Aero 50s vs 30s half belt?

[Sockeye]

How would an aero 30s half belt differ/compare to a 50s half belt one size smaller?

 

[Edward]

Based on my own experience - your mileage may vary, we're no two the same....

I have tried on halfbelts in Aero's pre and post-war contracts. The post-war types based around the same cut as the 50s HB, such as my Bootlegger, I can wear a Size 42, as I do in a Highwayman or later War (1942) contract A2s. The 30s cuts, including the original 1930s HalfBelt model, I need to go up to a 44. On me, a Size 44 in a thirties halfbelt will 'feel' similar to the 50s halfbelt type (thinking here especiall of my Bootlegger. The fit on that is the same as a regular 50s HB, despite the difference in front design). The biggest difference will be that I'll be able to pull the waistbands in a little firther on the 30sHB in a 44 than the 50s in a 42. Very little in it, though. I can, at my fighting weight, wear a 42 in a 30s HB, but it's a bit tighter than is perfectly comfortable, and I could not fit a waistcoat under it and fasten without discomfort. The Size 42 50sHB pattern I could fit the waistcoat and zip up snugly but comfortably.

The 50s HB pattern is snugger than the Highwayman, but has just a little extra room to move in than a same labelled size 30s HB. Different folks like different things, though what seems to work for me is a Size 42 in the 50s and a 44 in the 30s. Again, ymmv.

 

[Sockeye]

Edward, exactly the type of comments I was looking for. I need something smaller and slimmer than my 42 Highwayman, but am a bit concerned that the "front dip" of the 30s half belt will leave me short in the back, or too long in the front depending on how it's ordered.

 

[Edward]

In that case I'd either drop a line to Holly at Aero or go via Insurrection. Being based in the US, Insurrection's fit-jacket service might be your best option. A little extra time and hassle, but worth it to get the fit spot on when you're shelling out on a high end jacket. My 44 30s HB is very fractionally shorter than the Highwayman by design (I've never measured directly, but I think it's in the region of an inch or so, judging by how it feels wearing it), bit it's not 'short'. I wouldn't worry about it riding over your beltline unless you wear your trews with a comically low waist. The front dip on the 30s HB shouldn't sit noticeably lower than the back when you're wearing it. As a rule, most of us, even the most athletically built, protrude a little further in the front than on the back. The hem of the jacket will naturally then sit slightly higher at the front; the front-dip 'corrects' this by making it look the same. I'm not sure how well I'm explaining that, but when you try one on you'll see.

 

[Fanch]

I have little to add to what Edward has already said other than to contact Insurrection for test jackets to be sent to you for proper sizing. I think that Carrie has said that if you know what your size is for a 30's HB, you should go one size down for a 50's HB (eg. a size 42 30's HB would equate to a size 40 50's HB).

 

[tropicalbob]

The key phrase above is Edward's "... when you're shelling out a lot of money." I always find some of these sizing issues confusing, and the idea of "sizing down" gives me the willies as I'd be afraid the shoulders might fit but something else might be off. Much better to let Thurston Bros.deal with it. Also, I'd hate to wait several months only to receive a jacket that doesn't fit.