Aero visit

Lit Up · Oct 19, 2019

Hi folks, I am going to make the long drive up to Scotland to visit Aero shortly and I would like any tips you guys can provide from people who have done it. Any preferred machinists to ask for, any particular samples to consider, what to look for and what to take advantage of whilst I'm there. I intend to get measured up for a slim-fit bike jacket in their 'Ridley' style, am thinking of going with battered tan. Or perhaps a midweight black horsehide just to get the fit correct, and then once I've received the jacket and am happy with the fit, go for something bolder.

Mr Knight · Oct 19, 2019

I doubt it really matters which machinist you get as they’re all extremely skilled in what they do, plus I’m not 100% sure you can ask for someone in particular to make your jacket (though could be wrong).

You’ll be greeted by Denny on your visit so my ultimate advice is to take whatever advice he gives you as gospel, he knows what he’s talking about and will only advise you on what will work best for you with no hard sell.

Anything else it’s worthwhile just contacting Aero directly in advance.

Mich486 · Oct 19, 2019

Many keep J Leitch in high regards. I had Aeros made by her and by other machinists. Maybe I haven’t a good enough eye but I couldn’t tell the difference. Identical construction.

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Sloan1874 · Oct 19, 2019

Morgan's a good one to ask for. She did a great job of my Wayfarer.

dubpynchon · Oct 19, 2019

Moira Mac did a top job on my Thunderbay, and Greg Field is great as well but I think he mainly does sheepskins. They’re all good though, I don’t think you’d be able to spot any differences between the machinists.

Harris HTM · Oct 19, 2019

Lit Up said:
and what to take advantage of whilst I'm there

Enjoy the smell of leather there, if you can bottle it up you'll become rich...
What I enjoyed the most during my visit there in 2016 was having the chance to see and handle different models, hide types and colours; you may surprised by fancying a style you didn't expect to like judging from photo's.

handymike · Oct 19, 2019

I’m envious. Have fun, and take it all in!

Mr Knight · Oct 19, 2019

The two things to take from your visit:

1. Denny will personally advise you regarding your purchase. Everything from style to fit, leather, lining and hardware is all specced according to YOUR preference rather than what Denny would possibly want to sell you. It’s a no pressure environment which is key and the reason I’ve bought 2 jackets from Aero and will definitely be back for a 3rd next year (sorry Denny).

2. The tour is fantastic, I was shown around by the chap who cuts the panels (didn’t get his name) and he’ll talk to you like an old friend and show you everything from the hide room to the machine room and openly talk about what goes on. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and all staff members are very polite and smiling, they clearly love their jobs.

Sloan1874 · Oct 19, 2019

That's Murray you spoke to. Don't think for a second that you'll only order a jacket. It's impossible to resist the plethora of jeans, jumpers, hats etc.

Edward · Oct 19, 2019

Murray showed me round when I visited back in 2014 (can't believe that's five years ago now!).

I would never think to ask for a specific machnist, tbh - if they make the grade for Aero, they're good enough for me.

Do take the chance to try on everything you can. If you want anything that's not stock, or they advise that a different model would be closer what you want, try it. Take advice on hides from them. And don't think for a second that you'll leave not wanting at least three more jackets than hte one you just ordered....

Mr Knight · Oct 20, 2019

Edward said:
Do take the chance to try on everything you can. If you want anything that's not stock, or they advise that a different model would be closer what you want, try it. Take advice on hides from them. And don't think for a second that you'll leave not wanting at least three more jackets than hte one you just ordered....

This. If you have a rough idea what you want then great, but still keep an open mind and you may find something that suits you better.

My first visit I had in my head that I wanted a Cafe/Board Racer jacket due to the simple look but wasn’t 100% sure which. After trying on both styles and different sizes, we both agreed a BR was the very best fit and Denny talked me in to CXL which was a good decision as the colour turned up beautiful but the simplicity of this jacket turned to be it’s downfall.

Second visit I had in my mind that I wanted something different from a BR as it was awesome but didn’t suit my every day needs. Turned up to Aero and openly said to Denny “I don’t know what I want, just something I can throw on every day no matter the occasion”. He smiled, asked for my size in the BR, walked off, came back and handed me a jacket to try on without saying what it was. I chucked the jacket on, looked in the mirror and knew it was what I wanted. It was a Premier Highwayman. No pressure sale yet again, we configured the jacket on the spec sheet and this time going for Vicenza leather.

Anyway the moral of the story is: be open about what you want the jacket for, what occasions you’ll be using it, if you want a loose or slim fit and what overall look you want to achieve and let the folk of Aero do the rest, they’ve been in the game long enough to work with all kind of folk from annoyingly fussy (me) to chilled out fashionistas.

NZJono · Oct 20, 2019

Great advice. Just one visit to sort out measurements and try on different styles would be worth it. Hope to get there soon.

breezer · Oct 21, 2019

Any preferred machinists to ask for

you are over thinking it - have faith!

Mr Knight · Oct 21, 2019

breezer said:
Any preferred machinists to ask for

you are over thinking it - have faith!

Emphasis on the “don’t overthink it” part.

I probably drove Denny to the bottom of a bottle when tweaking my order by 1/4”..........yes I seriously was making 6mm alterations which would have likely been swallowed up by their 1/2” manufacturing tolerance anyway.

Lit Up · Oct 26, 2019

Yeah I think I drove Denny to the brink because I also came back a couple of days later to try on more jackets whilst he patiently video'd me doing 360s so that I could see what the fit was like. anyway, I've posted about the visit here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4BCE_upj3z/

Mandarin · Nov 1, 2019

Another tour:

Edward · Nov 1, 2019

Very nice video - thanks for posting this. Got my motivation up to shift the weight and get onto a new Aero....

breezer · Nov 1, 2019

Nice wee film.........but how long does it actually take to make a jacket? And - sleeve length good!

Psant25 · Nov 1, 2019

Mandarin said:
Another tour:

Nice did not see this I posted in what jacket thread haha

Aero visit

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Familiar Face

One of the Regulars

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Practically Family

One Too Many

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