US Wings Jackets

[Indy1939]

Hello everyone. I've been here a while now, mostly as a lurker as I don't have as much knowledge to offer as most of you do, but I think I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on a jacket. I've been reading multiple posts and reviews and have decided on US Wings (as hinted to with the title) but I still have a couple of questions that I haven't really been able to find answers to. I've decided on Signature Series but am still undecided as to the 'Striated Lambskin Adventurer' or the 'Vintage Cowhide Indy-Style Adventurer'.

Is there really much of a difference to the cut between the plain Adventurer and the Indy-Style Adventurer?

Does anyone have the lambskin and have an opinion on durability compared to the cowhide?

It won't be getting dragged behind a truck at all, but I do have a tendency to get jackets/shirts caught on corners of shelves at work, door frames, etc., and I just don't want a fancy new jacket with a big tear in it.

Typing this out may have helped my solidify my decision, but I'd still love to hear opinions on the subtle differences if you have them.

Thanks,
-Allen

[Hammerklavier]

Hi I own two USW jacket , one is steerhide with goldmap, other one is vintage cowhide (the old one, not the new one), and I cant be more excited and happy about the quality of jacket, it is the jacket you can abuse with, if you want a tough thick jacket , you go to USW, but one thing I have to mention, they are not screen accurate, they have big collar on almost every jacket, I returned my bison jacket because of that.

[CM]

If you want accurate and slimmer fit (and nicer to my eye) go with the Legend pattern. It is closer to the movie version. I think teh signature versions are a bit clunky and they seem to fit better on big men.

[Chewbacca Jones]

Yes, screen accuracy is not tops with US Wings, but I think they look great and are high quality. I find some water and hand shaping helps reduce the big-colar effect.

Allen, if catching on corners is likely, I would advise against lambskin. Even thick lambskin can be a touch delicate in such a situation. The cowhide on that vintage indy is pretty thick, so it should hold up well. But still be careful. Any jacket can get torn.

As far as cut, if the jackets in question are both Signature Series, the cut will be the same. There might be some minor details that are different, but overall, the fit should be the same within the Signature Series, I.e. full cut/relaxed fit. Great for guys with a bigger frame or extra padding, nice for layering with a thick sweater, etc.

For a visual, here is a signature series on me (I had the sleeves shortened for my stubby arms.
U.S. Wings Collectors Ed. Cowhide by Fedora Dog, on Flickr

And this is a Legend series... on a thinner me.My Indy Gear, reconstituted! by Fedora Dog, on Flickr

[Hammerklavier]

Your Signature cowhide collector edition is just exactly same look as movie!!! I bought this one http://www.uswings.com/product/signatur ... er-jacket/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but I guess it is not collector's edition, which doesn't come with pre distressed looking....

[Chewbacca Jones]

Yes, the Collector's Edition was made to look like the jacket in Crystal Skull, and the leather was sourced from the same supplier as the movie for that run.

[Indy1939]

Thanks for the input gentlemen.

I'm not super picky about it being screen accurate, I'm more about overall function. Now I just need to make some inquiries about sizing. I've been reading some old posts and looking at their sizing chart I'll probably go with a medium. I'm 5'7" and about 150lbs. If they run slightly big that would be OK, I have a sweater that would be perfect for layering under it. Given some of the weather here in SD I'd probably be wanting to layer it if I wear it at all during the winters we get.

I find that with my build and most jackets I try on that to get the sleeve length I like (that is the sleeve stopping at the wrist) I need a small, but a small tends to never fit over my shoulders. I know most Indy jackets go about to the middle of the back of the hand for length, and I'm OK with that.

Thanks,
-Allen

[Michaelson]

Well, just remember to try on the jacket for fit, and do NOT remove ANY of the tags until you're positive you're keeping the jacket.

They do return/replacements with no problems, but if the tags are removed, the jacket is yours.

Regards! Michaelson

[ijq8]

I have the striated lamb signature series. It is as heavy duty as you can get for lambskin-- very nice. I ordered a standard size L but it was too roomy (I'm usually an off-the-shelf L). Size M fit perfect. My father-in-law who has a rounder belly than me liked the jacket so much, he kept the size L.

[Chewbacca Jones]

I find that with my build and most jackets I try on that to get the sleeve length I like (that is the sleeve stopping at the wrist) I need a small, but a small tends to never fit over my shoulders. I know most Indy jackets go about to the middle of the back of the hand for length, and I'm OK with that.

Thanks,
-Allen

As Michelson says, they are great with exchanges. And once you know you're keeping it, sleeves on an Indy jacket are easy for a tailor to shorten. I've had it done many times.

[Indy1939]

Thanks for the tip Michaelson. I may have thought of that, but then again I probably would have got caught up in the moment of trying on my very first ever Indy jacket. I've only wanted one since I was twelve! Haven't been this excited since I got my first fedora. I ordered a medium Signature Striated Lambskin Adventurer. Now the wait begins for it's arrival.

Thanks again for all your input guys. I'm looking for to putting it on and getting some photos up.

-Allen

[Michaelson]

Glad to help!

You shouldn't have to wait TOO long. They ship pretty fast.

Looking forward to seeing pics and reading the report!

Regard! M