Club Obi Wan

Okay, so I have my two AB hats (gray and brown) and my Wested lambskin. I am now teetering on whether or not I should plunge into horsehide.... From those of you out there who have gone the wested horsehide route, I would love to hear from you before I call Gemma and do it. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Just to let you know I do have a motorcycle and sidecar so I am considering horsehide for riding up here in the north (Canada). If I do go horsehide, what options should I ask for?
Cheers
Nick

Definately go for it. I am totally pleased. You won't be disappointed. Wested's HH is comfortable, soft (for HH) and very durable. As for options there are many, do some poking around the forum and find what you like. I got very basic stuff like the x-box stitching for the side straps and an extra zipper pocket (rh).

If you're getting a HH as a bike jacket, I'd agree with Bjones and get an extra zipper pocket. It would come in handy if you have keys, etc that you don't want to lose or worry about while having the wind blowing at your jacket, or worse.

I have a custom HH jacket, and if you already have a lamb, then by all means go for horsehide. My first wested was a HH, and the other 2 were lambs... And of the three, I'd have to say I'm pretty certain the HH would be able to take a beating and walk away alright... assuming the stitching holds! But that's another story

It obviously is not as soft as lamb, but I'm told it is nowhere as stiff as most of the cowhide/horsehide jackets you'll find in stores.

But if you're really looking for just a new leather, then why not check and see if they still have goatskin jackets in your size? I remember a time when everyone was raving about those things...

I have the Wested in lamb, cow and horse. Horse is definitely my favourite. Not as stiff and heavy as the cow, but it feels really durable. Also got the xbox stitching. Go get it )

I too have a broad variety of Wested's -- lamb, cow, goat and HH! I love 'um all but my two favorites, in this order are: the LCHH and then my black ROTLA goat! The HH breaks in quickly and beautifully and distress (on it's own) nicly! I agree with the above comments that you couldn't go wrong with either HH or the goat, if the have any left. Good luck. W>

Thanks so much for the info - I have one more question. I am not sure if anyone else has the WWI horsehide jacket from Aero (a great jacket too by the way) - It's horsehide, but I must say very very stiff.

One more question RE the Wested HH... How do the action pleats hold up?Do they need to have elastic put in between the leather and the lining?

Nick

My first Wested was a HH and it's great very comfortable and great for cold days -- it would be the best bet if you're riding a bike in Canada. It might be too warm for summer, but great for fall and even some winter days. For a bike jacket, I'd ask for the underarm gussets as well since you're going to have your arms out on the handle bars, that would relieve some of the pull-up.
The HH is a lot softer (but no less sturdy) than Aero's HH, which is so stiff you can stand one of there jacket against the wall.
Also, depending on your physical build and personal preference, another option would be the leaner style of the '80s Cut. I'm not exactly a thin guy, but my regular 44 sized HH fit me perfectly on the shoulder and sleeve, but was just very wide all around. I ended up taking it to a local tailor to have it taken in at the sides. Fits better and leaner now. I've just ordered my first lamb in an 80s cut.

For a bike jacket, I'd ask for the underarm gussets as well

Definitely! Although the action pleats do allow you good movement, the Westeds tend to have a rather narrow sleeve so the gussets will be a big help when riding.

I ended up taking it to a local tailor to have it taken in at the sides.

You too eh? I also found the jacket to be a little square shaped (much like Harrison Ford apparently). I have what would be considered broad shoulders so I found that the bottom of the jacket ballooned too much even with the straps pulled tight. A litle careful tailoring fixed that. Be careful however that you take it to a reputable tailor that you TRUST!!!

Nick:

I have the HH; my only Wested. Actually, because of sizing issues, my only "Raider's" style jacket. Todd is also taking a stab at stitching up a cowhide for me.

HH - heavy, as in weight. Substantial - as in feel (like it could stop a truck). Looks - deep, rich, brown, not very grainy. Drape - some, but not like fabric.

Sincerely,

nicktheguy wrote:Thanks so much for the info - I have one more question. I am not sure if anyone else has the WWI horsehide jacket from Aero (a great jacket too by the way) - It's horsehide, but I must say very very stiff.

One more question RE the Wested HH... How do the action pleats hold up?Do they need to have elastic put in between the leather and the lining?

Nick

I have the Aero Bootlegger in FQHH. I don't think there is a leather out there as durable, but its heavy and very stiff like you mentioned. Very different from the HH Wested uses. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the FQHH is a 4-4.5oz hide, while the the Wested is an A2 type weight, ~3oz. I love them both, but the FQHH can be restrictive until you break it in. Wested is good to go out of the bag, but it does mold to your shape further after a couple of months which just makes it more comfortable.

My action pleats are doing great. I got the elastic strap, but I can't tell if its doing much. It doesn't hurt to get it-I don't even know its there.

That's great - I think I am pretty sold on the Wested HH now. I will definately post pics when I get it.
I actually just picked up my lambskin ROTLA from a very good leather alteration shop in my city - and I had him put in an elastic to dress down that annoying pucker in the pleats. It really seems to work so I think I will request that of Wested as well. The leather guy was very impressed with the quality of the jacket. He was very happy to see he had an alteration on something that was not a "made in China" jacket. He couldn't get over the Wested quality - then he said since it was made in England that he could probably do that same jacket at a better price. Not that I would even attempt to have someone knock off a Wested, I asked how much he could do it for. His reply?.......about a grand. That's what he figured I paid for my quality jacket. I thanked him and left the store, proud that I have a Wested - and once again happy with my prior purchase from Wested. Now I can't wait until I go for the Horsehide....

A little more info on this elastic strap please (pic would help too). I'm not really sure of where it would go and what it's purpose would be but I'm really curious.

Basically the elastic strap is sewn between the two action pleats (inside pleats) and is done between teh leather and the lining so it can not be seen. I was unsure if it would help with the pucker but I am pleasantly surprised with the effect. I have seen posts on teh elastic strap about a year ago on this site. Some people hate the strap, I really am happy with the job on mine.

nicktheguy wrote: Not that I would even attempt to have someone knock off a Wested, I asked how much he could do it for. His reply?.......about a grand. That's what he figured I paid for my quality jacket. I thanked him and left the store, proud that I have a Wested - and once again happy with my prior purchase from Wested.

Wow 1K for him to copy it. Hopefully his alterations are a bit more reasonable. You should have told him what you paid for it just to see the look on his face.

JulianK wrote:A little more info on this elastic strap please (pic would help too). I'm not really sure of where it would go and what it's purpose would be but I'm really curious.

The elastic is not visible. Its between the back panel and the lining, so it stays hidden. It just goes from the seam of one pleat to the other (inside valley) and keeps tension on them so that it helps to keep them closed until you "pull" or stretch the leather causing it to open during body movement. Like I said, I really can't tell how much it helps, but it doesn't hurt to have it there.

Yup ,my jacket has the elastic, I bought it off the rack and actually didn't realise it HAD elastic until I put it on a stool one day and sat on it then I noticed the band showing up across the back when I got up.

Now I know it's there I can feel it but it's not uncomfortable, gives the jacket a 'closer fit' feeling, or is that the few extra pounds I've put on?

As one of the first horsehides produced for forum members, I can really attest to horse being a GREAT leather. Mine isn't fitting me so well at present, but that's not the jacket's fault, LOL