Cooper blue label G-1 fit question

[Jumper]

I've come across a Cooper G-1 blue label jacket, size 46R, online but cannot get the seller to measure it. It's at a very low price, and I've long wanted a good G-1, but I have no idea how this would fit, nor do I know its vintage. I know that G-1s, A-2s, etc. are all over the map when it comes to fit, depending on maker, era, etc.

Would anyone with this same jacket in a 46R care to share measurements (chest, shoulder, sleeve, & whatever else) and thoughts on fit (slim, roomy, tentlike, etc.)?

Also, am I right in thinking that all the blue label jackets were in goat?

 

[Peacoat]

I've never come across a seller who refused to measure a jacket. Unless you can find a member here who has the same jacket, I think I would pass on this one. It's possible he doesn't have one to measure.

 

[Jumper]

I've never come across a seller who refused to measure a jacket. Unless you can find a member here who has the same jacket, I think I would pass on this one. It's possible he doesn't have one to measure.

Ah... I appreciate the advice, thank you. Good to keep in mind. I'd just about decided this seller wasn't worth my time, anyway.

I'd still welcome some perspectives on Cooper blue label fit in general, as I see them from time to time and am tempted.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Why not go for an original G-1. They are always available on Ebay and many are still in good shape. I'm very pleased with my '68 Martin Lane.

 

[Deacon211]

I have a Cooper Blue label. Just checked my closet and I am a 48R, so perhaps not much help.

I actually live in that in between zone between 46 and 48 but I’d say that Coopers (as most original G-1s) fit trimly across the shoulders. In other words, I would wear a 46 suit, but a 46 G-1 might be just slightly tight across the shoulders.

That was also true when I was issued a G-1 in flight school. 42 in a flight suit, 44 jacket (also a Cooper BTW).

I can’t speak for its entire run, but back when they were being issued, the after market G-1s were sold in the PX. I believe that these were basically identical to the issued jackets FWIW.

My Coopers are tough and good looking jackets. The goat (and I’m virtually certain that they were all goat) is good quality. Not quite as beautiful as the G-1s heyday, but authentic, handsome, and tough.

I don’t have a hosting service anymore or I’d throw up a pic or two.

If you need anything else, let
me know.

 

[Jumper]

Why not go for an original G-1. They are always available on Ebay and many are still in good shape. I'm very pleased with my '68 Martin Lane.

Have been keeping an eye open and will add that one to my list. Thank you kindly.

 

[Jumper]

I have a Cooper Blue label. Just checked my closet and I am a 48R, so perhaps not much help.

I actually live in that in between zone between 46 and 48 but I’d say that Coopers (as most original G-1s) fit trimly across the shoulders. In other words, I would wear a 46 suit, but a 46 G-1 might be just slightly tight across the shoulders.

That was also true when I was issued a G-1 in flight school. 42 in a flight suit, 44 jacket (also a Cooper BTW).

I can’t speak for its entire run, but back when they were being issued, the after market G-1s were sold in the PX. I believe that these were basically identical to the issued jackets FWIW.

My Coopers are tough and good looking jackets. The goat (and I’m virtually certain that they were all goat) is good quality. Not quite as beautiful as the G-1s heyday, but authentic, handsome, and tough.

I don’t have a hosting service anymore or I’d throw up a pic or two.

If you need anything else, let
me know.

This is very helpful. Much obliged. Yes, my understanding has been that they're identical to the issued jackets, save for being without any flame retardant.

Would you say it's just the shoulders that are snug? I'm wondering how they fit through the body, compared to other G-1s. Ideally, I'd like a (relatively) trimmer fit, but it seems like these Coopers do not offer that.

 

[Deacon211]

No, and I once again regret not being able to post pics, but the Coopers are not an especially trim fitting jacket in the sleeves or in the waist.

