Any fans of WEP jackets

[Jack Burton]

I'm thinking of ordering a WEP jacket from Gibson & Barnes. I'll probably go with the "mountain cloth" since I don't care much for the shiny satin material. This will be a cool weather or "spring jacket", so I'm wondering if it is worth getting the Thinsulate lining.

Any thoughts on these jackets? Peacoat, I imagine you know a thing or two about these.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

Any fans? In a word, no.

 

[Atticus Finch]

I have a patched original from 1968. I have never worn it much because it is a very short jacket. Originals came in long, regular and short sizes and I probably should have bought a 46 long as opposed to a 46 regular.

Older originals typically appear in fairly poor condition. They were actually designed to be underwear...not outerwear jackets...and time has generally not been kind to them.

I agree with your decision to buy the G&B, but I would probably stick to the nylon. The G&B appears to be the closest to the originals of any repro I've seen.

AF

 

[TXFlyGuy]

I have a patched original from 1968. I have never worn it much because it is a very short jacket. Originals came in long, regular and short sizes and I probably should have bought a 46 long as opposed to a 46 regular.

Older originals typically appear in fairly poor condition. They were actually designed to be underwear...not outerwear jackets...and time has generally not been kind to them.

I agree with your decision to buy the G&B, but I would probably stick to the nylon. The G&B appears to be the closest to the originals of any repro I've seen.

AF

Agree with the nylon advice. G&B told me this is a much more popular material than the cloth version.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I have a WEP 42tall G&B in khaki mountain cloth for sale. Worn once to try on.

 

[Deacon211]

Personally I love them, though I concur with AF that they wear short. It's a great, light jacket, like the old MA-1s, with a bit more panache I think.

The big patch pockets are kind of cool and roomy and the short knit collar looks good (and is warm) though some makers make it big enough to fold down while others don't. The light cloth and quilting make it incredibly comfortable and it wears like a pajama top...great for a ready room nap.

Back in the day, the old salts wore the WEP, with Skyhawk patches, old squadrons, and centurion rockers. It always had that groovy "Right Stuff" vibe to me.




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[CBI]

i love them but as stated, pretty short wasted, even the "long" sizes so be careful. One of my faves of non-leather flight jackets

 

[morrison2951]

G&B fan- yes. WEP- not so much.

 

[scottyrocks]

I have an Avirex WEP-style jacket. Very light in weight, but very warm. The only reason I don't wear it much is because it is so short.

 

[Dinerman]

 

[Doctor Damage]

they've definitely got a more "functional" vibe to them than other flight jackets

another (longer) thread on WEP jackets:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/navy-wep-jacket-your-thoughts-experiences.81581/

 

[CBI]

I ordered a G&B WEP and after waiting 5 months it arrived and I promptly returned it. Oversized modern cut, looked ridiculous. Get an original if you can but beware, so short waisted almost impractical to wear (unless you are wearing a flight suit under it).

 

[bn1966]

I ordered a G&B WEP and after waiting 5 months it arrived and I promptly returned it. Oversized modern cut, looked ridiculous. Get an original if you can but beware, so short waisted almost impractical to wear (unless you are wearing a flight suit under it).

G&B products can come up BIG, they are a rare occasion when I need need to size down.

 

[bn1966]

My original which is lovely if a little SHORT

 

[CBI]

yes, except I really went back and forth with them on measurements BEFORE I ordered. Really no clue on their end, it was obvious. Oh well..........

 

[bn1966]

yes, except I really went back and forth with them on measurements BEFORE I ordered. Really no clue on their end, it was obvious. Oh well..........

My G&B disaster was one of their MA-1 jackets (light-weight version) XL Regular fit which came out BIG & BAGGY..very long too. Don't think I'd buy another G&B product again, quality was good it's just their sizing & the USA is an expensive return from the UK.