Wested Leather "Raiders of the Lost Ark" Indiana Jones Jacket Review
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- This is a video review of the Wested Leather 'Raiders' jacket in washed lambskin. It is (unfortunately) not the 'Hero' jacket, but the tailor is much better for everyday wear.
Wested Leather's washed lambskin offers a beautiful, unique grain which closely resembles what is seen in the film. I personally think it is a better choice from the authentic lambskin and shrunken lambskin...
Tell me what you enjoy about this video in the comments section below, like and share, and subscribe to my channel!
Narrated and produced by Trent Ryan. 'Raiders' fedora made by David Garrison.
Beautiful! I got my lambskin raiders jacket not even a year ago. I mesured myself and went for a 40 as well, I find that if I zip it all the way up or wear it with a sweater under it, it fits a bit snug under the armpits but otherwise it's perfect.
Thibking of getting the washed lambskin but maybe in a 42.
Thanks for the nice, objective review. The jacket looks great on you. Ordered mine this week also size 40 but I'm starting to wonder if it'll be too small. I'm 6'1" 177lbs. That sleeves size is starting to seems small.. Do you think would fit from your experience with the size 40? Thanks!
That washed lamb is a perfect color for a Raiders jacket if you ask me. I'm now positive that if I do order the Hero Raiders from Wested, because of your video, this is the leather to get over the shrunken lamb, which mostly looks way too light. I'm still torn between the Wested Hero in washed lamb and the Magnoli Adventure WL in cowhide....
It is a very accurate color. If I may help with your decision, stick with Wested. Not only are you commissioning from the original makers, but Magnoli Clothiers charges way too much for low quality leather. I once came across one of their models for over $600 and the grain on the lambskin was horrendous to look at. Ultimately, the price cannot be justified to me...
Also, if you are concerned with the initial tone of shrunken lambskin, just treat it once or twice with Pecard leather dressing on a warm, sunny day. That will give you a very close result to the screen-used jacket(s).
Trent Ryan that is very interesting to hear your opinion about Magnoli. I have read nothing but good things from them and their white label line seems to be of a good quality, comparable prices, and relatively accurate for a Raiders, even though it is in cowhide instead of lamb. Plus, it’s 100% custom made based on your measurements. I personally want some grain of some sort as the original jacket used had striations in the lamb and was far from the clean, smooth look that many lamb hides have, which is whyI really like the washed lamb you have here. Just maybe in the hero cut for screen accuracy. I don’t like the length of their regular cuts tbh.
@@marker20 Have you ever heard of Steele and Jones? Owners Diego and Roberto make top-quality hats and jackets for (surprisingly) less than a Magnoli. Potentially more screen-accurate as well; I have seen photos of their jackets with all the same striations. They also take thorough time to make sure they get all the correct measurements to give you the perfect fit.
Choose wisely...
@@Ornithology_Raider Yes, I have Trent. They look like they make a nice product, but I'm not actually researching a Bill Kelso as this to me seems like it might be the be all end all in Raiders jackets. The only problem is, they are pricey. I still really love this washed lamb though so I'm keeping my options open.
I'm right on the fence these days about going for the Legacy Raiders, definitely the pros and the cons. My second choice has been this washed lambskin you have. Out of curiosity did you have gussets installed, extra pocket?
So this is one of their off the rack Raiders in a size 40 with 24.5" sleeves and a 26.5" back length?? I'm 5'10", 175 lbs, w/ a 40" chest, and I usually like jacket's a little more cropped, like a trucker jacket (so approximately 24-25"). I'm considering getting a custom Raider in size 40 with 24.5" sleeves AND back length -- but your 26.5" back length looks like it hits about where I'd *expect* 24.5" to hit so now I'm wondering if I set it 24.5" if that'd be too short. It's just giving me second thoughts on my sizing -- the back length has been my one hang-up.
Great vid and awesome jacket! But man, I’m so confused about all the variants. I want as close to the original Raiders jacket as possible - same hide, color, cut, distressing (which I can add or whatever) at my personal measurements. Don’t care about which D rings. Any suggestion what I should order based on that? 👏👏
I believe that would be the hero jacket.
nice jacket , fits very well. Can you tell me who is playing the music , sounds great.
Thanks, John! I use Adobe Premiere Elements '19 to make my videos and the music was simply in-stock, so I'm not really sure who produced it, unfortunately. It does sound nice, though. Felt a "Raiders" vibe when I was browsing...
Hey, how tall are u ? Do u know the difference with the Hero version? And the skin looks darker than "in the movies" am i correct? Looks fantastic!
I currently stand at 5'10" and weigh 185 pounds. I am familiar with the 'Hero' but have never owned and/or worn one personally.
With the 'Hero' tailor, it is very ill-fitted and has a unique drape off of one's body; it it also meant to be worn on someone with fairly broad shoulders. The yoke on the upper back is very slim, which causes the collar and shoulder edges to sit lower. Rumor has it, according to Wested Leather, that they hang by about two inches. Some people even report no change in back length, but be aware that it is meant to be about two inches longer as well. Compared to a standard, like mine, the difference is like day and night. They are simply different tailored jackets. Feel free to watch my Coyle's 'Raiders' jacket review as it is the closest representation I own to a 'Hero' in terms of the cut.
