A-2 jacket that you can move in

[Banzai]

I've had a few A-2s; an Avirex that was issued to me, a Saddlery/Cooper, and a US Authentic horsehide.

The common theme is that I can't move...even to the degree I would need to in a cockpit...without the jacket riding up or pulling. The one that was issued to me probably moved the best, but only because they issued it two sizes too big. But raising arms anywhere above shoulder level was still an issue, and I constantly had to tug the jacket back in place, since once pulled out of place the knits kind of hang on.

I think that this is endemic to the design. It looks good, but isn't really a good utility item in the end. Unless someone knows of an A-2 that provides more mobility.

 

[rocketeer]

If you don't mind secondhand why not look for an older Eastman house jacket on the dreaded eBay. There are usually lots on there often described as 'Nearly new' and the fit is a lot more looser than their current jackets, house or original maker.
J

 

[Justhandguns]

It is just purely because of the A-2 design. If you want good movement without lifting, you may want to get something like an ANJ-3 jacket with the action back. Or, you can probably try to ask someone to make an A-2 with lambskin, which is a lot thinner and softer than the normal hides used.

 

[Bern1]

My experience has been that it either looks right or its roomy enough to move in like my mall raglan jacket. Not both, at least not in a properly cut horsehide. I bought one that fit correctly, then another one that was comfortable. I sold the first one, then got tired of the baggy look of the bigger one and sold it. Then I bought another one just like the first one. (Did I mention I was crazy?)

The thing is, the second time around I am appreciating the trim fit. wearing it a lot in the rain has made it fit better as well. Good luck !

 

[navetsea]

if the jacket fits right but you can't lift your arm enough, then higher armhole is probably the answer.

 

[Peacoat]

if the jacket fits right but you can't lift your arm enough, then higher armhole is probably the answer.

Exactly. The higher armholes will do the trick. Hard to get this fit online, though, unless you are ordering from one of the top tier companies, such as Aero, Eastman, Goodwear, etc.

 

[bn1966]

What Just hand guns said...I love my ELC RW A-2 but it is a restrictive fit IMHO...gets lots of compliments & looks great. It took me a while but I adjusted to wearing it & don't really notice the restrictions. I am in the process of getting an ANJ-3 which should give me a similar look but more movement.

 

[Marv]

Join the Navy and get a G1, far better fit and movement from the jacket.

 

[Corky]

Try a Gibson & Barnes F-82, an A-2 with the back gussets of an ANJ-3.

http://www.gibson-barnes.com/prod-293983/F82-Flight-Jacket.html

F-82 Flight Jacket

The Air Force built its F-82 Twin Mustang by combining two P-51 fuselages to make a superb long-range fighter. The F-82 entered service after WWII and shot down the first three North Korean aircraft in June 1950. In the same way the Air Force combined two aircraft to create the F-82 Twin Mustang, Gibson & Barnes has combined the front of the Air Force A-2 with the back of the Navy G-1 to create an even better F-82 flight jacket. The F-82 has the A-2’s precisely stitched pockets with gracefully-curved snap-shut flaps. Its A-2 storm flap keeps out the wind and its solid brass zipper with authentic bell pull and leather thong zips smoothly and securely. The leather collar snaps down just like the A-2 and the epaulets are sewn in a regulation A-2 box-stitch.

The F-82 has the Navy G-1’s belted, bi-swing, action back sewn in both the leather and the lining to give you complete lateral movement and the G-1’s double gusset under each arm to allow you greater vertical reach. We’ve added a couple of creature comforts to the military design. An inside wallet pocket keeps your wallet safe, welted hand-warmer pockets keep your hands warm, and the leather zipper facing protects the lining and keeps the jacket good-looking even when it is unzipped. Gibson & Barnes meticulously crafts each F-82 flight jacket from large, chrome-tanned, aniline-dyed, lightly pigmented hides. The lining is smooth, comfortable, long-wearing polyester twill, and the cuffs and waistband are snug, durable textured nylon. When you slip on your F-82 for the first time, you’ll know it’s the best of the Air Force and the Navy flight jackets. Its design is clean and good looking and its action back and gussets makes it the most comfortable jacket you’ve ever worn.

 

[Edward]

I've owned two A2s, one from Aero, the other from ELC. Both contract repros. Never had a problem with movement in either, though I've never tried to fly in them. Of course, if you look at half a dozen or more photos from the WW2 era USAAF, you'll soon see there's no such thing as a "historically accurate fit", so there's a pretty wide licence for what works for you - assuming you want to look "period accurate", of course.