The Indiana Jones Jacket Thread

[thegreatgalling]

Hey folks,

Yes, I know there is COW, but I figured it would be nice to have an RPF thread dedicated to THE archeologist's famous threads. It would be nice to have one place people can post pics of their jackets and state any information about the vendor/type of leather/color/and style. Before I was recently bit by the accuracy bug (thanks RPF), I have gone through many "close enough" jackets. Right now, I am weighing my options between the various jackets offered by Wested. How about you?

[Barking Dragon]

sounds like a geat idea and yes, Damn that accuracy Bug Although I haven't started an Indy costume yet, it would be great to be able to go to one direct section that lists all the best vendors ect to put one together aswell as pictures of those vendors products.

[PantheraGem]

I've got a lot of jackets, and I need to photograph all of them really. Here's a few to start with.

This is my 1998 Wested. Lambskin, well-worn and loved! Don't believe the "lambskin is so fragile that looking at it too hard will destroy it" hype. The only stitching I've replaced on this jacket was where the cuff ends unraveled a bit, and that was after years of wear, some of it not so nice to the jacket. It's been worn and even a little more beat-up than when these were taken.




This is what I wear most of the time now. It's a Todd's standard. Very light and comfortable. Imo, the most s.a. jacket we've seen yet, for "Raiders".



Same jacket after some beating-up, being worn.

[thegreatgalling]

Great contribution PatheraGem, they both look terrific! This thread was supposed to make it EASIER to choose!

[Lazy-8]

When I recently collected all of my Indy pieces I had the same question. I read all of the reviews over at COW and in the decided that screen accuracy was not of the utmost importance. And with the great discount I got at US Wings it was done deal.

The info
US Wings Collectors Edition Signature Series Vintage.
It is a cow hide "very special" distressed leather.

It has held up great for daily use and keeps me warm when I am out in the wind and cold.

EDIT. Added front and back photos for those looking at US Wings.

[Funky Jedi]

I just recently got an Indy Wested horse-hyde jacket. Though not screen accurate, MUCH more duarable than my Wested lamb skin.

[thegreatgalling]

Hey FJ, Can you tell us the style of your jackets? Did you opt for a ROTLA, etc.? Any opinion about SA with regard to styles?

[thegreatgalling]

BTW, very nice L8. I like the length of the collar and the color is very nice.

[bleyd]

If you want it screen accurate one of the COW members does have uber detailed changes. From what I understand Wested has those options set aside to do it that way and you just need to tell them. I do believe you need to supply the silver zipper. They MAY have gotten them by now but I think the silver colored ones are inferior and the main reason Wested does not offer them. Don't count me on that but I'm pretty sure.
Best bet is to call them even if it's long distance. The phone call will help communicate what you want and you can ask any question you may have. I've never called them but I hear their customer service is very good.
I've had MY wested over 5 years and it fits like a glove. I didn't wheather mine but it is getting wrinkled well.

[Risu]

Never had a problem with the nickel zipper on my Wested. And Peter Botwright has stated emphatically that he's had it with the custom stuff. No more long lists of minor details, just the fit.

I never liked the Todd standard jacket, I tried one on once and it felt like a plastic grocery bag. You can literally ball it up and put it in a cargo pocket. Also, the collar points are WAY too pointy. US Wings makes a very good jacket, but it's not SA by a long shot. For SA, go with a Wested 80s cut or a Tony Nowak, depending on the movie. Here's a picture of me wearing my Wested 80s cut.

[yodakiller1138]

The most SA jacket Wested makes is the TOD jacket as it was sourced from a Hero jacket owned by Noel Howard. The SA Raiders jacket would be Tony Nowak . It's sourced from the jacket worn in the beginning of the movie. But his are very pricey at $975.

[jts1031]

I've had two Wested jackets, one lamb, the other horse hide. I ditched both of them once I got hold of a Nowak. Not to say that the Westeds are not good, as they are very good jackets, but the Nowak is just a notch above, and the fit and appearance just strike me as how the jacket should be. And being comfortable in it goes a long way to whether or not you enjoy the jacket.

[thegreatgalling]

What great advice everyone has offered and what great pics! That looks great Risu!

[apollo]

I own a Wested Raider's in Goat, as well as a Gibson Barnes and I love both of them for what they are.

[GeneralFROSTY]

Usually on the topic of getting the right Indy coat, two vendors always come up - Wested and Todd's.
A lot of people own and love Todd's jacket and a lot of people that complain on how thin it is.
Again, like the fedora and the whip, this is all a matter of preference. I believe the Wested jacket OR Todd's will give you a great looking Indy jacket - question is do you want something super thin, or heavier like a coat should be.
Honestly, since Wested made the jackets for the movies, it should really be a no-brainer. I have stopped worrying about all the tiny infintisimal nitpicks about accuracy when it comes to this jacket and have decided on getting a Wested for myself.

[thegreatgalling]

First, BIG THANKS to GeneralFrosty who turned my attention to COW and offered PMs after PMs of advice on Indy Gear while admittedly learning himself. He's a great asset here.

