Question for Levis Menlo experts

Hi there and I have never worn it other than around the house. The reason isn’t I find that the shoulders have a strange shape to my eye as if they have shoulder pads 80s style! Has anyone else found theses jackets stand out a lot on the shoulders? I am very broad across the shoulders so it can’t be that the jacket is too big although they seem to stick up and out at the edges. Wondered if anyone else has noticed the same?

It’s frustrating as everyone raves about this jacket but try as I can I can’t seem gel without it and may just pull the trigger and sell it.

Thanks!
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Comments

  • Greg137blueGreg137blue milford michiganPosts: 74MI6 Agent
    sunny01 wrote:
    Hi there and I have never worn it other than around the house. The reason isn’t I find that the shoulders have a strange shape to my eye as if they have shoulder pads 80s style! Has anyone else found theses jackets stand out a lot on the shoulders? I am very broad across the shoulders so it can’t be that the jacket is too big although they seem to stick up and out at the edges. Wondered if anyone else has noticed the same?

    It’s frustrating as everyone raves about this jacket but try as I can I can’t seem gel without it and may just pull the trigger and sell it.

    Thanks!
    The shoulders are a bit wide and full on these. My 1st issue size medium the shoulders are a little over 20”. The sleeves are also quite long.
    3-C6-D07-EB-6123-4511-85-EC-3-D9265-F8-EED1.jpg

    A8552-E70-18-F6-4-B1-A-97-E8-DF38-A4-B1-E79-D.jpg
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,292MI6 Agent
    sunny01 wrote:
    Hi there and I have never worn it other than around the house. The reason isn’t I find that the shoulders have a strange shape to my eye as if they have shoulder pads 80s style! Has anyone else found theses jackets stand out a lot on the shoulders? I am very broad across the shoulders so it can’t be that the jacket is too big although they seem to stick up and out at the edges. Wondered if anyone else has noticed the same?

    It’s frustrating as everyone raves about this jacket but try as I can I can’t seem gel without it and may just pull the trigger and sell it.

    Thanks!

    Yeah I have a love hate relationship with it - I dont like the back
    Instagram - bondclothes007
  • frommeyerfrommeyer ChicagoPosts: 418MI6 Agent
    It fits large in the shoulders for sure and narrow at the waist. And, like Greg said, the sleeves are very long. I have a 6'4" wingspan on a 5'10" frame and I still needed these sleeves tailored:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsXVC0rnuBS/
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,292MI6 Agent
    One of the few jackets that I have a Large (usually XL)
    Instagram - bondclothes007
  • HalfMonk HalfHitmanHalfMonk HalfHitman USAPosts: 2,324MI6 Agent
    I love this jacket, and had the sleeves shortened.

    The shoulders are also big on Craig -

    Skyfall-0276.jpg
  • MFisherMFisher Posts: 745MI6 Agent
    I actually like the slouchy shoulders and longer arms.. I think it hits the idea of the season Bond is in at that moment.. somewhat defeated.. slouched.. could give a F*#k.. if you will.. the cut of the jacket captures that feeling so well.. worn, beaten, slouchy, but classic.. or am I reading too much into the costuming ?!? :)) After being a cop for 18 years though.. I totally get it.. my favorite of all my Bond jackets.. (can't wait for fall to break that one out again)
  • HalfMonk HalfHitmanHalfMonk HalfHitman USAPosts: 2,324MI6 Agent
    MFisher wrote:
    I actually like the slouchy shoulders and longer arms.. I think it hits the idea of the season Bond is in at that moment.. somewhat defeated.. slouched.. could give a F*#k.. if you will.. the cut of the jacket captures that feeling so well.. worn, beaten, slouchy, but classic.. or am I reading too much into the costuming ?!? :)) After being a cop for 18 years though.. I totally get it.. my favorite of all my Bond jackets.. (can't wait for fall to break that one out again)

    The wardrobe should feed the narrative, so you're right about that. Similar to how his loud aloha shirt in Madagascar wasn't exactly Bond style, but was originally meant to be him undercover (the script mentions he was in Madagascar as "fashion buyer Sandy Bizet").
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    sunny01 wrote:
    Hi there and I have never worn it other than around the house. The reason isn’t I find that the shoulders have a strange shape to my eye as if they have shoulder pads 80s style! Has anyone else found theses jackets stand out a lot on the shoulders? I am very broad across the shoulders so it can’t be that the jacket is too big although they seem to stick up and out at the edges. Wondered if anyone else has noticed the same?

