My first Aero jacket - advice sought please!

Following my trip up to Aero, I'm now in the process of finalising my first Aero jacket. I'm going with the "slim fit bike" pattern, aka Ridley to Thurston customers. I've got some questions for those of you who have bought before.

I don't ride a motorbike, and I'm looking for a slim fit jacket which fits as good as this Lewis.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxEveCbH9i4/

For the Aero, I thought I'd go with black CXL horse - Denny said this is akin to their signature leather. Will this leather be too hard to break in, particularly on a slim fit jacket? On second thoughts, maybe I should go Vicenza or Jerky. I have samples of all - the latter two certainly softer.

I also need to decide on the back. I'm trying to 'pare down' this jacket in terms of features, and I think the plain back looks better in terms of a "clean" design - as opposed to shoulder gussets or action back - but I'm concerned about being restricted in my movement, on a slim fitting jacket with tough leather. Full AB would probably be more comfy; whilst I don't ride a motorbike, sometimes I ride a bicycle, and I don't like to feel like I'm in a straitjacket. But again I don't really like the look of a Full AB or shoulder gussets.

Plain:


Full AB:
https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...ull-action-back-fit-check.98515/#post-2596973

In terms of the D pocket - are there any difficulties with having the zip away from your left hand? I'm guessing it's hard to unzip it and get your right hand in, if the jacket isn't already fully zipped up and providing some resistance to your efforts? Instead, a 'Daytona' style D pocket with 'handwarmer?' pocket near your left hand is, I presume, easier to access?


Finally, what are your thoughts on the ticket pocket? I'm struggling to think of what I would use it for. I don't smoke, so no zippo for me. When I first started wearing biker jackets in the mid 00s, phones were small enough to fit in them, and that's what I used them for. Now I think they look a little too much on a jacket that as I say, I am trying to 'pare down' in terms of features for a cleaner look... I think I'm swaying a bit more towards the Elvis pocket.


Size wise, there was no "slim fit bike"/Ridley in my size to try on, but Denny gave me Hooch Haulers: Natural CXL in 40, Cordovan in 42. I can see that the 40 needs space added to the waist so I will ask for an extra 2 inches. I'm also thinking half an inch to each shoulder to help me move, but not sure whether that will make much of a difference - in fact it might make the jacket look bigger which isn't really what I want.

https://imgur.com/OYym3UM

The 42 was a custom order about to be sent out (perhaps one of yours?!) - length added to the jacket and sleeves. Perhaps it's a better overall fit, but unfortunately seems to lose the special "bang on" fit of that Lewis above. Maybe the 42 is better for a larger-fitting jacket with more layering. In fact, I'm thinking that perhaps the heavier leathers (FQHH etc) are better suited to non-slim fitting jackets.

https://imgur.com/4GhHuxc

Thoughts from all you experienced gents greatly appreciated!

PS my rough measurements:

Top length 105cm
Sleeves 66.5cm
Shoulders 53cm
Navel: 100cm after big meal
Waist: 34
Height: 6ft1/186cm

The 42 looks like it fits better. I have a hooch hauler in size 40 and I'm 5' 10" and ~185, the 40 is already a close fit on me so I don't see how it would work for you. I think the action back and gusset options would definitely take away from the cleanness of the jacket. If you feel like you could ride your bike in those hooch haulers, then I would keep the back clean. In the traditional D-pocket set-up with the entrance zipper near the pocket, your left hand doesn't really do anything--you're meant to cross over with your right hand to access the pocket. Only the ticket pocket is really accessible to the left hand. If you want a handwarmer pocket I would go with the Elvis style, it looks cleaner. The black cxlfqhh is a great hide and excellent choice for this jacket. Are you planning on going with a belt?

Thanks. No belt or belt loops!

If it's one of the Aero jackets that has that extreme taper at the waist, I'd go a size up for the historically correct fit. If you're not worried about accuracy and can widen the waist, you can always go that route.

If you want a stripped down sort of crosszip type but something that's still got mor4e of a bike jacket vibe than the Bootlegger, I always liked the jacket Johnny Depp wore in Cry Baby. The back doubtless gives away what it is:



...but from the front it looked like a Perfecto with the coin pocket and chest pocket deleted, shiny brass on black leather. Very cool. Could work without the belt....

I would suggest that the best option is to talk to Aero directly about your ideas, as they'll be able to tell you directly a] what modifications they're happy to make, and b] which base model will get you closer. Sometimes the base model you think you want is not what you end up with - few years ago I went in there thinking I wanted a Dustbowl back on a Speedway; turned out that what I actually wanted was simply a Dustbowl with a plain front and chestzip pocket. Sometimes we over complicate things....

I'm definitely going with their "slim fit bike" model. I did ask Denny if I could delete the D and the ticket pocket and just have a handwarmer Napoleon pocket where the D pocket zip would be, but he said no. So I'm not really doing anything mental. It's a jacket that will have fewer, rather than more, features.

My main anxiety is the sizing. It's one of those things where you just have to pay the money and see, then if it doesn't work, move it on in the classifieds, I guess.

Main thing is to watch the waist-chest drop on these, it's not forgiving, though when you get the sizing right it does look great.

Do you mean it tapers a lot from chest to waist?

Man oh man both those in your imgur look fantastic. Door #1 is great for tshirt only, door #2 is great for a little layering. I would stop the design process and pick up either one of those. The style really seems to suit you.

Bfd70 said:

Man oh man both those in your imgur look fantastic. Door #1 is great for tshirt only, door #2 is great for a little layering. I would stop the design process and pick up either one of those. The style really seems to suit you.

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I agree, they both look like a glove. I guess, I would go with the one more comfortable. Yes, CXL looses its stiffness but it will never become a soft shell jacket. A little room to move is advisable. I have a Ridley in Cordovan CXL. It's definitely on the wider side in terms of fit, but I have to say I enjoy the versatility of the jacket. I wear it with a T-Shirt, with a wool sweater or a Cardigan. The more room under the jacket, the more creasing, the more beautiful light reflections If I would order again, I would shorten the sleeves 0.5 inches. However, since this jacket also serves as a motorcycle jacket it's quite useful.

The fit looks superb to me blaupulp. Nice

^^That is an amazing Cordovan jacket there!

To the OP, I know you were just there, but perhaps a return trip to Aero might be easier. Try on several, let them measure you, and discuss your ideas in person. So much easier and better for both parties. Also I might suggest the Zip Sleeve highwayman, or a Cafe Racer with a shirt collar (the Sheene through Thurston Brothers) if you want a simpler look.

AeroFan_07 said:

let them measure you

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Does Aero measure you? They never offered to measure me. I won't be going back soon as I've just been there and it's a very long drive!

I did ask Denny if I could delete the D and the ticket pocket and just have a handwarmer Napoleon pocket where the D pocket zip would be, but he said no.

Trying to change the design of a jacket is probably something they are not into - if its your first Aero I would try and keep things simple. Adding or subtracting an inch from the sleeve length is standard procedure........messing with the jackets design is not.

Lit Up said:

Does Aero measure you? They never offered to measure me. I won't be going back soon as I've just been there and it's a very long drive!

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Sorry, I do not know. It would be a very long drive with a swim, or more likely a flight for me. Hope I make it over there soon! Give them a call & ask...