My new ELC monarch

[Smithy]

It's a smidge long in the sleeves and body for what I'd like but at the end of the day A-2 fit is entirely subjective. There's no historical correct fit so it really is about what you like.

Better slightly too large than slightly too small.

 

[Brettafett]

Thats very true. Maybe try give it another HWT, this time using more hot/ warm water.. Then when it dries and is damp, put it on and lit your arms, move them around, stretch them forward and bend at the elbows. Also, sit in a chair do the same, making sure that the back scrunches up. This will cause creases to form and this will shorten the back slightly. This worked well with my RW.

 

[jeremiah]

Looks great. Are those Sanuks?

Yes they are sanuks. When I lived in FL it was all I wore.

Thanks for all the honest feedback and opinions. I appreciate them all.
I like it as is and it’s one of two I own now. There are things with the tighter fitting Dubow I like and things I don’t like. With this Eastman I like the range of motion without feeling restricted. It might not fit me like an A-2 should but I knew that going into it and made a call to keep it. I am glad I did. It fills out just right when I have more than just a t shirt on. And when I drive the sleeves are perfect now. My Dubow sleeves ride well up past my wrist bones and I hate driving with it.
So one day I will get the perfect fit bit for now this will do for me. Thanks.

 

[Silver Surfer]

actually, besides the sleeve length, its not all that bad a fit. want to make the sleeves shorter, or for that matter the whole jacket slightly smaller? wait for summer, and when ya have the weather report telling ya that you are going to 3-5 days of 90+ degree sunny weather, soak the bejesus out of the hides, and set the jacket out on your deck, grass, whatever, turning it over one day, then again, then again, etc. this will not only shrink the jacket organically [no dryer], but it will bring out the grain, and lighten the color some. many originals [see my thread about my original monarch] are indeed a very light color russet, like caramel. repeat till ya get what ya want. keep in mind, though, as the jacket shrinks, the zipper will not. thus, the zipper will be a little wavy until it relaxes. its your jacket, and you can do what ever the hell ya want to with it. and that most definitely means wearing the hell out of it til it begs for mercy.

 

[jeremiah]

Yeah. I have it on this morning with a flannel. I would not want body to fit any more trim. Sleeves could use a bit I agree. For now though I love that I can drive and the knits stay near my wrist bones. Thanks surfer.

 

[Silver Surfer]

yeah, nothing worse then sleeves riding up your fore arms when driving.....drives me nutz.

 

[MikeyB-17]

Sanuks, love 'em, I'm on my second pair.
I reckon if you went a size down, you'd have that 'trim military fit' thing which is too bloody tight IMHO.

 

[jeremiah]

Sanuks, love 'em, I'm on my second pair.
I reckon if you went a size down, you'd have that 'trim military fit' thing which is too bloody tight IMHO.

That’s actually why I kept. I already have a nice trim one and it’s nice but now I have an option for when it’s really cold too.
One more.
With just a flannel.

 

[jeremiah]

One more HWT
Also a close up of grain that really popped out.
Fit is great now.
the knits though. These are night and day difference in feel and quality from my BK Dubow. Anyone have both and can comment on this?

 

[blackrat2]

If you look at the recent post in pictures...4thFG..your sleeves are not a bad length. Look at the guy second from left kneeling

 

[Silver Surfer]

take a tip from the ubangis, and their body mods, and stretch your arm length by hanging from a chin bar a coupla hours a day for about a year or two. that should make the sleeves shorter.

 

[jeremiah]

yeah I like the sleeves, my comment on the knits is more from my instant observance upon receiving the jacket new. I noticed the knits were thinner and maybe of a lighter weave than the BK dubow knits.

 

[B-Man2]

It’s been my experience that Eastman knits are thinner and not as durable as Goodwear , Aero or BK knits. They were really thin on my Eastman Werber. I don’t know if they’ve beefed them up in recent Werber models but they should certainly consider it.

 

[jeremiah]

Ok. Makes sense. What are they like on original jackets?

 

[B-Man2]

Ok. Makes sense. What are they like on original jackets?

They are a little heavier weave on original A2 jackets

 

[jeremiah]

Gotcha. Thanks.

Btw. An update to my earlier post concerning tanning.
This is definitely veg tanned. Pretty sure it’s got an oil treatment follow up. Just the way the abrasions disappear overnight or by rubbing them is a tell tell sign.

Definitely a sweet jacket but I don’t think it will look just like how the vintage ones do after years of wear. Not a bad thing but if you are in the market for yours to look like that there will be some things that won’t due to the oil treatment.
I really like this jacket and if I had to choose between the two I would have to say the BK is the better of the two in terms of being more like the originals.
That said, this is one of the finiest leather jackets I have ever owned.

 

[jeremiah]

Here she is after lots of wear these last two weeks.

 

[B-Man2]

Jeremiah
Your Monarch looks fantastic for the short amount of time that you’ve had it. I’ve had jackets for 5 years that don’t look this good.
Keep doimg whatever your doing . You’re on the right track buddy!

 

[Brettafett]

haha, the secrets of water, and the courage to experiment
That jacket looks great Jeremiah!

 

[jeremiah]

Thanks. Sadly the warmer days are upon us.
Speaking of which.
What is the method of choice for packing away my three as we are getting ready for a move?

two are veg tanned and so I would like to avoid any unnecessary creases. Wont' be able to put them in a garment bag.

also, I had one more query. I am pretty sure this is made of the newer War Horse. The leather, while smooth when new, was still grainy. In my left pocket is the ELC tag (left part under pocket flap) and also a tag showing a horse head and saying horsehide (right side of left pocket down inside the pocket). Right pocket is the Monarch issue tag with size. Reason I ask is I did buy this online from an authorized ELC dealer, Drifter Productions, which I have since read some things online both here and on FL about him. I had a very positive experience. So, was just wondering about that. He told me he had received the stock back in Jan of '18. Though ELC or HP may have sent older stock to him too. Its a great leather so not worried, but just interested in the major differences between the timeline of the Warhorse horsehide. Thanks.