ALL REPRO R.A.F. Irvin type jackets

[Sloan1874]

Here's one that falls into a grey area: a vintage repro Irvin - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRIDE-CLA...Other_Clothing_Protection&hash=item565c8b038f

Dunno if I'd fancy an Irvin with a vinyl-backed collar, belt and cuffs...

 

[Fanch]

Here's one that falls into a grey area: a vintage repro Irvin - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRIDE-CLA...Other_Clothing_Protection&hash=item565c8b038f

Dunno if I'd fancy an Irvin with a vinyl-backed collar, belt and cuffs...

Craig, are you insinuating that you might not be willing to swap your recently acquired Irvin for that lovely ebay repro? ound:

 

[Sloan1874]

Let me have a think about that... nah. It is interesting though, the idea that they were already doing (some pretty inaccurate) repros at a time when you'd think that there were plenty of originals still kicking around for a reasonable price.

 

[scrawlysteve]

Craig, are you insinuating that you might not be willing to swap your recently acquired Irvin for that lovely ebay repro? ound:

This sent me searching for the new Irvin mentioned as I've been contemplating getting one....I have an original but it it is somewhat fragile now and I don't care to wear it if carrying a camera bag or something....

I certainly like the look of that Aero from the front, beautiful looking skin --- but not so keen on the back view where it looks rather like David is wearing Goliath's jacket as a battle trophy.... website photos from the makers don't always tell the whole story, so does anyone know if the ELC versions are a bit less monumental from the back....

 

[Sloan1874]

Ha! I know what you mean, but my Irvin doesn't drop below my waist and I don't feel as if I'm swamped by it at all. I sized up to accommodate a jumper, so the sleeves are a little long - though they've wrinkled up a bit already - but they afford my hands some protection in the absence of pockets.

 

[scrawlysteve]

I'm amazed you need a jumper under that thing, but then I live down here in the balmy south.... Does anyone know if the ELC jackets are really as accurate as they claim. My, now less than robust, original Irvin is the design Eastman list as "1942" and I would like one of those or the "1940"-- but only if the sleeves/back area are precisely like mine and not more voluminous....I'll be looking on their Guestbook page for a secondhand job as £750 or £800 is a bit much for occasional use. The alternative is repair/restoration with original parts--but I'd hate to see mine mismatched at all--anyone with experience of that course of action ?

 

[Sloan1874]

Paging Mr Swatland! And while at the moment I can wear it with just a t-shirt underneath, I guarantee you that come mid-November through to February, a decent jumper will still be required! Hell, the clocks go back tonight, we're already half-way there...

 

[Worf]

9 Degrees Farenheit this morning with a stiff westerly wind. Had to shovel the driveway and sidewalk so I won't git sued. God Bless the RAF, Mr. Irvin, Aero and Spitty wherever you are!

Worf

 

[Otter]

There is a nice mid war pattern Aero on evilbay at the moment, size 46, but I have to declare that I am an interested party being the seller!

 

[Spitfire]

9 Degrees Farenheit this morning with a stiff westerly wind. Had to shovel the driveway and sidewalk so I won't git sued. God Bless the RAF, Mr. Irvin, Aero and Spitty wherever you are!

Worf

I am right here Worf - just not saying much. Glad the old Irvin gets lots of use.

 

[Worf]

I am right here Worf - just not saying much. Glad the old Irvin gets lots of use.

EEEEEK It's the Ghost of Christmas Past!!!!! Good to know you're still lurking you ole horse thief! Happy Holidays...

Worf

 

[Spitfire]

I certainly like the look of that Aero from the front, beautiful looking skin --- but not so keen on the back view where it looks rather like David is wearing Goliath's jacket as a battle trophy.... website photos from the makers don't always tell the whole story, so does anyone know if the ELC versions are a bit less monumental from the back....

If you are referring to my Irvin, first of all it's not an AERO - it's one of Jon's Irvins - from Aces High. Secondly: I happen to tall, have rather broad shoulders and a chest like a barrel. Thirdly: You might not have noticed that the jacket - when seen from the back - is worn open. When the belt is drawn, the shape is different and tighter. But hey - they were not tailor made. Neither back then - or today. I am pretty sure, that Jon knows what he's doing. He took an original Irvin apart and created his pattern directly after the old design. So that's how they look. Like it or not. Or try to look at old photos from the 1940's. Not exactly Haute Couture either. But heavy, cumbersome jackets. Made for flying in open cockpit - and not the catwalk.

......

And happy holidays back to you Worf!!!!

 

[Sloan1874]

I think it was my Irvin, Spitfire. Tbh, the pic is slightly misleading. If you take into account that it finishes at my belt-line, it's not really that 'monumental'. I think the tapes give a certain emphasis too. I don't own a warmer jacket though, and I wouldn't part with it for the world.

 

[Smithy]

Made for flying in open cockpit - and not the catwalk.

Damn straight

We have to have a chat over the holidays Søren, Cecilie was just the other day asking how you and Dorthe were.

 

[Otter]

Damn straight

We have to have a chat over the holidays Søren, Cecilie was just the other day asking how you and Dorthe were.

no photos now, you know how ome of the Bartenders doesn't likre photos of jackets "He has seen a hundred times before"

 

[scrawlysteve]

If you are referring to my Irvin, first of all it's not an AERO - it's one of Jon's Irvins - from Aces High. Secondly: I happen to tall, have rather broad shoulders and a chest like a barrel. Thirdly: You might not have noticed that the jacket - when seen from the back - is worn open. When the belt is drawn, the shape is different and tighter. But hey - they were not tailor made. Neither back then - or today. I am pretty sure, that Jon knows what he's doing. He took an original Irvin apart and created his pattern directly after the old design. So that's how they look. Like it or not. Or try to look at old photos from the 1940's. Not exactly Haute Couture either. But heavy, cumbersome jackets. Made for flying in open cockpit - and not the catwalk.

......
Yep, Sloan is right--it was indeed his jacket I referred to (don't believe I've seen yours) --and I am aware they were not built for the catwalk sashay... I don't really need to look at wartime photos as I do own an original Irvin--although I confess I've never actually seen it from the back...

Anyway Sloan replied saying he didn't feel at all swamped by it -so that was that... except I now realise I owe Sloan an apology-- having flicked through some of the other shots on this thread every single jacket I've seen (when pictured from the back with the collar up) looks like it's devouring someone. I must get a picture of my own from the rear and check out the look.....

 

[Spitfire]

no photos now, you know how ome of the Bartenders doesn't likre photos of jackets "He has seen a hundred times before"

So sorry Scrawlysteve - my mistake. All's good then.

 

[scrawlysteve]

No worries Spitty old bean.

 

[Sloan1874]

Anyway Sloan replied saying he didn't feel at all swamped by it -so that was that... except I now realise I owe Sloan an apology-- having flicked through some of the other shots on this thread every single jacket I've seen (when pictured from the back with the collar up) looks like it's devouring someone. I must get a picture of my own from the rear and check out the look.....

Don't worry about it at all. I think it comes down to the basic construction with the gussets and sleeve shape and back shape. It makes most sense when you think of airmen hunched forward gripping the controls or one of the guns of a bomber.

 

[OldGreyBird]

My WPC Irvin has become a dear and trusted friend every winter---we caught up on old times yesterday while braving a rain/snow mix north of Seattle. Best use of a 'leave quietly, please' severance bribe I could possibly think of...(which is just how I financed the purchase).