Aero Leather Highwayman Jacket Review

[@rg3412]

The jacket is stunning, and the way you filmed it in slow motion is amazing. It's perfect for the viewer to gauge the quality of the leather. Thank you!

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks RG. It really is beautiful. Of course Aero has a lot of leather options available…it’s easy to get lost amongst all the choices!

[@rg3412]

Come on KZbin, this channel deserves more than 2k subs, give the man a boost!!

[@DudsByDel]

Day by day we get there 😂 Thanks for the encouragement

[@Kreege]

You are the real deal dude. I've been researching my first leather jacket purchase and the first few guys ive found all seem to be pushing sponsored products and dont cover some important details. I appreciate your videos

[@DudsByDel]

@@Kreege really appreciate that man! Doing my best

[@justiceforall8574]

ONE THING THATS ALWAYS IN FASHION & NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE..THATS QUALITY..

[@DudsByDel]

Totally true man!

[@nathaniziah]

Purchasing of thier stock page worked for me. Purchased a Painsman in FQHH, in 2021, took 6 months to break in, its now supremely comfortable.

[@DudsByDel]

@@nathaniziah nice! Plainsman is a cool design! What leather was it made in?

[@nathaniziah]

@DudsByDel It's front quarter horse hide. It's heavy but that's what I wanted, you really know you have it on! Agree with you on the zip, could do with being slightly bigger. It feels like it could break quite easily. Aero should offer a choice of either original or a larger one. Seems like an obvious change they could make.

[@sf2explus184]

10:29 totally agree doest matter how good a jacket looks if it's not comfortable you won't wear it enough.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah I don’t buy jackets for them to look good in my closet!

[@videomaniac108]

I recently sent an inquiry to Aero asking if one might get an option for a more robust or sturdier zipper and the reply was that they had upgraded the standard zippers on their jackets to address these concerns.

[@DudsByDel]

Interesting. Haven’t seen a new one recently but sounds like a good move to me!

[@andyphan5562]

Just the color alone of the jacket I feel like it’s worth it. Another great review man!

[@DudsByDel]

Really just an outstandingly beautiful hide

[@weaver4907]

1:45 stiffer even with break in, I always wanted to know this. I know generally people say CX horsehide takes longer to break in than CX steerhide...but I always wonder, if both are broken in, will the horsehide and the steerhide be the same in term of stiffness?..or will the horsehide still be stiffer in the end? I am ordering an Aero, perhaps I will go Steerhide CXL. Only some people say horsehide can last longer, idk if this is true.

[@DudsByDel]

@@weaver4907 a good question and I’m not sure. At a certain point it’s splitting hairs, either hide will last an extremely long time.

[@weaver4907]

@@DudsByDel not sure? but in the video you said horsehide is stiffer even with break in?

[@DudsByDel]

@@weaver4907 if you push them to the extreme and wear heavily for a long time you’ll probably end up fairly close, I thought that’s what you were kinda asking. According to regular wear you’ll probably find the steerhide easier wearing, that’s been my experience and that of several folks I’ve interacted with. If the CXL horse jacket you get is well-cut for you it’s not a problem but it can be more of a challenge. For me, I have a wonky shoulder, so fighting against it for the break in was difficult

[@neilmactavish4423]

The jacket fits you perfect. Watched a documentary on Aero Jackets cool history and the fact that the artisan that makes the jacket starts and completes it.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah cool story of a small biz and kind of a lasting presence in the vintage scene

[@RICKYY1100]

That Highwayman is very similar to my Schott 689HH which I truly love. Although someone in the comments said that Aero had upgraded the zipper its too bad they had not put a more robust zipper in from the beginning, my 689 has a massive zipper. i like the jacket but I wouldn't buy one because of the zipper issue. Of course a heavier zipper could be installed but that's extra hassle and expense. It looks very good on you, good video!

[@scottthompson7329]

Great review, mate. Very helpful. A lot of good clear advice.

[@DudsByDel]

@@scottthompson7329 thanks Scott

[@bobvires9650]

I am a size 38 in almost everything. If you are looking for a true to fit aero jacket, I would highly recommend the hooch hauler and the Rockafella. Both are horsehide and fit perfectly, a true to fit size 38 for me. My schott perfecto is a size 38 as well and again a perfect fit.

