A-1 Jacket / A1 Flying Jacket - The ultimate Golden Era flying accessory!

[feltfan]

I haven't read all 42 pages of threads on this subject but does anyone know about the fit and quality of the Ralph Lauren A-1? They call it the Purple Label Bomber for $3999.

I was extremely impressed with the A-1 made by Chapal of France Since 1832. I was over there in September and saw the cut and quality and decided to carry it in our store Bench & Loom. It's pricey but fits better than the Aero, which is also excellent quality.

I certainly think 'more than twice the price of a Good Wear' is "pricey".
http://www.benchandloom.com/shop/jackets-coats/2
Looks nice, if not as accurate as a GW. Let's not talk about the other color option...

Nice stuff. I might have to get a pair of these:

http://www.benchandloom.com/shop/specialty-shop/59

 

[Dr H]

I contacted John at Goodwear last week.
Have an A1 in the que.
Really looking forward to receiving it.

You won't regret it Jeff...wearing mine now in the office, very comfortable...

 

[AlanC]

I thrifted this Bally made in Italy reversible A-1 blouson some months back. The knits were riddled with holes, and had to be replaced. I finally took it in to get it repaired and cleaned at Arrow Fabricare . I picked it up today, and am quite happy with it. Retail would be somewhere in the $2000 range, apparently.

Suede side:

Smooth side:

 

[feltfan]

Wow, outstanding score! How's the GW breaking in?

 

[AlanC]

^Thanks, FF. The Goodwear is going strong. I wore it yesterday, in fact, until it got too warm for it. Although the same style, it's a very different jacket than the Bally. The Bally is tighter fitting, and unlined, a lighter jacket.

 

[Jaguar66]

Nice stuff. I might have to get a pair of these:

http://www.benchandloom.com/shop/specialty-shop/59

Good luck. The site only has small and X-Large in stock. I have never understood something I have experienced in all my years of shopping at retail stores/sites. Why do retailers never stock the products that sell the most? Medium (which I am ) is always the first to go. I would think by now people would have figured out that this is always the first to go, and is the most popular of any size in most populations. Why not stock an over abundance of the sizes that sell the most? I would love to try to order a product, and see that sizes S, XS, and L, and XL are unavailable. And the only item available is size M. I would want to meet the person responsible for ordering for that company.

 

[Flashman]

Hello, I have for the past 3 to 4 months been chasing a company called Provation for an A2 jacket. They seem to have a good one for a fair price. However, they dont have my size and have informed me their suppplier has gone 'cold'. The very kindly sent me a sample to look for quality of leather etc and I really liked it. I sent the sample back and placed an order in November 2011.
I initially wanted the A2 cos I thought I saw Alain DeCadanet wear it in his VFD series (which I love)m but the other day on closer inspection I realised he actually was wearing an A1.
Now my mind is firmly fixed on getting an A1.
However, where the A2 is under £180 the most decent price I can find is the for Aero version at £475. I like theEastman version but its about £650
I phoned Aero this morning and they were quite freindly and helpful but informed me their wait time is currently14 weeks!
Aero did however agree to send me samples of their leather and buttons - as I want it to be as close to the one ADC wears on VFD.

I have seen the GoodWear version but its a US based company and also way to pricey.

I have started reading this very fine thread and have to thank ALL the posters for their helpful comments. I am currently still on page 25 - so quite a few to read yet.

I would really welcome some thoughts and seek some advice.

I am just about 5 7" and want to get a good fitted jacket that does NOT go below my wastline/bum. As such I am going to order a 36" chest...and at this time inclined to go with Aero.
Aero also informed me they can place the front pockets 'lower' much the the GW and ELC versions. Pius I can pick the buttons
As I said I want to make it look as close to ADC's jacket - so woudl really welcome some thoughts on the Aero A1.


Thanks in advance (off back to page 25).

 

[Edward]

Hello, I have for the past 3 to 4 months been chasing a company called Provation for an A2 jacket. They seem to have a good one for a fair price. However, they dont have my size and have informed me their suppplier has gone 'cold'. The very kindly sent me a sample to look for quality of leather etc and I really liked it. I sent the sample back and placed an order in November 2011.
I initially wanted the A2 cos I thought I saw Alain DeCadanet wear it in his VFD series (which I love)m but the other day on closer inspection I realised he actually was wearing an A1.
Now my mind is firmly fixed on getting an A1.
However, where the A2 is under £180 the most decent price I can find is the for Aero version at £475. I like theEastman version but its about £650
I phoned Aero this morning and they were quite freindly and helpful but informed me their wait time is currently14 weeks!
Aero did however agree to send me samples of their leather and buttons - as I want it to be as close to the one ADC wears on VFD.

I have seen the GoodWear version but its a US based company and also way to pricey.

I have started reading this very fine thread and have to thank ALL the posters for their helpful comments. I am currently still on page 25 - so quite a few to read yet.

I would really welcome some thoughts and seek some advice.

