Custom Wested Standard Raiders - can they add a couple of Hero features?

[SFGiant]

Such as a wider collar and the Hero pockets?

Would this be weird or affect fit?

[bearbeast]

I guess the best way is to check with them, but from a tailoring point of view you can adapt the pockets and collar, should not be an issue.

If it affects their normal collar and pocket patterns, or they need to create complete new patterns they will charge extra though...

[SFGiant]

I guess the best way is to check with them, but from a tailoring point of view you can adapt the pockets and collar, should not be an issue.

If it affects their normal collar and pocket patterns, or they need to create complete new patterns they will charge extra though...

Cool

I think I'm in love (or always have been) with the Standard, but I think the pockets look better on the Hero right? And collar could be a bit wider.

[xmasters]

They can change the pockets easily, but wider collar, that's more of a significant pattern/fit change. if you want a wider collar and hero pockets, why not just order the hero jacket in the fist place?

[bearbeast]

Yup, was thinking the same. The hero already offers customization and has the collar and pockets included.

As for looks? It's a matter of taste and desire for screen accuracy. For me, all Indy Jackets look amazing. (I mean from reputable sellers, at least)

Cheers,
Bear

[SFGiant]

They can change the pockets easily, but wider collar, that's more of a significant pattern/fit change. if you want a wider collar and hero pockets, why not just order the hero jacket in the fist place?

It's a bit of a thing where I want to start off with a comfy, every day jacket. Different fit, brass zipper, D rings, facing etc. Just an everyday use jacket. When I get a Legacy Raiders then I want it to be very screen accurate. I also want to lose some weight and have a jacket already to figure out what I really want.

Good to hear about the pockets though - my main concern.

[SFGiant]

Ok so the answer is no, they won’t change it for me. I suppose with more options available like the hero and legacy they are now inflexible to special requests as it is confusing to the factory. Is their factory in Britain?

Anyway has anyone else gotten special requests on their jackets granted recently?

[MikeMac]

Ok so the answer is no, they won’t change it for me. I suppose with more options available like the hero and legacy they are now inflexible to special requests as it is confusing to the factory. Is their factory in Britain?

Anyway has anyone else gotten special requests on their jackets granted recently?

I ordered a Legacy with a brass zipper. They were fine with that.


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[SFGiant]

Ok so the answer is no, they won’t change it for me. I suppose with more options available like the hero and legacy they are now inflexible to special requests as it is confusing to the factory. Is their factory in Britain?

Anyway has anyone else gotten special requests on their jackets granted recently?

I ordered a Legacy with a brass zipper. They were fine with that.


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Hmm

That does just make me curious, but I am excited to get my jacket and live in it and all my other stuff.

[Illinois_Jones]

Well if you're getting the D rings then you're already throwing screen accuracy out the window, so do the pocket flaps and collar matter that much? I like the scalloped pockets and pointier collar as well, but TBH the regular pocket flaps are fine. They used to be kind of cheesy way back when, kind of like the cheap ebay jackets that just have a basic pentagon shape, but the lines are softer now.

Years ago you used to be able to make all kinds of requests, but it turned into an adminstrative nightmare and far too often people either didn't get what they wanted or weren't happy with it and blamed Peter and company. I remember somebody who wanted a Raiders but with snaps on the zipper flap, and they got it... and they weren't happy because ultimately that flap isn't made for that the way the LC is.

And the collar is one of the most distinctive things about the Hero and isn't something you can just swap out. The cut in the jacket is deeper to the back and so the Hero collar is longer for that jacket size -- for a 44 standard jacket they'd probably need to use a 42 or even 40 Hero collar and still make adjustments.

[SFGiant]

Well if you're getting the D rings then you're already throwing screen accuracy out the window, so do the pocket flaps and collar matter that much? I like the scalloped pockets and pointier collar as well, but TBH the regular pocket flaps are fine. They used to be kind of cheesy way back when, kind of like the cheap ebay jackets that just have a basic pentagon shape, but the lines are softer now.

Years ago you used to be able to make all kinds of requests, but it turned into an adminstrative nightmare and far too often people either didn't get what they wanted or weren't happy with it and blamed Peter and company. I remember somebody who wanted a Raiders but with snaps on the zipper flap, and they got it... and they weren't happy because ultimately that flap isn't made for that the way the LC is.

And the collar is one of the most distinctive things about the Hero and isn't something you can just swap out. The cut in the jacket is deeper to the back and so the Hero collar is longer for that jacket size -- for a 44 standard jacket they'd probably need to use a 42 or even 40 Hero collar and still make adjustments.

Yeah I notice on YouTube videos a couple people got pockets that look rounded so they look great to me. I’m pretty excited.

[MikeMac]

Well if you're getting the D rings then you're already throwing screen accuracy out the window, so do the pocket flaps and collar matter that much? I like the scalloped pockets and pointier collar as well, but TBH the regular pocket flaps are fine. They used to be kind of cheesy way back when, kind of like the cheap ebay jackets that just have a basic pentagon shape, but the lines are softer now.

