Eastman Roughwear 27752 sizing concern

[usdiver]

I just bought an Eastman Roughwear in the War Horse Hide, Size 44C (custom). The 46 was too big, 44 fit perfect but was too short so I opted for a 44 with 1/2 inches off the sleeves, and an extra 1/2 inch on the torso. As I've never had one before and haven't a clue how they are "supposed" to fit, I'm unsure if I need to sell this one and get a 44L (inch extra on the torso).
The back fits fine and the back of the knit comes to about an inch below my belt...the front however is where my concern is... the very bottom of the jacket sits just on the top of my belt and I'm not sure if this is right. Either way I'm stuck with it.
Any suggestions or does anyone else have this concern? Thanks.

[/IMG]

 

[havocpaul]

That looks a good fit to me,it seems to be a problem when people try A-2's on when wearing jeans, I always thought mine didn't sit 'right' with jeans especially with a belt. It looks like your jeans hang down at the front and therefore gives the impression the jacket lies above the waist and given time the jacket will start to mould itself to your body shape. We are our worst critics when first trying on a new jacket! Relax and enjoy!!

 

[Creeping Past]

Yes, if you're a bit fuller in the stomach, jeans will tend to ease down at the front, leading to the impression of the jacket 'rising'. It's not the jacket.

Also, the pattern for these jackets was developed at a time when trousers had a higher rise, sitting on the natural waist (belly button level) rather than sitting on the hips. So that's another consideration.

 

[subject101]

I wouldn't trade it without having tried that 44L before. I think all vintage/repro A-2s are quite short but maybe you like best a longer jacket.

 

[atkins]

Looks very comfortable fit. The sleeves looks very authentic also. Congrats USdiver!

 

[Aether]

I think Creeping Past has hit the nail on the head.

But IMHO it looks like it fits just fine, and as long as you're comfortable in it I wouldn't worry how it's 'supposed to fit'.

 

[Edward]

Looks good; I agree it's most likely modern, low-waisted jeans causing your issue.

 

[Spitfire]

Don't change the jacket - change the trousers.

 

[Edward]

I notice those are Levis - by any chance are they modern 501s? If so, that's definitely your issue; 501s are hipster cut, sitting below the natural waist. That's why I gave up on them pretty quickly - not so much style as they drove me nuts!

 

[usdiver]

Thanks for the opinions guys, I guess I'm just not used to having anything that fits me "properly" as it was intended. My friends here have given me the same opinions as all of you, but I didn't think about the jeans issue and yes, they are Levi's but the 506's rather than 501's. What got me though was they told me at Eastman that the original 44 I tried on (which was a bit on the short side) I tried it on with jeans and the K1 Khakis, and I had a recommendation to have the jacket made with 1/2 inch longer in the torso, and 1/2 inch shorter in the sleeves (hence the perfect sleeve fit)... but the torso on this one seems to be the same length as the original 44 I tried on... On that note, I'm thinking if I did have a 44L it might be a hair bit long for my body. Suppose investing in some khakis would be an idea... they look better than jeans anyway, and yes, I need to lose a bit of the belly. Thanks to you all... Guess I just need to relax and wear the hell out of it.

 

[Marv]

Looks pretty good to me, I wouldn't worry too much about the fit either as long as it is comfortable and once the horsehide starts to break in and mould to your body shape it will feel even better.
I agree with the jeans issue, you should try your jacket with various trousers and you should see the difference, there was no real perfect WW2 fit as can be seen from any of the wartime photos so don't worry, if you're happy with the fit then it's a perfect fit for you.
Also, a quick favour, it you get a chance could you post some more close up pics of your A2 eg. pockets, collar, areas of grain etc. that would be great.......

 

[Justhandguns]

Thanks for the opinions guys, I guess I'm just not used to having anything that fits me "properly" as it was intended. My friends here have given me the same opinions as all of you, but I didn't think about the jeans issue and yes, they are Levi's but the 506's rather than 501's. ...........

