Correct length for an A-2?

[thor]

Just soliciting afew opinions on what the correct length for an A-2 should be? Let's say wartime spec, not today's mall-style fashion jackets.
I've seen people post pics in their A-2 jackets where the front barely came down to their beltline when they wore jeans. Where should the bottom front of the jacket fall in relation to one's waistline or belt line? I know it's all a matter of choice and preference and opinion, just curious what everyone thinks.

 

[tonypaj]

Just soliciting afew opinions on what the correct length for an A-2 should be? Let's say wartime spec, not today's mall-style fashion jackets.
I've seen people post pics in their A-2 jackets where the front barely came down to their beltline when they wore jeans. Where should the bottom front of the jacket fall in relation to one's waistline or belt line? I know it's all a matter of choice and preference and opinion, just curious what everyone thinks.

Depends on what you want to wear with it, and what you want as far as looks go. You can have it anyway you want, really. I do not wear low sitting jeans with an A-2. I prefer chinos or slacks with a higher waist. Then I can go with many fits, as the higher waist line accommodates a lot more than a lower one to me, anyway. Then the next question is that why would you need historically accurate jackets, when everything else is all over the place?

Well, this is the "A-2 question" really. Easier to go with other jackets if you want a reasonable fit without a major hassle.

 

[ButteMT61]

My personal opinion is what feels good on YOU? I'm somewhere in the middle. I don't like too long or short in the body, but I like the arms good and long.
Look at enough WWII era pics and you'll see one trend: none of them fit the same. There is not right or wrong. Make it feel good for you or you won't wear it. It's that simple.

 

[thor]

Wasn't the A-2 a military uniform item? And If so, wouldn't there be uniform regs for "proper" wear of the A-2, just as there would be for service dress uniforms?
I'm in the military and every uniform item is covered by some regulation as far as fit and wear is concerned,
I'm wondering if the A-2 was covered in the regs and if there was a way it was supposed to fit?

 

[tonypaj]

Wasn't the A-2 a military uniform item? And If so, wouldn't there be uniform regs for "proper" wear of the A-2, just as there would be for service dress uniforms?
I'm in the military and every uniform item is covered by some regulation as far as fit and wear is concerned,
I'm wondering if the A-2 was covered in the regs and if there was a way it was supposed to fit?

I have done my military service. The fits were all over the place, we got what they gave us. Never a leather jacket, though... As long as you don't have the rest of the original stuff, why worry about a supposed fit. I'd worry about if I like the look I have. Then again, if you are in the military, wouldn't they just issue the jacket to you and you'd be where I was in my time

 

[AviatorBRZ]

In my opinion, short is better, specially on the back. And in the shoulders it must go just a little (very little) over the end of your shoulder, to not look that you have short shoulders and not to much to not look that is a too big jacket for you. I think the most important parts to look are the shoulders and the lenght.

But obviously, it is also a "matter of taste". I don't know if there was a proper fit because I always saw aviators wearing different fits in photos.

A good fit in front (my opinion):

Another good front fit(my opinion):

A good fit in back(my opinion):

Different fit for each one:

 

[Otter]

Short is good, remember these were worn in the cockpits of combat aircraft, if you could not sit in your seat and look around, then you stood a very good chance of being dead! Bending over and getting a breeze between your jeans and your shirt pales a bit then. Just depends how authentic a fit you want.

 

[ButteMT61]

Remember also, how many of US have perfect bodies? You can't wrap a rock in a dress and call it a prom queen lol

 

[Otter]

LOL, as a gentleman of larger girth I have to agree with that!

 

[aswatland]

There was no correct Wartime fit. You see all sorts of fits from very trim to quite generous. In the end it's the fit that you feel most comfortable with. The worst fits are when the sleeves are far too short IMO.

 

[Lungomare]

Wasn't the A-2 a military uniform item? And If so, wouldn't there be uniform regs for "proper" wear of the A-2, just as there would be for service dress uniforms?
I'm in the military and every uniform item is covered by some regulation as far as fit and wear is concerned,
I'm wondering if the A-2 was covered in the regs and if there was a way it was supposed to fit?