    It’s frustrating as everyone raves about this jacket but try as I can I can’t seem gel without it and may just pull the trigger and sell it.

    Thanks!
    The shoulders are a bit wide and full on these. My 1st issue size medium the shoulders are a little over 20”. The sleeves are also quite long.
    3-C6-D07-EB-6123-4511-85-EC-3-D9265-F8-EED1.jpg

    A8552-E70-18-F6-4-B1-A-97-E8-DF38-A4-B1-E79-D.jpg

    It's a motorcycle jacket cut so the sleeves should be long: they're the right length when you raise your arms up as if holding handlebars. That's why there's a fastening on the sleeve too I imagine- to tighten around your gauntlets or stop wind blowing up the sleeve.

    I like the sleeves long- it's the motorbike look and it means it rucks up nicely when you use a pocket or bend the arm. I tend to think leather jacket sleeves should be about halfway down the hand or so: just look at Indiana Jones- he's not exactly showing cuff! :)

    I barely ever wear mine mostly because it feels a bit fragile! How does it cope with being in the rain?
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    MFisher wrote:
    I actually like the slouchy shoulders and longer arms.. I think it hits the idea of the season Bond is in at that moment.. somewhat defeated.. slouched.. could give a F*#k.. if you will.. the cut of the jacket captures that feeling so well.. worn, beaten, slouchy, but classic.. or am I reading too much into the costuming ?!? :)) After being a cop for 18 years though.. I totally get it.. my favorite of all my Bond jackets.. (can't wait for fall to break that one out again)

    The wardrobe should feed the narrative, so you're right about that. Similar to how his loud aloha shirt in Madagascar wasn't exactly Bond style, but was originally meant to be him undercover (the script mentions he was in Madagascar as "fashion buyer Sandy Bizet").

    Really?! Ha, that's brilliant, I've never heard that. A fashion buyer :)
  • Greg137blueGreg137blue milford michiganPosts: 74MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:
    MFisher wrote:
    I actually like the slouchy shoulders and longer arms.. I think it hits the idea of the season Bond is in at that moment.. somewhat defeated.. slouched.. could give a F*#k.. if you will.. the cut of the jacket captures that feeling so well.. worn, beaten, slouchy, but classic.. or am I reading too much into the costuming ?!? :)) After being a cop for 18 years though.. I totally get it.. my favorite of all my Bond jackets.. (can't wait for fall to break that one out again)

    The wardrobe should feed the narrative, so you're right about that. Similar to how his loud aloha shirt in Madagascar wasn't exactly Bond style, but was originally meant to be him undercover (the script mentions he was in Madagascar as "fashion buyer Sandy Bizet").

    Really?! Ha, that's brilliant, I've never heard that. A fashion buyer :)
    It’s definitely not a rain jacket.
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:

    The wardrobe should feed the narrative, so you're right about that. Similar to how his loud aloha shirt in Madagascar wasn't exactly Bond style, but was originally meant to be him undercover (the script mentions he was in Madagascar as "fashion buyer Sandy Bizet").

    Really?! Ha, that's brilliant, I've never heard that. A fashion buyer :)
    It’s definitely not a rain jacket.

    Yeah, I thought not. I don’t even like to put it on a hanger as it feels like it will stretch and distort! :)
    To be honest I kind of prefer leather jackets you can treat roughly and bang around in, this one I like the look of but feels a bit... poncey somehow?
  • HalfMonk HalfHitmanHalfMonk HalfHitman USAPosts: 2,324MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:
    Yeah, I thought not. I don’t even like to put it on a hanger as it feels like it will stretch and distort! :)
    To be honest I kind of prefer leather jackets you can treat roughly and bang around in, this one I like the look of but feels a bit... poncey somehow?

    Bond wears it in the rain in Skyfall. The suede SPECTRE numbers are much more fragile. I beat the **** out of mine. And hang it (and all my jackets) on wooden suit/coat hangers that don't distort the shoulders.