The problem (it's not supposed to be a problem....) of wearing low rise jeans with flight jacket is all too common. I can assure you, if you get one of the later MA-1 nylon jacket, it is even more obvious as you probably can see your entire belt buckle.

I would suggest you to find some medium rise jeans or chino. Most modern jeans are low rise (unfortunately) as fashion designers all want us to wear T-backs and then showing it off.......

By the way, the jacket just looks brillant.

 

[apba1166]

Great-looking jacket. I'd keep it. I agree, the length is good. But, in the shoulders, if the jacket was actually "fitted" or measured for you, they would put the shoulder seam atop the end of your blade. As it fits you now, it "corners" the shoulder, adding an inch to your sleeves as well. That is a "comfortable" fit and the way a lot of people wear jackets, me included often enough. It makes it a lot easier to get into and wear over a sweater.

 

[usdiver]

Marv/Paul, No worries, pics coming later tonight. The jacket has been time worn but given the effect I got, I'm happy with it, but I feel breaking it in naturally would be better... however, it's still NOT broken in... just roughed up a bit. 1166, yes, I know what you mean about he shoulders, and all my life I was told I had wide shoulders lol... The original 46 I tried on was really a bad fit as in too big for me but thru out my younger years I was plagued by this loose and comfy is a good fit idea but now realize it's not. This A-2 had to have the sleeves shortened a half inch due to the shoulders... but in WWII I know the guys didn't have this option and got what they got... The guys at Eastman did a great job though and spent time and patience with me that I've not seen many companies do... all apart from fitting the jacket themselves.

 

[FRASER_NASH]

That jacket ROCKS!! Really, it's fine. Nice short authentic body, very little tunnelling to the wrist knits, and the hide is developing a good patina. It's looking GOOD, so wear it in good health.

 

[usdiver]

Appologies guys for not getting the requested pics posted as of yet but when I get my camera back I'll make it a priority.... In addition, I'm wondering what kind of leather conditioner to use for the color match on this horse... as well as covering a few ermmmm scratches aquired on the shoulder from a slight accident? Any suggestions? Pics to follow on that as well.

 

[NowOrNever]

Overall I'd say that is a good fit on you too. I understand the concern with the buckle showing on the jeans, but its only partly visible anyway and doesn't look obviously short... I've seen many worse fits than that in all areas! Perhaps you could also post a photo with higher rise jeans? It would be a interesting comparison for other people with similar concerns?

I hope you will get some additional photos posted too... I'd be very interested in seeing the warhorse finish & details.

Congratulations on that A-2, I wish I owned one too

 

[usdiver]

Sorry guys for the delay on the pics. As you can see I've scuffed up the right rear shoulder and not sure how to sort it or even if I should bother... gotta say though, it's TOUGH hide. Hope you like the pics.

 

[grrrrreeeeeg]

I just bought an Eastman Roughwear in the War Horse Hide, Size 44C (custom). The 46 was too big, 44 fit perfect but was too short so I opted for a 44 with 1/2 inches off the sleeves, and an extra 1/2 inch on the torso. As I've never had one before and haven't a clue how they are "supposed" to fit, I'm unsure if I need to sell this one and get a 44L (inch extra on the torso).
The back fits fine and the back of the knit comes to about an inch below my belt...the front however is where my concern is... the very bottom of the jacket sits just on the top of my belt and I'm not sure if this is right. Either way I'm stuck with it.
Any suggestions or does anyone else have this concern? Thanks.

[/IMG]

Nice jacket really!
What model is it, is it Rough 27752 or 1401, and what color is it Rousset or Seal Brown?
I want to buy one but can't make up my mind only based on EL web site, it's hard to see the colors...
Thanks in advance for the information
Cheers
Greg

 

[aswatland]

Welcome to the forum. The repro jacket above is the ELC RW 27752. Most originals from this last contract were seal brown, although some were russet. Jackets from the earlier 1401-p contract were russet horse hide.