[@DudsByDel]

Two cool styles. I like the hooch hauler more than Rockafella but just a matter of personal preference

[@bobvires9650]

I thought the same thing until I bought one.. I got for $600 on the lounge and man it’s so worth it! I don’t care about getting compliments really, however I am stopped with a compliment on that jacket almost every time I wear it lol..

[@DudsByDel]

@@bobvires9650 nice did you get the one from Justin / Pandemic?

[@casuallyworked]

The color and wear look amazing, making it a versatile piece to wear with many outfits, enjoy! Thanks for the content, this type of fashion/style it not available here on youtube.

[@DudsByDel]

Glad you dig it! The jacket truly is a beautiful one

[@DudsByDel]

Glad you dig it! The jacket truly is a beautiful one

[@telemarktumalo6978]

Del, that is just a great fit on you. Very helpful in understanding the design esthetics of Aero, using patterns that are reminiscent of the era of the originals. Just incredible that you fit so well in a size 36! I agree with you about the relatively small main zipper. I get it that they want to remain faithful to the design, but the reality of zipper failure is a real concern. Perfect example of form over function. A personal pet peeve of mine is a faulty zipper. If it is any reassurance, the fine folks at Thurston Bros. will replace that zipper with a heavier/larger model. I've seen some of their zipper replacement work and it is excellent.

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks T! Yeah Denny at Aero is sending a new slide my way. I’m a pretty careful zipper-upper so probably won’t be an issue for me once I get it set up, but it does seem to be a common problem. One buddy on FedoraLounge got stuck in his jacket after a few beers trying to put zip it in a sudden rain!

[@elenahunter1581]

Sir I would to buy a highwayman. Where is the link to purchase? I am 6ft tall muscular 210 pounds. Do you think a size 48 would fit. Thank you very much. Dan

[@DudsByDel]

@@elenahunter1581 hi Dan! I don’t have an affiliate link but here’s their site: www.aeroleatherclothing.com/ You can check out ready to wear section to see if there’s one available, or go to the made to order section. If you’re in the USA, thurston bros stocks some here: www.thurston-bros.com/collections/aero-stock 48 sounds big since the typical advice is to size one or two down from your standard size. What do you normally get? Or, what size is your chest?

[@TartuWolfEE]

Love my Hooch Hauler, couldn't be happier with it. Strongly recommend Aero! I'm pretty sure I'm ordering a Vincent from them in the future, especially if they do a sale.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah would really like to try one of the motorcycle styles or a grizzly!

[@Richard_Lush]

Got one used. Have a brand new 1930s 1/2 belt and it’s a beautiful think but the highwaymen I just got is so much better fit and length. My now go to jacket. Got it for $440 us. Mine has a thick liner than my 30s so warmer too👍 I use wax for the zip and is nice and smooth but I do agree

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah man a great go-to, easy to wear with a lot of different things. There’s a reason it’s Aero’s best seller every year

[@bartomiejjarosz3248]

Recently I’ve ordered the Windward from Aero in cordovan chromexcel horsehide (my first ever Aero). I am 6’1.5”, the back length of the jacket will be 24,25”. I love shorter jackets too, especially the Windward, the Grizzly, the C.H.I.P.S.

[@DudsByDel]

@@bartomiejjarosz3248 I really dig their Windward and Grizzly! The CHIPS is a great style, I have a Cal Leather for that style

[@88sstraight]

I had a British Cycle Leathers (out of Montreal, better believe it) jacket I inherited from my BiL that had the neck pressure issue, never understood how that could be gotten so wrong by a specialist maker. When I read that some Aeros suffer from the same issue it put me off the brand, it’s good to hear they don’t ALL fit that way. Thanks Del!

[@DudsByDel]

Sure thing man! It’s interesting… so many patterns and hides, plus variations within batches. And songs folks never seem to have that problem with their Aeros. Could be a function of shoulder slope

[@88sstraight]

@@DudsByDel I certainly have narrow, slopey shoulders!

[@pbdaytona]

Ordering an Aero is a great pleasure which is almost as good as opening your package.

[@DudsByDel]

Settling on details, then the anticipation!

[@exaviersalvatierra4384]

Same thing happened to me on my aero premier highway in horsehide I sent it to Johnson leathers and had a #10 put I feel the same that they should put a bigger zipper because with shipping and fix it was 200 extra

[@DudsByDel]

Ouch. I’ve never personally broken one of their zips but seems to be the number one problem that folks encounter

[@exaviersalvatierra4384]

@@DudsByDel yeah we should do a pole on the fedora lounge

[@michaelgentile6418]

Very informative video, great jacket, I'd like to get one in the future, thanks again

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks Michael. It’s really a fantastic jacket.