Regarding the skin color, it looks a bit darker than in person because of the weather and iPhone camera quality. Away from natural lighting it can be a decent brown, and it will only get darker from here on out. Screen-accurate tone (to me) either way.
Glad you like it!
The hero jacket uses the same patterns they used on Harrison Ford to make the screen used jackets, so it gives the same wide shouldered fit that the jackets from the movie have, it's also available in the screen accurate shrunken lambskin, and it also has all the same tags that the original had inside the jacket.
The grain is off the charts on this jacket ...
It's really nice. I can only imagine how it will look with more years of wear...
Hi Trent - great looking jacket. I also wear a 40, and I’m 5’10”. The sleeve length on yours looks perfect - just wondering what is the sleeve length on your jacket?
Hey, Andy! Thanks for the compliment. The sleeve length is 24 1/2 inches. This is standard for their off-the-rack jackets, like mine. I actually think the sleeves could be just a bit longer, but then I would prefer the back length to be shorter (to somewhat represent the 'Hero' jacket in the film with a modern-day fit/tailor). The back length at 26 1/2 inches, however, works out well with this particular sleeve length.
Do you have a Wested Leather 'Raiders' jacket as well?
Trent Ryan - thanks for the info., The sleeve length would work for me, but that back length seems like it might be a bit on the long side. No, I don’t own a Wested jacket; I have a U.S. Wings Indy style jacket, but with Father’s Day coming up, I’m putting a Wested Raiders jacket on my wish list. The US Wings jacket is pretty nice, but it’s always felt a bit too large for me. And it’s a bit lighter than I’d like. Otherwise it’s a nice jacket. It definitely has the Indy vibe, but the Wested looks closer to screen accurate to me.
@@haptown That's the luxury of Wested jackets; they go by chest size, not S, M, L, etc. This will always ensure a proper fit, even if it's not exact. What I would recommend is to order a custom. The price is not too much higher from a standard-stock AND you get the fit YOU want!
If you're like me and desire screen-accuracy, I would go with either the shrunken lambskin or the washed lambskin like what you see in my video. Both are highly representative of the one(s) in the film...
Trent Ryan - I was leaning towards the washed lambskin. I really like the color of yours, and the folks at Wested told me that the shrunken lambskin tends to be a little lighter than the washed lambskin. Wish I could see them side by side to compare. And yes, it’s not much more for a custom, so I think that would be the best way to go. My US Wings jacket has a back measurement of 24.5, which I like.
@@haptown Sounds like a great back length. In terms of color, the shrunken lambskin is WAY too light in tone; owners with brand new jackets in that skin always say they end up drenching the leather in Pecard dressing to darken it. This washed lambskin, on the other hand, is dynamite. Perfect color right out of the package with a gorgeous patina. It only gets better with age whereas the shrunken lambskin is a bit of maintenance to get it where you want it.
There are a couple of videos here on UA-cam showing the 'Raiders' style in shrunken lambskin (by Captain Westicle, Jeremy Horn). Perhaps that might help you make a decision.
"You must choose wisely..."
Hey Trent. Any exerience with goatskin? I’m thinking of ordering Wested’s Raiders 'hero' jacket. I personally do prefer a more slim fitted jacket. I am 5’7 and weigh ~150. Not sure what length to order in back and sleeves. Chest would likely be a 36. Any thoughts?
Absolutely! Sorry for a late reply; UA-cam stopped sending me updates when people comment. Anyways, a 'Hero' jacket will not offer the slim fit you are after. That exact cut of a jacket is quite ill-fitted and made for broad-shouldered/skinny-waisted people. Wested's standard cut jackets might be a better option for said slim fit; in regards to the goatskin, that stuff is damn near bullet-proof. I recently sold my old goatskin jacket from Wested as it became too small, but everything else about it was fantastic.
Hey Trent, Where did you buy the buckles you replaced the d rings with? Thanks.
Hi, these buckles are made by David at MakeItJones. Email him with an inquiry and he will send you an invoice via PayPal; he is located in the U.K. so expect a bit of a wait. Haha
@@Ornithology_Raider Thanks
Hi Trent, you mentioned you also had the Goat skin jacket.. how does that compare to the washed lambskin? (Im thinking of getting goat, but is the washed lamb that much better?) Cheers mate!
Thanks for asking! It's funny too because I get this question a lot from people. It really comes down to two factors: functionality versus screen-accuracy.
Lambskin is very soft and actually quite durable; they are a bit thin but VERY comfortable. For a go-to jacket, the goatskin might be a better choice, but also keep in mind that Wested's goatskin is darker and more grey in color compared to the authentic brown that the lambskin displays. Both are outstanding skins, though.