They are not blousy like later model G-1s. However, they don’t angle in quite as much as maybe the ‘50s-‘60s era jackets do. My exposure to that era jackets is limited, but going by pictures and my ELC G-1, it looks like there was definitely more taper during that period.

On the other hand, WWII era jackets seem broadly fitting again. My W+G is a very roomy jacket.

 

[Jumper]

No, and I once again regret not being able to post pics, but the Coopers are not an especially trim fitting jacket in the sleeves or in the waist.

They are not blousy like later model G-1s. However, they don’t angle in quite as much as maybe the ‘50s-‘60s era jackets do. My exposure to that era jackets is limited, but going by pictures and my ELC G-1, it looks like there was definitely more taper during that period.

On the other hand, WWII era jackets seem broadly fitting again. My W+G is a very roomy jacket.

That's all really helpful, and good to know. Thanks.

 

[Seb Lucas]

G1's are generally a looser fit than A2's and look fine. Just check the shoulder measurements of a jacket. If you are looking at a 42- 46 and the shoulders are over 20 inches, chances are the pattern is blousey. Too wide shoulders are how they ruin the look of many an otherwise wearable A2.

 

[Jumper]

G1's are generally a looser fit than A2's and look fine. Just check the shoulder measurements of a jacket. If you are looking at a 42- 46 and the shoulders are over 20 inches, chances are the pattern is blousey. Too wide shoulders are how they ruin the look of many an otherwise wearable A2.

Good tip, thanks. I found a Sporty's Pilot Shop AN-J-3 at a great price a while back &, whatever the quality of the jacket, in every stock pic I found for it online the model wearing it was drowning in the shoulders. At least to my taste. One's mileage will vary. Anyway, I passed on it. I wish I had the kind of shoulders that negated that problem, though.

 

[pjman]

I've come across a Cooper G-1 blue label jacket, size 46R, online but cannot get the seller to measure it. It's at a very low price, and I've long wanted a good G-1, but I have no idea how this would fit, nor do I know its vintage. I know that G-1s, A-2s, etc. are all over the map when it comes to fit, depending on maker, era, etc.

Would anyone with this same jacket in a 46R care to share measurements (chest, shoulder, sleeve, & whatever else) and thoughts on fit (slim, roomy, tentlike, etc.)?

Also, am I right in thinking that all the blue label jackets were in goat?

Hi, Jumper -

It's been my experience that the blue label Cooper G-1's run about a size larger than normal. I'm a size 42R, and all my vintage G-1's (Martin Lane, Brill Bros., Star Sportswear) fit perfectly. I bought a size 42 blue Label Cooper G-1, and it was waaaay to big. I sold it and bought another Cooper, this time a size 40, and it fit much better. I don't know if that's typical or not, but I thought I'd pass it along. I really like the Cooper G-1's. The leather is really nice, and it's a well made, comfortable, good-looking jacket.

 

[Jumper]

Hi, Jumper -

It's been my experience that the blue label Cooper G-1's run about a size larger than normal. I'm a size 42R, and all my vintage G-1's (Martin Lane, Brill Bros., Star Sportswear) fit perfectly. I bought a size 42 blue Label Cooper G-1, and it was waaaay to big. I sold it and bought another Cooper, this time a size 40, and it fit much better. I don't know if that's typical or not, but I thought I'd pass it along. I really like the Cooper G-1's. The leather is really nice, and it's a well made, comfortable, good-looking jacket.

This is really helpful pjman, thanks. I'll take a look at the brands you mentioned. I think it's time I crossed the Coopers off my list of G-1 potentials. Too bad, I have a couple Coopers in a different style that I really like.

I was looking at the particular jacket I mentioned hoping maybe the Coopers ran small. I'm looking for a more '30s style fit, I guess—form-fitting, snug (but not tight), with a shorter body length. I think I'd be a 42 or 44, needing a bit more room in chest / upper back / shoulders, trimmer waist, looking for around 24" back length and about the same in arms. But I'm not particular.