searching for my own perfect "indy" jacket

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 9:23 am

Hello after years!
In 2010 I bought from Wested LC Jacket in authentick lambskin. Attached some pictures. Jacket was chosen based on my knowledge at the time and under my dimensions. It works out how it came out (as shown in the pictures).

Generally, I find that:
1) it is a bit too large in waist (little too baggy ...?)
2) The sleeves are too long and too wide
3) while raising hands, entire jacket goes up (some error in sewing sleeves with the rest of the jacket... no gussets?)
4) lambskin after those years is in really not so good condition,
5) i lost some weight during years (yeah!!!) so now jacket looks even more baggy than before...

Given that, and because I plan to buy a new jacket (jackets, because one for winter and one for spring / summer), here's what I want from my dream spring/summer jacket:
1) The style of Indiana Jones,
2) cut slim fit, tailored to the body,
3) fit the length and width of the sleeves,
4) skin that does not wear out in a few years, but it will not be too rigid,
5) SA is not my goal, more style and comfort.

This creates a simple, but hard question. Is it possible to any of the jackets Wested made to meet my needs? I know that ToD Jacket has very slim fit, but Harrison Ford strongly complained about comfort. Is there any chance that I came out pleased with this? It seems to me that the LC / KotCS are out of the equasion, as these models are just baggy with large sleeves. And so, the RoLA or the ToD. Which one and from which skin? I was thinking maybe dark brown novapelle or heavy duty predistress lambskin (but have very serious doubts how long it lasts) or maybe cowhide? Horsehide? Really dunno.

What i am looking for?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 12:08 pm

First of all, your jacket looks like an Indy jacket. Next, I would say that if your ideal jacket is a ToD, then try one. Wested or Diego make faithful copies. The other observation would be that the 'perfect' Indy jacket is often an ideal, a sentiment as seen on screen that exists in the mind, and very often is the elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The question is does it fit comfortably and retain the flavor? Always better to wear a good reproduction and be happy, than to always chase and ideal that is not attainable.

In music terms, my guitar tech used to say...there is no magic guitar. Guys chase tone all their lives and never find it (exactly).

As a costume piece, these jackets were made for HF, to fit him for the movie and for a period of a few months of filming. It is in essence, a costume snapshot of a given point in time in movie history. However, in the real world, guys typically put on weight as time marches on, and it is relentless. Time waits for no one.

I am trying to save you hundreds of dollars. The perfect Indy jacket is not brand new off the cutter or just out of the box, it becomes one. It has been worn and weathered with your own personal adventures, and is made to fit you, not HF. Somewhere in there is jacket purgatory.

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:05 pm

####, that was Deep

Ok, what i was thinking when i wrote about my "perfect indy jacket" - i'd like to buy a jacket that fits me like glove fits hand. And looks like (and that is most important - not "is", but "looks like") jacket from Indiana Jones movie. I'd like that jacket to have slim fit cut beeing comfortable to wear, and have that indy jacket style. Never screen accurate, that is not my intention, so i will neve buy wested hero jacket.
And you have right, on that photos (taking 5 years ago, with all my effort to looks perfectly) my jacket looks almost perfect. Well, after 6 years i must Say, it is not that perfect, not even close. It is too baggy with to large shoulders. With no gussets.
As for now i think, the choice is between RoLA Standard and ToD, and dunno what kind of skin.

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Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:16 pm

If haven't done so already, you might want to give this thread a quick read.

I think it's the hide you're looking for, and the folks who can make exactly what you're wanting, as recommended by Tex.

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=66819" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regard! Michaelson

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:26 pm

Hello Michaelson! Well, horse hide is quite amazing skin i must admitt. But i'll have to wait for pictures of that guy in that jacket, to see how it looks. Like i wrote before - slim fit jacket is the thing that i search. I'd like rather in winter to wear that jacket under winter jacket than to wear something under that jacket - you feel me?

And last but not least, and most important - money. That jacket you recommend cost a lot compare to wested product, that cost much more than 6 years ago

Looks like mine poor country have that much #### money, they always are weak according to dollars, pounds or euro

And year after year they are only weaker.

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Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:28 pm

Understood!

Well, if you're set on a Wested, about all you CAN do is call them and ask for help in coming up with a custom fit to your size.....but as has already been said, it's a chase many a hobbiest has pursued, and in the end just sat down and cried.

Good luck!

