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Vanson fit pics w question

JohnS33931

One of the Regulars
Messages
101
Location
Ft Myers Beach or Cape Ann
I’m looking for opinions on two Vansons I purchased. Bought a Dakota first in Firenze and then a Model B in brown heavyweight - not sure its comp weight.
Although they are both 46, the shoulder width on the Dakota is about 2” wider.
The Dakota is very comfortable - the B feels tight . Wondering if it is just the style difference or the stiffer leather of the B.
Guess what it really comes down to is - does the B look like a stuffed sausage on me? Sorry I couldn’t figure out how to order the pictures correctly.
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TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,273
Both look just about right. Yes, the B is a racer style and in theory should fit and look tighter. If you want to go by the "book", you should actually go one size down on the B. I don't recommend, but if you were truly trying to recreate the cafe racer style, it should be more snug. It sounds like you're looking for a comfortable wear but with 2 different looks. So I think you did well here. I wouldn't change a thing.
 

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,129
The brown Model B looks awesome! You got best of both worlds there. The Dakota for everyday comfort wear and the Model B for looking sharp on the night out.
I have no experience with Vanson brown heavyweight leather. It looks stiff in the photo. It will get softer after a while.
Was there an upcharge for the brown heavyweight leather?
 

photo2u

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,008
Location
claremont california
Both are nice. One with layer will fill you up better with the brown. The other one just very delightful due to the drape of the leather. With time, the brown will be less stiff.
 

El Marro

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,474
Location
California
Both jackets look good and I particularly like the model B. As the leather breaks m I think you will find that to be a very comfortable jacket. The size is good, any looser would look sloppy.
 

JohnS33931

One of the Regulars
Messages
101
Location
Ft Myers Beach or Cape Ann
Thanks all for your thoughts - I really appreciate them!
My wife told me it looked ok, but she always says that just to shut me up!
The Dakota is definitely loose and the sleeves are too long, but I had just spent a few months breaking in an Aero half belt deluxe that still has very restrictive arm movement - so I went with the larger size for comfort and figured I could have a warmer layer with it. The lady at Vanson did say she thought the shoulders were too large when I was buying it - guess I should have taken her advise. The B, I just picked up on Ebay. It was advertised as comp weight, but in messaging the seller, he said he wasn’t sure. He said he ordered it from Vanson, but never wore it. (He also has a used B in Firenze for sale). I’ll post some up close pictures of the brown leather. It certainly weighs a lot more than the Dakota. I’m working on breaking it in!
 

Seank

A-List Customer
Messages
439
I agree with the others who have said the B looks better. The Dakota (black) looks to long in the body and sleeves.
 

JohnS33931

One of the Regulars
Messages
101
Location
Ft Myers Beach or Cape Ann
Thanks for the close ups! It appears that the brown isn’t as sanded down, processed, as the standard black comp weight.
Thanks - I thought it might not be the comp weight leather and it was one of the questions that I asked the seller - he sent this response:
I purchased the jacket directly from Kim at Vanson in Fall River, Mass. This is confirmed in the invoice that you will receive if you purchase the jacket. About the leather: It is NOT a Firenze leather jacket. It is a heavy weight thicker leather than Firenze. I know this for certain because I am currently selling a black Firenze Vanson Jacket on Ebay. It too is a model B, but it is pre-owned (slightly) but technically not new. Check out that listing and you will see how the leather on that jacket drapes and how this one is significantly stiffer. However, when you purchase a brown jacket from Vanson it's like a custom purchase. You describe the kind of leather you want and then they wait for an appropriate batch to come in. When I ordered this jacket they did not have brown on hand. They send you the swatches and when you choose, they make your jacket. This is not Firenze, nor is it exotic leather. It is simply brown leather which I think is competittion weight, but for the exact weight and thickness, you would have to refer directly to Vanson. I don't know why Thurston Bros refers to "brown cowhide" and I do not know how that differs, if it does differ, from competiton weight leather. I know I waited many months for this leather to become available. I will post this answer to the listing just to let everyone know what kind of leather it is. Perhaps they know more than me, but I admit I am not an expert. I hope this helps. Thank you for looking and good luck bidding.
He didn’t include the invoice when he shipped the jacket, so I don’t know what Vanson called it.
 
Last edited:

f2002q

One of the Regulars
Messages
147
The Model B look like a great fit. The Dakota looks a little big, especially on the shoulders. You can always give Vanson the serial number of the brown jacket and they can tell you what kind of leather they used when they made it. You may want to do that anyway, telling them you're the new owner.
 

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