[@Seeven34]

I just received last week a new aero 1930 premier HB, it's stunning. I agree with almost all what you saidf in the video, however i might say that pricing is more about between 900 and 1300 dollars if you include VAT that you have to pay to get it in your country. So it's always more than 1000 dollars what you're gonna pay if you buy a new Jacket.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah a lot depends on where you are true. But models off their stock page can be in the 400 to 500 pound range, they also have sales from time to time for even lower rates

[@Seeven34]

@DudsByDel That's correct, maybe I'm wrong but at this price range, a buyer would likely choose a new one over a stock one with the risk that it's not correctly fitting... especially for the 1st jacket, like in my personal case.

[@twintech100]

I have one those in the same colour steerhide leather, from the mid nineties, still on it's original talon zipper to. It's also my go to jacket...😎

[@DudsByDel]

Such a great jacket. Probably the original lining. If it had been mine probably no zipper issue as I tend to be careful

[@atinga66]

Very good review. I have had varies of aero over last 15 years.. The inconsistence of measurements even from the same model same tag size can be frustrating. Two highwaymans in same tag size can fit completely differently once put on. And the high arm holes on the premier highwayman do hurt. However if chromexcel FQHH from horween is your leather of choice then aero I believe is the only firm that does it if I am not mistaken..

[@DudsByDel]

Yes it’s challenging to find the right fit! But such a great jacket to be had if you do

[@yashshah5895]

which jacket are you wearing give the link please.

[@DudsByDel]

@@yashshah5895 hey there, it’s linked to two places you can purchase in the video description

[@markwarner6115]

Spot on review of the Highwayman! We are roughly the same size, I also had a standard HWYM I picked up new for Thurston in a size 36. Being from Thurston, it already had a longer body and sleeve length, which I ultimately found to look too long on me in that style. After selling that one, I picked up the 50s half belt that you ended up buying from me… I found that one a little too short for me. I finally settled on a 40 in a premier and it’s just right for me.. definitely not as comfy as the standard model, but over the years it has become a part of me and wears great. I think that there is a look and style to the original that can’t be beat, though. I’m sure I’ll find another one in the future. That one looks about as good on you as anyone could hope for! I still have yet to handle CXL Steerhide, but I’m thinking about doing a custom Board Racer using it.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah funny the path through different models to find The One. The steerhide is quite nice. Heavy. Wonder if it would be too thick with the slim nature of a board racer? Dunno!

[@markwarner6115]

@@DudsByDel I wonder if it might be on the stiff side too, but based on the consensus view that it is easier to get along with than the HH, it might be ok. I’ve had 2 Board Racers in Badalassi, and that stuff is relentless! The size 40 I had in Tobacco was exceptionally thick, but the jacket wore great(for a Board Racer). Yes, our paths are funny.. I wish I had taken a straight path to the jackets I love now, and not the expensive path full of $$ loss and regret of the ones we let go!

[@RoadToHeritage]

Great review Del, lots of great information. The zipper on my aero premier highwayman i noticed it right away was rather tiny compared to thedi and my other jackets. Definitely disappointing they don’t consider beefing it up. I also wonder if my movement would be better in just the highwayman and not the premier. It’s definitely my most restrictive jacket still after months of wear.

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks Ryan. Have heard the hide will eventually stretch some…but it may be too slim. Some folks do fine with it though. Like Karsten: instagram.com/krstnkln9000?igsh=dm92bW56ZTFpdmM0

[@JoblessJoshua]

Is there any vent holes at the armpit for this jacket? I want to wear this jacket in warmer weather but I feel like I can't

[@DudsByDel]

Yes there are vent holes. You could get it with a lighter lining than the tweed too

[@constantinemandylas715]

Thanks for the video. Did you ever consider an Aero "Half Belt Deluxe" that's also a 1950s design but with a five pocket set up?

[@DudsByDel]

Yes I have thought about it. I had a vintage halfbelt with basically the same design that I liked but always felt afraid to wear…it’s a great style

[@Pietervdv]

I have one on order right now in Cognac Pinnacle horsehide that's supposed to have hardly any break-in. I also ordered a Cordovan horsehide Highwayman and a suede Jean jacket, so three types of leather in weight and color. Can't wait till they arrive!

