Aero A2's - most wearable design?

[Cooperson]

With some A2's having the reputation of being uncomfortable to wear (tight arms etc.) I was just wondering which of Aero's A2 designs would make a good 'every day' jacket.

If my wife is reading this, this is purely a hypothetical question

 

[Volpone]

"Every day" jacket design

Hello,
I have the same question as you, but including also the "Navy" M422a and AN6552 ... probably one of those will be my next one.

Regards,
V.

 

[blethook]

Let's see if I can answer your questions...

I have both their A-2s & G-1 (AN-6552, actually), so perhaps I can answer your questions:

On the A-2s: I have their Bronco, 1756 no-name, 1938 (sold), & the 1942 anniversary.

Interestingly, all made by the same person (Edith) who from what I understand is very experienced. On all of my A-2s, I go with size 40. I have to say though that their sizings are inconsistent, even on the same contract.

But in general the earlier contracts (1938 & 1940) are supposed to be tighter & trimmer in fit. So if you don't like it trimmed fit, go with the later contracts (1942).

Having said that however, I found my size 40 1942 Anniversary to be tighter in fit than my 1756 no name contract which is supposed to have a trimmed fit, so that's what I meant by inconsistent sizing. The arms on my 1942 anniversary Aero are as tight as those on my 1938 Aero.

The Aero USN jackets sizing is very trim as well, more so than their A-2s. I remember I had to return the size 40 AN-6552 because it was so tight that I couldn't zip the jacket (I'm normally size 38-40, with the following measurments: 5'7", 147lbs., 32" waist). I had to upsize to 42 on the AN-6552 but the fit is a bit strange because I'm probably in between sizes.

I have an original G-1 jacket from 1946 in size 40, and the size 40 Aero's AN-6552 (that I ended up returning) was definitely smaller (mostly in the chest).

I guess the original G-1 I have sits somewhere between Aero's 40 & 42. However, the original G-1 have trimmed sleeves/arms.

Hope this helps

 

[Atticus Finch]

I have an original G-1 jacket from 1946 in size 40, and the size 40 Aero's AN-6552 (that I ended up returning) was definitely smaller (mostly in the chest).

I guess the original G-1 I have sits somewhere between Aero's 40 & 42. However, the original G-1 have trimmed sleeves/arms.

This is only remotely related to the original question, and I even hesitate to bring it up, but the spec. 55J14 was the first of the G-1s and it appeared in 1947. Could your original actually be an AN-6552 or a M-422a? The reason why I bring this up is that the Navy jackets that pre-date the G-1 were cut differently than the modern Mil-J-7823. Notably, they were longer and fuller in the body, and as you mention, they often had shorter sleeves.

AF

 

[HoosierDaddy]

With some A2's having the reputation of being uncomfortable to wear (tight arms etc.) I was just wondering which of Aero's A2 designs would make a good 'every day' jacket.

If my wife is reading this, this is purely a hypothetical question

IMO...my Aero RealDeal or any 42-15142-P is quite comfortable. A few of Aero's contract repros are quite trim and short,tho....such as 38-1711-P contract. However..if you send measurements Aero can advise and custom fit you.
HD

 

[blethook]

This is only remotely related to the original question, and I even hesitate to bring it up, but the spec. 55J14 was the first of the G-1s and it appeared in 1947. Could your original actually be an AN-6552 or a M-422a? The reason why I bring this up is that the Navy jackets that pre-date the G-1 were cut differently than the modern Mil-J-7823. Notably, they were longer and fuller in the body, and as you mention, they often had shorter sleeves.

AF

Yes, mine is a 55J14 (contract N-383s-96273 by LW Foster), so probably from 1947, or later. When I said trimmed sleeves I meant not the short length, but the overall fit around the arm, etc. Sorry if confusing...

 

[Cooperson]

Thanks for the information gentlemen.

blethook - Now I'm confused, it sounds like it's a real gamble with the sizing. Probably best to have a chat with Amanda first if I decide to order one.

HD - From someone who owns both the Aero Highwayman and A2 styles, could I ask if you would consider the A2 a comfortable jacket for every day wear? Although I love my new Highwayman, I think the combination of the heavy horse and wool lining might be a bit much for the summer months.

