My New Zealand Lambskin HERO Raiders

[Marv]

I'm 5'11" and went for 24.5" for the back length and 24.5" on the sleeve length on my Hero (44") and it turned out very well for me luckly.

As for shrinking the jacket, I probably wouldn't bother as you may not see or feel any noticable difference. I have used hot water on a number of my A2 jackets (albeit horse and not lamb) and had the desired effect, whether it be to bring out the grain in the hide or to improve the drape to shrinking a jacket which was too big down a size from 46" to 44" but that was risky.

Vairied degress of using hot water from misting to wearing in the shower to dunking the entire jacket in a hot bath for a few minutes.

The one thing I have never done is put the jacket in a tumble drier as this is where major skringage can take place but carries possible issues.

[senorjacob]

Thanks for the input. I won’t do the dryer. Just another soak. Talking to Peter about re-tailoring. Don’t think it’s possible but we’ll see.

[Holt]

Re tailoring wont be worth it. You'll pay almost the same price for a new jacket. And I dont think it can be done to be honest.

Shrinking won't do much either. You'll maby reduse it by inch. I say either sell it or shrink for wearing.

[Dangerfreak]

That jacket looks awesome, I'm pretty excited about this as I was thinking about getting a Raiders Hero in the future. I have a standard Raiders from Wested which comes longer in the back than the movie jacket, but I still love it.
As for putting jackets in the dryer, I did that with my Raiders and it turned out ok, but everyone told me I was very lucky I didn't ruin it. It accentuated the differences in the leather between each section of the jacket and I realised I was very fortunate that it hadn't distorted out of shape. It was very risky and I won't be trying it again.

[senorjacob]

I decided to order a second jacket in NZ lamb, this time with a back length of 23.5. I really love this new length. Not sure if I’ll keep the 25” jacket or not. It’s got a different look and feel that I still really like. Though I’d consider selling it if someone here is interested. It’s a size 36 with 24” sleeves and 25” back.

[xmasters]

You got the new jacket, any pics?


I have to say I've ordered a jacket in this skin as well.

[Kladdagh]

Nice Story and nice Jacket ... Thanks for sharing

[xmasters]

Just thought I'd post this pic of my Wested Raiders jacket in the NZ Washed lamb. For those interested. Only been wearing it for a few hours.

https://imgur.com/a/y14PG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[senorjacob]

Very nice! Custom or hero?

[xmasters]

Thanks! I like it it a lot. It's a custom of their Raiders pattern. Seeing as I had just got a cowhide Hero jacket, I didn't want to get the same jacket again. So I asked them to make me a stock sized 40 Raiders jacket, but with Hero shaped/sized pocket flaps. It has a slightly smaller sized collar than the Hero, and a few other things.

[Kladdagh]

Good looking jacket in this leather xmasters

[davyjones007]

Great looking jacket. I love when the sleeves have that accordion look to them. All of my custom made jackets have about 2 extra inches in length for that very purpose and still be long enough to wear on a bike. I have used the hot water treatment on goat and hh with decent success. Both times to help with the sleeves. Good luck with your jacket adventures.

[Forrest For the Trees]

Just thought I'd post this pic of my Wested Raiders jacket in the NZ Washed lamb. For those interested. Only been wearing it for a few hours.

https://imgur.com/a/y14PG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Missed this before. That looks fantastic. The NZ lambskin really needs to be a standard offering for their Raiders jackets.