    81OzbUxGg6L._AC_SL1500_.jpg
  • Bond_AmbitionsBond_Ambitions Melbourne, AustraliaPosts: 459MI6 Agent
    Where'd you get those?
    Bond wears it in the rain in Skyfall. The suede SPECTRE numbers are much more fragile. I beat the **** out of mine. And hang it (and all my jackets) on wooden suit/coat hangers that don't distort the shoulders.
  • frommeyerfrommeyer ChicagoPosts: 418MI6 Agent
    I'm not who you asked but I put all of my suits and jackets on good hangers. I've bought some of these:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PPSNTS7/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=AHW6OWQNENDHR&psc=1

    They decent for the money. You can get wide hangers a little cheaper on Amazon but I like these because they have no-slip bars for the trousers.
  • emtiememtiem SurreyPosts: 5,686MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:
    Yeah, I thought not. I don’t even like to put it on a hanger as it feels like it will stretch and distort! :)
    To be honest I kind of prefer leather jackets you can treat roughly and bang around in, this one I like the look of but feels a bit... poncey somehow?

    Bond wears it in the rain in Skyfall.

    I don't think so...? It's raining outside but he's already indoors in M's house, isn't he? And he wouldn't mind ruining it as he'd be given a fresh one in the next scene anyway! :D

    The suede SPECTRE numbers are much more fragile. I beat the **** out of mine. And hang it (and all my jackets) on wooden suit/coat hangers that don't distort the shoulders.

    81OzbUxGg6L._AC_SL1500_.jpg

    Interesting, really? The shoulders are okay on those? I might grab some, thanks! :)
  • HalfMonk HalfHitmanHalfMonk HalfHitman USAPosts: 2,324MI6 Agent
    emtiem wrote:

    Bond wears it in the rain in Skyfall.

    I don't think so...? It's raining outside but he's already indoors in M's house, isn't he? And he wouldn't mind ruining it as he'd be given a fresh one in the next scene anyway!

    Not in a scene per se, but it's raining the night he's at M's house and it's raining the next day in London:

    skyfall-movie-screencaps.com-3242.jpg

    We can assume Bond doesn't treat the jacket as precious, and is fine wearing it in the rain, negating any "poncey" concerns :P
  • HalfMonk HalfHitmanHalfMonk HalfHitman USAPosts: 2,324MI6 Agent
    And yeah, invest in some good hangers for your jackets and suits! And don't button your suit jackets while they're on the hangers.
  • frommeyerfrommeyer ChicagoPosts: 418MI6 Agent
    I wasn't crazy about Thom Browne's Black Fleece line for Brooks Brothers (I want 10% of his stuff, admire the other 90% from a distance on somebody else) but I have to say that the wood hangers that came with Black Fleece are, without competition, the best wood hangers ever made. Anyone know who manufactured them?

    Over the years I've collected maybe a dozen of them. My best stuff goes on them.


    s-l1600.jpg

    s-l1600-1.jpg
  • sunny01sunny01 Posts: 524MI6 Agent
    Thank you everyone for the feedback its much appreciated! I realised it probably would have helped and made more sense if i had at least included some pictures of my jacket so you can see what i was talking about! My wife thinks it makes me look like an 80s throwback....not sure if that is a good or bad thing :))

    BTW my legs are not that thin its the angle of the picture :)) I don't skip leg day :D


    Menlo-1.jpg

    Menlo-2.jpg

    Menlo-3.jpg

    I never realised how stupidly long the sleeves were until now.

    I am wondering if it makes sense to get it tailored or sell it? Obviously if I tailor it now that will reduce the sale price but its not really wearable in its current state.
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,292MI6 Agent
    Did you ever try next size down?

    I made mistake of buying my usual size but ended up going to a Large which is unheard of for me (bar QoS Y3 Harrington)
    Instagram - bondclothes007
  • frommeyerfrommeyer ChicagoPosts: 418MI6 Agent
    If you're otherwise happy with it you should have it tailored. It seems to fit you well (with respect to SA) other than the sleeves.
  • Agent EternalAgent Eternal Athens, GreecePosts: 157MI6 Agent
    sunny01 wrote:
    Thank you everyone for the feedback its much appreciated! I realised it probably would have helped and made more sense if i had at least included some pictures of my jacket so you can see what i was talking about! My wife thinks it makes me look like an 80s throwback....not sure if that is a good or bad thing :))

    BTW my legs are not that thin its the angle of the picture :)) I don't skip leg day :D

    I never realised how stupidly long the sleeves were until now.