If you are like me and are always after what Indy's gear looked like in the films, perhaps choose the washed lambskin as it is highly representative of what we see in the film. If you are looking for a heavier, unique texture with the idea of Indy's jacket in mind, go with the goatskin.
Thanks for that Trent.. I guess after more a functional than screen accurate jacket.. I am looking for one that's on the darker side though. Some of the lambskin ones I've seen online seem like quite a light brown. Your washed lambskin one is an amazing colour though! More tough choices ahead of me! hahah
@@tsafanyoh I understand. The washed lambskin is pretty dark from the start, but if you're still concerned with how brown it can potentially be, use Pecard leather dressing on a warm and sunny day to coat the leather and darken it.
If you're fond of grainy leather, like the washed lambskin, you will not be disappointed. Back in 2016, I only purchased the goatskin because Wested Leather advertised it so heavily that I thought it was "the" jacket to get. Then, I later learned that there were better alternatives...
It really comes down to personal preference. Just do some research and look at pictures. That is how I make my decisions most of the time!
@@Ornithology_Raider Thanks again.. in that case i think the washed lambskin is the way to go. I def like the grain on it. I was thinking the goat would be more hardy, but ill only be wearing it travelling to work/out at night. lol Thanks very much for your advice!
@@Ornithology_Raider Thanks so much for your help... The jacket just arrived (washed lambskin).. and its perfect! Love the colour and the grain and actually much tougher than I had imagined in my head. And it fits perfectly! haha Very glad I went for this one in the end. :-) Thanks again dude!
Hi, I really want one but can't find any reviews or buyer photos of pre-distressed cowhide leather. Is there something that people dislike about it? I'd have thought it was super durable and my only real worry is if it ends up being really light brown which isn't the end of the world
Hey! If you are referring to Wested's jackets, then you have nothing to worry about. Their pre-distressed hide is just like the novapelle. My 'Crusader' jacket review will give you a good look at how the pre-distressed looks minus the color (my jacket is dark brown). I've also seen first-hand what the pre-distressed hide is like in terms of texture. Nothing bad to say about it!
@@Ornithology_Raider thank you, after months of being unsure about a lot of things I have gotten in contact with Wested. They've got a delivery shortage due to lockdown currently (I live in the UK) and they're unable to make anything custom for about 2 weeks. When they get stock back in I'm ordering a Temple of Doom (although they didn't originally make it, I want an every day jacket and it's the most tailored plus shortest) and I'm going to look into getting it made in normal cowhide (like they used to) or depending on cost or if they still do make it in horse leather or deer. Worst case I think I'll go for goatskin as the new material has a better brown than the older one do you think? Any opinions on any of that btw as I'm new to Wested and their jackets
@@dashinggamer7819 Yeah, this pandemic has messed everything up. I don't have experience with any 'Temple of Doom' jacket but they look very nice. I'd say get it in goatskin; those skins are absolutely bullet-proof and it would look close to the screen-used jackets.
@@Ornithology_Raider Brilliant thanks 😊👍 I've got the fear of the jacket being too long and looking as if I'm drowning in it so the temple jacket is the shortest which is my only preference towards it tbh
Hey Tent, who is the marker of the buckles you mentioned?
Hey! Those retro-fit buckles you see are made by David Richardson at Make It Jones. He receives them from his supplier and customizes the middle bar and paints them to appear like the ones in the film.
When I ordered them, he said he only had three pairs of that kind left and was also looking for newer buckles to customize and sell, so email him to confirm availability if you are interested...
What were your requests? I'm about to order another jacket but I want 6-7 alterations...
My main requests were a 5-gauge zipper and no inside facing. According to Wested, they had no idea what I was talking about even though they have a couple of blogs talking about those parts...ultimately, I was so frustrated with paying them for a "custom" so I got the in-stock shown in this video.
I also forgot. They wanted to charge me absurdly extra for scalloped pocket flaps.
@@Ornithology_Raider thank you
Could you please give me the name and address of the manufacturer of those buckles for the side pulls
Thsnks
I don't like lamb skin .I will get a noble house repro
I know a lot of people who don't like lambskin. The Noble House jacket is quite expensive compared to a Wested (the original makers), and they offer more durable hides than what Noble House does in my opinion. Wested's jackets are tailored to be more screen-accurate as well...
@@Ornithology_Raider I know the noble house guys .They make make a official indy jacket with the license.The jacket is not screen accurate because it takes elements from all 3-4 different versions.They have their own tanneries and make everything themselves.The leather is also vegetable tanned . I just try to promote them a bit because they make great jackets .They had problems when they started but are know one of my favourite makers.
@@Ornithology_Raider and Wested didn't made the jacket for the last Indiana Jones movie .They switched the maker
@@jensrb50 Good to hear you are a supporter of theirs. It certainly is not a bad jacket. I just prefer the price and construction of a Wested.
You are also correct. Wested did not make the jackets for Indy IV; the late and great Tony Nowak did.
Sadly I’m way to fat to fit in a Indy jacket 😢