The Bates Corner

[Biff42]

Anyone have any broad insight on how traditional (aka non flat-track racing style) Bates jackets fit? Looking at an older 42 model without measurements but worried that if they fit snug it will be too small....seems like they make some killer jackets though.

Bates generally fit true to size. If it's a 42 it will measure 21-22 inches p2p.

Yes, their jackets are amazing.

 

[AeroFan_07]

So I thought I would do a quick review of the recently acquired Bates Highwayman jacket. Thanks go out to @Biff42 for posting this to the Finds & Deals thread. Turns out it was even better than expected, at least to a point. From a purely wear & tear preceptive this jacket could nearly pass for NOS, other then some slight tarnishing on the Lenzip main zipper pull. So it has been worn, but very little.

I'll get into some photos and details on this a little more, but to save time & make reading easier, here's a quick list of features and pro's & con's (at least from my perspective).

Pros - Things that would make me buy another Bates:
- Unique cut and fit
- Well integrated Kidney panel (stiffened)
- Integrated armpit ventilation
- Every pocket is leather lined

Cons - Features that make me wonder
- Thick quilted insulating liner - non removable
- No other form of ventilation except armpit
- Overly soft, printed grain cowhide leather
- Epaulettes stand up quite a bit
- Very snug fitting sleeves, even un-zipped
- Hardware (*eyelets) used for lacing on both sides do not match rest of jacket HW

Overall this is a "nice" Cross-zip jacket from a company that has a deeper history with cafe racer jackets and racing suits. This jacket has many elements of the cafe racer models in it, especially in the back design. There is not a size tag anywhere to be found, and Bates' website insists that all jackets are "Custom Sizes only" and one needs to call to order one. This is just my perspective, but this relatively recently produced Bates isn't a $1600 jacket. Unless I am missing the "big deal" I just cannot see it. I certainly did not pay that for it at all, but even for what I did pay, it's a pretty basic jacket compared to a Cal-Leathers, Vanson, or many others at or below this price range.

Here are some photos, I'll tag this around a size "42L" based off the dimensions:

Front & Back:

Main zipper:


Pockets (all leather lined):



Odd non-matched eyelets for lacing:



If someone has interest, it will be listed in the Classified soon for what I have in it. It's still a great jacket, and I would keep it if it were a "44L".