Wested Leather - Build Quality Query

[FirstFormula]

So I’m after a leather jacket and I’m looking at options. I started off wanting a US Wings Indy, but then looked at the postage costs (c. $150 for overseas shipping) and then imagined the import tax bill (it’ll be another three figures)…. so that pretty much rules that out. Shame, because I’ve read great things about the US Wings quality.

I then came to Wested and I’ve read good things about and the certainly have all the options I could hope for… but I’m having a moment about it for what I think is a fairly silly reason.

The prices are really reasonable for jackets that are made in the U.K.

It’s like they’re failing the Stella Artois test in my head - they aren’t reassuringly expensive.

I know that’s ridiculous before you say that.

I suppose what I’m after is an assurance that the quality is top whack, and perhaps a comparable as to the quality.

I’m ready to go, have money burning a hole in my pocket, I’m just looking for a reason to pull the trigger on a Wested…

Could you please help me with my insecurities and assure me… many thanks.

[Indiana Jeff]

Wested makes a good jacket. Many here, including myself, have Wested jackets going back decades. Wore my jacket from 2000 today.

Any issues members have had in the past come from very detailed specs not always being fulfilled. If you are going to get a fairly basic jacket, I think you’ll be pleased.

And just to muddy the waters…have you checked the secondary market for USWings jackets? Likely will save you on shipping and potentially import taxes.

If you really have your heart set on a Wested, I still recommend checking the secondary market. Large savings to be had.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[FirstFormula]

That’s very helpful, thank you.

I’ll have a scan of the usual places to see if I can find a second hand one to take a punt on. I can’t even find always buy a new one if it passes the audition.

[Holt]

Worn wested since 2006. Have had maby 45/50 jackets. Mostly custom made to my specifications. Had a few bad apples from them but hey, thats the gamble in this hobby I guess.

I have been wearing a Lambskin non stop since 2016 and its really showing its age. I love it even tho it is an off the rack. Cant say enough good when it comes to wested.

All that said, there is also a huge history on them when it comes to hit and miss jackets in terms of quality and details. etc. But mostly that happend when Peter the owner was at the front and the quailty control team around him was lacking. Still miss those days wiht Peter, it was such fun talking to him and making those jackets. He was a true kind soul may he reast in peace.

Mick his son in law has taken over the business and he is really pumping them out.

[Rob]

Mick his son in law has taken over the business and he is really pumping them out.

And, to be fair, mistakes are still made. The jacket I ordered last year with sliders was sent out with D-rings. A simple mistake, but so simple, with a little care it shouldn't have been made.

My sense is that the manufacture is now in some generic 'factory' in London doing the work under contract (?) rather than being done in the lovely cottage on Wested Lane any more

[NorthernRaider]

I have two Wested Jackets, in terms of construction quality- one the stitching on the pockets started coming apart after a few days of wear around the house, and the other one was stunning quality and felt like it could hold up to being dragged behind a truck. Both Lambskin.
Wasn’t too happy about the pocket thing, but I fixed it pretty easily myself. That said, I would buy from them again. (And I’m thinking about it because apparently jacket buying is an addiction.)
I’d recommend giving them a shot.
Let us know how it all turns out!

NorthernRaider

[Tremolo]

I guess I’m also in the Wested camp, I had 8
jackets from them since 2002 and the ones I kept and wore on a regular basis are still in a pretty good shape. My oldest one from 2002 is in cowhide with satin lining and still looks fantastic. Even the more recent ones in lambskin appear to be made with a similar workmanship and hold up great with everyday use. Overall I would consider Wested jackets a great bang for the buck if you get your measurements right.

[FirstFormula]

So I got put off…. I emailed Wested to talk about what I was after, but their reply was so short and uninterested that I just wasn’t feeling it.

I’ve had those sorts of experiences before and ignored my doubts and lived to regret it, so I’m going to learn my lesson.

No judgement of Wested, I’m sure they get a mass of enquiries.

I did some more digging and sent an email to Diego from Steele and Jones and the response was night and day. It was friendly, detailed, gave some advice, talked options… in short it was confidence inspiring. So while I’m not thrilled about the long lead time, I think I’d get the experience I want and I think I’d get the jacket I’m after.

I appreciate the forum’s advice and sharing of experiences and wanted to update on how it was progressing.

[Jonesy Jr.]

So I got put off…. I emailed Wested to talk about what I was after, but their reply was so short and uninterested that I just wasn’t feeling it.

I’ve had those sorts of experiences before and ignored my doubts and lived to regret it, so I’m going to learn my lesson.

No judgement of Wested, I’m sure they get a mass of enquiries.

I did some more digging and sent an email to Diego from Steele and Jones and the response was night and day. It was friendly, detailed, gave some advice, talked options… in short it was confidence inspiring. So while I’m not thrilled about the long lead time, I think I’d get the experience I want and I think I’d get the jacket I’m after.

I appreciate the forum’s advice and sharing of experiences and wanted to update on how it was progressing.

You have chosen wisely. Steele and Jones will make you the most screen accurate jacket not just in jacket details but also how the jacket fits. I waited almost 9 months for my jacket but it was worth the wait.

[Rob]

I emailed Wested to talk about what I was after, but their reply was so short and uninterested that I just wasn’t feeling it.

I will just say, simply as I can, that your experience in that scenario was not unique or unusual.

[NorthernRaider]

So I got put off…. I emailed Wested to talk about what I was after, but their reply was so short and uninterested that I just wasn’t feeling it.

I’ve had those sorts of experiences before and ignored my doubts and lived to regret it, so I’m going to learn my lesson.

No judgement of Wested, I’m sure they get a mass of enquiries.

I did some more digging and sent an email to Diego from Steele and Jones and the response was night and day. It was friendly, detailed, gave some advice, talked options… in short it was confidence inspiring. So while I’m not thrilled about the long lead time, I think I’d get the experience I want and I think I’d get the jacket I’m after.

I appreciate the forum’s advice and sharing of experiences and wanted to update on how it was progressing.

Wested does a much higher volume of orders, and their email customer service is quite spartan, though their actual service is entirely the opposite. You pick the leather and the model and measurements/features from their drop down boxes and you will have a nice jacket made and shipped extremely quickly. I know that first one feels daunting to ‘get it right’ but it’s actually less complicated than it seems or feels.
That said, you can’t really go wrong with S&J, it’s an opposite experience. Customer service is superb and attentive and wait time is long.
Good luck!

NR

[FirstFormula]

Deposit paid… lead time is 11 months.

[Jonesy Jr.]

Deposit paid… lead time is 11 months.

I will pass soon those 11 months. What jacket style did you choose ? Raiders hero ?

[FirstFormula]

They reckon a Last Crusade is bigger for the more barrel-like gentleman and so I’ve gone with that.

[Jonesy Jr.]

They reckon a Last Crusade is bigger for the more barrel-like gentleman and so I’ve gone with that.

Nice. S&J Last Crusade jacket is on my to buy list in near future.