A-2 fit dilemma

[Leamas]

Well, I knew this would happen. I'm a size 46" in the chest but I have a smaller waist than your average guy with a 46" chest. (Strength training = a V shape.) So I ordered a size 46 R from US Authentic b/c that's my suit coat size and b/c I thought the military trim cut would get rid of the excess material. The problem, however, is I'm getting what I consider to be too much blousing in the back - kind of a puffiness, especially in the lower back. I assume this is because there is too much space around my waist? Is that generally what causes an A-2 to blouse?

Shaul at US A said he'd alter the jacket (sleeves for free) and $100.00 for the waist. My problem is, I have no idea how much to tell him to take it in. If I send a fitted suit coat should he be able to tell how much to take it in based upon that?

I don't want a super tight fit as a I plan to wear the jacket in cold weather and want the option to be able to layer a bit, but since a suit coat is cut for a dress shirt to fit underneath, I'm thinking that would be a good size.

One more question. The leather on the sleeves ends at my wrist, which would make it a perfect fit if it weren't for the storm cuffs. How are the sleeves supposed to fit? As of now I get complete 'tunneling' and thought that meant the sleeves were too long, but then I saw some pics of people who had a custom fit A-2 made and their sleeves appear to fit much the same way.

Ah, the joys of the A-2.

Thanks, guys, for the help. I just want it to fit a bit better.

 

[saucerfiend]

I had the same problem with my size 46 horsehide from him. I sent him pics and decided to send the horse hide back and have a custom 46 made. the waist was tapered 2" as he suggested and the sleeves were shortened by an inch. The taper turned out fine but the sleeves could have been shortened more. I just got a custon goatskin A-2 from him. Everything is to my measurements, as he tells you on the site how to measure. I had to send it back for longer sleeves. Now, it's perfect! But, there were problems doing this. You're in PA., and I'm in NJ. Give me a call and we'll discuss it. 732 297-0697

Brian

 

[Phantomfixer]

If you have complete tunneling I would take the sleeves up an inch and no more. Otherwise the sleeves might look too short. For me I like the leather to tunnel in no more than halfway down the cuff when the arms are at your side. Why can't he alter your waist in accordance with your waist measurement plus whatever you need for to layering in the winter. Say if you have a 34 waist make it fit a 36 waist?

 

[captaincaveman1]

I don't like any tunnelling at all. I have a Cockpit which I think has perfect sleeves. The sleeves on mine taper enough to the wrist to prevent this.

Plus, there's another trick to fixing tunnelling. Pour warm water from the tap over the arms. Then, wear the jacket until dry while going about your daily business. Subsequent wrinkling and molding to your arms will pull the sleeves up a bit.

I'll post pics when I get a chance to show how mine fits.

 

[442RCT]

Tap (water) Dancing

I don't like any tunnelling at all. I have a Cockpit which I think has perfect sleeves. The sleeves on mine taper enough to the wrist to prevent this.

Plus, there's another trick to fixing tunnelling. Pour warm water from the tap over the arms. Then, wear the jacket until dry while going about your daily business. Subsequent wrinkling and molding to your arms will pull the sleeves up a bit.

I'll post pics when I get a chance to show how mine fits.

Maybe I'm one of those who believe if you order and pay for a custom sized jacket, you should get what was paid for. To me, pouring water on a sleeve would not be an option for me. Different manufacturers use different leather, leathers vary widely, everything from thickness, how it was tanned, etc., so watering a sleeve would just be a crap shoot on whether it will work or not. I've done it with a cheapo jacket and it didn't have any effect at all.

Since this is a brand new semi-custom jacket, IMHO working with the manufacturer would be the best course of action.

I've purchased many used A-2s, (The truth be told, I can't recall ever buying a brand 'new' jacket), with too long and blousy sleeves, the only sure way I've found to fit the jacket was to take the jacket to my local leather seamstress who measured, tapered and shortened the sleeves to custom fit the jacket to me.

 

[Leamas]

I e-mailed Shaul, so we'll see what he says. I asked for a custom jacket to be made, and if he thinks I haven't had this one for too long, that's the route I'll go. If not then I'll have this one altered.

Like I told Shaul, I'm a bit of a 'tweener. Most likely between a 44 R in sleeve length and waist. (I've got a 39" waist now but hope to have it down to 38" soon - getting serious again about my fitness.)

As of now the jacket is an off the rack 46 R (that is to say, nothing special has been done to it). Oh well, I just realized it's a bit long in length, too. :eusa_doh: But that I could live with as I'm not a fan of overly short leather jackets, regardless of how they're supposed to fit.

I will keep you gents posted...as I'm sure you'll be waiting with bated breath!