A-2 for slim waist and big shoulders

[FlyingPoncho]

Hello everyone

I've been stalking the forums for some time and have finally got around to making an account.

I’m having a hard time pinning down a fit for an A-2 and would be very grateful for advice and or recommendations of contracts and manufacturers which are best for athletic builds. I have seen Dubow 27798, Knopf A2 and 1939 Werber recommended, but these seem to be quite hard to pin down outside of the states, especially on the used market.

My measurements are:

Height: 5ft 10in
Weigh: 70KG
Shoulders: 43”
Chest: 37.5”
Waist: 30”

I recently tried on the Eddie Rider Jacket in size S from Nudie Jeans (happened to be in the store, not my first choice of leathers), which ran 18.5 shoulders, 21.3 pit to pit, and 24.4 length, and it fit 'alright'. It was tight in the shoulders and trap area and slightly baggy in the stomach. I could still bend over to tie my laces and I imagine with wear it would stretch out a bit.

When I look at similar measurements in the A2, I’m looking at 40/42 depending on the contract, and although I know there is quite the difference between contemporary and traditional cuts, I have never considered myself large, though perhaps this is the size I should be looking at?

I live in the UK and hope soon to have the opportunity to try on some jackets, but it seems what stores nearby stock are quite limited. Therefore, I would be grateful if anyone could advise on some contracts or manufacturers which would fit my proportions best, or alternatively, if despite my wholehearted love for the A-2, it is a dead loss for me.

Many thanks

 

[ton312]

I would look for anything other than an a-2. The jacket immediately adds 30lbs of gut fat thanks to the knit hem. They just aren’t particularly flattering to anyone’s physique (and I don’t think they are meant to be).

 

[FlyingPoncho]

I would look for anything other than an a-2. The jacket immediately adds 30lbs of gut fat thanks to the knit hem. They just aren’t particularly flattering to anyone’s physique (and I don’t think they are meant to be).

Well that's a real shame, would you say the ANJ 3 would be more accommodating? I'm looking for something lighter wearing than G1 for autumn / spring wear.

 

[ton312]

I’m sure someone else here can advise better than I can. I’m not really all that familiar with the various military leathers. But I will say the A-2 that I’ve seen are seldom flattering.

 

[Aloysius]

Well that's a real shame, would you say the ANJ 3 would be more accommodating? I'm looking for something lighter wearing than G1 for autumn / spring wear.

G-1 and A-2 wear exactly the same warmth wise except for the collar. Both are summer jackets.

ANJ-3 removes the fur collar but keeps the sharp V taper of the G-1 so that would be a good bet. As you're in the UK I'd say just contact Aero and be done with it.

 

[Technonut]

I've been quite happy with my Aero AN-J-3 for a number of years now. Aero had a few originals (not tagged, never officially issued during the war, but seen worn in some pics) in their possession to pattern from. Mine is based on one of the most commonly seen versions originally made by Willis & Geiger, and is known for it's A-2-style front wind-flap, epaulets, and large collar (Aero used their own style of larger pockets / flaps compared to the W&G however).

They also make a version with an internal wind-flap like the Navy G-1 without a mouton collar. The collar isn't as large as the external wind-flap version as well, which some folks prefer.

Personally, I find the fit neat and flattering. The thick goat that Aero used for this particular AN-J-3 is some of the best I've had, and that includes a few goat A-2's I've owned made by Good Wear over the years. Here's a few older pics I dug up:

Here's a pic which includes a W&G AN-J-3 taken in 1947:

And another more recent pic of an original W&G shown worn:

 

[Aloysius]

Mine is based on one of the most commonly seen versions originally made by Willis & Geiger, and is known for it's A-2-style front wind-flap, epaulets, and large collar (Aero used their own style of larger pockets / flaps compared to the W&G however).

They also make a vesrion with an internal wind-flap like the Navy G-1 without a mouton collar. The collar isn't as large as the external wind-flap version as well, which some folks prefer.

Unfortunately they only make the latter now, as someone who's wanted the A-2 style version for years. When I asked Aero about ordering they said they don't make it at all (and promptly removed the copy from their website that mentions that option).

I honestly don't understand why they've blocked that one off now. The A-2 style one is basically the ultimate A-2, combining that look with the superior mobility of the USN jackets. And no one but Aero makes it! (Unless you count one-offs by Chapman and Sheeley.)

 

[Eagledog]

It's a very comfortable work jacket style. Unfortunately, when viewed from the side it usually looks like the person has a giant beer belly hanging over the beltline.

 

[Technonut]

Unfortunately they only make the latter now, as someone who's wanted the A-2 style version for years. When I asked Aero about ordering they said they don't make it at all (and promptly removed the copy from their website that mentions that option).

I honestly don't understand why they've blocked that one off now. The A-2 style one is basically the ultimate A-2, combining that look with the superior mobility of the USN jackets. And no one but Aero makes it! (Unless you count one-offs by Chapman and Sheeley.)

That is unfortunate for folks who may want one. The last time I looked some time ago, Aero did charge more for the A-2 version due to additional complexity of the pattern / construction... I was actually considering selling mine a few months back, but now will more than likely keep hold of it....

Thanks for the updated info...

 

[El Marro]

I’m sure someone else here can advise better than I can. I’m not really all that familiar with the various military leathers. But I will say the A-2 that I’ve seen are seldom flattering.

I agree with @ton312 here. In order to get a jacket that fits your shoulders comfortably. You will almost certainly end up with a lot of extra room in the stomach area. The only way I ended up with an A-2 that fits me well was by taking it to a local tailor to have it taken in at the waist.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Seems like an In-Person visit to Eastman or Aero would yield the best results, plus you could directly try on a number of jackets and then adjust/modify from there.

 

[FlyingPoncho]

I've been quite happy with my Aero AN-J-3 for a number of years now. Aero had a few originals (not tagged, never officially issued during the war, but seen worn in some pics) in their possession to pattern from. Mine is based on one of the most commonly seen versions originally made by Willis & Geiger, and is known for it's A-2-style front wind-flap, epaulets, and large collar (Aero used their own style of larger pockets / flaps compared to the W&G however).

They also make a version with an internal wind-flap like the Navy G-1 without a mouton collar. The collar isn't as large as the external wind-flap version as well, which some folks prefer.

Personally, I find the fit neat and flattering. The thick goat that Aero used for this particular AN-J-3 is some of the best I've had, and that includes a few goat A-2's I've owned made by Good Wear over the years. Here's a few older pics I dug up:

View attachment 665780

View attachment 665782

View attachment 665781

View attachment 665783

Here's a pic which includes a W&G AN-J-3 taken in 1947:

View attachment 665790

And another more recent pic of an original W&G shown worn:

View attachment 665792

What a fantastic jacket, I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled on auctions to see if anyone decides to part with one.