Recommendations for an Indiana Jones jacket?

[Zoo]

My Wested Raiders jacket from 20+ years ago has shrunk to where it is too small to wear comfortably. It's still a solid jacket, I replaced the lining once. The Wested label is hard to read now.
I am happy with this jacket; but know that things are not necessarily the same today.
I see Wested still offer the jackets. US Wings does too, but the pattern varies between the various offerings, especially in terms of pocket placement and snaps on the wind flap

Can't currently register or reactivate my Club Obi Wan account for guidance there.

Does anyone here have recent input on the Wested Indy jackets in goatskin, or other recommendations? Mildly interested in US Wings Kangaroo hide offering; but that's a price point I haven't ventured into yet.

I am a little taller than the usual "medium/regular length", to so the customization of the Wested is appealing, as is the "medium/long" option for the US Wings Kangaroo hide version.

Not likely to pursue the custom jacket route with Bill Kelso because of exchange rate and tariffs.
I appreciate any help people offer.
Thank you!

 

[Boulderunner]

I have a gorgeous Mushmans Adventurer in Lux Badalassi I would sell. It’s a really special jacket, very difficult to have imported from Japan. Let me know if interested. This is the jacket when it was listed on Mushmans;

 

[AeroFan_07]

That specific jacket is sort of a unicorn. Honestly my research has uncovered - very little about it overall. It's obviously a brown, collared, non-bomber jacket with straight zip, it has an external snap-closed windflap, blackened brass (?) hardware, 2 front flap-covered pockets with no handwarmers, side adjusters (leather straps), functional action back below the (straight across) rear upper yoke. It fits him purposefully "full" it is not slim fitting at all in the movies, since what all he does in the jacket, even realizing this is the silver screen, would dictate a loose and comfortable fit.

 

[marker2037]

I own 3 Wested jackets. A Raiders Hero, Legacy Last Crusade, and Destiny, all in various lamb.

I highly still recommended them. I cannot comment of goat, but if you want hard wearing then I’m sure it’s a great option still.

I would say the Wested quality has risen in the last 5-10 years if that’s what worries you.

Because I had it handy, here is the Destiny.

…and the Last Crusade.

For the price, I don’t think you can go wrong with Wested.

 

[AeroFan_07]

If you can wear a Men's size "XL" this may be pretty close to what you're seeking, just need to add your own character, it's in new condition still - $345 BIN or offer -

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406717350541?

 

[Tom71]

The "Indy"-Jacket is basically an A-2 with the ribs (sleeves, waist) cut off. To compensate for the loss of the ribs (approx 2" each), you will need to oversize the jacket. Pretty close to the "dad-look" of Harrison in the latest movies.

Have a look at what Eastman has to say about that.

https://www.eastmanleather.com/elite-units/1242-campaign-jacket-maj-gen-truscott.html

I am sure they would make one without the insignia upon special request. Of course, this woul be a rather expensive route to an "Indy"-jacket, but I do like the backstory.

 

[Harris HTM]

The "Indy"-Jacket is basically an A-2 with the ribs (sleeves, Waist) cut off.

Well not exactly. Agree, the pockets look alike but this is where similarities stop. Epaulettes, wind flap, back design, action back, side adjusters... quite different imo.

 

[BaslerChrysler]

I think Mushmans might be actually a good idea. There you can also modify the sleeve lengths and other parameters as well as pick the leather. With current yen exchange rate it might make sense. Though, the tarrifs and wait time might be a deal breaker.

 

[Tom71]

Well not exactly. Agree, the pockets look alike but this is where similarities stop. Epaulettes, wind flap, back design, action back, side adjusters... quite different imo.

Perhaps, I shouldn´t have said that.

It´s probably a fabrication of what I think, the origin of the jacket SHOULD be.