Regard! M

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:34 pm

I have gone through two different Westeds and had to return one of them. The other one I really liked.

However, if you want my humble opinion, go with Steel & Jones. Custom made jacket to your measurements just the way you want it. It's a bit pricier than a Wested, but well worth the effort. I love my S&J!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:35 pm

Maybe you can find a good used/like new ToD...? One suggestion. Would not cost as much. Maybe someone has one on hand that they would be willing to let go of at a good price?

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:53 pm

Nah, buying use jacket wont do. It has to be made for me. Unfortunatelly i lived in Poland, wested in UK and S&J are in USA. So there's no chance for them to take all the measures they need. Well i think that is the biggest problem in that searching for ideal jacket not only for me but for others.

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Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:59 pm

Actually, S&J is in South America, but that's a moot point.

Regard! M

car96 · Post by **car96** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:21 pm

After two custom Wested's and another one second hand I can say they are great jackets.

After one Steele & Jones jacket...I do not have the need to buy or wear another jacket.
It fits perfect. Diego will do above and beyond to make sure the jacket you buy from them is going to fit to your standards and you will not regret the $ spent.

Just my opinion.

Photoss · Post by **Photoss** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 4:03 pm

car96 wrote:After two custom Wested's and another one second hand I can say they are great jackets.
After one Steele & Jones jacket...I do not have the need to buy or wear another jacket.
It fits perfect. Diego will do above and beyond to make sure the jacket you buy from them is going to fit to your standards and you will not regret the $ spent.
Just my opinion.

I can only echo this. I've had a jacket almost every vendor, and they all have had their strengths and weaknesses. My two current Westeds are nice, but not perfect, but I've kept them and do wear them. But my two S&Js are perfect, and WILL satisfy your desire for THE jacket. On top of that, they'll do screen accurate distressing, and walk you through every step in the process. HIGHLY recommended you go that route. I wish I had done so sooner!

davidafshar · Post by **davidafshar** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 4:11 pm

Enjoying reading through this thread as I think I'm in a similar position as the OP insofar as what I'm wanting out of an Indy jacket. Between the comments here and in the "modern fit" thread, it sounds like Magnoli and Steele and Jones are the places folks are most often recommending. Unfortunately, Magnoli is going to remain out of my budget for a good long while (never say never, though), but Steele and Jones seem pretty reasonable. Looks like I'll have to drop them a line once I've got enough change to warrant cracking open the piggy bank.

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 4:30 pm

Well, I saw in here:
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=66552" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
that they have some very interesting prices in that Steel & Jones company!

So i wrote an email to Diego. Hope it will be a journey to my own Indy Jacket Eldorado!!!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 4:53 pm

He makes a great ToD.

Take a stroll through this thread:

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=64457" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 5:11 pm

Contact wested. Purchase a Temple of doom in lambskin. Its the cut taken from the orginal doom jacket.

Go custom, order a slight tighter fit if you like the look of the promo tofd shot. Like a half size down in chest torso area. Not in shoulders! Order that normal. Shoulder width stays as the jacket REALLY tightens up at the armpit shoulder area when zipped. So normal shoulders. Slight tighter chest. I know you want the jacket ''shirt'' look if I am not misstaken right?

Soak the jacket. Bunch up the sleeves as much as possible. Here I mean like how Axel Foley wears them. Break it in. Rub in with pecard. Go out in the rain with it. Wear it all the time! School of Michaelson is the only way. yeah, I know, look who's talking....

I just helped a bud of mine with the exact same thing. He got his temple jacket. He wanted the promo look shot as well. It looks great on him! really awesome!

Got your pm about the same subject the other day. I have so much to do at work these days I have not had the chance to reply. Pluss I am finishing of that grail diary of mine. which requires sooo much time and focus. Its kinda crazy.

Sorry

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 5:21 pm

Holt wrote: Wear it all the time! School of Michaelson is the only way. yeah, I know, look who's talking....

Regard! Michaelson

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 5:43 pm

Ask Diego at Steele & Jones if he has any of his clearance leathers left. At one time he had thin goatskin and thin cowhide - both are way tougher than lambskin...

RayROnline · Post by **RayROnline** » Thu Jan 12, 2017 9:03 pm

Agreed...Steele & Jones for Extreme customer service, Bespoke fit, perfect dimensions subtly adjusted to your body style. You won't be sorry.

