Wested Comments with Response

[COWBOY]

I am sharing these pics and thoughts concerning my LC Wested Cowhide which I have had for a mere 13 months. Out of these 13 months, I have worn it only 5-6 months consistently. During this time I have also purchased a US Wings in Goat (China Made) and a G&B in Goat purchased in September. I wore the Wings a mere dozen times and then gave it away. I alternate the G&B with the Wested which is heavier and as such warmer.

I was very pleased when I first received the Wested...not only for the look and feel (it is a beautiful jacket in my opinion) but also due to the fact that it was my very first Indy jacket! After 2 months of wear, and while I was at the airport, the right side pocket popped at the top near the flap.... So much for being durable, I posted at the time. But still I loved the feel of it.

Fast forward to the end of summer. I have become an Indy gear wacko. I hear great things about the G&B and take the plunge. I am amazed by how much more durable the G&B seems. But, I still love the Wested, but for different reasons.

Two days ago, I noticed the liner on the cuff was torn in two spots! How can this be??? I have never abused the thing....only worn it for daily use, etc. I guess my watch (no sharp edges, etc) must have worn the holes in. This is a major bummer since I have NEVER and I mean NEVER had any other jacket be it cheap let alone a $300.00 jacket ever wear a hole in the cuff due to a watch!!!

Then I noticed the pocket seam had popped and tore at the hand-warmer (same pocket that popped earlier).

To say the least, while I love the Cowhide that Wested used as well as the feel of the coat/fit

EDITED EDITED EDITED EDITED By COWBOY due to content



WESTED IN PRESENT CONDITION


CUFFS THAT ARE TORN



POPPED/TORN POCKET



TOP OF POCKET SEAM POP

[GCR]

Wow, Cowboy...I'm awfully sorry to hear about all your troubles with Wested.

I'm no "Wested apologist", though I certainly have nothing against Peter and have never had any problems with Wested myself, but I'm really saddened to keep seeing the same issues come up time and time again. I'm mainly talking about the popped stitching issue, which I know has happened to quite a number of other folks, including Pitfall on his Goat wested, if I remember correctly. The liner also worries me. I'm guessing that is a satin liner, or at least a cotton body with satin sleeves, right? I remember the satin liner in my original Wested got worn and frayed just from rubbing against my stubble! ;D That was back before the design change, when Wested still sold their "Raiders" jacket without the leather collar stand, so essentially the inside part of the top of the stormflap was lined in satin. I also recall the liner ripping a bit in a few key places. Anyways, that satin lining was not tough by a long shot (I've seen pics of other old Westeds that literally have the old satin lining worn to shreds), but it seemed to me that they had improved the satin they used in their liners, as the satin sleeves in my current Wested (circa 2003) are much tougher and kind of remind me of the tougher poly-twill liner in my G&B. I wonder what the deal is with this. Maybe Wested switched back to the weaker satin material sometime after I bought my second jacket? I dunno...

As for the stitching problems, hopefully it's nothing a tailor experienced in working with leather can't fix. Granted, you shouldn't have to worry about "fixing" a jacket that's barely a year old.

I don't blame you for being pissed off, CB. I hope things turn out better for you and that ol' Cowhide LC in the future.

-GCR

[COWBOY]

gcr said:

Wow, Cowboy...I'm awfully sorry to hear about all your troubles with Wested.


As for the stitching problems, hopefully it's nothing a tailor experienced in working with leather can't fix. Granted, you shouldn't have to worry about "fixing" a jacket that's barely a year old.

I don't blame you for being pissed off, CB. I hope things turn out better for you and that ol' Cowhide LC in the future.

-GCR

Thats the point. I should not have to take it to a local tailor. I am not willing (though this is what I will end up doing anyway) to invest more money into this than I have already done. Second, a new jacket should be built tough enough that it does not require repairs with casual wear.

I too have nothing against Peter. I too have heard and read his post indicating that he is a pleasant man. All that aside, What good is the product if it LOOKS good but can't be worn without incident? The Cowhide is a really good looking leather. The jacket looks great. But-You know...