"Raiders" is set in the mid 1930´s. By that time, a lot of US Army Airforce surplus jackets have been around. It would make sense that a rugged adventurer like Dr. Jones was no-nonsense enough to just take a beaten A-2 sans the ribs to use it for his "Indiana"-alias.

Alas, you are right. The costume department "got it wrong" and chose a model that can´t have been an used A-2 as evidenced by the lack of epaulettes etc.

 

[Harris HTM]

Perhaps, I shouldn´t have said that.

It´s probably a fabrication of what I think, the origin of the jacket SHOULD be.

"Raiders" is set in the mid 1930´s. By that time, a lot of US Army Airforce surplus jackets have been around. It would make sense that a rugged adventurer like Dr. Jones was no-nonsense enough to just take a beaten A-2 sans the ribs to use it for his "Indiana"-alias.

Alas, you are right. The costume department "got it wrong" and chose a model that can´t have been an used A-2 as evidenced by the lack of epaulettes etc.

I think that the whole Indy imagery was based on Charlton Heston at the Secret of the Inca's. Where he wore an a2, if I remember correctly. Maybe the designers wanted to change it a bit, add an action back as well for the real action!

 

[Tom71]

I think that the whole Indy imagery was based on Charlton Heston at the Secret of the Inca's. Where he wore an a2, if I remember correctly. Maybe the designers wanted to change it a bit, add an action back as well for the real action!

Good catch! I wasn´t even aware of that.

Yes, certainly an A-2, complete with Squadron patch and nametag. It WOULD make sense that the ribs would eventually disintegrate when the jacket is worn hard in varying situations, but "Raiders" clearly took a liberal approach as to the original attire.

 

[marker2037]

Surely, Professor Henry Walton Jones Jr. commissioned his own custom leather jacket taking design cues from elsewhere, but putting his own details in required for his adventuring lifestyle.

That’s how I always view it.

 

[LeatherHunter]

This is a US Wings Indy Adventurer jacket in naked cowhide. I was fortunate enough to find this one as Schott made these jackets for US Wings in the USA around 2008. I am very happy with this jacket as I am not hung up on screen accuracy but it’s close enough for me.
side note: the one AeroFan_07 posted is a Schott built just like mine.

 

[Edward]

I think that the whole Indy imagery was based on Charlton Heston at the Secret of the Inca's. Where he wore an a2, if I remember correctly. Maybe the designers wanted to change it a bit, add an action back as well for the real action!

I've also heard it claimed that there was an influenced of Bogart as Fed Dobbs in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, though the look as memory serves owes much more to Heston overall. Alan Ladd in China helped inform the character too.


Deborah Nadoolman sketched the initial jacket based on the films she'd been pointed to. The first prototype, per Indygear.net (which is the most complete analysis I've ever found), was produced by Wilsons, who brought the A2 into the picture by basically providing a jacket that was an altered form of their A2 pattern, less the knits. The big jump away from the A2 appears to have been when Peter Botwright got involved; per Indygear, they used his "James Dean" pattern and added the A2 patch pockets. All adaptation there after were to enhance movement and stop it fouling the ***belt and whip.

As to OP's question about buying an Indy jacket now.... Much will depend what you want, and how much you want to spend. There are options out there that raise the price to quite a lot more than I'd want to spend myself. I had a standard Wested Raiders in goat, bought used, which was ideal for me. Cheap, looked "close enough". In truth, while I love having an Indy, it wouldn't often be my first go-to choice (a bit like a Schott Perfecto, really), so I'd prefer to keep the spend down there and save that cash for a more 'frontline' jacket later. The fact of the Wested being cheaper also helped a lot when it came to grabbing a leather to take travelling places where it would likely end up getting left in the hotel a lot and otherwise I just didn't want to be carrying an expensive leather. YMMV, but I find the Wested is an excellent mix of value, price, and basic durability.