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 1:30 am

Many thanks everyone for adviced. Holt, especially to you as you are an wested jacket expert. The only thing i was worry about was...Measurments. But after one (one! Insane!) mail from Diego i know quite Well that he will do anything to fit mine jacket just for me! Well, his offert isn't as nice as wested is, but i can see on couple of photos, that they jackets looks really greate on folks (where jacket from Wested could surprise and not in the good way).
Anyway, i wait for rest information from Diego (mostly about horse hide and how about it durability, as my lambskin LC Jacket from Wested after 6 years looks pretty tired (Well, i post a couple of photos how it looks for today) . I'm pretty sure most of you could said that right nów that jacket looks amazing (it is, it really is as used jacket for adventure hunter... As for father of 3 kids working in the office.. not so much

Anyway alhough S&J jacket cost 1/3 more than wested, i feel in my guts they are more safe to cooperate with this great endevour

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Holt · Post by **Holt** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 1:49 am

Well, you cannot go wrong with DIego. From the look of the photos and reading peoples reviews on them, he sure does awesome work! I want one!

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 9:36 am

As promissed, me and jacket 5 or 6 years later (according to first post)

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 9:38 am

And here, what exactly is wrong with my jacket:

Tyrloch · Post by **Tyrloch** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 10:45 am

Honestly, the fit doesn't look too bad. Maybe the armholes could've been a bit smaller, but otherwise? It seems to have the Last Crusade vibe going for it, but I seem to recall you saying that you'd rather a slimmer ToD fit. I don't know if Wested will be able to get you the exact fit you like, but Diego will custom make the waist size smaller to accommodate you...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 10:51 am

One thing you can do to size this per your requirements is to have the sleeves cut close to the body and add gussets. This will keep it from riding up so much. Give exact measurements of your bicep & forearm, chest and abdomen. Diego can cut it to fit closer and assure you a better fit.....and that's an order!

Sorry, I meant InDieglo Jones

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 11:30 am

"IT doesn't look too bad" doesn't mean "it looks great on you". It was great jacket for me 6 years ago, when my knowledge about all details was... poor.
On the other hand - i have that LC Jacket and ok. I'll wear it anyway. I love it, like you love Old dog you have from beggining. But start searching for another one, for "the jacket". In the beginning i didn't wonna buy another indy jacket, tought that chapter is closed for me. Loking at "escape from th ny jacket", "skyfall jacket", "wLverine origins" jacket, "days of future past jacket" and then, out of nowhere it came to me.. why not another indy jacket? But this time i do everything i can, ask everybody i can to mąkę sure it will be perfect.
So here i am

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Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 11:56 am

Another key area is jacket length. Think in terms of how much above or below the belt you require? About 2" below the belt is a good ballpark, if you are going for a ToD. Try on a button up oxford type dress shirt and get someone to measure from the bottom of the shirt collar stand to say, for instance, 2" below the belt. Diego may have his own take on that, as well?

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 2:52 pm

I do not see a problem. Only a very cool jacket.

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:04 pm

See? What did i tell you? It is a very cool jacket. It is. But not that cool, because i still feel the need. The need for... new jacket

This jacket stays with mme.try to buy some peckard, saved it and hide. Couple of years later, when my kids grown, as my belly will

she will return.
But for now? Now i am slim and fit and i want my "shirt-jacket".
Well, negotiation with Diego already began. In this way or another - i will have my perfect jacket when spring came!

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davyjones007 · Post by **davyjones007** » Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:45 pm

My second Indy jacket has the same issues with the arm holes being too big. On the flip side, it makes it easier to layer without feeling too tight.

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 2:06 am

The couple LC jackets I have from Wested both have the "flying squirrel" effect. Their Raiders jackets do not do it. Not a big deal on the LC for me if I don't raise my arms too high.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 3:40 am

The original jacket had the same effect.

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Sat Jan 14, 2017 4:03 am

Well, right nów, i don't like that effect. I don't need a jacket in which i must remember to not raise arms too hight because of silly look.

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bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Fri Feb 03, 2017 5:42 pm

I'm not saying anything, but i think it may be good time for changing post subject from "searching for my perfect "indy" jacket" into "waiting for my new light distressed thin horsehide Temple of Doom "looks like shirt" jacket" ;p

Howard Weinstein · Post by **Howard Weinstein** » Sat Feb 04, 2017 10:46 am

bartes123 wrote:I'm not saying anything, but i think it may be good time for changing post subject from "searching for my perfect "indy" jacket" into "waiting for my new light distressed thin horsehide Temple of Doom "looks like shirt" jacket" ;p

If that means you ordered a jacket, great! Enjoy it when it arrives!
Otherwise (and someone may have mentioned this already) you take your old one to a good tailor for some custom alterations.

