A2 or Half Belf, which one first?

[zhz]

After tried a LW A2, I finally release buy from abroad is not a good idea, so lets back to local brand.

I am considering between Aero 1930HB and their unknow maker A2, since I am very slim, I know I will buy both eventually, (what a tragic), so, the question is which one comes first? HB or A2?

BTW, I am 5"5 with 35" chest, which A2 contract would fit me best? I think the Aero "unknown maker" is the slimmest A2 out here? I know ELC Slender is slim, but I just dont want a steerhide.

 

[Foster]

If it were my money, I would buy the half belt first, as it costs more. I find that when I have the funds to purchase something, I do well to buy the best I can afford first, then buy the less expensive later.

 

[Sloan1874]

Much as I love my A-2, I get more wear out of my Dustbowl - which is a half-belt style - as it's more flexible. I can dress it up or down as fits the situation.

 

[schitzo]

In my experience a halfbelt is easier to get right than an A2. But actually, I have this same dilemma on my mind also and as yet am undecided

 

[Dickie Teenie]

I'm reminded of what someone said in thread awhile back about halfbelts. There not the best choice for someone in your height range.

 

[gtdean48]

I had my A2's before my Magnoli's Open Road, Aero 50's HB & my Highwayman.
They are now at the back of the closet & see little wear.
If I had it to do over again & know what I know now, I'd gotten the A2's last & have fewer of them...

 

[zhz]

Such a good point.

If it were my money, I would buy the half belt first, as it costs more. I find that when I have the funds to purchase something, I do well to buy the best I can afford first, then buy the less expensive later.

 

[zhz]

How long have you been thinking about this?

In my experience a halfbelt is easier to get right than an A2. But actually, I have this same dilemma on my mind also and as yet am undecided

 

[zhz]

I think Half-belt is a civili jacket, right, so its should be more flexible than A2

Much as I love my A-2, I get more wear out of my Dustbowl - which is a half-belt style - as it's more flexible. I can dress it up or down as fits the situation.

 

[zhz]

You mean halfbelts suit my height better?

I'm reminded of what someone said in thread awhile back about halfbelts. There not the best choice for someone in your height range.

 

[Dickie Teenie]

No, half belts do not suit you as well as a one piece back.

 

[zhz]

Why is that? I did see a guy in 1930HB, he has same height as me, he looks really amazing. TBH, the best fit I ever seen.

No, half belts do not suit you as well as a one piece back.

 

[Dickie Teenie]

I would point you to the thread if I could remember which one it was. Making a short jacket with two panels gave the appearance of making it look shorter than it should or could be with one. I haven't seen one to know first hand but it sounded correct. Hope that helps.

 

[Stand By]

I'd say that it's more a matter of the look you like - which one you feel suits you and fits you body and soul.

I mean, if you feel an affinity with the USAAF and military history and feel a certain nostalgia for the era, the aircraft and airfields and, for whatever reason inside, the adventurer/aviator look appeals to you - and if you are more of a pub guy and your look's quite casual and that's your comfort zone and you want to keep it that way, then I'd say go with an A2.
But if you don't necessarily feel those things, but you still appreciate fine quality leather and materials and workmanship, and you're more grounded in contemporary pursuits and clothes and you want a good and cool jacket to wear to bars and you want a jacket that you can dress both up (for bars) or down (pubs) depending, then I'd say that a half-belt would serve you better.

So having chosen the jacket you want, start nailing the fit by calling the companies ...

The only thing I'd choose differently about my first A2 would be to have spent more money at the time and to have gotten a better quality jacket than the one I went with - and to have looked up ELC and Aero, which I didn't. Doh!
So I'd say get the very best you can afford - you won't regret it.

 

[zhz]

I would point you to the thread if I could remember which one it was. Making a short jacket with two panels gave the appearance of making it look shorter than it should or could be with one. I haven't seen one to know first hand but it sounded correct. Hope that helps.

What do you think about this fit? The guy in the pic is as tall as me. IMO, the jacket fits perfect.

 

[zhz]

Thank you very much, very helpful comments.

I'd say that it's more a matter of the look you like - which one you feel suits you and fits you body and soul.

I mean, if you feel an affinity with the USAAF and military history and feel a certain nostalgia for the era, the aircraft and airfields and, for whatever reason inside, the adventurer/aviator look appeals to you - and if you are more of a pub guy and your look's quite casual and that's your comfort zone and you want to keep it that way, then I'd say go with an A2.
But if you don't necessarily feel those things, but you still appreciate fine quality leather and materials and workmanship, and you're more grounded in contemporary pursuits and clothes and you want a good and cool jacket to wear to bars and you want a jacket that you can dress both up (for bars) or down (pubs) depending, then I'd say that a half-belt would serve you better.

So having chosen the jacket you want, start nailing the fit by calling the companies ...

The only thing I'd choose differently about my first A2 would be to have spent more money at the time and to have gotten a better quality jacket than the one I went with - and to have looked up ELC and Aero, which I didn't. Doh!
So I'd say get the very best you can afford - you won't regret it.

 

[bretron]

This is a really tough one, and strikes home for me on so many levels.

If you're getting your first "real deal" leather jacket, I would suggest starting with a low cost used one (eg 300-500 range; you'd be surprised what you could find). And go from there. Hell, there's a universe of vintage options to pick from on eBay at any given moment.

But I'm a hunter by blood. I like the methodical search as much as the strike. If you just want a "steak and you want it now!" pull out a coin, flip it and see where it lands or just get both!

 

[Dickie Teenie]

Looks great from the front, anyone think the back might look better in a one piece? Aero's Sheene perhaps.

 

[Rudie]

If I were you I'd drive up to Galashiels, try on some fit jackets, see what style suits you best and get measured in person. Your chance of getting what you really want will be much, much higher.

 

[Smithy]

I'd say that it's more a matter of the look you like - which one you feel suits you and fits you body and soul.

I mean, if you feel an affinity with the USAAF and military history and feel a certain nostalgia for the era, the aircraft and airfields and, for whatever reason inside, the adventurer/aviator look appeals to you - and if you are more of a pub guy and your look's quite casual and that's your comfort zone and you want to keep it that way, then I'd say go with an A2.
But if you don't necessarily feel those things, but you still appreciate fine quality leather and materials and workmanship, and you're more grounded in contemporary pursuits and clothes and you want a good and cool jacket to wear to bars and you want a jacket that you can dress both up (for bars) or down (pubs) depending, then I'd say that a half-belt would serve you better.

So having chosen the jacket you want, start nailing the fit by calling the companies ...

The only thing I'd choose differently about my first A2 would be to have spent more money at the time and to have gotten a better quality jacket than the one I went with - and to have looked up ELC and Aero, which I didn't. Doh!
So I'd say get the very best you can afford - you won't regret it.

+1. Well said Stand By.