I am just about 5 7" and want to get a good fitted jacket that does NOT go below my wastline/bum. As such I am going to order a 36" chest...and at this time inclined to go with Aero.
Aero also informed me they can place the front pockets 'lower' much the the GW and ELC versions. Pius I can pick the buttons
As I said I want to make it look as close to ADC's jacket - so woudl really welcome some thoughts on the Aero A1.


Thanks in advance (off back to page 25).

Keep an eye on eBay if it's an A2 you're after - both Aero and Eastman show up there regularly, and with patience you'll find a good price. I take a 42 in both, a very popular size, and both my ELC horse and Aero goat A2s came in just on or under the GBP200 mark. I've seen smaller sizes go for less. Cracking jacket,s but the new pices are beyond what I'd be comfortable spending on one too. horses for courses, but I just can't justify an A2 at the same price or more than what would buy something like a FQHH Aero Barnstormer....

 

[Flashman]

Thanks Edward. Just caught up on the thread.
Appreciate this is an old thread and may not be of ineterest to many now.

I am going to place my order with Aero asap - once the sample leather and buttons have come through.

I loved the A2 but TBH I just much prefer the design of thew A1 perhaps mainly for the collar which I like for the reason that if you drive a soft top car in cold old England you can button up to your neck and drive snug as a bug in a rug!!!
Hoping my order if placed before end of Jan will result in my jacket being delivered by April.

I cant get through to PROVIATION to ask them if they even do an A1 - but their web site certainly does NOT show one.

Keep an eye on eBay if it's an A2 you're after - both Aero and Eastman show up there regularly, and with patience you'll find a good price. I take a 42 in both, a very popular size, and both my ELC horse and Aero goat A2s came in just on or under the GBP200 mark. I've seen smaller sizes go for less. Cracking jacket,s but the new pices are beyond what I'd be comfortable spending on one too. horses for courses, but I just can't justify an A2 at the same price or more than what would buy something like a FQHH Aero Barnstormer....

 

[Dr H]

I have a custom GW A-1, but have owned ELC A-1s in both 42 and 44. It depends on your preference for hide (ADC wears a Lost Worlds, which is a thick HH). For your budget, my advice would be to look for a used ELC in cape (or the older version in HH).
Good luck!

 

[deluxestyling]

Here's some movie press release shots of A1's.

Bullets For O'Hara 1941

Wings Of The Navy 1939

Hell Divers 1931

 

[Dr H]

Thanks for posting.
The last shot 'Hell Divers' highlights what most manufacturers get wrong: the balance between weight/thickness of cape and its drape.
Great image.

 

[cbrunt]

Check it! The fellow from Wings of the Navy is wearing kidney belt. Neat.

 

[deluxestyling]

Must have got bumpy in those old planes.
One more shot from the film.

 

[Flashman]

Well, I have placed my order with Aero for an A1 - I went for the 36" so that the fit will be just right and not baggy. Sadly its a 14 to 16 weeks wait!!!! :0(

 

[Dr H]

Aero also informed me they can place the front pockets 'lower' much the the GW and ELC versions.

Good luck with the Aero hope it works for you. Some confusion on the phone or in Will's mind. Several companies offer the higher pocket (navy) version including Super Flight Apparel, but not GW or ELC. If the pockets of the jackets were any lower they'd be in the waistband...

 

[Flashman]

Aero also informed me they can place the front pockets 'lower' much the the GW and ELC versions.

Good luck with the Aero hope it works for you. Some confusion on the phone or in Will's mind. Several companies offer the higher pocket (navy) version including Super Flight Apparel, but not GW or ELC. If the pockets of the jackets were any lower they'd be in the waistband...

Actually Will has been super helpful and today I recived 3 samples of leather. I think I will go with 'Seal Brown' as it is the closest to the jacket worn by ADC on VFD.
As for the pocket I will leave them where they are on the Aero versions, as the pockets on ADCs jacket look about the same.
I am seriously inclined to think ADC actually wears an Aero A1. When I spoke to Will yesterday he did not know and actually had not heard of ADC but asked me if he was related to Amanda, to which I told he is her father.

I spoke to Amanda at lenght about my specific measurements and having provided her we both agreed that based on my height, waist, chest size (breath in etc) a STANDARD 36" chest should be just right.
Cant wait now.....roll on April!!!!

 

[Flashman]

Well being a little undecided on my choice of leather - I phoned Amanda at Aero last week and asked her if it was not too late to change my original choice leather - she said it would be fine, so I have now gone for Russet Smooth Horse, as it appears to be closer to the 'brown' leather A1 worn by Alain De Cadanet in Victory by Design. Looking forward to April...!

Does anyone else have an Aero Russet Smooth Horse A1?

 

[PADDY]

Good choice.

 

[cbrunt]

Hey Guys,

I too am finally taking the A-1 plunge... Placed an order with Mark of Superior Jackets. Talked on the phone and did opt for something slightly custom- straight A-1 but zipper front. Not his "Lincoln Brigade" jacket... just zip front.

Two months or so...not nearly as bad as Aero! can't wait!

Clint