[Havana]

That really stinks. It seems there's a lot of inconsistency in the construction of these jackets. I've owned two Wested's in lamb. The first one (dark brown) I just wore as a dressy jacket. I eventually sold it to get an authentic brown version (regretted that big time). This second one has been used and downright abused. It shows it's wear but has never lost a stitch. I've worn it to Africa 4 times, slept on the open ground and in a rough truck bed in it. I've sat on it and used it as a pillow. The pockets have even stretched a bit after being packed so often with junk. The lining (all cotton) shows little wear even around the watch area. I normally wear a huge diving watch that does press against the inner cuff. I guess I just got lucky. Your experience makes me afraid to buy another one.

[COWBOY]

havana said:

That really stinks. It seems there's a lot of inconsistency in the construction of these jackets. I've owned two Wested's in lamb. The first one (dark brown) I just wore as a dressy jacket. I eventually sold it to get an authentic brown version (regretted that big time). This second one has been used and downright abused. It shows it's wear but has never lost a stitch. I've worn it to Africa 4 times, slept on the open ground and in a rough truck bed in it. I've sat on it and used it as a pillow. The pockets have even stretched a bit after being packed so often with junk. The lining (all cotton) shows little wear even around the watch area. I normally wear a huge diving watch that does press against the inner cuff. I guess I just got lucky. Your experience makes me afraid to buy another one.

Inconsistency in construction is right. As some of you know, I am a carpenter by trade, but these days I am a Project Manager desk Jockey. As a carpenter (and hunter)I have worn gear in the most adverse weather conditions about anyone could think of.

I wear my Wested in from home to the office, back home again saving my Carhart for the real work, i.e firewood, bucking bales etc. In other words, I have not abused the thing period. How hard can it be to reinforce seams at the most likely stress points or to make a lining that stand up to common wear??? Gosh, if it cost an extra $25 bucks, so what!!! Just don't sell a jacket for $300 that is close to being durable when you can have bullet proof for 10% more.. (My numbers for conversation only)

[GCR]

cowboy said:

Thats the point. I should not have to take it to a local tailor. I am not willing (though this is what I will end up doing anyway) to invest more money into this than I have already done. Second, a new jacket should be built tough enough that it does not require repairs with casual wear.

I too have nothing against Peter. I too have heard and read his post indicating that he is a pleasant man. All that aside, What good is the product if it LOOKS good but can't be worn without incident? The Cowhide is a really good looking leather. The jacket looks great. But-You know...

I totally agree. I'm not the sort who likes things just for the way they look. If a piece of gear looks good but falls apart, then it's just not for me. That's why I've gone through so many hats over the years (well, that and because I like hats ), as too many have looked good but not held up to normal wear and tear. I'm wondering if any of this has to do with the type of leather used to make the jacket. Perhaps the stitching method used is not suitable for a *slightly* thicker, heavier hide, like cowhide or goat, which has less "give" to it than something like lambskin. After all, Lambskin used to be the primary Wested offering back in the day. So maybe the cause has something to do with the method of construction working with these other hides? Like Havana, both of my Westeds have been lambskin, and both have held up well to LOTS of wear and tear. I've also filled my front pockets with all sorts of stuff, including a wallet filled with enough junk that it could easily be classified as a "Costanza wallet". The leather on the pockets has stretched a bit, but the stitching has remained solid. So perhaps Wested needs to look into how they're stitching some of these other hides, besides the lamb?

I'm still clueless about the liner, though. I wear a watch myself, and have never had any issues with the liner wearing thin around the wrist.

I know you don't want to go through with sending the jacket back to Wested for repairs and all that, but I would still contact them, if only to make them aware that these problems have occured, so perhaps they can take steps to remedy them in the future.

And of course, as much as all of this just plain sucks, on the bright side, at least you've got that G&B to fall back on.

-GCR

[pitfallharry]

Oh, geez.....I just saw this thread. Cowboy, I'm really sorry to hear about your constant trouble with your Wested.

As GCR pointed out.......I had a similar problem with the stitching popping out on the right pocket of my Wested goat. I could have taken it to a local tailor and had them fix it but I decided to just sell it since I was getting a new jacket from Todd.

I thought about it a while before I sold it and I guess just the thought of knowing that it might do this again in the same spot or other stitches might come loose in different areas just made me feel like it wasn't worth keeping. I didn't want to have to worry about something like that happening EVERYTIME I put on the jacket.