    I am wondering if it makes sense to get it tailored or sell it? Obviously if I tailor it now that will reduce the sale price but its not really wearable in its current state.

    It looks like your Menlo jacket is one size bigger than what you would actually wear.
  • NoiNoi Posts: 705MI6 Agent
    edited August 2020
    sunny01 wrote:
    Thank you everyone for the feedback its much appreciated! I realised it probably would have helped and made more sense if i had at least included some pictures of my jacket so you can see what i was talking about! My wife thinks it makes me look like an 80s throwback....not sure if that is a good or bad thing :))

    BTW my legs are not that thin its the angle of the picture :)) I don't skip leg day :D


    Menlo-1.jpg

    Menlo-2.jpg

    Menlo-3.jpg

    I never realised how stupidly long the sleeves were until now.

    I am wondering if it makes sense to get it tailored or sell it? Obviously if I tailor it now that will reduce the sale price but its not really wearable in its current state.

    I own a XL and thats the exact same look the jacket has on me too, too wide in the shoulder and too long in the sleeves. I'm always on the fence to bring it to a tailor and ask to narrow the shoulder that would make the sleeve-length shorter too but thats a really challenging task for a tailor, I'm afraid to ruin the jacket. I like the jacket very much, its probably the most masculine item I own in my wadrobe, underlines the V-shape: tiny waist broad shoulders
  • NoiNoi Posts: 705MI6 Agent
    Edit: sry doublepost

    what size do you your wear? sunny01
  • HalfMonk HalfHitmanHalfMonk HalfHitman USAPosts: 2,324MI6 Agent
    Adjust the sleeves and it's pretty much screen accurate.

    And it's a 1930s cut, so I don't really get the "80s" complaints.
  • frommeyerfrommeyer ChicagoPosts: 418MI6 Agent
    edited August 2020
    Noi wrote:
    I'm always on the fence to bring it to a tailor and ask to narrow the shoulder that would make the sleeve-length shorter too but thats a really challenging task for a tailor, I'm afraid to ruin the jacket.

    There's a place here in Chicago called Without a Trace. They'll receive items via mail for alterations if you're not in the area. They raised my sleeves from the shoulder for $90. I took photos (which I can't find atm) and they mimicked the original stitching perfectly. It's worth investigating, imo. I can't recommend them highly enough. See the photo I posted earlier for the end result. Only complaint is that it took like two months.
  • sunny01sunny01 Posts: 524MI6 Agent
    Noi wrote:
    Edit: sry doublepost

    what size do you your wear? sunny01

    Hi Noi

    I am a 40 chest 30-31 waist...the Menlo zips up perfectly and fits like a glove when done up.

    More recently I have been able to get into a 38 if i am going hardcore on workouts and diet - i actually look bigger when that is the case even though i can fit into smaller size clothes, so I can entirely see how DC can sometimes get into a size 38R and other times he is a 40.
  • sunny01sunny01 Posts: 524MI6 Agent
    Adjust the sleeves and it's pretty much screen accurate.

    And it's a 1930s cut, so I don't really get the "80s" complaints.

    Thank you - i agree its the missus...she tries to put me off any clothing i get by saying it looks too tight blah blah blah!! I just ignore it and go with what i like wearing!!
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,631MI6 Agent
    My Menlo also fits me perfectly except for the sleeves. My understanding is that the sleeves are also a motorcycle cut, hence being longer than normal except when my arms are outstretched. Although I always get my jackets and blazers shortened from the shoulder, I decided to leave my Menlo as-is. It doesn't look silly, but it can be a bit frustrating at times. It is a gorgeous jacket though, and I've had many compliments on it.
  • Charmed & DangerousCharmed & Dangerous Posts: 7,358MI6 Agent
    I'd agree - it's too big. See if you can buy the next size down, then sell the larger one. I know that's easier said than done but tailoring your existing one would be a gamble.
    "How was your lamb?" "Skewered. One sympathises."
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