Club Obi Wan

Well, I've been wearing the prototype cotton Wested, and have to admit, I find myself grabbing this more than any jacket I've owned when walking out the door. I personally find the cordoury collar, originally looked upon with 'distain' here, is probably the most comfortable that could have been chosen for this jacket. Has held up well, whether worn or rolled up and tossed in my car front seat. It just unrolls and comes back for more. So far there have been no stain or dirt problems, making cleaning unnecessary to date, but when I first received the jacket, I Scotchgarded the heck out of it and allowed to dry before first wearing. That may be the reason there has been little to no problems to date. The lining has been cool and comfortable to wear, sliding easily over short OR long sleeve shirts. Pockets are standard Raiders size, with plenty of room to carry what not. Usually I order snaps installed on my storm flap, but the flap is narrow enough NOT to need these installed. Perfect width for me.

On the negative side, the sleeves were to short from the get-go (probably due to my long arms anyway), but with the already known ride up, these cuffs ride up a good 4 inches above my wrists when my arms are bent while driving my car. In warm weather, no biggie, as it helps keep things cool, but not to comfortable in cooler weather. Where cotton does not ride up and stay crimped in the elbow area like it does on leather, consider ordering sleeve length to be about 3/4 to 1 inch more than your standard length, rather than the 2+ that is considered for leather, as most of it will come back down when your arm is straigntened back out.
The lining sag is MUCH more noticable when you use the inside pocket of this jacket. I've found that I really cannot carry much of ANYTHING in there without the entire lining sagging on that side. I personally believe if a nylon zipper or a button were added to help support that pocket, this problem would either be eliminated, or greatly lessened. I usually carry a small pocket notebook in my inside pocket, and even THAT pulls this jacket down.
This jacket came with D-rings on the side straps...not a good choice for cotton, but I understand that Peter now sells it with the rectangular type, so that problem has already been addressed.

With the lengthening of the sleeves, and a zip added to the pocket, this jacket would be absolutely perfect for me and my type of jacket wear. I'm currently attempting to reach Peter to see if these things can be done/added right now (with not much success to date). I highly recommend this jacket for your consideration, with those additions made on your order form as mentioned above.

Regards. Michaelson

I suppose the standard "PICS, PICS, PICS..." is being addressed as we speak

Seriously though, thanks for the write up. There is too little known about this jacket and certainly enough time has gone by for a review. I cannot get out of the leather jacket phase though , but if it fit a little looser than a 70's style jean jacket, I would be on it in a heartbeat.

My motto has always been "If I can't wear my lambskin, it is too hot out for any jacket."

Now let's talk about distressing...

Not sure how pics would help any, as I've described all the problems to the best of my ability, but if my daughter gets back with my camera, and I can get them to somebody to host, I'll put some up. I've been in the 'leather' wearing situation for over 30+ years now, and living in the South HAD to find something other than lambskin, as our Spring and Fall seasons last exactly one week, and we go from hot to cold, so lambskin doesn't get worn to often. I jump from the cotton to the goatskin every other day. If you're wanting that 70's fit, just order a size larger, but with proper sleeve length for your arms, and you're there! As to distressing, throw some bleach on it, remember?! Distressing indeed. Regards. Michaelson

As to distressing, throw some bleach on it, remember?! Distressing indeed.

My 14-year-old son wanted a faded denim jacket in the worst way, but couldn't find his size anywhere. We went to fifteen different thrift shops as well. Finally, I sprung for the extra $20 and bought a brand new dark blue denim since it fit him well. Then using RIT denim fader® we proceeded to make this into the jacket of his dreams. It is perfect for him - he loves it. So all of the goofing around with dye removers and such for this hobby had a payoff in other areas of my life . I remember using bleach when I was a young 'un. They didn't have all of this new-fangled stuff like nowadays...

As for the pictures? We just want to see you, you handsome devil A picture is worth a thousand words... Ideally, a picture of your goatskin vs. the cotton would be helpful in comparing the drape, color and general fit. Much like my "well-dressed hand" comment concerning fedoras, two jackets lying on a bed is not particularly helpful in judging fit, drape, etc. It may be entertaining to position them in compromising situations, but beyond that, not as helpful as seeing someone wearing them. My .02 worth...

I appreciate the thought, but the appearance of a middle aged man with furniture desease (my chest has fallen into my drawers ) sure ain't going to help anybody determine the correct 'drape' of a jacket, let me tell you. Well, we'll see..... Regards. Michaelson

Hey y'all...I recently bought a cotton Wested from another forum member...it has the cotton collar. If you're interested shoot me an email wickie7@earthlink.net and I can see about snapping a few digital pics. Although I am plum out of webspace to post pics, I can email them to ya. Since I live alone, the pics would probably be of the jacket flat...plus you wouldn't want to see it on me as the shoulders are a little bit wide and the drape might be be perfect.