I loved my Wested, I think Peter seems like a nice guy , but......I want something that's not going to fall apart over a few years. Like you, I've had jackets I paid $100 never pop a seam........I expect the same, if not more from a jacket I shell out $300 for.

Now, I like my jacket from Todd's but it's a little bit to light for my tastes. I'm sure it will be great this summer to wear around for pics but I want another Indy leather jacket that I know is going to hold up for a long time so I'm planning on taking some of my tax money and ordering a G&B jacket.

I honestly don't think I could order another Wested again and not worry something would either be wrong with it when it arrived or something would happen again down the road.

[COWBOY]

pitfallharry said:

Oh, geez.....I just saw this thread. Cowboy, I'm really sorry to hear about your constant trouble with your Wested.

I'm planning on taking some of my tax money and ordering a G&B jacket.

I honestly don't think I could order another Wested again and not worry something would either be wrong with it when it arrived or something would happen again down the road.

You will not go wrong with the G&B. Mine is great!

[pitfallharry]

See, and I've not heard one customer so far that wasn't totally satisfied with those jackets. That's exactly why I'm going for it.

[Kaplan]

pitfallharry said:

I honestly don't think I could order another Wested again and not worry something would either be wrong with it when it arrived or something would happen again down the road.

:'(You're not alone. It's so tempting to order from Wested too. There are so many choices and possibilities. But it's stuff like this that demonstrates that there is lots of risk involved.

Sorry about your jacket Cowboy. Shoddy construction is one of the things that makes my blood pressure rise the most.

[Ragingblues]

Cowboy, I'm sorry to hear about your jacket problems.


Ken

[COWBOY]

Well, as my old Pappy says "it is what it is-Enough said". But I hope folks out there know what they risk if they go Wested. Maybe like GCR said, the different hides play a role in the weak stitching.

I will send Peter a PM, but I do not expect much, in fact nothing at all.

[PeterB]

It would have been better for you to have contacted me first, so I would have had the opportunity to sort out your problem BEFORE making a major issue on line with pics about the quality of my jackets. The lining if faulty would have been replaced free of charge.
The pocket which must have been caught for the stitching to go like that, it cannot do it by itself, could have been easily fixed and you would have been happy? Now, what do you expect me to do?

[COWBOY]

peterb said:

It would have been better for you to have contacted me first, so I would have had the opportunity to sort out your problem BEFORE making a major issue on line with pics about the quality of my jackets. The lining if faulty would have been replaced free of charge.
The pocket which must have been caught for the stitching to go like that, it cannot do it by itself, could have been easily fixed and you would have been happy? Now, what do you expect me to do?

Peter, you are right. It was plain Chicken you-know-what by not contacting you first as I would have expected if I was in your position. I publicly ask for your forgiveness .

I still hold true to some of these views however. This jacket has not held up for the light wear that I have used it under. Also, the pocket did not catch on anything. I only put my un-gloved hands in side to keep warm.

If I were to send it back, do I pay for the shipping? And if this is the case, why would I go through all the hassle of sending it back over the pond at my expense when I can more than likely have it repaired local for the same cost minus the hassle and wait?

I look forward to your response. (PM was sent earlier). I do like this jacket. It looks great (Cowhide is my favorite) and fits great too. Everyone knows you make the best looking jacket, now if only the durability issues can be fixed.

Happy Trails. Cowboy

[COWBOY]

Where are you Peter? I have not seen a response yet.

I'm awaiting. Regards. Cowboy

[dunross76]

Hi Cowboy, Sorry to hear about your problems with your jacket. If I can give you any advice, just the jacket to Wested. I had to sent two jackets back to them and each case Peter and Gemma were very accomodating in addressing my issues (size) with my jackets. It will cost you less to have it shipped than taking it to a tailor here. Your jacket defenitely needs new lining + the pocket needs to be fixed and this will cost you far more than having it shipped to Wested. As far as I know, they won't charge you for having the jacket shipped back to you. best, Dunross

[saintdumas]

Cowboy, I think your lining at the cuffs is being ripped up by your watch or watch strap.

SD

[indysenigma]

Greetings ~

I thought I would reply and send my experiences with my own Wested.

