Adding removable lining to an A-2?

[ccc118]

I have a US Authentic A-2 in goatskin. I like it a lot, but unfortunately A-2's aren't that warm and it doesn't seem like I get to wear it that often. I was thinking about looking into getting some sort of removable lining made for it (button or zip-out), possibly with something like Thinsulate. The main concern would be whether it would take up too much space. It's trim fitting, but I do have a little room. I can wear an extra zip up fleece sweatshirt or something like that with a normal shirt on and it fits. It's a little constricting in the arms, but not that bad. Has anyone had a lining like this made for an A-2? I'm not really concerned about keeping it authentic.

 

[gtdean48]

I just wear a micro-fleece vest under mine...

 

[Carlos840]

How about wearing one of those under?

http://www.eastmanleather.com/product_info.php?products_id=180

 

[Aerojoe]

With enough space, a cheap way to do this is grabbing a m-65 liner (mine was $6) and adding the buttons to the A-2 lining. With trim fitting, I'd just put a fleece sweater or vest on. Damn I use my m-65 liner for everything, best $6 investment ever.

 

[bn1966]

A couple of good ideas there for you ccc118 I tried Carlos's C3 idea, my A2 being snug fitting it didn't work underneath but looks amazing (and very warm) over the top IMHO

 

[Carlos840]

A couple of good ideas there for you ccc118 I tried Carlos's C3 idea, my A2 being snug fitting it didn't work underneath but looks amazing (and very warm) over the top IMHO

View attachment 8530

Man, i really want one! It just rarely gets cold enough in London to need one!

I have have been able to wear my B3 twice in the past 5 years and i don't want to spend £200 on a C3 i will never be able to wear...

 

[Fanch]

The A-2 is designed as a summer jacket (although NOT in N Central texas). When the mercury drops much below 60 degrees F. I generally wear a jacket other than the A-2.

 

[bn1966]

Carlos, the C3 is one of my best ever purchases. In the summer I wear it over a sweat (evenings) & in colder weather over my A2 (as pictured). When I say colder weather I mean Autumn, I purchased my C3 last spring & have already had value from it. The quarter inch shearling isn't that warm, but great worn in combination.

I have worn it around the 'smoke' on a number of occasions, from last summer onwards . Just the job for a late evenings drinking around Barnes!

 

[thor]

Try a Filson Mackinaw wool vest under your A-2; the 24oz. wool is amazingly warm without bulk. Plus the vest has alot of useful pockets!

 

[Jeff M]

If "trim fitting" already means the same as MY "trim fitting" A2's, I think putting a liner on the jacket would make it uncomfortably "trim".
Agree with the others who recommend finding something thin you can layer under the jacket.

 

[Carlos840]

Carlos, the C3 is one of my best ever purchases. In the summer I wear it over a sweat (evenings) & in colder weather over my A2 (as pictured). When I say colder weather I mean Autumn, I purchased my C3 last spring & have already had value from it. The quarter inch shearling isn't that warm, but great worn in combination.

I have worn it around the 'smoke' on a number of occasions, from last summer onwards . Just the job for a late evenings drinking around Barnes!

I guess it depends on how sensitive you are to cold... I tend to always be warm, this winter i have still not worn anything else than cotton duck unlined jackets...
I don't get my peacoats and warm jackets out until it starts freezing and can only deal with my B3 if it gets in the -5c -10c!

Because of that, i doubt that i will ever have any use for a C3, which is very sad, because it looks very cool.


The Filson Mackinaw wool vest i a good idea, i tried one recently and it was very well made and looked very warm.
I didn't buy it because it really didn't suite me for some reason, i think the lack of collar made it look really awkward on my body type, but if it works on you it might be a good solution.

 

[rocketeer]

Heres my idea. Find a fleece you like, turn it inside out put it on and zip or button up. Put the A2 over the top and zip up. Find the bits that may stick out then fold back(requires mum, girlfriend wife or whoever to help with this ) and hem each part so the rough edge would be between jacket and fleece, applies to sleeves as well. Open the jacket, unzip fleece and cut off the zip so the front would attach to a point roughly where the zip attaches. Trim off any waste and attach how you wish. Buttons being easy, zip being harder or even velcro if you are desperate.

Basically, you take a fleece, turn it inside out, cut the bits that will show and hem so they dont show, then you decide on the closure Zips, buttons , velcro etc.
JayTee

 

[bn1966]

 

[Will015]

I'm gonna put another vote in for an M-65 liner. I'd say just add some buttons to your A-2, maybe shorten the liner. It's got the bonus of also being military issue. It's light and warm as all get out and is also pretty thin/should compress anywhere it might be a little tight. And they are cheaper than all get out.

 

[ccc118]

Thanks for the suggestions. That Eastman vest looks really nice, but a little too expensive for me. I'll try to look into some other vests. I'll also take a look at the M-65 liner. Based on the pics I'm seeing, the arms might be too wide to fit properly underneath, but maybe I can try to find one at an Army surplus store to look at in person to try.

 

[Fanch]

A Filson Mackinaw wool and/or moleskin vest seems to be the best alternative. Anything more would OMO add too much bulk under an A-2. I have two Mackinaw wool and three moleskin Filson vests in various colors that I use to layer underneath several jackets. However, I never layer anything under an A-2. I doubt that anything you might layer underneath an A-2 would be sufficient in NH this time of year.

 

[Aerojoe]

I'll also take a look at the M-65 liner. Based on the pics I'm seeing, the arms might be too wide to fit properly underneath

You can cut them and make a detachable vest. Check this arrangement in a Cockpit leather b-15;

A warning about m-65 liner. The m-65 was an "extendend cold weather" system and it works. A real m-65 + liner is a sauna. You'd better have cold weather there.