An Expedition To Call My Own

[IndyBlues]

The lamb is very smooth in appearence, while the goat has a very even pebbley grain throughout. I used to own a G&B lamb, and it is a very nice jacket, however I prefer the goat because (to me) it just felt more substantial. It will take a lifetime of abuse, and be ready to hand down to the next generation. The goat also has a nice drape to it, as opposed to other goat jackets I've seen/owned. Very quick to break in, as well.
Mike

[Ragingblues]

Welcome to the Lounge! I think you will be very happy with a G&B Expedition.

Whether I would suggest a lambskin or goatskin would depend on where you live and what type of use the jacket might get. Goatskin is a little heavier and tougher than lambskin, which also means it's a touch warmer as well.


Ken

[themechanic]

Sounds good. I'm in Vermont so it will see some harsh winters and drastic swings in temperatures. Everything from sub-zero arctic temps to freezing cold wet snow and everything in between.

Now the hard part, coming up with the money!

Thanks.

[garzo]

Mar 31, 2008 22:49:54 GMT -5 Kaplan said:

I'm 5' 11" and 185lbs. I wear a 44R in a suit jacket, but I got a 44T G&B because I wanted my jacket to be a little long on me. Both of my G&B's were big on me when new (in the sleeves), but after the water treatment and putting them in the dryer on high heat....they both fit me perfectly now.
The sleeves shrunk one inch.
The body shrunk only slightly.

Hi Kaplan,
I'm planning on ordering a G&B and have pretty much the same measurements that you do. My question, if you were not planning to do the water treatment, would you be happy with the 44R?

I have a size 44 G&B A-2 horsehide that fits perfectly but I'm not sure how the Expedition normally fits. I would like it to hang a bit below the waist, at least to the top of the back pant pockets rather than at the waist line, like some that I have seen. (I have a 44 Wested lamb that fits like that, right at the waist and I find it too short.)
Thanks,
Garzo

[Ragingblues]

You won't find a G&B Expedition so short that it comes only to the waist, yet still fits the person's sleeve length. The jacket design itself just isn't cut that way. I would expect it to reach the top of your back pocket easily.


Ken

[garzo]

May 29, 2008 6:58:44 GMT -5 Ragingblues said:

You won't find a G&B Expedition so short that it comes only to the waist, yet still fits the person's sleeve length. The jacket design itself just isn't cut that way. I would expect it to reach the top of your back pocket easily.


Ken

Thanks Ken, that sounds good. I've actually had two G&Bs, including a Navy-style AN-J-3 goat-skin and my current A-1 HH, and they've both fit perfectly, but both had the wool cuffs and waistband, making them tight at the waist and much different than the Indy jacekt.

As for Wested, I have two 44 Regulars, a horsehide and an 80s-cut lamb. The 80s-cut fits fine in the sleeves and I appreciate the more narrow body, but it's much shorter than the horsehide, which fits well in the length.

I have to say, though, that both were far from perfect and I was never totally satisfied with them.

My first one, the horsehide, fit well in the sleeves and length but was so wide I had to get it tailored and tightened up on the sides to get rid of the flying-squirrel feature.

It fits a lot better now and I got the 80s-cut lamb for warmer climate and hoped the cut would not be as wide as the regular, but it was way too short. It looks OK, as there are many waist-high leather jackets (like cafe racer-style jackets), but not exactly like an Indy jacket should. Definitely sounds like the Expedition is the way to go.

[Ragingblues]

I can certainly understand your worries. based on having the jackets you mentioned. You'll get no flying squirrel thing going on with the G&B, and the lack of custom sizing actually means you are far more likely to get a jacket that actually fits you. That may sound impossible, but I think people over spec their custom jackets to Wested, making odd decisions in one area that also affect another.

Hopefully you will be very happy with the Expedition, should you decide to go ahead and get one.


Ken

[Kaplan]

If you have had luck with a 44R in the past, especially an A2 from G&B that fits well, go for it. In my particular case I went for a Tall size to overshoot and then used the treatment to compensate. If you know that a 44R will work, then you should be fine. Plus if it doesn't fit, G&B are great at exchanging stuff for your size.

[dougc]

Do the G&B jackets have leather facing behind the zippers? what about inside pocket facing, is it minimal or extreme?

Doug C

[Deleted]

Doug C,

No leather facings and minimal on the pocket (1/2" x 5").

At least that's how mine is.

Cheers,
John

[garzo]

I'll either be ordering mine in a few weeks or wait till I'm in California after the summer -- I'm thinking of taking a drive down San Diego way and maybe see if I can't pick one up in person.

Thanks for your help guys, I appreciate it.

[dougc]

Anyone here have one of these in a 40 TALL, that they could give me measurements on? Thanks.

Doug C

[Ragingblues]

May 29, 2008 19:35:37 GMT -5 dougc said:

Anyone here have one of these in a 40 TALL, that they could give me measurements on? Thanks.

Doug C

Try this link:

www.flightsuits.com/leather_sizes.html


Ken

[dougc]

Thanks Raging' , I actually found that chart before posting the request though. I can't however understand some of the terms .. for instance the size 40 that I think I need shows an "outseam" number of 42.25" + 2" ... what the heck is this referring to? outseam, 44+" ? Also, "collar-waist" is stated as being 20.5" on the 40 Tall, that way too short - normally it would be like 26". Then there's a "collar-inseam" measurement - again, I'm confused by what that means. Maybe you can explain some of these terms and measurements to me. BTW, have you gone back to confirm that the numbers are accurate to the size that you received? Not tryin' to be difficult, but would genuinely be interested to know. Thanks for your help buddy, I appreciate it.

