When I was a young adult fresh out of bootcamp I weighed 170lbs,(5'11"), burned of all excess fat and muscle not required to keep me upright and running ten miles a day. Few years at sea eating five square meals a day had me blown past my comfortable 195lbs and up to 220. Some weight was shed when I quit the Navy but not enough.
A few days after the new year I saw a picture of me on the beach I've seen a hundred times before, it made me feel like shit this time. I was back up to my "sea weight".

I went on a low carb diet and am down to 175lbs. Long story short, has anyone successfully had leather taken in, or am I better to sell and buy new? I really like my Vanson gear and won't be able to replace with the same...

I've had leathers adjusted several times, sometimes to make it bigger or longer or change a one-piece into a two piece. I have always gone to a good leather place - usually one that makes their own suits, in the UK this was Hideout Leathers. Making smaller should not be a problem. A good place will want you to come in so they can measure you and make suit to fit well. You won't even be able to tell they have been altered. It's far cheaper than a new suit and you get to keep your favourite kit.

Thanks Bic,

I'll take a look around to see who can undertake the job

Will,

There is Syed leathers in Orlando FL that makes custom leather suits. I guess you can contact them and ask if they would.

They work like Aerostitch. You can order online or over the phone by giving them many different measurements, they build and ship the suit to your specs.

I guess they could take your measurements and modify your existing suit. The website is http://syedleathers.com/.

Good luck,

Taking in leathers can be tricky depending on the brand and style of the gear. Be sure to get a few good recommendations before choosing someone to do it. I chose poorly once and it ended up costing me a month of riding time and almost as much as the suit was worth. Look around there may be some close out on last years stock that you can get a deal on. Good luck.

Never mind the leathers, who is taking your skin in? You must have bingo wings like the Batcape

Got a set of Langlitz Leathers of Portland I bought in the mid 80's. Looking at the jacket now at work. http://www.langlitz.com Castcade style jacket

Keep getting it repaired as needed.....and expanded.

Oh foookkk 175lbs. OMG that's my fighting weight target to be had.

Buy yourself some new ones and vacuum seal the old ones and store away for when you reach your sea weight again.

Money in the bank.