Breaking in an ELC Irvin?

[CoreyM]

Picked up a used ELC Irvin from a member here. jacket looks brand new and barely worn. Measurement wise it's a 44 same as my suit jackets and another leather jacket so the fit seems to be ok.

However I find that it bunches up badly under the arms while driving and almost seems tight in the shoulders when moving my arms. Do I need to break it in more or did I just go with the wrong size?

 

[pipvh]

The fit will change as the fleece compacts - my advice would be to wear it as much as you can and see what happens.

 

[rocketeer]

The fit will change as the fleece compacts - my advice would be to wear it as much as you can and see what happens.

+1

Do you drive with it zipped up? Even just the bottom part, I always used to drive with mine undone, it was an original though and meant to be worn over a uniform so the armholes are usually big. My Eastman B3 was the same, I suspect Gary makes them a historical fit which means you can layer up underneath.

 

[Plumbline]

Mine was always a bit unweildy .. the fleece was soft and pliable enough but there just seemed to be too much of it under the arms ... it was the same on the B-3. As others have suggested give the fleece time to compact and shape to you .... best of luck with it.

 

[John Lever]

I don't drive in mine as I find it impossible to move the upper arms.

 

[rocketeer]

I don't drive in mine as I find it impossible to move the upper arms.

I had to as the heater in my car had packed up! Brrrrrrrrr!

 

[John Lever]

I had to as the heater in my car had packed up! Brrrrrrrrr!

No. No .... you have to have all the windows DOWN to drive in an Irvin !!

 

[CoreyM]

Well at -30 C takes a bit for the vehicle to get warm. Driving without it on would be too cold for me.

Hoping it breaks it a little better for me. Love the look and the warmth is second to none and I knew it was a big bulky jacket but it gives me even more respect for the crews that wore these in a tight airplane.

 

[Worf]

Well at -30 C takes a bit for the vehicle to get warm. Driving without it on would be too cold for me.

Hoping it breaks it a little better for me. Love the look and the warmth is second to none and I knew it was a big bulky jacket but it gives me even more respect for the crews that wore these in a tight airplane.

Truer words were never spoken! I drive and walk in my Irvin whenever I can. Given this winter it's been an absolute god send. All my shearling lined coats and jackets have been getting a VERY heavy workout this year. Got another coming this year sometime as well. Hang in there... it'll tamp down over time.

Worf

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Just like owning a new pair of underwear, at first you find them conforming and restrictive, but eventually they become a part of you.