Perverting Aero's intentions?

• Mar 28, 2010

• #1

Sir Jacket

Practically Family

Messages

855

Location

London, United Kingdom

I am very happy with my last Aero -- a Stuart in Cordovan -- and now, predictably, want another. I am thinking of a mouton-collar 50s halfbelt lengthened by a couple of inches. I am a little over six feet tall and find Aeros short jackets too short for me. At the same time, I don't want the 'long halfbelt': I had one and returned it because I found the extra pockets and bi-swing back made the whole look too complicated.

My question is whether fellow Aero freaks think my idea for a halfbelt modification would work or would it pervert the look of the jacket. In general, in modifying our Aeros so much, do we risk creating a mishmash -- in terms both of style and historical accuracy? Presumably Aero has selected its style with reason.

Sir Jacket

 

• Mar 28, 2010

• #2

Navin323i

Practically Family

Messages

770

Location

Maryland, USA

Modifications made are quite a common thing... I definitely don't feel that they "pervert" anything by any means. Look at it this way... you're spending your own money on an Aero product and Aero I'm sure wants to see you and their other customers happy. If Aero had any concerns about their jacket styles being perverted then I'm sure they would make a company policy stating that no customizations are allowed in terms of changing the style of their jackets... this of course is not the case.

I'm in a similar situation to you... I have an Aero leather jacket on order and I've customized/modified my jacket to my liking and needs. In the end Aero wants to see their customers are happy and I'm sure I'll be once I get my jacket in hand.

 

• Mar 28, 2010

• #3

jack miranda

A-List Customer

Messages

382

Location

Up the hill from Ballard

How about some pics of the Stuart? It is a very

cool looking jacket.

 

• Mar 28, 2010

• #4

Peacoat

*

Bartender

Messages

6,311

Location

South of Nashville

Making it longer is easy; just tell Amanda or Mark how many inches you want added, and it will be done. I am in the same situation as you--my jackets need to be a little longer than standard. Aero can do it.

 

• Mar 28, 2010

• #5

T

tonypaj

Practically Family

Messages

659

Location

Divonne les Bains, France

Sir Jacket said:

Presumably Aero has selected its style with reason.

Click to expand...

Why would you presume that their reasons are more valid than yours? Their line apart from the military repros is pretty much arbitrary, as far as I can tell. They modify according to people's needs, all I worry about for myself is whether its doable or not and whether I have the imagination to make changes I really like.

BTW, I ordered a Stuart, as well, but with a bi-swing back (I specified also the back length, according to Aero 2 inches would not mess with the pattern), and I like their longer versions a lot ... Tastes vary.

 

• Mar 28, 2010

• #6

zetwal

I'll Lock Up

Messages

4,343

Location

Texas

I agree with the answers above.

 

• Mar 28, 2010

• #7

Sir Jacket

Practically Family

Messages

855

Location

London, United Kingdom

I will endeavour to post pictures of the Stuart, which, I agree, is a great jacket. I'm glad I happened upon it and made the choice; unfortunately it hasn't satisfied my Aero addiction. Tonypaj, why did you specify the back length, as opposed simply to the body length? Is this some tailoring convention of which I'm unaware? I've also heard Aero mention the back length.

Another question: does anyone know whether Highwaymen and Halfbelts are the same length (in the same sizes)? I was going to get a Highwayman with a mouton collar for next winter but now I am leaning towards a lengthened halfbelt.

Sir J

 

• Mar 28, 2010

• #8

T

tonypaj

Practically Family

Messages

659

Location

Divonne les Bains, France

Sir Jacket said:

Tonypaj, why did you specify the back length, as opposed simply to the body length? Is this some tailoring convention of which I'm unaware? I've also heard Aero mention the back length.

Click to expand...

I'm no tailor, that's one thing for sure. I can sew a button, but that's about it. I simply wanted to make sure that the jacket is long enough in the back for my wishes. I measured another jacket, compared that to my LHB, and came to a conclusion. This means that I've measured jackets twice over the last month or so. Twice more than ever before in my life.

I'm sure there are people here who approach these things more scientifically, I go by hunch. We'll see what the end result is...

 

• Mar 28, 2010

• #9

S

STHill

One of the Regulars

Messages

208

Location

Atlanta, GA

Sir Jacket, I would also really like to see pics of your Stuart, preferably being worn. Yours too, Tonypaj, when you get it.

 

• Mar 29, 2010

• #10

Mad w/o power

New in Town

Messages

11

Location

Seattle

Well really, a fair amount of their jackets are an amalgamation of several classic details. Most of us dont buy an Aero with out a fair amount of modifications, the least of which being fit. I own many vintage jackets and although there are some simple style cues that were fairly consistently followed, no two are alike, and aside from covering you up and keeping you warm, the rest is just details that are (if you're buying from Aero) left to your personal discretion and taste ...or lack thereof, Haha.

PS POST PICTURES

 

• Mar 30, 2010

• #11

S

STW

Familiar Face

Messages

65

Location

Rocky mountains

Back length is a handy reference because there is a fixed point to measure from--usually the seam between collar and top back piece.

Measuring the body length in front is trickier because most jackets have a neck fit that angles down. Zipper length would be the best measure of the front length, but back length is usually what people want to know.

Back length is also incidentally important for people riding a motocycle because of the need to cover the lower back while leaning slightly or well forward.

 

• Mar 30, 2010

• #12

Sir Jacket

Practically Family

Messages

855

Location

London, United Kingdom

STW, thanks – very clear.

Sir J

 

• Mar 30, 2010

• #13

Sir Jacket

Practically Family

Messages

855

Location

London, United Kingdom

Friends, I have submitted a separate post with a pic. Sir J