Club Obi Wan

I’m on the verge of ordering my second Wested. The first one was a dark brown lambskin. I ordered a 46T and should have gone with a 44T instead because it was just too big on me. I believe in an effort to cinch up the waist (because the jacket fit like a bell instead of a glove) I tightened up the adjusters as much as I could. This put a lot of stress on them and so the leather tore there (quite soon after getting the jacket too, about a month or so) and also tore perhaps or perhaps not unrelated at one of the handwarmer pockets. So I am going to order the right size this time but I will not order the lambskin. I have heard of people say that the lamb is surprisingly tough but I hold a contrary view. A lot of people like the goat but I’m convinced about that one either. I’m not sure it’s as tough as the cowhide and I don’t care for the shine.

What I’m thinking of asking for is the jacket without the storm flap covering the zipper. Has anyone done this before and are they happy with it?

James

I've seen it done, and I don't think it's pretty. The dividing zipper in the front makes a mess of things. It just makes it look messy and unfinished.
Goatskin is a big step up from lambskin. It's been used for US air force jackets in the WWII, and if it's tough enough for them, it is for me.
I recommend requesting in the options box "x-box stitching on the side straps". I was told to do so before I ordered mine, and it makes for a MUCH sturdier side strap. The x-box stitching reinforces the whole area and I have confidence it will never tear there.
If you want a tighter fit, you can also request for an 80's cut. This makes the silhouette closer to the body.
To get rid of the bell shape, you can request for a tapered back panel. Be sure to put your actual chest size and your waist, so that Peter can taper it accurately.
I hope some of these recommendations help. I looked into extra modifications for a better look and fit before I oredered mine, and searched back to see what other people have done. I think to get a GREAT fit, give Peter your actual measurements and ask for a close fit. Takes the guesswork out. Since your in Canada, I think goatskin should suit your needs better than lambskin much better. If you still need something more substantial, I'm sure the tried and true cowhide will be fine. I think Mola Rom has a cowhide jacket. Ask him about it. He lives in New England, so the cold weather there is something you can relate to. I live in Taiwan, and the only jacket I could bear to wear is the lambskin.