I like the look of the indy leather, but the cotton is appealing too- and quite a bit less expensive. I KNOW that my wife would seriously shoot me for getting a leather so I'm glad there's an alternative. I don't much care for the cords on the collar though. I looked at the pics on the Wested site too. Wonder if they make it with a collar of the same material as the rest of the jacket...

Yes, it's available with just the standard cotton collar, like the rest of the jacket. Regards. Michaelson

Do you believe that specifying 'fabric collar' as opposed to the corduroy collar in the 'Special Requests' portion of their order form would be enough?

I think it would, but just to be sure, be specific that you want the collar to be the same material as the same as the rest of the jacket. Not sure if you have that much room to write all that, but it sure would eliminate any confusion on THEIR part. Regards. Michaelson

I gotta believe they're smart people and can figure it out. I'm going to place an order soon. Thanks for the ear. I don't know too much of your history (me and my 9 posts), it appears to me that you have an 'in' with regard to several facets of the indy-genre, not simply as a collector.

Well, let's just say I've been around this hobby for a while. They do know me. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

I had asked Wested about the collar question a day before asking you. I just heard back from them, here's what they said:

"Usually the jacket is made of all cotton, the corduroy is only another option that some customers opt for.

I hope this answers your query and look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Cheers Peter"

Interesting, but good news. Originally he was planning only to offer the cordoury collar, then opted to add the standard collar as a second choice. I imagine there have been few, if any, orders FOR the cordoury collar. I have it on mine, and personally like it very much. Gives the jacket a bit more body, but that's just what I like. Thanks for sharing Peter's email. He has yet to reply to any of mine lately. Regards. Michaelson

I just placed my order for the cotton indy with regular collar (not corduroy). I may feel compelled to post some pics once I get it. I actually favor a jacket very similar to the one that I am getting so I think that I’ll wear the cotton indy just as much. Realistically, I think that I would wear the cotton more than a leather anyway. Thanks again for the ear.

Thanks Dennis. Yes, PLEASE post pics and report of your jacket when it arrives. I feel like the Lone Ranger here in my praise. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

Between you, me, and a fence post (and the other few thousand gear-heads out there) I feel that part of the lure of the gear is that you are able to get away with wearing it (or at least most of it) in public without people pointing at you. Without conducting a survey, I’d wager that more people would stare if you were wearing a Strom-Trooper outfit than if you were wearing indy gear.

Excellent point! Hummm, wearing a Storm Trooper uniform in public may cause stares. Must remember that... Regards. Michaelson

Actually, you'd be surprised not how many people stare, but how many people want your picture with them.... we've (The Minnesota Force) been to Parades, Sci-Fi cons, etc etc and have Jedi Costumes, other Star Wars costumes, but the second someone shows up in "armor"... - whether Stormtrooper or Vader... EVERYONE wants their picture with you.

MIchealson,
While im here, and your checking up on this thread, instead of starting a new one -
Do you know if Wested offers actual buckles (like on a belt) for the side straps at all? (Cotton or leather)

Tks
I J

"Thanks Dennis. Yes, PLEASE post pics and report of your jacket when it arrives. I feel like the Lone Ranger here in my praise."

My cotton Indy arrived today. People needn’t worry about this thing getting wet in transit because it came in 3 plastic bags all told (the DHL bag, the box bag, and finally a zip lock bag for the coat. I need to make arrangements to post pics. I'm a solid 44R and the jacket fits like a shirt-coat, not as tight as a shirt, but not as loose as most jackets. I think this is good because if it were larger all-around it would probably drape poorly. I'm 6', 185# and wear a 33" waste in slacks, I enjoy lifting iron on occasion, and am happy with the jacket length. The arm length is good too. This is the kind of jacket that will ride up to about your mid-forearm when driving because most jackets have a lot extra material in that area. It’s certainly more comfortable driving while wearing this jacket than driving while wearing a blazer. When I'm standing with my arms relaxed the sleeves come to the first knuckle on my thumb, which is good, any lower and it would look too long, any shorter and it would look, well, too short. It fits well over a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up (on the shirt, not the jacket). It has rectangular buckles and one inside left-breast pocket. I keep my wallet there and have had no problems with the coat sagging. It zips on the ‘English’ side, which I think is charming. I must agree that it is a nice all-year jacket for someone living in the pacific-northwest (Washington state). Up here it’s easy to sport the tourists…they wear umbrellas.[/quote]

Hey Jack,

E-Mail them over to me and I'll host those pics for you.

cwhitton@uoguelph.ca

Sounds like a nice jacket!

