What’s up pale riders?
Maybe just in the nick of time comes this crazy ass post from me. Well, I’m fresh out of a lukewarm tub wearing this shirt. As I suspected, it absorbed all the water uniformly and has a nice rich caramel color. I know the shade will change as it dries… but no water spots as of now.
The shoulders and chest INSTANTLY opened up and all of the stress on the buttons are gone. Good for now, but as it dries, I am going to pay attention to moving my arms and chest to preclude it from drying “tight”. I am bunching the sleeves at my elbow to get the cuffs off of my hands. Hope it stays that way…. When It’s about 95% dry, I’m going to slather it with Pecard’s in an effort to retain the flexibility and comfort I’m feeling right now (wet).
The shirt, when wet is heavy!
Oddly, I’m warm. Imagine that. Horse skin actually retains heat. Probably why our cavemen ancestors survived the elements without Patagonia and Arcteryx.
Disclaimer: I tried this shirt on in it brand-new state, and I was completely unhappy with the chest tightness and rigidity of the body and the collar. If I were to size up, the dimensions for me wouldn’t have been right. I am a true IH large all day long, and in this shirt especially. Being honest here… I just don’t have the patience to wear an uncomfortable garment for however many dozens of times before it starts to break in. MEGA PROPS TO THOSE OF YOU WHO DO!! If there is a sensible (crazy) shortcut to make something comfy, I’m all about it.
Anyway. Here’s a ridiculous picture of me in a towel and a soaking wet horse hide shirt. The wife and kid are on Spring Break and I’m home alone, so what better time for a weird experiment like this. I’ll post an update tomorrow (or next year) when it’s finally dry.

My faithful Donkey Punchers. Fresh from a Lexol wipe down and new Pisgah Range laces.

Suns out! Getting warm! Family is home and we’re slowly getting back into the groove. Young son was very reluctant to go to school. Don’t blame him!

Viansa Vineyards
IHSH-227 IND
Cheap Target t shirt
555-21
Mr Lou Maryam Toscano

Little shoutout to my Newman Tan Roughout’s from Anderson Bean. Resoled - when new - by the team at Unsung. I also had the shaft shortened and straightened.
I love these damn things and have been wearing them a ton. The tan goes well with every outfit.

So I made it only about an hour laying in the bed last night with a jacket on. I was concerned about permanent creasing in the body of the shirt as well as folding up the collar. I took the shirt off and hung it over a door knob by the collar so as to not warp the shoulders with a hanger. Six hours later woke up, and the shirt was only slightly drier than when I took it off. It was, however, much stiffer. Upon donning it, my body heat took away the stiffness. It still had well formed creases on the sleeves. The shoulders and chest were still fitted, as before, when wet, and the collar where I folded it at the stitching seam appears to be in place (not riding high on my neck). I can tell as all the moisture will leave the shirt it will become as stiff as before. So with regards to draping and accelerating the break-in, I don’t think there is any easy way, other than extended wear.

The placket has slightly warped, in a good way. it’s more wavy now, but the buttons are still aligned and no issues with popping. Looks natural and not “starched”.

I think my 2 favorite results are the collar and the sleeves. I haven’t measured sleeves yet, but they are definitely shorter than before this experiment… stacking. Also, on the cuffs, I now have really cool creases that look much better than when new. The collar isn’t stabbing me under the jaw. It’s folded neatly at the seam and the collar points are spread and laying closer to the yoke.

The color has lightened slightly, but the Pecard’s application (2 total, once brand new, once when damp) is bringing out a great caramel color.

Overall this is a win for me. While not completely relaxed, it is now “my” shirt. I think this is a much better jumping off point for wearing over time.

Bottom line: Wearing experience and comfort is VASTLY improved. Gone is the feeling “I can’t believe I spent this amount of money on a self-torture device”.

I think it will be dry by tonight. I will wear it ALL day. I will measure it then.

Home from España! Rainy day!
Cheap acrylic beanie
Pale Rider
555-21
Donkey Punchers

Swinging by this thread always provides the tightest fits and great inspiration. Thank you ALL!

Carhartt beanie
JMM Dealan Umit Benan
Y2 Leathers Roughout Chore The Shop Vancouver
555-21
Vans

Unedited Pale Rider porn. So happy with the results. Some early morning rays.

BACK TO THE LABORATORY, IGOR!!!

