Advice on new A-2

[breezer]

easy to return if it doesn't fit https://www.marrkt.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/type-a-2-mfg-co

 

[thedebonair]

I don´t have any experience with BK, but I do re Eastman (an A2 in their "house" version slender). Despite more recent price raises I would like to echo what @nick123 has said: You will certainly not make a mistake going with Eastman. I find their leather (in my case horsehide; the non-"timeworn" variant) especially nice. As concerns size and fit, the "size-calculator" on the website is a sound departure point, and the team is very helpful and generally very fast in answering detailed questions.

I really like Eastman, that's why my first choice would be them (I already own their G-1 and an old Fenland ANJ-4, both in a regular 42). However, because of Brexit I'd effectively pay around 1550 euros for an original maker jacket, which would be 600 euros more than a BK. As much as I like Eastman that's a lot of money I don't know I'm willing to spend extra...

 

[thedebonair]

Aero are able to add an inch to body & sleeves.......no problem.

Aero is a great company, but I personally don't really like the look of some of their A-2's. Just my opinion though. Eastman's A-2's just seem 'better' to my, admittedly untrained, eyes.

 

[thedebonair]

easy to return if it doesn't fit https://www.marrkt.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/type-a-2-mfg-co

Lovely jacket, but it's a 46 which would make it a bit too big for me. Also, all leather I currently have is seal/dark seal so some variation is desperately needed haha

 

[breezer]

Lovely jacket, but it's a 46 which would make it a bit too big for me. Also, all leather I currently have is seal/dark seal so some variation is desperately needed haha

p to p is 22.......

 

[thedebonair]

p to p is 22.......

Yeah, I saw that as well, weird that it's a 46 as it's almost a 40 chest-wise

 

[Carlos840]

Wow okay, a lot to unpack here, thanks for answering extensively! I indeed do not want to take a risk with VAT, I'd like it to be perfect from the start (then again, doesn't everyone haha).
I'll happily pay a little more for great stitching/accuracy so maybe Eastman/BK might be better after all. Do you have any thoughts on who you esteem to be the best in continental Europe and UK?
I just had a look at BK's site and the fact that no 'surplus' VAT is charged (no double taxes as some UK makers do) means that I could order a Dubow 27798/RW 23380 in Shinki for 200 euros less than Eastman...

I don't like BK, wouldn't buy from them.
IMO out of the BK and Eastman i would go eastman without hesitation, i have two of their jackets and they are great.

 

[thedebonair]

I might just visit Eastman's showroom in the summer and wear the jacket on the way back as my ANJ-4 also needs a zip replacement. Hopefully customs lets me slide

 

[thedebonair]

Hi guys, I've decided on going with Goodwear as their wait-times are currently about a year. I've sent John an email to be sure and to pick a pattern, but I'd like to go all out if I'm going to spend that amount of money on a jacket. The wait might be long, but at least I'll be completely satisfied with a custom jacket. I'd like to thank all of you for your advice; have a nice day!

 

[breezer]

but at least I'll be completely satisfied with a custom jacket

best of luck......but there are dozens of people here that have gone down the custom route and its hasn't worked out........trying a jacket on for fit and size prior to purchase is priceless

 

[thedebonair]

True, however the reason I'm going with Goodwear (and its slightly custom nature) is that it might be a better adjustment to my not so standard proportions (big hips, so waist knit is always a problem such as in my G-1).

 

[handymike]

GW makes fabulous jackets!
My favorite is my GW.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

Starting to go down this rabbit hole. Trouble for me and my wallet. Have stayed away from the military stuff, but I think it's time soon. May start off small and cheap with a used schott is674ms. Looks like I can get a good one in $200 range and see how that goes. Sizing always a challenge with schott and then vintage also. Seen some cool looking ones with mutton collar and sherpa style liner. Way overkill for my climate, but I like the look. I think some variations have a zip out and in a cool mocha sort of color.

Anyway, watching along, hope yours turns out great. Heard many great things about GW.

 

[thedebonair]

The military rabbit hole is the best one, and certainly one you can't get out of lol