Doug C

[Ragingblues]

May 29, 2008 22:23:41 GMT -5 dougc said:

Thanks Raging' , I actually found that chart before posting the request though. I can't however understand some of the terms .. for instance the size 40 that I think I need shows an "outseam" number of 42.25" + 2" ... what the heck is this referring to? outseam, 44+" ? Also, "collar-waist" is stated as being 20.5" on the 40 Tall, that way too short - normally it would be like 26". Then there's a "collar-inseam" measurement - again, I'm confused by what that means. Maybe you can explain some of these terms and measurements to me. BTW, have you gone back to confirm that the numbers are accurate to the size that you received? Not tryin' to be difficult, but would genuinely be interested to know. Thanks for your help buddy, I appreciate it.

Doug C

Honestly, I never paid attention to all those different measurements. I knew what jacket size I should be wearing, checked the sleeve measurement on the chart and called it day. If I get a chance, I'll confirm a few of them against the chart for you. However, I would be willing to bet every jacket matches exactly what they list it to be at every point.


Ken

[Kaplan]

I had some measurement questions before my orders so I called G&B up and found them to be very helpfull in explaining things.

(just don't ask them to alter anything )

[Deleted]

I have dealt with G&B many times and found them to be nothing less than 100% helpful , considerate, and polite. Estimated times have always been longer than actual delivery times ( Your jacket will be there in three weeks. Got it in two weeks). A courtesy call has been made from them to me every time asking if I was happy with the jacket.

In fact when I go back and think about it NO other company has does this.

If you but a jacket from them expect the best.

Cheers,
John

[dougc]

Yep I know they're very helpful, I've bought knits from them in the past for a type A1 project. Only I was hoping someone here could reply with measurements, 'cause you know..I just feel more confident hearing them from a like minded individual that is actually measured a jacket that they have in their hands..rather than possibly reading from a chart - as good as they are said to be. Thanks though.

Doug C

[themechanic]

Well, I took the plunge and just ordered one in goat. I've only ever worn a 42R so I'm hoping their 42R fits! Thanks for all the great reviews and advice guys. I wanted my first Indy jacket to be rugged, long lasting and stylish. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[dougc]

Congrats Mechanic, can't wait to see it !!

Not to keep on about the fit chart but just to make a point I add this.. I just received some measurements (with pictures of the tape measure) of a size 40R and the chest measured out at 24.5" (pit to pit) which, if doubled would equal a size 49 (I know that number is never literally what the jacket is labled by most companies). G&B's chart however shows the chest measurement for the sz 40 as being 40, so see what I mean about that chart being confusing and apparently not that accurate, jmho. Now it would be just my luck that I'd get a rep on the line who only felt like reading from the same chart I am. So with this new info I may want to consider a sz 38 Tall.

Doug C

[themechanic]

Well, I just got my G&B Expedition Goat. It fits a little looser than I would like but I can't go down a size or it would be too tight. I like it though. Smells like dye pretty bad but that'll go away in time. Can't wait to get it broken in. I'll post pics when I have more time.

[Ragingblues]

Jun 17, 2008 13:42:35 GMT -5 @themechanic said:

Well, I just got my G&B Expedition Goat. It fits a little looser than I would like but I can't go down a size or it would be too tight. I like it though. Smells like dye pretty bad but that'll go away in time. Can't wait to get it broken in. I'll post pics when I have more time.

Hey, you got it in two weeks! See how they get it to you quicker than they promise?

I think the chrome dye process has a little stronger smell to it than vegetable dye. Since they just made this jacket for you, it's still really fresh, but you're right.... it does go away very quickly.

I'm looking forward to seeing the goatskin as I only have their jacket in lamb. Please feel free to start your own jacket thread when you post pics of it, only so your's won't get lost in my older post. You're welcome to put them here, of course. I was just thinking it would be easier for people to find your thread later on if it's by itself.

I also think that once the jacket settles in on you from being folded for shipping, it will feel like it fits better. The sleeves tend to be all flared out from the folding, and the jacket itself has a weird shape until it's hung and worn for a little while.

Congrats,

Ken

[docjones]

I am currently working with G&B to determine the right fit (44 R or 44T), along with the right hide - and color.

I learned today that they offer a cowhide and was told that it is heavier than the lamb, and roughly equal to the goat in weight.

The cowhide comes in a dark seal brown, as does the lamb, but I was told you can order the goat in a "chocolate brown", a lighter shade than the darker "seal" browns of the lamb or the cowhide.

They are sending swatches so I should be able to compare the hides and colors shortly. I will post pics of them when received.

[Ragingblues]

I'm glad to hear they have more color and hide options available. Be sure to share pics of whatever you wind up with.


Ken

[docjones]

Update:

The cow is not an option, only goat and lamb, and in dark seal or black. Goat can be ordered in a lighter-brown "regular" seal, but that makes the jacket a non-refundable special order.

I ordered a 44L as I just felt the 25 1/2" back of the 44R would be too short. I tried on a a 44L reference jacket in black goat, and the sleeves are a bit too long, but it kind of gives it that baggy KotCS" look

I went with the dark seal, as the lighter was too close to the brown Aero I got in March, and felt the darker brown, while indeed quite dark, is not that close to black when looked at close up.

I also felt that the dark seal might distress a bit better over time. I will surely post pics in 2-3 weeks when the jacket arrives.

Much thanks to the forum members here for their insights and advice, as well as Jessica at G&B, who was quite patient and tolerant of both my ramblings and indecision.

Soon I will look like the man...