my measurement weren't matching the standard measurements for Wested's size 44 , which I thought was their size "L". So, I asked how their sizing works (specifically, “Can you tell me more about how your sizing works? For example, is your size 44 the equivalent of a size Large?”). I told Wested that I was concerned I wasn’t getting my back and arm measurements correct. Wested’s curt reply was this: “I’m afraid your questions aren’t really making much sense,” the back, sleeve, and pit-to-pit measurements are “up to you,” and “we can’t really help in detail with measurements as we can’t see you to take them.” While I don’t’ think my questions were confusing, even if they were, Wested made absolutely no attempt to ask clarifying questions of what I was asking or offer any further guidance whatsoever.
I replied to Wested and asked them if they wanted my business, and I attempted to simplify my questions in bullet format. They confirmed they wanted my business and answered my questions, but immediately attempted to minimize by claiming the ordering process is as frustrating for them as it is for me and then justified their email communication on a poor staffing situation. With no real offer to start anew or help me get my order right, Wested did note that they would understand if I took my business elsewhere. Considering the experience thus far and the risk of loosing 25% to return a ill-fitting custom jacket, I decided not to take the risk and went to US Wings.
My experience with US Wings was outstanding. While they do not have the same range of options as Wested, they have spectacular jackets that are beautifully crafted. I immediately honed in on the Signature Series Adventurer jacket in Striated Lambskin. I sent an email about sizing, and received a quick reply. Wary of my earlier experience with Wested, I followed up with a phone call. By email and phone, the US Wings reps were informative and pleasant…basically, a model of good customer service. I ordered the Signature Series in Size “L” based on their recommendations. I received it in Germany to an APO address in 9 days—free shipping. The jacket is a thing of beauty--the skin is super thick for lamb. However, there was a problem…the jacket didn’t fit me very precisely. It was slightly larger than a large usually fits me in the chest area and sleeves. The size “L” fit, but at the same time, it didn’t. I can really only describe it like this: I felt like I was 16 and wearing my dad’s jacket.
I scoured the US Wings website for another option, gave US Wings another call and sent two more emails searching for options. The staff was always patient, pleasant to talk to, and informative. The US Wings rep even recognized my voice from our conversation 10 days prior. After discussing options, I decided to try a size “M” in the Signature Series; I also ordered a size “L” in Legend the 30th Anniversary Featherweight Antique Lambskin to compare cuts. US Wings extended their return time and let me hold on to the Signature size “L” to compare.
As before, the jackets arrived in 9 days to Germany. The size “M” Signature series fit me perfectly. SA notwithstanding, to me it was the LC/CS jacket I always wanted, and it felt great on. I tried on the Legend, and it too felt great…totally different, but great. What to do? I modeled them for my wife…she liked the Legend better, due to it being more tailored and shorter. But I was leaning towards the Signature Series. Then she said, referring to the Legend jacket, “It looks more Indiana Jones.” That did it for me. I kept both. I think I “chose wisely.”
Also, a big thanks to Michaelson, “knower of things,” who was a great help on the different US Wings options.
Cheers,
ijq8
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