Buzz Rickson B-15 - pic heavy

[Smithy]

Some of the Alpha Replica series were cut longer as I recollect, my size 44 (XL) was too long & generously cut for my tastes (great textiles though).

Thanks BN but I have a suspicion that if the body length is OK then we're getting into balloon territory in the body. If I was using the thing for flying a Sabre I'd be OK probably but in everyday life on the ground I need that little extra length to cover the kidneys and the belt by an inch or two. Being tall is good for some things, wearing Japanese repro USAF nylons maybe not

 

[Cocker]

Thanks BN but I have a suspicion that if the body length is OK then we're getting into balloon territory in the body. If I was using the thing for flying a Sabre I'd be OK probably but in everyday life on the ground I need that little extra length to cover the kidneys and the belt by an inch or two. Being tall is good for some things, wearing Japanese repro USAF nylons maybe not

I'll simply second that. Same problem here, being tall and somewhat slender. Either it's balooning, either it's too short. Only light I can see in the B-15 territory is the Pike Brothers B-15A, if the size chart is correct.

 

[Doctor Damage]

There are plenty of photos of these jackets being worn loose "back in the day", so nobody should fall into the modern trap of thinking they have to fit tight (same with A-2s). Remember, the USAF issued these originally in four sizes, and one length, so almost no one was issued one that fit properly.

 

[nick123]

I think many tall dudes would be surprised on the wearability of nylon jackets, even in standard sizes (sans sleeve length). They just seem to "work", even in lengths a 6" person would run away from. I originally thought my modern Alphas were about 26", but after measuring they turned out to be 24.5" or in that range. Nylon just seems to drape in such a way that it works, even for tall guys. Reproduction speaking.

Buzz L-2. 24" length + some change. I'm 6'2" and while a short jacket, really is fine. Sure, maybe proportionally short, but falls into the "below the belt" territory. Maybe my torso is normal compared to my long legs.

 

[Cocker]

As long as it's covering the belt, it's fine! Do you have any fit pics with the jacket closed? Besides, what size is it?

 

[nick123]

As long as it's covering the belt, it's fine! Do you have any fit pics with the jacket closed? Besides, what size is it?

Size 40

 

[Smithy]

I think many tall dudes would be surprised on the wearability of nylon jackets, even in standard sizes (sans sleeve length). They just seem to "work", even in lengths a 6" person would run away from. I originally thought my modern Alphas were about 26", but after measuring they turned out to be 24.5" or in that range. Nylon just seems to drape in such a way that it works, even for tall guys. Reproduction speaking.

Buzz L-2. 24" length + some change. I'm 6'2" and while a short jacket, really is fine. Sure, maybe proportionally short, but falls into the "below the belt" territory. Maybe my torso is normal compared to my long legs.
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Many thanks for that Nick, that's great info!

I think the problem is specifically B-15s with me and the 15 and specifically the 15C is the one I truly love. Originals seem to run short (like most nylon jackets) but combined with the fact that they're an intermediate weight flight jacket they have a lot of bulk because of the insulation. The problem I've had in the past is that if the length is acceptable the body tends to be in ski jacket territory. Your L-2 is great and the length just what I'd want but I want it with a 15C, aaaargh!

I've had two Alphas, two Weintraubs and a Knox Armory. Funnily enough the Knox Armory was the best fit because the pattern is made with a little extra length in the body, but the nylon on the Knoxs are not a patch on even standard Alphas. Although I have heard that some very late Knox Armory navy (replica blue) jackets were actually made with the nicer Alpha nylon.

Oh well, the quest continues for a wearable (in the real world) B-15C for us taller blokes.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Nick, if you're 6'2" and can wear a jacket which is only 24" long then you have an unnaturally short torso! Others be careful. For comparison, I'm all legs but at 6'1" I need 25" or 26" to cover my belt.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Here's a photo which I love. It's from LIFE magazine taken by Howard Sochurek in 1958 (I've taken a photo of it in that Japanese flight jacket book "Suit Up" since I can't find an online copy). Why do I love it? Because the major or lieutenant colonel stroking his chin on the right is wearing a B15 which doesn't fit skin-tight. Maybe some of the modern-day flight jacket experts should tell him he's supposed to be wearing it skin-tight, comfort and ability to reach the controls be damned.

 

[bn1966]

I think many tall dudes would be surprised on the wearability of nylon jackets, even in standard sizes (sans sleeve length). They just seem to "work", even in lengths a 6" person would run away from. I originally thought my modern Alphas were about 26", but after measuring they turned out to be 24.5" or in that range. Nylon just seems to drape in such a way that it works, even for tall guys. Reproduction speaking.

Buzz L-2. 24" length + some change. I'm 6'2" and while a short jacket, really is fine. Sure, maybe proportionally short, but falls into the "below the belt" territory. Maybe my torso is normal compared to my long legs.
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Great fit! Same approximately as my Buzz L-2A & I'm 5'.10" must be a torso thing

 

[bn1966]

Here's a photo which I love. It's from LIFE magazine taken by Howard Sochurek in 1958 (I've taken a photo of it in that Japanese flight jacket book "Suit Up" since I can't find an online copy). Why do I love it? Because the major or lieutenant colonel stroking his chin on the right is wearing a B15 which doesn't fit skin-tight. Maybe some of the modern-day flight jacket experts should tell him he's supposed to be wearing it skin-tight, comfort and ability to reach the controls be damned.

Skin tight for sure Doc

 

[Brettafett]

Now that'll keep you warm, in style.

 

[Doctor Damage]

original B-15D
look closely and you'll notice that the throat tab is mounted on the opposite side

 

[HPA Rep]

original B-15D

Always good to see the real thing in decent shape.

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Cocker]

Nice B-15D's!

Seen the last picture, this is about how my Alpha beater L-2 is fitting.