Is the collar on my jacket fixable, or should I return it?

[solbergg]

Just received a new jacket in the mail today. For the most part it is awesome, with a glaring exception being the collar. The collar appears asymmetric, and I haven't been able to shape it to look better. The big difference it that one side of the collar stands up vertically whereas the other side, which has the weather flap, sits horizontally. Bending the horizontal flap to be vertical does nothing, and vice versa with the other side. So, leather experts - can this be fixed somehow or should I return the jacket?

See photos below for context, sorry about the crappy quality. Thanks!

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/89/yf1z.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/690/zfoe.jpg
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/607/aqf6.jpg/

[solbergg]

Hmm, I can't get the images to show up in the thread. Anyone know how to do that? I tried using the IMG tags without success.

[moses]

Try making the collar wet and then molding it to the shape you like and letting it dry. Most jackets I've bought had bad collars to begin with from being folded up for postage. Also they tend to loosen up and sit better with wear.

[Solent MKIII]

What moses said. I had a wings jacket with a pretty funky collar that I gave this treatment to - now it looks awesome!

[solbergg]

Thanks, guys. I'll give this a shot and report back.

[Kt Templar]

What maker is that, doesn't look like it has a collar stand.

It's really wonky, I'd not do the water treatment until I knew it was made correctly, as it will invalidate any returns.

[solbergg]

What maker is that, doesn't look like it has a collar stand.

It's really wonky, I'd not do the water treatment until I knew it was made correctly, as it will invalidate any returns.

US Wings. Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything that would risk my return at this point.

[Kt Templar]

Ah, in that case see if you can get a better one on a return IMO.

[solbergg]

Unfortunately the water trick did nothing, so I guess I'm sending it back

[Texan Scott]

Unfortunately, leather collars and boxed shipments don't mix. The good part is that leather breaks in, and relaxes with time. Try kneading the collar by rolling it upon itself, and I think you will find that the collar will relax and look normal with some effort. As you have free time, just repeat the process, until you have the desired shape. Unfortunately its summer, but wearing it around the house some will facilitate the break in process, or at least get you a head start until fall/winter.

[solbergg]

Unfortunately, leather collars and boxed shipments don't mix. The good part is that leather breaks in, and relaxes with time. Try kneading the collar by rolling it upon itself, and I think you will find that the collar will relax and look normal with some effort. As you have free time, just repeat the process, until you have the desired shape. Unfortunately its summer, but wearing it around the house some will facilitate the break in process, or at least get you a head start until fall/winter.

Thanks for the info, Texan Scott. Unfortunately I don't have enough return grace period time to see if the collar eventually adjusts. Plus the sleeves extend almost to my fingertips, so I think the best option right now is to just return it.

[Texan Scott]

Maybe the next size down might be more to your liking? If you are looking in that price range, you might consider Todd's as well. His are lambskin though. This looks like cowhide from USW?

[Holt]

Relax! It will adjust! Put some water on it. crunch it or whatever.. Returning a perfectly good jacket becuz of stiff leather? Just enjoy and be happy!

[solbergg]

Maybe the next size down might be more to your liking? If you are looking in that price range, you might consider Todd's as well. His are lambskin though. This looks like cowhide from USW?

This is lamb. You're right that the size of the jacket might be a bit large. I have the side straps pulled in almost all the way. Its surprising, since most clothing I buy is size medium. This is a medium in lamb, which is supposed to be slim fitting.

[solbergg]

Relax! It will adjust! Put some water on it. crunch it or whatever.. Returning a perfectly good jacket becuz of stiff leather? Just enjoy and be happy!

Hey, Holt. I want to, believe me, but because of the small return window I'm not sure I have the opportunity to relax on this one. The leather isn't stiff....it just wont retrain in any other position.

[Kt Templar]

Maybe the next size down might be more to your liking? If you are looking in that price range, you might consider Todd's as well. His are lambskin though. This looks like cowhide from USW?

