Raiders jacket that balances screen accuracy and rigidity?

[myleschad]

Hey everyone, first post here. Recently I've decided that I want to pick up an Indy jacket, specifically a Raiders-styled one. I'm not looking to collect these jackets or anything, I just really like the style and would love to have one for life. I'd like one that ages well and will be actually built to last, even if that may sacrifice some of the screen accuracy.

On the topic of screen accuracy, the most important part of the look to me is the fit/way that it drapes over the wearer. I also like the ribbed look. I know that this is an oddly specific request, but I'm pretty overwhelmed by all of the options and was hoping that someone more experienced could point me in the direction of what may best suit my needs.

[backstagejack]

Hey everyone, first post here. Recently I've decided that I want to pick up an Indy jacket, specifically a Raiders-styled one. I'm not looking to collect these jackets or anything, I just really like the style and would love to have one for life. I'd like one that ages well and will be actually built to last, even if that may sacrifice some of the screen accuracy.

On the topic of screen accuracy, the most important part of the look to me is the fit/way that it drapes over the wearer. I also like the ribbed look. I know that this is an oddly specific request, but I'm pretty overwhelmed by all of the options and was hoping that someone more experienced could point me in the direction of what may best suit my needs.

Welcome!

I'd say made out of a nice cowhide or horse hide would help with aging well/ built to last. Steele and Jones have done some amazing things with screen accurate patterns.

http://www.steele-jones.com.ar

I know Magnoli would definitely as well.

https://www.magnoliclothiers.com/shop-b ... 5_110.html

Wested will also do other skins in their hero patterns I'm pretty sure.

https://www.wested.com/en-us/collection ... ro-jackets

[myleschad]

Thanks for this! I was heavily considering a Wested Hero but was a bit put off by their almost insistence not to buy one for an everyday jacket, as the fit may not work well on everyone, especially someone like me who is short and skinny.

[backstagejack]

Thanks for this! I was heavily considering a Wested Hero but was a bit put off by their almost insistence not to buy one for an everyday jacket, as the fit may not work well on everyone, especially someone like me who is short and skinny.

Well the Hero has an odd fit that some folks find distracting. You can probably find better descriptions of that. The cut makes it sit off the shoulders so it always feels like it's not on you properly. Jackets from the other movies do not have this. There's also the standard "Raiders" that Wested offers which doesn't have this either.

Short shouldn't matter I would think. The Hero is more on the trim fit so skinny should be fine I have never owned the Hero so I can't speak to it that much.

[distantpeople]

A Steele & Jones Raiders in thin horsehide. Highly recommended. Feels like it will last a lifetime.

[marker2037]

I think a thin horsehide would also be your best bet if you want this to be your "only" jacket and last you forever.

Having said that, I can also honestly say that I've never babied by Wested or Bill Kelso lambskin jackets and they also feel they will last a lifetime with no problems from just regular wear. So unless you're actually strolling through jungles, canyons, and deserts I would say the lambskin options are also more than adequate.

[backstagejack]

I think a thin horsehide would also be your best bet if you want this to be your "only" jacket and last you forever.

Having said that, I can also honestly say that I've never babied by Wested or Bill Kelso lambskin jackets and they also feel they will last a lifetime with no problems from just regular wear. So unless you're actually strolling through jungles, canyons, and deserts I would say the lambskin options are also more than adequate.

probably depends on the wearer. I had my Wested lambskin Raiders from 1998-2015 with regular wear and there's no way that jacket would have lasted till today. For myself, I only acquired lambskin because it was the screen accurate leather. Personally, I'd never go for lambskin for wear and tear and in any other future indy jacket will be either cowhide or horse.

[myleschad]

Thanks for this! I was heavily considering a Wested Hero but was a bit put off by their almost insistence not to buy one for an everyday jacket, as the fit may not work well on everyone, especially someone like me who is short and skinny.

Well the Hero has an odd fit that some folks find distracting. You can probably find better descriptions of that. The cut makes it sit off the shoulders so it always feels like it's not on you properly. Jackets from the other movies do not have this. There's also the standard "Raiders" that Wested offers which doesn't have this either.

Short shouldn't matter I would think. The Hero is more on the trim fit so skinny should be fine I have never owned the Hero so I can't speak to it that much.

Yeah, I really like the way that it looks in Raiders, I'm just worried that even with my measurements it may not fit right. Do you think that this is a valid concern or should I just go for it?

[backstagejack]

Yeah, I really like the way that it looks in Raiders, I'm just worried that even with my measurements it may not fit right. Do you think that this is a valid concern or should I just go for it?

I'd see if you can get any thoughts from someone that owns a Hero. I personally do not see why they'd try to dissuade you from buying one. A custom fit jacket should fit you just fine regardless of your height and weight. Yes, the hero is a slim fit but you said you were already fairly slim so.... I'd think it'd be fine but that's just my thoughts. Again, since I don't own a hero I'm really just guessing.

You also might shop around and see what other makers think. Steele and Jones's thin horsehide looks amazing! Mag's White label is made in cow hide I'm pretty sure and that's custom fit too.

[Michaelson]

Another vote for the thin horse hide. I have one and it’s very nice!

Thing I noticed most is you say you’re thin and short but want a jacket for the ‘long haul’.

You MAY want add just a bit of slack to anything you finally decide to get, especially in the shoulders and waist, as I guarantee that as time goes along, you won’t stay thin. Your loved jacket will remain in your closet as a reminder of better ‘thinner’ days.

Believe me, personal experience talking here.

Regards! Michaelson

[Indiana JakeJ]

Thanks for this! I was heavily considering a Wested Hero but was a bit put off by their almost insistence not to buy one for an everyday jacket, as the fit may not work well on everyone

CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THIS?

I can't decide between a hero and standard. I'd like some custom options if I get one from Wested. Screen accurate details and a fit that is practical for everyday use. Any other considerations?

Indiana Jake

[Captain D]

Wow, that Steele & Jones in thin horsehide would be something that I would be interested in, lol...

[Michaelson]

You’d be pleasantly surprised, Captain.

Regards! Michaelson

[IndianaJustin]

While there is not much chance of me figuring out how to post a pic to show you, I concur that S & J thin horsehide is wonderful. I love mine, it looks great and isn't too heavy. They do a great job