Regards,

Farn

Thanks for the report Jack! I have a 44R waiting for shipment as we speak.

To answer IJ's question, I'm not aware of that being done, but I'm sure you could bounce that request in Peter's direction and he'll say 'yea or nay'. A buckle seems like a good compromise, thought the sliders are more of the way to go in my opinion, as a buckle will lock you down to how much or how little strap can get through, where a slider allows you to adjust for what ever you may be wearing underneath from day to day. Drop Peter a line and ask! Regards. Michaelson

The jacket could be a wee-bit looser when I have it zipped all of the way up, but it's nothing that I can't live with (it’s a light jacket so I’ll have it open anyway). I wouldn't return it for another size even if I bought it from across town. Considering that it came from across the world, I think it fits pretty well.

try these
http://www.102010.org/~dew/images/fun/cib1.jpg
http://www.102010.org/~dew/images/fun/cif1.jpg
http://www.102010.org/~dew/images/fun/cif2.jpg
http://www.102010.org/~dew/images/fun/cil1.jpg

Looks great on you, Jack. To my eye, though, it appears you may have the side straps snugged a bit to tight, keeping your pleats open. May also explain why it's a bit more snug when zipped that you care for. Regards. Michaelson

Having some second thoughts. The tightness is in the shoulders and chest. After having worn the jacket a couple of days I can safely say that I need more mobility. I’m going to look into some options. I think these things run on the snug side. Man, I really WANT to like this jacket. Know what I mean?

Sure do! Are you wearing something like a sweater underneath it, or just with a shirt? Regards. Michaelson

T-shirt. What I REALLY want to do is touch my elbows together while wearing a sweater underneath the jacket! That would be perfect! My new definition of casual wear: clothing that, when worn that does not restrict or otherwise impede the throwing of a fast-ball.

Tee shirt? Yep, it's to tight. Shoot. Regards. Michaelson

Does this mean that I'm hooked on this hobby?
Oh well.

Welcome to the asylum. Bedlam has nothing on us! (grins) Regards. Michaelson

Hey Michaelson, Indiana Jess wanted me to ask how often you are supposed to Pecard this jacket? )

In Jess's case, every other Tuesday that falls on the 11th during a full moon. : Regards. Michaelson

Sergei wrote:Hey Michaelson, Indiana Jess wanted me to ask how often you are supposed to Pecard this jacket? )

Michaelson wrote:In Jess's case, every other Tuesday that falls on the 11th during a full moon. Regards. Michaelson

Hey! You guys aren't expecting me to fall for that one, are you? It's obvious I'm not going to do that until I know whether to use paste or lotion. How dense do you think I am? Wait ... don't answer that.

I hear Pecards and toast is pretty good...

The jell is easier to get out of your teeth too! (grins) Dense, Jess? Uh, of course not!. I'd NEVER say such a thing...... 8-[ & Oh, ok, I'd THINK it, but NEVER say it.... Regards. Michaelson

Michaelson wrote: Oh, ok, I'd THINK it, but NEVER say it.... Regards. Michaelson

You might not say it, but you don't seem to have a problem typing that you think it!

Not enough keys on my keyboard to cover the situation. (grins)Regards. Michaelson

My cotton indy, Chapter II:
My replacement is here! It has plenty of room- also fits well when wearing a thick button up and t-shirt. No matter how many times I employed self-hypnosis I couldn’t face the fact that my last one was just too small. (I think it was Michaelson that convinced me to return it.) If anyone feels that returning something to Wested seems unrealistic, then consider that shipping to England from Washington state via US mail (slow boat) is only about 6 bucks! Keep in mind that I ordered my first jacket in December of ’03 and had received my replacement yesterday. I don’t know if this is true for everyone, but Wested’s sizing is very “true”, not like it is stateside- when you get a 44R from Wested, it’s really a 44R! Which is why I essentially “sized up” for a proper fit?

Glad you did it Jack! The only problem I have is that my arms are longer than the standard sizing.....I can wear a size 42R jacket with no problems, but the sleeves have to be 25 inches. Most 42R come with 23 inch sleeves, as my prototype did. I'm still wearing it, even with short sleeves, and purchased one of these jackets for my wife. She loves it. These are just great jackets for the in between jacket wearing seasons. Regards. Michaelson

I just can’t seem to let this thread die!