Cheers

 

[CBI]

I seem to recall Mark Moye at AeroleatherUSA telling me that the Real Deal A-2 had the most "everyman" fit. Since the original question is from someone in the UK, I would suggest that in general an Eastman A-2 might be more comfortable as I have found their jackets a bit roomier and more versatile while still preserving a "period" look. Of course, I have to say it: Goodwear has contracts for every body type. With the current exchange rate, I can understand not wanting to go this route, on the flip side, you can get it right the first time with Goodwear and have the finest A-2 repro made. On the flip side again, with Eastman, if you buy a stock size and it does not fit, you should be able to exchange it.

 

[Cooperson]

Thanks CBI - I will have a look at Eastman but I had such a good experience dealing with Aero, for my Highwayman, I might find it hard to go elsewhere. Goodwear look fantastic but the prices are scary.

Cheers

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Thanks for the information gentlemen.

blethook - Now I'm confused, it sounds like it's a real gamble with the sizing. Probably best to have a chat with Amanda first if I decide to order one.

HD - From someone who owns both the Aero Highwayman and A2 styles, could I ask if you would consider the A2 a comfortable jacket for every day wear? Although I love my new Highwayman, I think the combination of the heavy horse and wool lining might be a bit much for the summer months.

Cheers

I don't know what your summer weather is like....but here in Indiana it usually ranges from 75 to 90+ during the day...65 to 75 at night. Usually a Denim type jacket suffices if cool at night or windbreaker on a cool day. The leather A2 is heavier than a Denim jacket...and I get use out of mine during the early Autumn and Spring months here. Maybe temps 40-60.
For me..and my build..the Aero A2 is a comfortable jacket. However..Aero has many styles of leather jackets that they also will make in lighterweight HH..Goat..Steer..etc. More than likely you can get any style in A2 weight leather with similar lightweight cotton lining. Something to consider.
I wear my Highwayman and HalfBelts with alcapa lining during late fall...and throughout the winter. If I'm going to be out in cold weather for more extended periods I resort to the Longshoreman or B6.
Hope this helps...
HD

 

[Cooperson]

Thanks for the very useful info HD - much appreciated.

 

[blethook]

Yes, Aero sizing could be a hit & miss, from my experience

Thanks for the information gentlemen.

blethook - Now I'm confused, it sounds like it's a real gamble with the sizing. Probably best to have a chat with Amanda first if I decide to order one.

Cheers

If possible at all, try to get a stock jacket of standard size (you may be able to get Amanda to send you one to try it on), but I sort of doubt it since I hear they're very busy at the moment.

Or, if you order one chose a standard size so you can return it if it doesn't fit. Best to email Amanda/Will to discuss.

In the past I used to send them measurements, but the finished jacket didn't necessarily have the measurements I specified. They said it was due to the nature of working with leathers, etc., but I don't think they should've missed that much (+/- 0.5" I can accept, but no more).

On one occassion the measurement was so off that I ended up returning the jacket (after wearing it for some time - on their advice) because it never fit me right. They made a replacement jacket FOC. Just be aware when you get the jacket the first time, it always feels like the sizing is all wrong...It takes a bit of breaking in to get the fit right...Their M/W horsehide is easier to break in than their goatskin...at least that has been my experience with their A-2s.

With the Aero jackets (non-military) I found that I could go with size 38 due to their generous fit. The military jackets tend to be less forgiving as they follow the original sizing, and I normally go with size 40.

Eastman's sizing is more consistent, but their jacket is a bit "sterile" IMO (as in less character, too perfect, etc). Both are hand made but for some reason, at least to me, each Aero jacket has its own characters (you'll notice the imperfections, here & there) as such no two Aero jackets are exactly alike.

Good luck!

 

[Cooperson]

Great stuff blethook, thanks for that. Never thought of asking for a standard jacket to try on - great idea, I might ask Amanda to see what she says. My Highwayman is a 40" and is a perfect fit with just a shirt under it, so I suspect an A2 might need to be a 42". Thanks again.

Cheers

 

[CBI]

I don't agree about ELC having less character for the A-2. It depends on which contract and hide. The "time Worn" stuff is GREAT. I think ELC A-2's are more flattering in terms of overall cut while still looking "period". Getting a try-on size/sample is a good idea.