I got a US Wings lambskin jacket a few years ago. Not too expensive, nice jacket, fit well, and I really liked it -- except the sleeves were too long. A local tailor took care of that for a reasonable price. Cheaper than buying a new jacket!

Post by **Cajunkraut** » Sat Feb 04, 2017 11:11 am

Texan Scott wrote:First of all, your jacket looks like an Indy jacket. Next, I would say that if your ideal jacket is a ToD, then try one. Wested or Diego make faithful copies. The other observation would be that the 'perfect' Indy jacket is often an ideal, a sentiment as seen on screen that exists in the mind, and very often is the elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The question is does it fit comfortably and retain the flavor? Always better to wear a good reproduction and be happy, than to always chase and ideal that is not attainable.

In music terms, my guitar tech used to say...there is no magic guitar. Guys chase tone all their lives and never find it (exactly).

As a costume piece, these jackets were made for HF, to fit him for the movie and for a period of a few months of filming. It is in essence, a costume snapshot of a given point in time in movie history. However, in the real world, guys typically put on weight as time marches on, and it is relentless. Time waits for no one.

I am trying to save you hundreds of dollars. The perfect Indy jacket is not brand new off the cutter or just out of the box, it becomes one. It has been worn and weathered with your own personal adventures, and is made to fit you, not HF. Somewhere in there is jacket purgatory.

Edited 2/7/17 to add Scott's prescribed mood music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5JicO2bKec" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

kozmoedave · Post by **kozmoedave** » Sat Feb 04, 2017 11:30 am

You will be very happy with your Steele & Jones. I LOVE mine. Someday I'll have one of their distressed LCs.

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Sat Feb 04, 2017 5:55 pm

Yes! Steele&Jones is my choice

Now we wait.

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Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Sat Feb 04, 2017 7:37 pm

Oh, you think you have found the perfect jacket but then they. come out with another leather, another pattern, another distressing job another another....And before you know it, guess what? You want another jacket!

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Sun Feb 05, 2017 5:43 am

No, that is enough. Done with searching with screen accurate indy jacket. This time i want my own indy looks like jacket, so i dont need to search for another one.

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Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 5:38 pm

...you forgot the Hawaii'an music....there needs to be Hawaii'an music in jacket purgatory.

Cajunkraut wrote:

Edited 2/7/17 to add Scott's prescribed mood music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5JicO2bKec" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

.....that's the ticket....

......

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 4:34 am

Texan Scott wrote:...you forgot the Hawaii'an music....there needs to be Hawaii'an music in jacket purgatory.

Cajunkraut wrote:

Edited 2/7/17 to add Scott's prescribed mood music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5JicO2bKec" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

.....that's the ticket.... ......

Jeez, that was heavy...

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 6:12 am

Well folks, looks like my journey should ends any time soon

I proudly present you:
Steel&Jones Cazadora 35 in thin horsehide:

It is slim fit Temple of Doom jacket with larger pockets, so I can hide there something bigger than just bugs or air

So, what ya think?

real beauty aint she?

Diego is really Michelangello of jacket makers

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:34 am

Beautiful jacket! And nice choice.

I ordered mine from him yesterday, so I should be on the list. I can't wait.

kozmoedave · Post by **kozmoedave** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:28 am

Another beauty from S & J.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:55 pm

I spent ages looking at the pictures trying to figure out what jacket it was. It was the pockets throwing me off, shaould have read your description.

Nice jacket.

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 5:53 am

You mean that pockets in my jacket is something you don't like? Or you don't like pockets in original ToD jacket? English is So confusing

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xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 11:01 am

It looks great. I usually notice a ToD jacket because it has the smallest pockets. Yours are by request slightly bigger. That's why it confused me until I read your description.

Now we need to see you wearing it!

bartes123 · Post by **bartes123** » Thu Aug 03, 2017 3:21 am

Well, package has arrive.
As for now just few photos. Have no time for posing, my wife is in hospital, my Child is comming!!!

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Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Aug 03, 2017 7:25 am

Nice jacket, and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Hope everything is going or went well with the delivery!

Regards! Michaelson