On the second go around with my jacket I realized that the arms were a bit too long, but that the rest of the jacket fit well. (Not bad for doing business across the Atlantic!) I didn’t want to spend another 3+ months getting my jacket back so I began thinking of the various ways that I could make the arms a bit shorter. That’s right, I was thinking of tampering with it myself! It didn’t take long to realize that I could solve my problem with a hot iron. That’s right, no cutting, no sewing, and no rework. I noticed that the shell was sewn to the lining about two inches from the cuff inside the arms of the jacket. For the manufacturer to make the cuff the shell was simply folded over and pressed. I found that I could pull the crease apart and push more of the shell inside the arm of the jacket, then press the cuff again. A little hot iron and starch finished the job. I am now 100% pleased with my jacket. If anyone would like a pictorial essay on my flight into madness, let me know.

It's always easier to shorten than to lengthen. That's MY problem, as my sleeves are TO short, and there's nothing I can do about it. Glad you got YOURS all straightened out. I still love mine just the same, short sleeves and all. Regards. Michaelson

It's always easier to shorten than to lengthen. That's MY problem, as my sleeves are TO short, and there's nothing I can do about it.

There's nothing up your sleeve (Oops, pun) at all that a tailor can let out?

I have been amazed at times as to what my tailor can accomplish. He once let out a pair of pants from 32" to 36". 36"? OK, they were 38"!!! He put a little tab in the back, which is covered by my belt. Sometimes letting out the shoulders adds a bit to the sleeves.

-Just a suggestion. You've probably already tried all that.
Best,
HJ

Michaelson,
If you have some play where the shell meets the lining, then you may be able to pull some shell material from the inside of the jacket sleeves, then press the cuff to make a new crease (it’s easier to show than explain). If not, I’m sure a tailor could, this jacket isn’t too complicated. I say this with some degree of confidence as I know my way around a sewing needle pretty well. In fact I regularly fit my own shirts, hem my own pants, and could kill a man seven different ways with a with a bobbin.

The sleeves on my cotton Indy were too short, too.

My wife let down the hem and now they're just fine.

Also, FYI...

The sleeves on my authentic lamb were too short (my fault...bad measurements) and I took it to a tailor and he let them out beautifully. There's just the slightest evidence of the old crease. It's amazing how much material there is in the hem.

Anything's possible.

You all made me smile today. Thank you. I know I can let sleeves out, and have done so many times. Considering the natural rideup of the sleeves, as well as the already existing shortness of the jacket sleeves, there's no way I'm going to find 3 inches of material tucked up inside the hem. That's what I'm lacking when I have my arms outstretched. Maybe I can find an inch if I really 'push' it, but not what I require. WIth my arms down to myside, the end of the sleeves come to the bend of my wrist, and that's ok. It's a warm weather jacket for me, so the shortness of the sleeves occur when my arms are out, usually with them on my steering wheel, and in warm weather that's actually no problem. I do appreciate your suggestions. They just won't work in my particular case. Regards. Michaelson

p.s. "Jack Flanders and the Flying Bobbin of Death!" Now THERE'S a summer movie I'd go pay to see!!!

Homer: Hem that jacket, boy.
Bart: But dad, there's no material in the sleves!
Homer: Hem i-i-i-i-it!

I realize that this is probably not something you would like to do with an Indy jacket, but I throw this in as just something to ponder if the problem becomes intolerable. I have had this done to several cold weather jackets when they had barrel cuffs that were a bit too short, or too wide, ...or even not. I’ve found in addition to lengthening the coat to the desired sleeve length, it also has the added benefit of keeping the cuffs from prematurely becoming tattered and frayed or dirty, keeping the sleeves from riding up more than they normally would without them, and keeping the hands and wrist warmer.

The solution...:idea: I have knit cuffs sewn into the inside of the bottom of the coat's cuff and attached to the lining high enough to just let the knit cuff peak out anywhere from a 1/2 inch to an inch or more, any amount you want really. In some cases, I’ve had it barely peaking out from the coats cuff at all thus serving mostly to prevent the coat sleeves from riding up more since the form fitting knit helps for a snugger fit around the wrist which in turn acts as somewhat of a restraint to it doing so and keeps the wind out.

Rixter wrote:

I have knit cuffs sewn into the inside of the bottom of the coat's cuff and attached to the lining high enough to just let the knit cuff peak out anywhere from a 1/2 inch to an inch or more, any amount you want really. In some cases, I’ve had it barely peaking out from the coats cuff at all thus serving mostly to prevent the coat sleeves from riding up more since the form fitting knit helps for a snugger fit around the wrist which in turn acts as somewhat of a restraint to it doing so and keeps the wind out.

My waxed cotton Barbour jacket is constructed like this and it works quite well.