New Good Wear "Californian" Ventura

ButteMT61 · Feb 6, 2013

I ended up not keeping this one - it wasn't made for me, but it was close, so Mr Chapman sent it to me to try. Most thought it was an awesome fit. I personally felt it too short in the torso, so I am having one made longer for me. I just wanted to post up the pics as most of Good Wear's creations posted here and VLJ are of the mil repop variety. It's black Japanese horsehide, with a medium slate-blue Rayon lining (no pics of that, but it's beautiful and understated and comfortable!). If you're looking for a civilian jacket with a classic (trim) cut, this one is amazing.

My wife was really p*ssed that I wanted to send it back, but I just felt another 1.5" in the torso would make it perfect. The jacket itself was flawless and worth every penny. For SoCal, it would be a great 3-season jacket and is not heavy. You can't see in the pics, but the stitching was of a red tone and is a knockout!

FWIW, the rest of the gear is a Carhartt 1889 work shirt, 3Sixteen Selvedge jeans, vintage black steer belt, and Rockport Trail cap toe boots.

Sloan1874 · Feb 6, 2013

Fantastic looking jacket! Personally, I think it looks on the nail, but fit is such a personal thing. Can we perhaps persuade you to post us some pics when you get your new one?

Heiko · Feb 6, 2013

It looks good and looked like it was a good length too, but you have to be happy with your jacket.

HoosierDaddy · Feb 6, 2013

Sent it back? Wow!

ButteMT61 · Feb 6, 2013

HoosierDaddy said:
Sent it back? Wow!

The arm pit was a bit high too - but I didn't want to get too detailed on the "whys". Just wanted to show it here. It just felt too small, and I know from the pics it's hard to see that - but I kept it for two weeks (nice guy isn't he?) going back and forth. Had to opt for a little extra to be really happy. Rest assured, it's a gem.

Heiko · Feb 6, 2013

Ahh...seems like you definitely made the right choice.

spike42 · Feb 6, 2013

I'm always interested in postings from ButteMT61, being that I have similar proportions. That is an excellent jacket, exactly what I hope to obtain in the future. And
I would have sent that jacket back as well. I feel that it looks just a bit short, with jeans, plus also having a long torso I enjoy being able to sit down while wearing the
jacket and not wind up feeling like there is a huge gap between jacket and belt (of course the cut of the individual garment comes into play, etc).

Sir, would you mind posting some specifics of that jacket, if you took measurements? I'd also be real interested to know what sleeve length you require in a dress
shirt, if you don't mind. For example, I need a 37 sleeve, which makes most off-the-rack jackets unusable for me since too-short sleeves always ride up and bug me.
Pants, I'm 38-34, but working hard to get to 36 :-}

Overall a very nice jacket though, and thanks for posting. I hope you will update with pictures when your replacement arrives.

Deleted member 16736 · Feb 6, 2013

Butte, did you happen to snap a picture of the back? I have a similar problem with the Ventura. It's a bit too short for my taste. A short jacket on a tall man just looks funny. I'm with ya. Ordered a GW Doniger A-2 instead, but I was toying with the civilian jackets. In the end, I went with a civilian-looking A-2 with a long front.

HoosierDaddy · Feb 6, 2013

ButteMT61 said:
The arm pit was a bit high too - but I didn't want to get too detailed on the "whys". Just wanted to show it here. It just felt too small, and I know from the pics it's hard to see that - but I kept it for two weeks (nice guy isn't he?) going back and forth. Had to opt for a little extra to be really happy. Rest assured, it's a gem.

It sure looks like a gem,Scott...and John is indeed a very nice guy. Feeling good about the sizing is all important. I think you certainly made a good GW choice. Did you decide on a civvy GW rather than an A2?
HD

ButteMT61 · Feb 6, 2013

HoosierDaddy said:
It sure looks like a gem,Scott...and John is indeed a very nice guy. Feeling good about the sizing is all important. I think you certainly made a good GW choice. Did you decide on a civvy GW rather than an A2? HD

Yes, I decided to forego the A-2. I've got four of them now, and I'm frankly soured on the topic. Just too much non-fun conversation in regards to that realm. Besides, it makes no sense to have a bunch of similar jackets and not others for different occasions. This jacket is what I need. I also have no black, so it's perfect.Here's the info on the jacket:

The jacket measurements:

Chest circumference: 26" x 26" (52" total under the arms)

Front along zipper: 23.5" (low cut collar hole)

Shoulder width: 21.25"

Sleeve length: 27"

The body measurements that it was made for:

A: 52.5"B: 45.5"C: 41D: 41E: 24

ButteMT61 · Feb 6, 2013

The "B" was the problem as was the body length. Otherwise, perfect. Shoulders, arms, back were great. Truth be told, I need an 1" off the "C" & "D" too. My waist is trimmer and I don't like cinching down the sides a lot to make it fit.

pauleway · Feb 6, 2013

That is one sweet piece of leather. would love to see the back!

HoosierDaddy · Feb 6, 2013

ButteMT61 said:
Yes, I decided to forego the A-2. I've got four of them now, and I'm frankly soured on the topic. Just too much non-fun conversation in regards to that realm. Besides, it makes no sense to have a bunch of similar jackets and not others for different occasions. This jacket is what I need. I also have no black, so it's perfect.

Yep...I got burnt out on the stitch count elitizm long time ago. After several A2s..just lost interest with what had become the all knowing ever present belittling attitudes. Really..I think I've always prefered civy utility jackets. The different styles..hides..features,etc. I've also mixed up colors lately,too. In my view...black can look dressy in certain styles and hides(rather than always hardcore). The Californian Ventura seems to be a perfect example. Full speed ahead,my friend. You're going to have some great jackets!...and look at the WORF! That guy has taken 'uniqueness' to a new level..!!
HD

Fanch · Feb 6, 2013

Scott, that is a very sharp looking jacket and sorry that it didn't quite work out. It looks like you are maintaining you weight very well.

spike42 · Feb 6, 2013

Thank you for posting measurements. I really like the way the sleeves sit in the pictures you posted - some may feel that's too much length, but I've spent
far too long wearing jackets with sleeves halfway up my elbow; when I order custom, I will want the look you have in that image.

wdw · Feb 6, 2013

I think it looks great, especially the sleeves. But if you're not 100% happy, then best to send it back and get exactly what you want.

Hope that's not a 12 month wait now, though.

too much coffee · Feb 6, 2013

Hi Scott;

Super looking jacket. Miss seeing you standing by the fence gate in front of your home. Kinda like seeing Jan away from "the tree" or Dav (Nick) without his dog or cactii in England. "Who are those guys?"

Seriously, that's a bitchin' jacket and you wear it well.

Regards, coffee

B-24J · Feb 6, 2013

Very nice jacket.

I can just make out the red stitching around the cuffs/straps.

I have an old (30+ years) Yamaha motorcycle jacket that has red piping. Not quite as subtle as the red stitching, but the red on black combination is nice.

John

tonypaj · Feb 6, 2013

This all always comes down to the "whole picture". Combining modern, low-cut jeans with 30s-40s stuff just does not look fine with me. I prefer to look at everything I wear together. A jacket is just one part, no matter how nice.

kyboots · Feb 6, 2013

I think you are nuts to send that back.That is a nice looking jacket!

New Good Wear "Californian" Ventura

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