Cafe Racer vs. A-2

[ForestForTheTrees]

I don't really get the 'posing' comments- isn't it all relative to what, where and who you are?

Like I said, it's my one of my own personal style hangups. To me it's like guys I see wearing authentic jersey's at sporting events or just wearing them around town for that matter. I know that these guys don't play professional baseball, football or hockey. They just happen to dig the look and it's quite popular here in the states, just like cafe racer jackets and military jackets. More power to the folks who are so inclined. I'm not laughing at them, it's just not my thing.

 

[P5640blouson]

cafe racer vs. A2

I don't think in terms of everyday practicality that a racing shirt would be more useful than an A-2. The A-2 is much more relaxed fit and sealing out the weather readily, whereas the racing shirt is geared towards lightweight abrasion protection, with a level of protection from the weather elements. The A-2 has useful storage pockets whereas the café racer has pockets which are hard to use-those zippers can really scratch your hands. As for wearing the café racer off a bike, why not? Those jackets were originally intended for performance bike riding, but have long since been replaced by other higher performing technologies and garments. I've ridden dirt bikes and bombed down hills on my speedboard, for which the café racer affords basic (minimum) protection. I don't feel out of place wearing my racing shirt for light to moderate weather days to help keep the elements off. My modified A-1 style jacket is a measure more user friendly than my Buco J-100, but I like the J-100 for its sharp refined looks and moderate practicality. It is what it is, IMO, wear what makes you feel like a million bucks (whether it's a $30 Walmart camo pattern hooded sweatshirt or a $2800 Buco J-22) because you are worth it!

 

[Asienizen]

I wonder if it is not the whole 'war' thing- don't most people see it through 'historic' lenses today? Your point about young men (old teenagers!) being the group that created A-2's is well taken- but I wonder if today that is lost on the majority. You, and like minded aficionados can well respect the look- but that would be an informed appreciation, that is different from 'the majority'- would it not?

I see what you mean. It could be that when I think of a person wearing an A2 - i think of a skinny young man in an old photo or newsreel. But most people today think of an A2 as a puffy mall jacket worn by a (if you'll pardon me) chubby old geezer. People associate an article of clothing with who and how it's worn today, not who wore it initially in the broad span of history.

And I have to admit, as much as I love the A2, it is boxy and the knits make it a bit frumpy - not very clean and smart.

 

[ButteMT61]

At the risk of hijacking my own thread, what happened with your Ventura? Did John make you a new one?

I haven't finalized the numbers. But...I had to go out last night to a friend's gallery opening, and I was so p*ssed that I didn't have that jacket. I ended up wearing my brown FQHH 50's HBD. Everyone else was in typical for the area/event black. I need that jacket.

 

[Dr H]

Ah...live a little Scott - stand out and be damned, I say.

 

[SGB]

I haven't finalized the numbers. But...I had to go out last night to a friend's gallery opening, and I was so p*ssed that I didn't have that jacket. I ended up wearing my brown FQHH 50's HBD. Everyone else was in typical for the area/event black. I need that jacket.

Yeah Scott, be different.
I wore my brown cafe racer to my art opening earlier this month, only brown leather there.....lots of black everything on everybody else, some wearing a lot less than others. I survived.

SGB

 

[ButteMT61]

I've been different long enough! Been wearing my browns to every LA event for years. Just figgered it's time for some industry-appropriate black. I think some of my friends think I'm doing some sort of passive-aggressive protest.
Maybe I was. I know that last night, I wasn't even close to comfortable putting on an A-2. If it were a bar run/party, no problem. Just expanding the variety fellers. Looking into the closet, it seems kinda dopey to have a,dozen A-2's to choose from and nothing more. Now I'm getting a nice wide variety of civi and mil jackets. I do believe that's much more versatile and the jackets will actually get worn.

 

[Fanch]

Scott, you definitely need a black leather jacket in order to be better accepted by your peers.

 

[ForestForTheTrees]

It's a real shame that the Ventura you received wasn't a comfortable fit. That was a great looking jacket.

I also liked the Arcadia that Good Wear offered at one time.

 

[bretron]

Arcadia is my favorite of Johns civvies. Love the piping