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My First Aero!! (Insurrection aero 1930s Halfbelt - Brown FQHH size 42) PIC Heavy

Radz108

One of the Regulars
Messages
193
Location
Calgary, Alberta
Hello Fellow TFLers,

I finally bit the bullet and got my first Aero FQHH jacket! I've always loved the photos of all the Aero jackets posted on this board. I contemplated of getting my own Aero for a number of years now. But due to the very long wait times, huge shipping duties and taxes, the issues with Aero USA and then the horsehide/steerhide fiasco, I was a bit discouraged to get my own order in. I just settled to admire all the Aero jackets posted here. However recently, I noticed a few members getting there Aero jackets from Insurrection and they seemed very pleased with them. Insurrection had Aero jackets in stock (i.e.: minimal wait times), the prices were comparable to Aero direct prices, plus they had free shipping worldwide and since they use USPS/Canada post, I would not have to pay any brokerage fees or duties. I decided to contact Insurrection/Thurston Bros about ordering one of their Aero slimfit 1930s half belts. Carrie and Wade were awesome to deal it. They were very prompt to respond to my emails and answered all of my annoying questions with patience and understanding. I was a bit worried that the extra length they added to the arms and bodies of their stock jackets would compromise the fit of the jacket on me since I am only 5'7" (on good days) In addition, I was also worried that the slimfit HB would be too snug for me since I am a bit overweight and far from having an athletic build. I gave Carrie my measurements (5'7", 185lbs, 36 pant waist, shoulders 19, chest 43) and she recommended a size 42 in the slim fit HB. She stated that it would be trim fitting but I would be able to wear a thin sweater for layering if needed. I placed the order on Feb 11 and received the Jacket on Feb 19.

My first impressions were that of pure amazement! The smell of the new horsehide leather was intoxicating and the build quality, leather thickness, richness of colour and other attributes were outstanding. As all of you know, Aero leather products are one of the best of the best in the industry! However, I had a minor issue with the jacket. The lining in the left arm seemed to have come undone at the seam. I informed Carrie of this defect and they were more than accommodating and apologetic for this issue. They offered to pay for shipping back to them so that they can repair the jacket and ship it back to me ASAP. Since it seemed like a minor repair and didn't need a leather specialist, I asked Carrie if I can bring it to a local suit tailor to fix and she agreed. The repair was easily done locally and Carrie (Insurrection) even refunded me the fee I paid to get the jacket lining fixed...now that's service! I would not hesitate to purchase my next Aero jacket from Insurrection/Thurston Bros again!

So before the pics, here are the jacket specs:
Brown Aero slimfit 1930s Halfbelt (Insurrection stock 42)
From Thurston-Bros Website - "The jacket is specified in either brown chrome-tanned steerhide or brown chrome-tanned front quarter horsehide. Each jacket is specified to be 1930s period-correct with one chest pocket and two hand warmer pockets. Jackets are off-the-rack with brass hardware, brown cotton drill liner, corduroy reinforcement on the inside of the bottom hem, and leather-lined cuffs." I really like the plain brown cotton drill. It gives the jacket a simple, elegant yet modern look to a classic 1930s style. I was pleasantly surprised that the arm and body length were OK for my build and height and even though the jacket fitted quite snug initially, I was able to wear a thin sweater and still be able to zip it up. Interestingly, after only about a week of wear, I noticed the jacket "stretching and conforming" to my body shape more and it fits better than it did initially!
Jacket measurements:
Shoulder to shoulder - 19
Shoulder to cuff - 26
Back of collar to bottom of jacket - 25
Pit to Pit - 22.5/23

Now here's the pics!
Aero30sHB-20130227-15_DSC2711.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-16_DSC2712.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-17_DSC2713.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-18_DSC2714.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-23_DSC2719.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-13_DSC2708.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-6_DSC2699.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-14_DSC2709.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-4_DSC2697.jpg

Aero30sHB-20130227-5_DSC2698.jpg
 

Windward

Practically Family
Messages
556
Location
Europe
You have good reasons to smile....Man, thats a P E R F E C T looking and fitting jacket...Congratulation!!!

Therefore I love the FL, because people are willing to share their purchases....keep on sharing!

Thanks
 
Last edited:

Worf

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,173
Location
Troy, New York, USA
Lookin' good mate. Sleeves look spot on, front and back look great. I think you did quite good for yourself. Much as you're tempted though, thick as that hide is you're not bullet proof! Nice cap too.

Worf
 

Sloan1874

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,418
Location
Glasgow
Looks great, like the latch on the collar. Sure the sleeves will shorten a little with a bit more wear, but if you're unhappy they can be shortened easily - better a bit long than too short.
 

wdw

One Too Many
Messages
1,260
Location
Edinburgh
Definitely wouldn't worry about the sleeves. Just checked my Teamster with the double cuffs and they've lost an inch since I got it in June.
 

jlanderson

One of the Regulars
Messages
245
Location
Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S.A.
Definitely wouldn't worry about the sleeves. Just checked my Teamster with the double cuffs and they've lost an inch since I got it in June.

Beautiful jacket ... I've been lusting over the Aero two-tone on the Thurston site lately. http://www.thurston-bros.com/#!aero-two-tone-half-belt/c1z5s

Just a quick question I've been wondering about ... How is it that the sleeves will shorten over time with wear? Is it from the natural creasing of the leather that comes with arm movement?
 
Last edited:

Edward

Bartender
Messages
24,736
Location
London, UK
Cracking jacket - looks ideal, fit-wise, to me. Did Insurrection specify the throat latch, or have Aero added that the the standard pattern now? It's something I would have added on mine, had I ordered new. I have one on my Bootlegger. Never used it, I just like the detail of it being there. :)
 

wdw

One Too Many
Messages
1,260
Location
Edinburgh
Jl, it's just natural, probably more so with stiffer hides. I suspect long sleeves somewhat self-correct by being forced back and wrinkling, possibly partly due to resting against the hand. I'm sure there was a thread about it with some really extreme wrinkles.
 
Messages
10,181
Location
Pasadena, CA
@Radz: Beautiful, and a perfect fit! I think personally I'd take the 800 grit sandpaper to the "Aero" type on the pull :)
You have a jacket that will look fantastic for years to come - I don't think you could ask for a better fit. Congrats!
 

Radz108

One of the Regulars
Messages
193
Location
Calgary, Alberta
Thanks guys for all the great comments! I am really enjoying wearing this jacket. I have a few high end designer jackets (Andrew Marc) that are very good jackets themselves,but this jacket seems a league above them in hide quality and fit. In regards to jacket arm length, when I straighten my arm down, the end of the cuff ends just on my knuckles. When I drive with my arms up, the cuff ends right around my wrists. I don't mind the length actually and know with time the sleeves will shrink a little. I emailed Holly about what were the stock Aero sleeve and body lengths in a size 42 30s HB and she said the shoulder to cuff length was 25 and the bottom of the collar to bottom of jacket back length was 24. Seems Thurston Bros adds an inch to sleeve and body length in their size 42 HB.
As for the throat latch, Edward,I believe this is a feature standard on Insurrection/Thurston bros jackets only. I don't think Aero adds this to their stock 30s half belt design unless the customer wants one.
 

pauleway

Practically Family
Messages
655
Location
Western NY
Radz,
Great jacket. I got 30's HB coming pretty soon from Aero in 2-tone 42 also in vintage FQHH. Hope it looks as nice as yours!
 

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