Indiana Jones/Gear related lingo:

ROTLA - Abbreviation for Raiders of the Lost Ark

ToD - Abbreviation for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

TLC - Abbreviation for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Pre-distressed - An intentional process used to break down an item to give it a well-travelled/weathered look. Generally this is accomplished by hand, but is offered commercially through automated steps.

Gusset - A pocket of material that opens and closes with movement, basically they are pleats under the arms.

Leather Facing - Leather strips which run down the inside of both sides of the zipper.

Storm Flap - A leather extension which runs from the center of the collar to the bottom of the jacket. It is designed to cover the zipper, when fully zipped to keep the elements out.

Action Pleat - Visible on the back portion of the jacket. Designed to allow for movement (i.e. swinging a bullwhip).

Dimensional Cut - a dimensional cut, is a brim with a narrower width on the sides as compared to the front and back.

Crown - The actual circular portion that your head fits in. Crown shape refers to the shape visible from looking down on the hat. The height is the vertical measurement.

Cracker/Popper - The nylon string/cord attached to the very end of the whip which produces that famous sound.

Fall - A single piece of leather which connects the whip end to the cracker.

Thong - 8 to 16 strips of leather woven around a center (which in a good whip is actually another mini-whip woven of 4-8 strips of leather)

Belly - The material inside the braided thong which could be one of the following: braided leather, strips of leather, rawhide, rope, or paper.

Plait - Refers to the number of strands of leather used to create the whip.

Online lingo:

General Gear Information:

Why should I collect Indy Gear? An Indiana Jones collection is simply not complete without a trademark item like the jacket, fedora, etc. The gear is not only very distinct, but you will find that it is of the highest quality. Each piece is well made, very sturdy, and very practical as well. Basically, you can use the gear for everyday life and not feel out of place. The Indy outfit is the way to go, I mean you can't wear a Boba Fett jet pack to work everyday. Indiana John

What gear should I buy first? There is no correct way to go; everyone has different preferences. If you have the funds, I would recommend picking up the more expensive items first and then filling in the rest. If you are limited; I would probably pick up the shoulder bag then save up for a jacket or fedora. Indiana John

Is this gear available in young boys sizes? Yes & No. The authentic items are not really available for children, and honestly would not be economically practical for young fans considering the growth factor....yet obtaining this Indy "look" is still possible. U.S. Wings does offer a 'Lil Indy Jacket.
Shirt & pants can be simulated with a regular set of khakis--a tan shirt with taupe/brownish pants will do.. Cheap scaled down bullwhips are always available on ebay. Webbing belts can be cut down to size and other items can be makeshift. I do not currently know of a little guy fedora retailer. Indiana John

How should I care for my leather holster? A light coating of Pecards is about all you need on these items. Depending on the type flap holster you buy (mine is from El Paso Saddelery, model 1860 in oil finish) you'll find that the Pecards also helps hide the usual scratches you get from the daily wear and tear of usage. Then again, these may be items you just have for display. The Pecards will keep them from drying out in storage and display too! Michaelson

How do I care for my leather gloves? The recommended way to take care of that purchase of either your Wells Lamont or Midwest gloves is pretty simple and should be used if you want your purchase to last longer than one archaeology dig (grins). Wearing the gloves, use a pumice based soap, such as Lava, and wash your gloves on your hands just as you would if you were washing your bare hands. Lather up well, then rinse them under running water until the water runs clear. Take the gloves off and wring out as much water as you can by hand, then put them back on. Using a leather conditioner such as Lexol lotion, rub this lotion on your gloves just as you would if you were rubbing hand lotion onto your hands. After thoroughly rubbing the conditioner all over the wet gloves, pull the gloves off (you may need help with this, as they are pretty difficult to remove when this "wet") and hang the gloves from clothes hangers with clothes pins and allow to completely air dry over night. By doing this after using your gloves each time, you'll be surprised how much longevity your gloves will achieve. Michaelson

Where did Harrison Ford's suits & tuxedo come from? Bermans & Nathans, for whom Noel Howard worked, supplied all of the costumes for the films. Indiana John

*Many of the quotes have been edited (spelling, grammar, and punctuation) to improve clarity.