When I picked up my jacket, I was buying moreso for utilitarian reasons. I wanted something that was practical for travelling (lots of pockets - tick. Two interior pockets, one zipped, and the front patch pockets), not knits and fairly light for warmer climes (tick), but also durable. I picked one up in goat. If you want to go full screen accuracy, then Wested have the perfect lamb options, but for me the much higher durability of the goat (which still drapes like lamb and feels light) was the perfect balance for my needs. (Big tick).

Worth giving some consideration as to which model you want, though if you're used to paying a lot more for a jacket, these are a reasonable enough price you could have more. I am myself tempted by the Temple jacket, or the Destiny model (if they'll do it in something other than the lamb). As it, my Raiders shrank in the wardrobed somehow, so I'm likely going to stick with that model for a replacement. The 'Hero' models are much truer to the original screen pattern, whereas the regular versions have been adapted for daily wear. If you can get past the attempted humorous tone of the Wested blog post, there's useful information here on comparing the two in Raiders variant: https://wested.com/blogs/news/the-hero-vs-the-standard-raiders-edition Personally, I'd stick with the regular option as a practical jacket to wear about and with a better fit on me.

I've bought other bits directly from Wested before now and always been pleased. After Peter Botwright's death, the family kept the business in operation, though they shut down the onsite retail shop, so it's buy-online only now.

One thing I have noticed about newer Westeds since mine is that they appear to now be using a nicer, more vintagey looking zip puller, which is a bonus in my eyes. It's a small detail, but it's the sort of detail that really elevates the look of a jacket in the "more affordable" / Budget price bracket.

 

[baldipino]

I have a 'hero' version of the Raiders Legacy range and love it. My son and I have adventures through the Pacific Northwest woods and it's taken a beating but still holds up. I'd recommend the hero version if you have the general Indiana Jones physique; otherwise you'll be happier with the regular versions.

Another maker the Indy groups swear by is Steele and Jones. These guys will give you a picture perfect movie replica in high-end leathers, even down to the specific scene you may be interested in. Much like Thurston Bros with their test-fit jackets, they mail you a cloth mockup of your jacket based on your measurements to ensure a good fit. Fortune and glory to ya!

 

[commodorekorns]

My Wested Raiders jacket from 20+ years ago has shrunk to where it is too small to wear comfortably. It's still a solid jacket, I replaced the lining once. The Wested label is hard to read now.
I am happy with this jacket; but know that things are not necessarily the same today.
I see Wested still offer the jackets. US Wings does too, but the pattern varies between the various offerings, especially in terms of pocket placement and snaps on the wind flap

Can't currently register or reactivate my Club Obi Wan account for guidance there.

Does anyone here have recent input on the Wested Indy jackets in goatskin, or other recommendations? Mildly interested in US Wings Kangaroo hide offering; but that's a price point I haven't ventured into yet.

I am a little taller than the usual "medium/regular length", to so the customization of the Wested is appealing, as is the "medium/long" option for the US Wings Kangaroo hide version.

Not likely to pursue the custom jacket route with Bill Kelso because of exchange rate and tariffs.
I appreciate any help people offer.
Thank you!

If I may ask, what size are you looking for? I have a Wested Temple of Doom jacket in 48" that is barely worn and just is too small for me.

My Wested Raiders jacket from 20+ years ago has shrunk to where it is too small to wear comfortably. It's still a solid jacket, I replaced the lining once. The Wested label is hard to read now.
I am happy with this jacket; but know that things are not necessarily the same today.
I see Wested still offer the jackets. US Wings does too, but the pattern varies between the various offerings, especially in terms of pocket placement and snaps on the wind flap

Can't currently register or reactivate my Club Obi Wan account for guidance there.

Does anyone here have recent input on the Wested Indy jackets in goatskin, or other recommendations? Mildly interested in US Wings Kangaroo hide offering; but that's a price point I haven't ventured into yet.

I am a little taller than the usual "medium/regular length", to so the customization of the Wested is appealing, as is the "medium/long" option for the US Wings Kangaroo hide version.