Unable to leave well enough alone, more experimenting today.
I was unhappy with the waviness that happened in the placket. And I’m still looking for an avenue to soften the leather.
-I wore it in a warm shower.
-slathered it with Bick’s neatsfoot oil. (This might be the secret sauce, TBD).
-Hung it on a hanger with a towel for padding. Hoping to avoid shoulder bumps
-weighed down the placket with crescent wrenches, using rags in between the metal and the leather. Just tight enough to keep the tools from falling off.
-also hung wrenches on the side. Why the sides? After wearing it the first time, the stomach area was flared from sitting down.
-now drying in the sun. It’s very cold here. 40 degrees F.
I swear this is my last effort to intervene on this jacket. Just hard wear going forward.
Full results with fit pics when it dries completely.
Again, no regrets with these experiments. I find it impossible to hurt this shirt/leather. Just hopefully getting closer to a functional, comfy moto shirt/jacket.

Bumped - reduced to $380. Killer deal on gorgeous boots!!

Hello interested buyers! I am back home until August 20th. Super fast shipping!
Cheers!

Beautiful John Lofgren Donkey Puncher boots. Size 8 1/2. Natural CXL leather with perfect patina and just beginning their life journey. Sole has many miles before a resole would be required. Original Laces and kiltie included. These fit me perfectly. I am a 9E on the Brannock device. I wear 9.5/10 in Nike running shoes and 9E in Wesco Mr Lou. $400.00 USD. Prefer Zelle. We can discuss other options. Domestic US shipping (included) or international shipping (split between you and me). Will be shipped with insurance in bombproof packaging.
I am home for next 2 weeks beginning at the time of this posting, and will ship ASAP.
AFTER 15 JULY, due to my work schedule, shipment could be delayed as I travel for work for weeks at a time.
Thanks for looking!
Sincerely,
Autorotate

@Dchill
I was in a high end opto-boutique about 10 years ago just browsing… when I came upon the JMM display, everything else seemed weak, cheap and lazy. The JMM had that classic 50’s-60’s style I had always loved and they felt so substantial and bulletproof. Almost choked at the price!! $550 in 2015!! I went for it and haven’t looked back. I wear them every single day.
Recently, I took my most worn pair to a JMM boutique to be re-polished and “freshened”. The tech said she’d never seen a pair so well worn. I was proud of that… but also, I put myself on notice to maybe have a few pairs to work into the rotation. Beware friend- it’s a slippery slope!!!!

@Dchill
I always liked those exact frames you liked… until I tried them on.

What is so awesome about this brand, beyond the craftsmanship, materials and design… is the selection.

I’m squarely in the Molino, Jeff, Herbie, Dealen camp. I do own a Fellini, but reach for the others more frequently. I also own a Last Frontier Dayton.

These shades are totally worthy of collecting. I now never abuse/lose my glasses. Was always a problem when my previous sunnies felt “disposable”. Haha!

@Dmart glorious brother! Great fit! She’s a beast, eh?

Since we’ve chatted on this thread I’ve taken a bit of a deep dive on Filson. I’m a proud new owner of an EBay BNWT red/black Mackinaw Cruiser. Next level jacket and wish I’d had one years ago. It’s just so simple and fantastic.

@Dmart I think a Small is a good call. It has some length in the back and probably will fit you even better than mine fits me.

@Dmart

@Dmart I own that vest. I love it. I wear it mostly with a hoodie or flannel underneath. Sometimes just a T-shirt and if I just running out the door and it’s handy and not too cold. I have a small and it’s perfect. I am 5’7” 175, 43” chest, top heavy from the gym… I wear mostly Large in IH, but my westerns are now too snug since the gym metamorphosis. Hahaha. It’s a problem I’m happy to have.
I digress… the small is what I’d consider a normal Large to be. Maybe a medium plus.
Also please note, the insulation is soft and but “puffy”. It really is a formidable vest and not figure-hugging.

@Dmart Lucchese is at the top of the heap. They are awesome, expensive and very stylish.
Tecovas are very nice too. I have a pair of square toe ostrich which get a fair amount of use. Very comfy right out of the box.
Check out Outpost Boots in Manhattan Kansas. They carry the most legitimate brands of western boots and have an amazing selection. Sometimes it’s hard to find your size, as a style will be exclusive and done in only a seasonal run. Despite that, Outpost is my go-to shop for boots. They always answer the phone, will help with sizing and will also send you pictures of the EXACT boot you are shopping for… assuming it’s in stock. Good luck, mate!