A2 fit

[bn1966]

I think the A-2 is an absolute classic design and spawned generations of casual jackets. Some view the A-2 as unflattering and giving a ‘sack of spuds’ look to the wearer. I think an A-2 looks great on if it fits properly, you are in reasonable shape & the jacket itself is well made in decent hide. It’s a practical & comfortable jacket, I have two and they are a mainstay in my wardrobe & both from Eastmans. The A-2 was a learning curve in that the first attempt was a size too small in reality & whilst looking good unzipped, zipped I felt like a sausage. Sized up one & the result is perfect for me. A good resource is Charles ‘measurement’s’ of the various contracts covered by ELC on the History Preservation website. Below is my 50 Cal HH, which some think is a nod to the Aero company contract with the red knits.

 

[NABodie]

In watching the Masters of the Air mini series as well as reviewing WWII photos featuring A2's I'm hard pressed to find images of anything but somewhat loose fitting A2's. Pilots wore their uniform, and flight suit under the jackets and needed some extra room to move in them. I ordered the pictured jacket a size larger than my suit size so that I could wear a seater or hoody under it comfortably. It might be a touch long in the back but it's comfortable and roomy.

 

[Canuck Panda]

There is no right or wrong fit with A2 jackets imo. You can wear them relaxed or tight. I even wear them with shorts, and I've seen more people wearing A2/G1 flight jackets than any other leather jackets. Very versatile.

With the modern fits, it's always a bit longer and the shoulders are quite a bit wider, \ / shape at the shoulder armhole seams. With the vintage fits, it's always a bit shorter (riding length) and the shoulder are narrower, I I shape at the shoulder armhole seams.

It is a sack with elastics on the ends, but it also works. Classics never die.

Modern slim fit, size 42, (19" shoulder 22.5" P2P)

Modern regular fit, size 44 (19.75" shoulder, 23.25" P2P)

Vintage regular fit, size 44, (18.5" shoulder, 23" P2P), Roughwear contract repro

 

[bn1966]

50 Cal ELC on

 

[Jon Crow]

There is no right or wrong fit with A2 jackets imo. You can wear them relaxed or tight. I even wear them with shorts, and I've seen more people wearing A2/G1 flight jackets than any other leather jackets. Very versatile.

With the modern fits, it's always a bit longer and the shoulders are quite a bit wider, \ / shape at the shoulder armhole seams. With the vintage fits, it's always a bit shorter (riding length) and the shoulder are narrower, I I shape at the shoulder armhole seams.

It is a sack with elastics on the ends, but it also works. Classics never die.

Modern slim fit, size 42, (19" shoulder 22.5" P2P)
View attachment 680882

Modern regular fit, size 44 (19.75" shoulder, 23.25" P2P)
View attachment 680883

Vintage regular fit, size 44, (18.5" shoulder, 23" P2P), Roughwear contract repro
View attachment 680884

Totally agree, my 40s civilian A2 is a tighter fit, but the 50s Hercules HH A2 I have, I like it's looser so I can get a light sweater or hoody under it

 

[Jon Crow]

In watching the Masters of the Air mini series as well as reviewing WWII photos featuring A2's I'm hard pressed to find images of anything but somewhat loose fitting A2's. Pilots wore their uniform, and flight suit under the jackets and needed some extra room to move in them. I ordered the pictured jacket a size larger than my suit size so that I could wear a seater or hoody under it comfortably. It might be a touch long in the back but it's comfortable and roomy. View attachment 680874

That fit is similar to my 50s Hercules A2