A2 patterns and relative fit

[ykurtz]

I'm wondering if anyone knows the shoulder widths of A2s produced in 1931-43 by contract. From what I can gather, early Werber designs had a wider shoulder to waist ratio than most. Anyone with definitive knowledge that could offer a relative ordering of contracts? I'm asking because if I get a repro, it will be a size 40 but I need a 19" shoulder to make it work. Thank you.

(I guess a way to short circuit this would be 'so and so will make an A2 jacket with your shoulder requirement regardless of contract.')

 

[andyfalzon]

hi,
you will not find a size 40 WWII A-2 pattern with 19" shoulders. From our experience the largest is 18" and belongs to Perry and Poughkeepsie.

How are you so sure that you need 19"? That shoulders size usually corresponds to size 46.

Andy
www.billkelsomfg.com

 

[aswatland]

The shoulder sizes of original A2s varied from maker to maker. 19" equates to a typical wartime size 44. Size 40s varied from 17" to 18" depending on the maker.

 

[andyfalzon]

Andrew, from what you said it follows that if a size 40 has 17" shoulders, then the corresponding 42 has 18" and the 44 has 19".
Do you agree with this statement?

 

[aswatland]

Andrew, from what you said it follows that if a size 40 has 17" shoulders, then the corresponding 42 has 18" and the 44 has 19".
Do you agree with this statement?

Andy, this is broadly correct allowing for variations between makers/contracts.

 

[ykurtz]

Andy, this is broadly correct allowing for variations between makers/contracts.

If I go down the repro path, a 42 with a slimmer torso is probably the way to go then. Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Carlos840]

If I go down the repro path, a 42 with a slimmer torso is probably the way to go then. Thanks for the info guys.

I think that nowadays if you have broad shoulders you need to alter the original patterns.

The guys who wore the A2 in WW2 where built like sticks compared to the average modern male.

I have a 42" chest, with a 32" waist and 20" shoulders, so i ordered a size 44 A2, with 20" shoulders a slimmer pit to pit and a slight tapering at the waist.

It is not historically correct, but neither is my bod shape...

 

[Deleted member 16736]

For a big guy, you don't have many choices. The most relaxed fitting A-2 is the Cable Raincoat/No-Name 27753. I had a Knopf (No-Name) that I couldn't even zip all the way up.