[@stefanhnavetsea1588]

great looking leather condition on the jacket photo, on size 36 somehow I think #10 zipper would look too chunky I have a denim jacket with #10 metal zipper that looked huge on it, perhaps it would works better on size 42 jacket or bigger

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah maybe a #8? Something bigger than the #5 at least!

[@Aku9-9-9]

Hey Del, have you considered getting the Aero Leather Motorcycle Jacket?

[@DudsByDel]

I have! Just haven’t tried those models yet. Would also be interested in a Grizzly

[@Aku9-9-9]

I'd love to see you review the Motorcycle Jacket and the Grizzly

[@DudsByDel]

@@Aku9-9-9 heck me too!

[@dennycalder4948]

Great Video, and a new slider winging it's way over to you in the post

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks Denny! Always setting the customer service bar at the highest level

[@ke6367]

I’ve heard CXL isn’t recommended for cold weather (thinking about getttin a barnstormer) and it can get really stiff when it gets cold - is this something anyone here has experienced?

[@DudsByDel]

I’ve heard that. But if it has a robust liking and you wear a scarf, it’s not so bad. A friend warms his CXL jackets in a warm room after taking them out of the cold closet. It doesn’t get bitterly cold where I live so I lack direct experience with this problem

[@AVEXentSUCKS]

Great look on that jacket Del!

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks man! Can’t believe it took this long to go for the standard highwayman!

[@monemvasiahotels]

So true your comment with zipper,i have two aero and both have to replace the zippers,but amazing jacket,in my experience the best

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah Denny at Aero saw me post about the jacket and is already sending a replacement. Customer service is top notch!

[@monemvasiahotels]

The customer service are little snobbish or not well organised with my old highwayman they suggest that doesnt need any care or wax,i bee wax it and became much better@@DudsByDel

[@kingofthekludge]

do you own any jackets made from chromexcel horsehide?

[@DudsByDel]

I have a vest in it currently. Have had a few jackets made from it over time. What’s up?

[@kingofthekludge]

@@DudsByDel i wanted to hear your thoughts and any advice on how/if the leather ever gets soft. I have a jacket that i love for the fit and the looks but the leather is absolutely terrible! I don't even know why anyone would choose chromexcel horsehide to make anything out of. It's heavy for no good reason, it's stiff to the point of being uncomfortable and when the temperature drops (which is when you want to use a jacket) it gets even stiffer. I wish i knew this before i bought it...

[@DudsByDel]

@@kingofthekludge it does, eventually. I would take a look at my video on how to break in leather jackets to speed things up. That being said, I prefer the flexibility of this Chromexcel steerhide.

[@kingofthekludge]

@@DudsByDel Thanks Del, much appreciated. I have another question about the rainbow country hercules model that you have, is the body tapered toward the waist or is it straight throughout? It's difficult to see from the pictures. Thanks again!

[@eriche8870]

Bro looked at Satchel and Page jackets

[@DudsByDel]

@@eriche8870 can you clarify?

[@LeadLeftLeon]

I have the Satchel and Page bomber. It’s Americana but stylish. Can be dressed up or down

[@willyegger4488]

Hey Duds, very beautiful looking leather jacket! - It has a significant retro feel and has a kinda timeless fashionable look. It reminds me somehow of the Indiana Jones leather jackets. - It certainly is a high end quality jacket, which is very well constructed. Thank you for this very interesting and inspiring revue. Peace and kindest regards from Switzerland

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks Willy! Yes I do love that timeless vintage appeal in this design too.

[@brunonjezic6208]

I feel this will be the best patina jacket in your collection! Funny thing with highwaymen is that i could not find any of them looking good on people until now, you seem to be the first one that that model looks totally right and cool. I guess it is sizing 2 down. I see them sometimes in Germany on old guys and i assume that the guys shrinked with time and always felt a bit jealous of people who own through whole life a nice jacket that ages with them but fit wasn’t right. On you it actually made me want one. I always looked for second hand Elvis or Riply model but now i kinda wand highwayman too

[@DudsByDel]

Funny image of the old dudes shrinking inside their jackets 😂 And yeah the hide looks like a patina tapestry already, only better with time

[@1990-t1j]

If the zipper properly failed, it would be a huge issue. This is slightly too short for you. Other than that, it's a perfect fit. Jackets like this should always be worn with street clothes, especially T-shirts. Nothing wrong with a hoodie underneath. They do not look right with dress shirts. I would like an Aero jacket. They are Scottish, aren't they? Great review.