Firstly here are the piccies of the front and back.






The jacket is the Cowhide (distressed version) ~

My experiences ~

I had this jacket since the beginning of Summer, (June) and have worn it consistently since (about 7 months) and here in west Texas it gets brutally hot, cold, and the weather varies extremely...and the jacket was (already) distressed and has been through the ringer.

I (even) added some extra distressing to it... as you can see..
I used a wire brush and sandpaper to get the effects needed/desired.

I rolled in loose sand, dirt, mud, and even dragged it behind my SUV!

I also wore it in the shower (using hot water) and nothing happened.

I also wear a Military (Large) watch and nothing happened to the lining.

I was NOT gentle with it and nothing popped out nor gave way.

The jacket looks stiff in the piccy, but in reality, it is VERY VERY supple

I LOVE this jacket...and I am pleased.

Yes, its been abused in various way, (in addition) to being caught on my wheelchair wheels!
So imagine the stresses its going through as well as the stretching.


About your jacket ~

Cowboy ~

I can not say what reasons were that made the stress fracture points (fray and give way) that would not be fair, as I am not a expert in these things.

I can offer an added apology, but you heard them already.

Possible causes? ~

IMO ~ it maybe a cause from several external (effects)... which we are not aware of? Possibly?

Everyones habits while wearing clothing varies.
Some people push against the certain sections of clothing, push deeply into the pockets w/force without realizing it, carry weight (which seems light) and it does have a cause and effect on it, and some others "baby" the out of their clothing that nothing happens to it. (However, it still occurs)

Clotheirs ~

I can not speculate, nor will I say, that one clothier is better than another.
That in itself is not fair. as expeiences are... varied.

Trust me, I had had worn some VERY fancy clothing (from high-end designers) in my years and I do know quality, and I also worn some clothes that I will never wear again.

For what its worth ~

I am sorry that you (and the rest) had problems with the jackets purchased.

I understand the reasons for being PO'd, I truely do, and please do not think that I am implyiong that it was caused by abuse or added action ~ no I am not.

But, for me, and my own experiences with this jacket, I can not say anything negative,

on a last note ~

I should say that I do agree with the creator of the jacket on what he stated. Contact should have been made and the issues of what occured explained.


This is just my two cents worth... in support of the Wested LC Cowhide (distressed) version.


Thanks for reading and Respects

ie (indysenigma)

[GCR]

Indysenigma - that Wested of yours is AWESOME! I really like how well worn it looks! I Wested cowhide LC version has been on my radar screen for a while, even with some of the issues that keep popping up (no pun intended). I had been debating over the standard cowhide (like Cowboy's) or the pre-distresed version, and your pics may have just sealed the deal!

Now I just have to save up the funds for it! ;D

-GCR

[Ragingblues]

indysenigma,

Beautiful jacket!

I like your LC model much better than the ones they used in the movie.


Ken

[COWBOY]

indysenigma said:

IAbout your jacket ~

Cowboy ~



Possible causes? ~

IMO ~ it maybe a cause from several external (effects)... which we are not aware of? Possibly?

Everyones habits while wearing clothing varies.
Some people push against the certain sections of clothing, push deeply into the pockets w/force without realizing it, carry weight (which seems light) and it does have a cause and effect on it, and some others "baby" the out of their clothing that nothing happens to it. (However, it still occurs)

I should say that I do agree with the creator of the jacket on what he stated. Contact should have been made and the issues of what occured explained.

Ok, thanks for the comments. AND AGAIN.........I DID PUBLICLY ask for FORGIVENESS as posted above.

#1. We can all speculate on the wearing patterns of others.....BUT......how many G&B posts are there on wear and pops? How many Wings??? It seems to be the majority of the time a Wested that has durability issues??? Am I wrong on this anyone? AM I?

#2. If it is my watch or strap, why is it the only Jacket that has worn a hole in the Frickin lining? None of my others have....ever. This is a design flaw IMO. I say this because garments should be designed to withstand certain and inevitable situations, watch wearing being one of them. Sorry, but I still hold to the opinion that it is a manufacture problem.

I seem to remember Paterson stating at another site that the back panel ripped out while golfing. I do not remember all the details, some one refresh me.

