AERO or ALEXANDERS?

Edward · Jun 17, 2015

Grayland said:
I don't own a Highwayman, but the pit to pit measurements that I've seen on sizes 38 and 40 are quite a bit wider than my usual 21-22 inch pit to pit preference which is pretty standard on my size 40 jackets. The quote below is from Thurston Brothers:

The Aero Highwayman runs two sizes too large, so please order this two sizes down from the suit size that you usually wear. For professional sizing, please call us at (206) 550-3545.

Ah, Thurston Brothers - that explains a lot. Not to knock them, but they've got a serious fetish for getting their jackets to fit as tight as is humanly possible if they're looking at them from a motorcycle pov...

Sloan1874 said:
I've tried on a Highwayman in a 36, and I'm just the wrong shape for it - slim, up-and-down. I'd probably go with the Premier fit.

Try the Original 59er too.

Sloan1874 said:
It's no laughing matter. When I was in the States, I was forced to look in the children's department to find t-shirts that fit! :eeek:lol

Ha! I quite enjoyed being a small/medium over there, as opposed to XL/XXL in Europe, or XXXL/XXXXL in China...

Big J · Jun 17, 2015

Sloan1874 said:
It's no laughing matter. When I was in the States, I was forced to look in the children's department to find t-shirts that fit! :eeek:lol

lol!
Last time we went home, my mother took my wife shopping. I told her not to let my wife buy children's clothing no matter how much she begs!

garzo · Jun 17, 2015

I have both an Aero Highwayman and an Alexander Roadster, similar to the Highwayman, which I got from their sales page -- both size 44. The Alexander is cut a little neater and trimmer, while the Highwayman is a bit more roomier. Both are very nice. The Aero fits me better -- I like the jacket more relaxed.

The Aero-Alexander story is long and complicated but there is a great deal of information on the forum if you're interested. Many people at Alexander used to work for Aero. You'll find that many here are not fans of Alexander due in large part to the criminal actions of a former Aero manager who helped start Alexander.

nicholasb · Jun 17, 2015

garzo said:
I have both an Aero Highwayman and an Alexander Roadster, similar to the Highwayman, which I got from their sales page -- both size 44. The Alexander is cut a little neater and trimmer, while the Highwayman is a bit more roomier. Both are very nice. The Aero fits me better -- I like the jacket more relaxed.

The Aero-Alexander story is long and complicated but there is a great deal of information on the forum if you're interested. Many people at Alexander used to work for Aero. You'll find that many here are not fans of Alexander due in large part to the criminal actions of a former Aero manager who helped start Alexander.

Not sure if this has been pointed out but the Alexander Leathers name has changed to Simmons Bilt Clothing Company Ltd. (http://www.simmonsbilt.com/). I agree with garzo's opinion on sizing as I have had both Highwayman and Roadster.

Edward · Jun 17, 2015

nicholasb said:
Not sure if this has been pointed out but the Alexander Leathers name has changed to Simmons Bilt Clothing Company Ltd. (http://www.simmonsbilt.com/). I agree with garzo's opinion on sizing as I have had both Highwayman and Roadster.

Good point. I think the old URL still trips to the rebranded website, but probably not for long. Thread about it here:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?82315-AL-Simmons-Bilt!

cloudylemonade · Jun 17, 2015

We don't agree that the Highwayman is sized two sizes too large, its a 1950s cut designed to be worn loose. If you're interested in ordering a Highwayman from us write to us and we'll help advise on sizing, and we can discuss what kind of fit you're looking for.

jacketjunkie · Jun 17, 2015

I believe it's contradicting to on the one hand want a Highwayman, on the other hand want a close-fitting jacket, because that simply is not what the Highwayman is. And sizing down might make it snugger, but it still won't be a body fit jacket, because for that, you have to do more than sizing down. If you want a snug jacket, you are better off with a jacket whose pattern are designed with that intention, for example the Sheene.

cloudylemonade · Jun 17, 2015

jacketjunkie said:
I believe it's contradicting to on the one hand want a Highwayman, on the other hand want a close-fitting jacket, because that simply is not what the Highwayman is. And sizing down might make it snugger, but it still won't be a body fit jacket, because for that, you have to do more than sizing down. If you want a snug jacket, you are better off with a jacket whose pattern are designed with that intention, for example the Sheene.

Good advice!

It's a boxy cut by design, going down a size will make it a neater fit, but its not designed to be worn slim, so this should be kept in mind when ordering.

Edward · Jun 17, 2015

jacketjunkie said:
I believe it's contradicting to on the one hand want a Highwayman, on the other hand want a close-fitting jacket, because that simply is not what the Highwayman is. And sizing down might make it snugger, but it still won't be a body fit jacket, because for that, you have to do more than sizing down. If you want a snug jacket, you are better off with a jacket whose pattern are designed with that intention, for example the Sheene.

Precisement. Anyone who wants the clean lines of the Highwayman but with a snugger fit should be looking at the Sheen, the Premium Highwayman or the Original 59er Highwayman.

ProteinNerd · Jun 17, 2015

Edward said:
Precisement. Anyone who wants the clean lines of the Highwayman but with a snugger fit should be looking at the Sheen, the Premium Highwayman or the Original 59er Highwayman.

Are we sure that the 59er is slimmer through the body of the jacket? The description on the website is:

"The fit of the jacket, although similar to the Aero Highwayman, is based on the Rivetts jacket, it's about 1" shorter than our famous version and is slimmer at the waist."

Note its slimmer at the waist, not slimmer through the body? Maybe it just tapers more at the waist like some of the older motorcycle jackets but is still fairly boxy through the body? Either way, 1 inch shorter than the standard Highwayman.....damn! I thought the standard was cropped!

SpeedRcrX · Jun 17, 2015

Like Holly told you, contact her and discuss the matter with her. She knows what she is talking about and always has helpful advice!

You will know if you go with the Highwayman or go with a slimmer pattern.

@Edward did you see my PM?

jacketjunkie · Jun 17, 2015

Checking with the stock HWMs at Aeros page, the 40"s all have a 25" back length, that's 1" more than my Johnson jacket which is not a particularly short fitting jacket.. if I ordered a 40 HWM, it would actually be going about 2" past my belt line, which is plenty of long, where as the 59s HWM would still sit 1" over my belt line.. not very short either.. however I am only 5'9", so someone 6'3" tall with the same chest as me will probably find them short.

Vespizzare · Jun 17, 2015

Hatfields or McCoys?

Bunyip · Jun 18, 2015

Vespizzare said:
Hatfields or McCoys?

Ha! I was literally googling H&M fued yesterday. I just picked up a copy of the mini series thing they made a couple of years ago, I think it's got Costner and Paxton in it. It's a funny old world.

Unwissender · Jun 18, 2015

My next jacket will be an Alexander!

I have 2 Aeros. Very good quality and very friendly contact. But she did not give me as in the first jacket, the 3 inches below the hem for protection. I can not understand that.
Okay, I go where purchase other! No problem: -D

Big J · Jun 18, 2015

Alexander Leathers doesn't exist any more.
They have renamed themselves Simmons Bilt to escape from the bad press of Will Lauders criminal conviction.
I wouldn't trust them with my money.

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