Years ago you used to be able to make all kinds of requests, but it turned into an adminstrative nightmare and far too often people either didn't get what they wanted or weren't happy with it and blamed Peter and company. I remember somebody who wanted a Raiders but with snaps on the zipper flap, and they got it... and they weren't happy because ultimately that flap isn't made for that the way the LC is.

And the collar is one of the most distinctive things about the Hero and isn't something you can just swap out. The cut in the jacket is deeper to the back and so the Hero collar is longer for that jacket size -- for a 44 standard jacket they'd probably need to use a 42 or even 40 Hero collar and still make adjustments.

Yeah I notice on YouTube videos a couple people got pockets that look rounded so they look great to me. I’m pretty excited.

Can you add the YouTube link to that?


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[SFGiant]

https://youtu.be/OYtz_6Ktkfo

https://youtu.be/1yJaTKrvPkw

https://youtu.be/O5w1BRBVzQ4

[MikeMac]

https://youtu.be/OYtz_6Ktkfo

https://youtu.be/1yJaTKrvPkw

https://youtu.be/O5w1BRBVzQ4

Thanks!


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[SFGiant]

Welcome


So I wonder if it’s just specific construction requests they deny now. Is it still possible to get Legacy jackets in a different leather? Waiting on a reply from them.

[bearbeast]

I think they make a good jacket from quality materials. Due to the somewhat accessible price and very quick delivery time, I wouldn't even consider other makers.

This being said, the customer service does not seem great. I had some issues with my first jacket. They sent some replacement snaps, which I appreciated. But all other issues were just brushed aside. It was a horsehide jacket and the hard leather was breaking the seams in a few places. The sleeve lining sewing was also unraveled. This happened within a few weeks of getting the jacket. Fortunately I know how the sew and took care of everything myself, but I did not like their response at the time.

Cheers,
Bear

[SFGiant]

I'm kind of scared. I picked 27.5". I like longer jackets for everyday jackets, but maybe this is just too long and no changes can be made now. Will it at least shrink with regular usage?

Their OTR size chart said a size 44 had a 27.5" so I assumed that was normal but now not so sure.

[bearbeast]

Hey, don't worry about that. I think it will fit fine.

I ordered two custom jackets from them, just to get a special leather. I always used the dimensions for the OTR stuff and it worked fine.

[SFGiant]

Hey, don't worry about that. I think it will fit fine.

I ordered two custom jackets from them, just to get a special leather. I always used the dimensions for the OTR stuff and it worked fine.

Sweet

[Thunderspy]

I’ve always had really good experiences with them, I think their service is pretty great.

[MikeMac]

Does anyone know their usual timelines for the Legacy coats? Waiting is hard…


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[SFGiant]

Yes it is. I order a large shirt with the order so now I’m waiting for that and regret it.

[KurtAffair]

Ok so the answer is no, they won’t change it for me. I suppose with more options available like the hero and legacy they are now inflexible to special requests as it is confusing to the factory.

By the sound of things, Wested has essentially banned custom requests in the years since Peter moved on (RIP, dear friend). Back in 2018, I had the same notion: create a hybrid jacket using a custom Raiders with the details of the ill-fitting Hero jacket. Fortunately they were receptive to my wishes, and delivered exactly what I wanted.

Basically what I have is a custom Raiders in washed lamb, with the Hero collar shape and pockets, plus the classic Leather Concessionaires label inside. I added vintage brass rectangular buckles to the side straps, which perfectly match the antique brass YKK zipper traditionally used by Wested. Sorry, I wasn't a fan of the Hero jacket zipper, however screen accurate it may or may not be.

But I'm glad I got this unique jacket when I did, prior to Wested phasing out all nitpicky customer specs.

[SFGiant]

Lmao I started reading this thread without remembering I started it I was going to reply to OP and everything. I love my standard Raiders so much though.

[Michaelson]

Don’t you hate when you get caught talking to yourself ?

Regards! Michaelson

[bearbeast]

Lmao I started reading this thread without remembering I started it I was going to reply to OP and everything. I love my standard Raiders so much though.

Happened to me at times too! Hard to recognize your own posts sometimes.

But I guess it's normal... Happened to me at work too, I find old drawings I made 10 years ago, when I had little experience and think: "what idiot would dimension and part like this?", but alas, the idiot was me.

Don’t you hate when you get caught talking to yourself ?

Regards! Michaelson

Hey, if talking to yourself is wrong, then I don't want to be right.

Cheers,
Bear

[KurtAffair]

Here are some pics of my Raiders custom / Hero hybrid:







The collar has bothered me for years because the tips are too rounded. I contacted Wested about returning the jacket for alteration, but they never responded. So now I will carry it to a local tailor with another Indy jacket (correct collar shape) and see if they can do the job right.

[Kokopelli]

Before you do that, you might try getting them soaking wet and pulling into shape. I’ve had luck with this on pocket flaps before!

[KurtAffair]

This jacket was literally drenched under Niagara Falls a few years ago; took three days to completely dry out! The collar didn't change.

I think it's more in reshaping with a minor alteration. Unstitch the binding seam, tuck in the sides to achieve the correct shape, trim off a bit of excess, and resew it closed.