Not likely to pursue the custom jacket route with Bill Kelso because of exchange rate and tariffs.
I appreciate any help people offer.
Thank you!

May I ask what size you are looking for. I have an almost brand new Wested Temple of Doom jacket size 48 that is just too small for me so I only wore it a few times. I want to find it a new home so if you (or anyone else) is interested in more detail let me know.
Regards,
Marc

 

[raf]

I have to admit that I'm intrigued by a jacket without knitted cuffs and waistband.

I'll need a size 46 chest, and a "Long" body and possibly Long sleeves to fit me.

Goatskin, if available.

Please LMK!

 

[Zoo]

I'm a 38 long-ish. So anything else is fair game for anyone reading this thread.

 

[Bfd70]

I've also heard it claimed that there was an influenced of Bogart as Fed Dobbs in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, though the look as memory serves owes much more to Heston overall. Alan Ladd in China helped inform the character too.


Deborah Nadoolman sketched the initial jacket based on the films she'd been pointed to. The first prototype, per Indygear.net (which is the most complete analysis I've ever found), was produced by Wilsons, who brought the A2 into the picture by basically providing a jacket that was an altered form of their A2 pattern, less the knits. The big jump away from the A2 appears to have been when Peter Botwright got involved; per Indygear, they used his "James Dean" pattern and added the A2 patch pockets. All adaptation there after were to enhance movement and stop it fouling the ***belt and whip.

As to OP's question about buying an Indy jacket now.... Much will depend what you want, and how much you want to spend. There are options out there that raise the price to quite a lot more than I'd want to spend myself. I had a standard Wested Raiders in goat, bought used, which was ideal for me. Cheap, looked "close enough". In truth, while I love having an Indy, it wouldn't often be my first go-to choice (a bit like a Schott Perfecto, really), so I'd prefer to keep the spend down there and save that cash for a more 'frontline' jacket later. The fact of the Wested being cheaper also helped a lot when it came to grabbing a leather to take travelling places where it would likely end up getting left in the hotel a lot and otherwise I just didn't want to be carrying an expensive leather. YMMV, but I find the Wested is an excellent mix of value, price, and basic durability.

When I picked up my jacket, I was buying moreso for utilitarian reasons. I wanted something that was practical for travelling (lots of pockets - tick. Two interior pockets, one zipped, and the front patch pockets), not knits and fairly light for warmer climes (tick), but also durable. I picked one up in goat. If you want to go full screen accuracy, then Wested have the perfect lamb options, but for me the much higher durability of the goat (which still drapes like lamb and feels light) was the perfect balance for my needs. (Big tick).

Worth giving some consideration as to which model you want, though if you're used to paying a lot more for a jacket, these are a reasonable enough price you could have more. I am myself tempted by the Temple jacket, or the Destiny model (if they'll do it in something other than the lamb). As it, my Raiders shrank in the wardrobed somehow, so I'm likely going to stick with that model for a replacement. The 'Hero' models are much truer to the original screen pattern, whereas the regular versions have been adapted for daily wear. If you can get past the attempted humorous tone of the Wested blog post, there's useful information here on comparing the two in Raiders variant: https://wested.com/blogs/news/the-hero-vs-the-standard-raiders-edition Personally, I'd stick with the regular option as a practical jacket to wear about and with a better fit on me.

I've bought other bits directly from Wested before now and always been pleased. After Peter Botwright's death, the family kept the business in operation, though they shut down the onsite retail shop, so it's buy-online only now.

One thing I have noticed about newer Westeds since mine is that they appear to now be using a nicer, more vintagey looking zip puller, which is a bonus in my eyes. It's a small detail, but it's the sort of detail that really elevates the look of a jacket in the "more affordable" / Budget price bracket.

That Wested link is awesome. Fun reading AND a perfect example of why patterning matters more than just using measurements.

 

[Alabama Blacksmith]

I've got a US wings in buffalo if you are interested.