Why did I start this post in the first place? To voice my frustrations over a product that has not withstood my expectations (which are reasonable) even-though I have paid a fair amount for it. I love the look, smell and feel. I no longer "Value" it however. I also posted to chime in with the many others who have been making similar remarks about their Westeds too. My sharing with this community turned into making comments that I did not bring up to Peter in the first place as I should have. I admit- I crossed the line. Please note however, that Peter has not yet privately or publicly responded yet to my request.

Like me or hate me.......it is what it is. Nuff said. COWBOY

[indysenigma]

Greetings

Thanks for the response Cowboy and I respect (all) the points given.

To make it clear from the get go. I DO NOT hate you! ~ In fact ~ YOUR honesty is much respected and admired.


(allow) let me respond to your questions.

1. I have no other jacket, nor experiences from (other) clothiers to make a valued comparison; this is (why) my response is what it is ~ in not making any comments toward them, as I have no experience.

2. I offered the idea, speculations, possibilities that (may) (other factors) have occurred concerning the situation of your jacket, by using the examples of (others) use of clothing styles, which I observed as working as an officer and by simple observation.

Valid reasons ~

I agree that you have every reason to be annoyed, PO’d, and frustrated with your situation concerning your jacket and I respect that.

I offer no explanations nor the “why’s the jackets that you or the others have purchased, having had those very same defaults.

For me ~ I had no problems and it was used and abused.

And concerning Peter ~

I agree, and I say this openly, that maybe give it some time, and he will answer your reply.
After all he is representing Wested as THE jacket made with pride, as indicated by the tags sewn inside the jacket.

Apology ~

If I had caused further anger, then I also openly apologize, for I was only indicating MY experiences with my jacket, and so support the quality of it, for I personally have had no issues with it.


Thanks for reading ~

Respects ~

IE

[COWBOY]

indysenigma said:

Greetings

Thanks for the response Cowboy and I respect (all) the points given.

To make it clear from the get go. I DO NOT hate you! ~ In fact ~ YOUR honesty is much respected and admired.


(allow) let me respond to your questions.

1. I have no other jacket, nor experiences from (other) clothiers to make a valued comparison; this is (why) my response is what it is ~ in not making any comments toward them, as I have no experience.

2. I offered the idea, speculations, possibilities that (may) (other factors) have occurred concerning the situation of your jacket, by using the examples of (others) use of clothing styles, which I observed as working as an officer and by simple observation.

Valid reasons ~

I agree that you have every reason to be annoyed, PO’d, and frustrated with your situation concerning your jacket and I respect that.

I offer no explanations nor the “why’s the jackets that you or the others have purchased, having had those very same defaults.

For me ~ I had no problems and it was used and abused.

And concerning Peter ~

I agree, and I say this openly, that maybe give it some time, and he will answer your reply.
After all he is representing Wested as THE jacket made with pride, as indicated by the tags sewn inside the jacket.

Apology ~

If I had caused further anger, then I also openly apologize, for I was only indicating MY experiences with my jacket, and so support the quality of it, for I personally have had no issues with it.


Thanks for reading ~

Respects ~


IE

Hey Fella- Thanks for the response, but in quoting you, I was not addressing it at you if that makes any sense. Just a broad comment once again. That said, you are welcome by my fire any time. BTW, awesome looking jacket.

Ken or John, i have beat a dead horse and as such, feel free to lock this one down if you so desire.

Thanks again for all the comments compadres good and bad alike.

Regards, the Cranky Cowboy.

[PeterB]

Cowboy, I am not automated, with my wife in hospital and a business to run I am not hovering over the computer to reply to your ramblings. The fact is that I do not MAKE the lining I cut and install it so if the lining has a problem it is really the problem of my supplier.
That said bearing in mind that you have had the jacket for over a year if you send it back to me at your expense I will repair it at no cost and return it at my expense. Is that fair?
As for G&B they sell so few that complaints are rarely heard of. That siad it appears they are apparantly abusing my Intelectual property rights in making pirate copies of my design a matter that is being looked into by Lucas films and myself.

[Deleted]

Peter,

I am very sorry to hear that your wife is in the Hospital. I hope that it is not too serious and that she gets well very soon.

Sincerely,
John