This is lamb. You're right that the size of the jacket might be a bit large. I have the side straps pulled in almost all the way. Its surprising, since most clothing I buy is size medium. This is a medium in lamb, which is supposed to be slim fitting.

It's not that unusual for US wings. Their smaller sizes are oversized.

[Texan Scott]

Forgot about this, but another option would be to use leather lotion.

[Forrest For the Trees]

Exchange it for a Small. Wings jackets run very big.

[CM]

The collar's fine but the jacket is too big.

[FLATHEAD]

US Wings. Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything that would risk my return at this point.

Because you tried to "fix" it with water, you may not be able to send it back.

Sarge does monitor this site, and if he sees that you did something to the
jacket, like putting water on it to try to "shape" it, he might not accept it back.

Also, if you removed the tag, its yours now. They won't take back the
jacket if the tag is removed.

I would still try to return it if I was you. But don't be surprised if Sarge says
no because you "altered" it water. He can't re-sell the jacket as new now
because you messed with it.

Just be aware of this.

Flathead

[solbergg]

US Wings. Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything that would risk my return at this point.

Because you tried to "fix" it with water, you may not be able to send it back.

Sarge does monitor this site, and if he sees that you did something to the
jacket, like putting water on it to try to "shape" it, he might not accept it back.

Also, if you removed the tag, its yours now. They won't take back the
jacket if the tag is removed.

I would still try to return it if I was you. But don't be surprised if Sarge says
no because you "altered" it water. He can't re-sell the jacket as new now
because you messed with it.

Just be aware of this.

Flathead

The jacket is still new. Thanks for your concern.

[FLATHEAD]

The jacket is still new. Thanks for your concern.

Not really. Once you applied the water to it, you altered it. Its no longer
considered "new".

Its the same thing as if you applied some kind of leather dressing to it.

I am only telling you this because Sarge has been VERY clear about this
type of thing in the past.

Think about it this way. What if you found out that the jacket that you paid
full price for, and was told was brand new, actually had something done
to it by another customer, who then sent the jacket back because they
didn't want it anymore?

Would you be mad at Sarge for selling you something that you were told
was new, and unmolested, when it wasn't?

As I mentioned, Sarge monitors this website, and has most
likely already seen your post, and knows about what you did.

I am not trying to be mean or anything. I am just telling you
like it is, as this has happened in the past, and people have become
upset when they couldn't send the jacket back after they messed
with it.

I have been a member of this crazy site for 11 years now, and like
others here, have seen it all. (Wow, has it been that long???!!!)

Good luck to you. Just don't be surprised if Wings will not accept
the jacket back.

Flathead

[solbergg]

Flathead, I did the test on a similar piece of leather, not the actual jacket. Please see the post where I said I would not do anything to risk my return. Again, your concern is appreciated but not necessary.

[BendingOak]

This is a issue that should go directly to the vendor. I'm always at a loss if there is a concern with a product why people don't go to the vendor first????

[solbergg]

Hi, John. I did contact the vendor as well. I explained the issue and a return number was issued. I have already sent the jacket back. This thread is in no way a complaint about US Wings.

[Texan Scott]

I think he really wanted some advice on straightening out the collar. This really thin leather could be broken in with a little time and work, but I think the jacket is a bit too large for him. I don't blame him for sending it back.

[BendingOak]

Hi, John. I did contact the vendor as well. I explained the issue and a return number was issued. I have already sent the jacket back. This thread is in no way a complaint about US Wings.

Then I really don't see the piont of this thread.

[solbergg]

Then I really don't see the piont of this thread.

It was relevant before I sent it back. I don't see an option to delete threads.

[solbergg]

I think he really wanted some advice on straightening out the collar. This really thin leather could be broken in with a little time and work, but I think the jacket is a bit too large for him. I don't blame him for sending it back.

Thanks, Texan, you are correct. I was trying to find a way to hold onto it, but it seemed that any real effort to fix the jacket would void its return status or take too long.

[Holt]

You won't see an option to delete threads as this is only what Mods have an ability to do. So, that being said, since the jacket has been retunred I see no point of having this thread open for further discussion!

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