Particularly with Wested (please chime in about other vendors), it seems the options are the following. The site is daunting at first, and my eyes are officially crossed from perusing COW for HOURS, but here is my understanding:

I. Off the rack, peg, factory made

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark Jacket
A. Authentic Brown Goatskin
B. Authentic Lamb
C. Washed Goat
D. Soft Goat

3. Last Crucade/Crystal Skull Jacket
A. Authentic Lamb
B. Washed Goat
C. Soft Goat

2. Special Offer Raider's of the Lost Ark Jacket
(While the other two jackets have a slight modification to make them durable and street wearable this is considered a "film jacket" because it is more lightweight).
A. Authentic Lambskin
B. Washed Goat

Now between the differences of material, I see that Washed Goat tends to be more matte and less shiny, some people like it because its the closest to "pre-distressed" that Wested offers. EVERYONE has a different opinion, but some people have claimed the new "soft goat" drapes very SA, and that is the material the COW member, who is thought by many to have the most SA jacket so far from Wested, had his made from.

I am still learning, especially about the differences in style between the Wested ROLA and LC, but I am getting there.

II. Custom

To Wested's ultimate chagrine, members used to be able to provide lists of "specs" about changes they wanted in their jackets. After paying the "custom jacket" fee, Wested would sometimes (for either no additional cost, or some cost depending on the changes) would include design changes in addition to sizing changes (type of zipper, length of color, size of pockets, etc.) It seems now, as Risu stated, that "custom" now simply means two things:

1. Jackets made from this info:

A. Back Length From base of neck to finish In inches
B. Chest: Measuring under the arms round the chest (loose fit). Or alternatively, the size of jacket that fits well, i.e. 42 Regular.
C. Sleeve: Measuring the sleeve length from the shoulder to the cuff or, even better, from the sleeve of a jacket that fits you.

2. Standard cut or "80's cut" (more fitted and slimmer). It should be noted that the Raider's jacket was 80s cut, but Wested apparantly runs their jackets slightly larger to make them a bit more street wearable.

Here is the problem and the purpose of my thread: obviously, unless there is an Indy nut/Indy Gearhead out there that owns one of each that than offer real world comparison shots, finding out the differences between these jackets is no easy task. If you have one of these, please chime in as to size, collar, feel and SA to help others decide! (Especially me )

[GBFreak2021]

I'm getting ready to put one of these together myself thanks for all the information guys!

CJ

[Minder Thr33]

I actually prefer my Flightsuits jacket over a Wested. I've gone through a lot of Wested's (some through wear and tear and some b/c I wanted a change).

Flightsuits is a great jacket and the collar looks perfect (I don't think Wested ever gets this right even after requesting it - all look like Last Crusade).

That and the lining they use make it great. I have a FS Goat and it hasn't distressed in 2 years yet (maybe a little minor distress at the edges)

[GeneralFROSTY]

I think John from Penman hats has owned many of the Indy jackets out there and would be able to able to give you a fair and accurate assesment as the the differences as well as offer a solid recommendation.
When I spoke to him on the phone, above all he recommended the washed gaot from Wested. He says it 'drapes' like the one in the movie so that's good - but again, this is ALL up to your own preferences, thats what makes getting these things such a tough decision!
I know I am going to get a Wested, but I haven't totally decided on which one yet, but I will prob listen to the expert on the matter and get the washed goat.
John is a member here and we should try and rassle him up to join in on this discussion...

[TV8]

I owned three Wested jackets, and eventually gave up on the whole SA jacket quest. Then I got a Tony Nowak Raiders jacket in New Nowak Goat....perfection. The leather is extremely accurate to the grainy shrunken striated lamb used in Raiders, but far more durable because it is goat. And his specs are SA without needing any alteration, because he saw and measured an original Raiders jacket when making the Indy 4 jackets.





Save and wait would be my advice.

[thegreatgalling]

^That is DEF. purdy...From what I have seen, Tony's jackets do get the color and feel down.

Another question I have for Wested owners though, is regarding the styles. Even if they aren't 100% SA, I am not sure as to the difference between the ROTLA jacket and the LC jacket in the context of Wested. If someone can make that more clear it would be appreciated. Is it the cut? The drape? Both?

[Barnett College]

This thread is really usefull... Thanks, guys.

Bests
Barnett

[GeneralFROSTY]

Those Nowak jackets are super pricey and not for the faint of wallet.
It continues to perplex me that if Wested made the jackets for the movie why can they not provide a completely accurate recreation? Is this deliberate, accidental or just plain ignorance?
Any members here that have pics to contribute, please do so. I will see if I can get John Penman to post pics of his jackets if he has them...

[thegreatgalling]

According to Indygear, most of the ROTLA jackets were destroyed due to legal problems Lucas had with copyright and various people claiming to be selling same-made Raiders jackets. All but about 5 remained and there was no way for the original makers to know how HUGE the Indy flicks would be. Arguably, this led to the original specs being lost in the annuls of time.

Couple that with (I think I mentioned this up top) an apparent desire by Wested to make their jackets more durable and street wise, apparently running larger to appeal to a more modern and wider audience.

Lastly, as gearheads will attest, custom specs can REALLY change one jacket to another. Let's not forget these jackets were custom made to drape on Harrison Ford's frame and it would prob. be hard to expect 6 or 7 measurements being emailed away to yield the same time, attention, and care for appearance as first hand tailoring for a movie.

[Lazy-8]

@ thegreatgalling
Thanks. It fits a little big but I like it overall. I love the feel of the leather.