[@DudsByDel]

@@1990-t1j yes just the slide. The zipper tape and teeth were all intact. As for how it should be worn, I’ll leave that to you. But I think it can be worn with more styles than you indicate. Yep they’re based in Scotland. Thanks man! Del

[@dimitrisagrianitis518]

What color is it

[@DudsByDel]

It’s the brown Steerhide. Jacket was likely made in the 1990s so it’s had time to build a lot of patina

[@EfraimNkengurutse]

LEATHER JACKET ARE BEAUTIFUL BUT ARE THEY COMFORTABLE ?

[@DudsByDel]

The right one for you is going to be comfortable. At least that’s my take

[@guyamokgodin2907]

So at 5’5’’ and 135 lbs, I should be looking at a size 34, maybe?

[@DudsByDel]

What size do you normally get? A 34 Highwayman is like a typical 38

[@guyamokgodin2907]

@@DudsByDel I get everything in size small, but the last piece of clothing that I bought that had a numbered size was a 38, I’m pretty sure. I’ve been looking at Aero and Schott jackets a lot on eBay recently.

[@DudsByDel]

@@guyamokgodin2907 got it. Then yes 34 if you can find it. There is some variation, you may be able to do a smaller 36

[@guyamokgodin2907]

@@DudsByDel Thanks for the advice!

[@markmartin1835]

Great review

[@DudsByDel]

Appreciate it Mark!

[@markmartin1835]

@@DudsByDel no problem

[@hermegonzalez1335]

Looks great, Del. Wear it in good health :)

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks Herme, sure will man!

[@davidemms5176]

perfect video everything i needed to know

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks David, glad to help you out

[@철환이-d7b]

가격ㆍ어디서구입가능한지

[@DudsByDel]

Hi I included links in the description. You can buy from Aero directly or some of their retailers. Buying new is about 650 British Pounds

[@dimitrisagrianitis518]

Gracias

[@DudsByDel]

😎👍

[@sf2explus184]

it fits very nice but doing lat pull downs at they gym once a week will make it even better.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah I could see that, but also that extra on the sides lets me move around in it

[@bobvires9650]

Actually I think the jacket did belong to that person but another guy bought it and then sold it to me…there’s a long story behind it lol

[@DudsByDel]

Haha like so many from the classifieds

[@bobvires9650]

@@DudsByDel glad to meet a fellow lounge guy lol.. I think that jacket would have cost more on eBay though.

[@deckmastercelticguardian8582]

Nice jacket

[@DudsByDel]

It really is!

[@LeadLeftLeon]

Prefer the Cafe Racer’s back. Cafe Racer with a modified collar

[@DudsByDel]

Also a good look!

[@irondog8250]

It’s similar to Carhartt’s “Detroit” which they have changed and ruined.

[@DudsByDel]

Short & boxy. Plus the sleeve end is similar with that curved cuff. Never thought about it but yeah, I can see the similarities

[@RICKYY1100]

I totally agree with you about Carhartt ruining the Detroit jacket. Luckily I came across some Detroits (old style) that were on sale and picked up one in duck brown and a black one. Shortly after that i found out they had totally changed the design into something quite ugly.

[@ManuApee]

👍👍

[@DudsByDel]

@@ManuApee appreciate it

[@LeadLeftLeon]

Size down 2 wow lol

[@DudsByDel]

@@LeadLeftLeon it runs BIG! You could go down one if you plan to layer heavily

[@cmongimme]

Tons of good info ! Any of your input on Prometheus OR66 greatly appreciated !

[@DudsByDel]

Wasn’t familiar with them til your comment. Looking at their site, jacket looks nice. Seems likely it was made by Golden Bear or possibly Johnson Leathers. Wish they gave a little more info on where the leather is from.

[@patricio3841]

Actually, an XXL it is almost 6 pounds, so if you don't ride a big motorcycle every day, you gonna have a hard time trying to break in this uncomfortable jacket. Before u buy it, carry a 6 pounds backpack all day, and see how it feels!😢

[@DudsByDel]

@@patricio3841 weight matters but so does weight distribution. For example my Cal Leather jacket is about 7 pounds and the weight disappears. I had several Aero jackets prior to this one that didn’t work for me due to comfort. This one does. The steerhide is more pliable than the horsehide, even it is heavy. And the cut works better for me.