I had the opportunity to try-on the Avi Lthr G-1 recently, and I was very impressed. The leather seemed fairly thick and grainy, and the overall jacket stitching and construction was very good. The mouton collar seemed to be on the small side, which I like, and was a nice faded brown. The knits were a heavier weave, not the thinner spec weave found on most more expensive jackets.
I wear a size 42 suit, and my normal size in a G-1 is 44 for a comfortable fit. This particular jacket was tagged as a size 46, but it seemed to fit me well. The 23.75 P2P, 21.75 Waist, and 26.75 Sleeve were similar to Eastman, Goodwear and Lost Worlds jackets in size 44. However, the 21.75 Shoulder and 27.25 Back measures were more comparable to a size 46.
My only surprise was the zipper… I had never seen a zip on a G-1 with the slider on the left, Euro style. The zip was well made, smooth, and colored in an antique brass finish. But as I seldom handle a Euro style left slider, it took some getting used to.
That looks fantastic! Well executed. What size is it? I’m very tempted to get one.I like my AVI LTHR 55J14 G-1 so much, I decided to invest in some upgrades.
There is currently an 'upgraded' version available, but I am very happy with the jacket I already have. So, to bring it up to the 'best it can be'... I replaced the zipper with a 'higher grade' repro silver Talon (provided by AVI)... Puller correctly placed on the righthand side.
I also replaced the knit with more authentic, seamless, seal brown knit from Larry over at Flightjacketknits (I elected to go with the double weave for the waistband for stretch and longevity).
The work was done by Donna over at www.thebespokeaviatorjacketcompany.co.uk, (www.horizondesigns.co.uk) and all the bits were installed beautifully.
View attachment 142309
I specifically asked for the cuffs to be installed in such a way as to give the sleeves a bit more length. May look like a bit of tunnelling, but I can lift my arms right up and the cuffs sit at my wrists. Nice.
View attachment 142310
The colour of the knit matches the chocolate brown of the goat beautifully.
Look at that grain on one of the sleeves. Goatskin is supple, feels to be correct weight and full of character.
View attachment 142311
All said and done, I am pleased with the result, this jacket is a cracking good repro of the 55J14 contract....
View attachment 142312
Compare with these pics of Cpt Royce Williams' G-1, likely a 55J14.
View attachment 142314
View attachment 142315