Seeking fellow loungers opinions on a weird 1st world problem of mine... I bought a new off the rack Aero Sheene from TB this year. This was a Sheene in size 38 in Natural CXFQHH. Initially, the fit was very tight at the waist, more so since I had gained some weight during the lockdown. The fit at chest and shoulders was great though. Moreover, I love two aspects which are unique to this one - Collar, which is much smaller and elegant IMO & b) the lighter/thinner CXFQHH which makes the jacket so much more easier to wear/break in. Size 38 weighs 4.10 lbs vs 4.8lbs for the 40 38 Front 38 Back I honestly thought the 38 was one size too small for me, so when I got a chance to purchase the same jacket in 40 & almost new condition, I jumped on it. This one also fits great, although the shoulders appear a bit wide when unzipped. Both jackets have been worn over a simple cotton shirt 40 Front 40 Back Now that winters are here, I intend to start wearing and breaking in one of these jackets, since both are practically brand new. The 38 will be much easier I guess, since the CXL is a bit thinner, and I find it really to be a blessing Look forward to an interesting discussion
Do you also wear your jackets zipped? In case you do, it might be helpful to add a few pics of the jacket when zipped.
@Marc mndt & @oskar I usually wear my leather jackets unzipped, but definitely agree, zipped up pics are absolutely essential to determine fit of the jacket. Will upload shortly
I’m going to say keep the 40. Your first reaction to the 38 was that it was a bit tight, and that reaction was strong enough that it led you to go ahead and buy the 40. Both jackets actually look quite similar to me in their new barely worn condition. 38 looks neater obviously but I have always found the jackets that were a little too tight for me looked great in photographs. I think you will probably be happier over the long run if you have the jacket with a little more room.
Thanks @El Marro , I am tilting towards the 40 as well, but the collar shape and versatility of thinner CXL keep pulling me back to the 38
The 40 looks better zipped. I hear you on the collar, you can give it some shape by wetting it. I’m not sure how it will effect the raw color though.
I’d say the 40 does it. The 38 already opens up the pockets when closed, the 40 has the better length for my taste and in the shoulders size doesn’t appear to make significant difference to me. Just my taste, like my jackets generally a bit roomier than a Lycra shirt. Cheers Turnip
I'd say the 40. The back looks much cleaner. Front looks better too. The 40 has a more athletic look to it. Strange because I always thought an athletic look can only be achieved with more fitted jackets.
It’s interesting, isn’t it? When zipped up, the 38 makes @trainspotter look heavier. The 40 does look more athletic on him.
I’d go with the 40 too as long as you can layer under it (the waist still looks snug as this is the cut of the jacket so if you can’t fit a hoodie comfortably under the 40 then I’d stick with the 38).
@Marc mndt that's because my waist is at least 4 inches + than normal...trying to pin it on the lockdown
The second jacket in the first post is the 38? I would take the second one. If the first jacket is the 38, then I vote for the 40
How long have you worn the 38? Keep in mind you're going to get .25 inch as it breaks in on the chest and little bit on the shoulders. Is your extra weight "normal" or you think you're going to get it back down again? I think the 40 is on the edge of being a little big (this is OCD TFL talk here, not normal world LOL). So with weight loss and/or a little break in wear stretch, I think you're going to be on the edge. Your 38 fits like how my 40 did when I first got it. The jacket is a hair tight on me, definitely tshirt only (which is fine for Los Angeles weather). But I noticed big differences over 20 wears on the main stretch points like shoulders, waist and chest.