They were not customized (at least not for the common pilot).

Regards,

Johannes

 

[Fanch]

There was no correct Wartime fit. You see all sorts of fits from very trim to quite generous. In the end it's the fit that you feel most comfortable with. The worst fits are when the sleeves are far too short IMO.

I think that Brother Andrew provided the most accurate assessment. When I was in the US Navy during the Vietnam era in 1967, I was asked "what size do you want?" No opportunity to try on various G-1 goatskin jackets and was given a size 44 with an OK fit with the exception of sleeves that were too short. My point is that for service issued jackets, one took pretty much what was given, and a proper fit at that time was not a priority with the supply personnel who issued the jackets. However, I loved that jacket up to the time that it was stolen in 1970.

 

[thor]

Great insight, gentlemen! I'm glad I started this thread and thank you all for your replies.

 

[schitzo]

my take on the correct length for a customized A2 is that you want the leather to be as short as you can possibly tolerate for a jacket i.e. one that doesn't have a knit waistband, and then you tack on the waistband (Aero's are 2.5" i think, if not somebody please correct me). The result is a total length that is longer than for a regular jacket without a knit waistband. Certainly in my experience getting an A2 with an overall length (leather + waistband) that is the same as the length I would have for say a highwayman or any other type of short leather jacket doen't work and ends up in an A2 that is too short. Off the top of my head the first example I can think of to showcase the 'correct length' that I am talking about here is Butte's new goatskin bronco, which you may have seen in his recent thread

All the best
Schitz

 

[GoodTimesGone]

I like an A-2 to cover my belt and be about 1 to 1 1/2 inches above my back pockets.
_________________________________________________
Tom

 

[too much coffee]

Great description GTG, that's about how I like the fit as well.

Regards,
coffee

 

[rocketeer]

As some A2s do come up short, can I recommend some trousers/jeans (pants to you US guys )
RM Williams , the Australian boot makers, make excellent wear with an A2 as the waist is slightly higher than normal. This maybe because the jeans I have are designed to be worn in the saddle.
John

 

[Justhandguns]

I think you guys are missing one point. It is really more down to what sort of pants/jeans that you are wearing than the actualy length of the jacket. Most flight jackets are short in length to accomodate the sitting posture in the cockpit, even the modern CWU jackets are relative short. Wartime uniform pants were mainly high rise, as of the vintage jeans. If you are wearing a wartime standard A-2 with modern low rise jeans, you may find that the jacket is too short. I've notice people here just state that belt level, but what is belt level? If you compare a Levi's 1944 cut 501 with the lastest 501, you will find nearly 2inches of difference at the belt level. The same for chinos as well.

 

[GoodTimesGone]

I prefer RRL 9.5 oz U.S. Standard Chinos, J. Crew Officer Chinos, and Old Navy Straight Fit Chinos. They all wear great with the A-2s I own. I'll have to look into those RM Williams trousers. My Levis 505s work fine with my A-2s as well. I have a couple pair of the low-rise Levis, and with those I wear a vintage Brent jacket that looks like a Highwayman.
I didn't mention sleeve length or body/shoulder fit on my earlier post, because those things are obvious when you put on the jacket. How the length of the jacket is on you is the make it or break it.
________________________________________________________-
Tom

 

[too much coffee]

I think you guys are missing one point. It is really more down to what sort of pants/jeans that you are wearing than the actualy length of the jacket. Most flight jackets are short in length to accomodate the sitting posture in the cockpit, even the modern CWU jackets are relative short. Wartime uniform pants were mainly high rise, as of the vintage jeans. If you are wearing a wartime standard A-2 with modern low rise jeans, you may find that the jacket is too short. I've notice people here just state that belt level, but what is belt level? If you compare a Levi's 1944 cut 501 with the lastest 501, you will find nearly 2inches of difference at the belt level. The same for chinos as well.

I'm not missing any point......again, cover the belt and 1 - 1 1/2" above the top of the back pocket.