Finding the Right A2 Jacket For 6ft, 165lbs person

[Airborne]

Hello, I am trying to get an A2 jacket for myself. I am 6ft, 165lbs. I am looking for a military fit, but nothing too short. I bought a 40R G&B jacket and it was too short and slightly big. I went for a 38T, and the sleeves were way too long. I ended up giving up on my G&B journey. Looking for another option. I'm thinking about experimenting with US Wings with their military trim jackets. I believe their jackets are made slightly longer. I just want to make sure my belt is completely hidden and not showing with the slight raises of my arm. If any of you have the same dimensions as me, could you tell me what you got. A picture would be a great bonus!

 

[dudewuttheheck]

If you are having trouble, my suggestion is to go custom. I don't know how much Aero modifies their patterns, but maybe they could make you a longer, trimmer A2. Doesn't Eastman offer longer length jackets as well?

 

[Seb Lucas]

If you know your key measurements this will be pretty easy. What back length, sleeve length and pit to pit? With your size it sounds like you probably need - 21.5 inch pit-to-pit, 25.5 inch sleeves and a back length of 25.5 inches.

 

[Justhandguns]

That's pretty much my size. I usually go for a comfort size 40 fit or a tight size 38 for my ELC/Aero/BK A-2s. If you want a really slim profile, the choice of a 38 tall or long with custom sleeve would probably be the best.

 

[Bfd70]

What dude and seb said. Basically you need to know your measurements. Then you can either go custom to the size you want (or at least think you want) or off the rack. Most higher end off the rack give very detailed measurements. I’m a little smaller than you. I wear a 36 in almost everything but only enjoy the A2 cut in 38 or 40. I like the leather on the sleeve to hit around aninch above the wrist bone and the leather at the waist to end around the top of mid rise jeans. Regarding “military fit” if you are reffering to wwii fit, spend some time on vintageleatherjackets forum. The topic has been beaten to death. The (imho) obvious verdict is that fit was all over the place and most guys had little or no say and just took what was handed to them. Worth it to head over just to see the great pictures.

 

[Bfd70]

 

[kojax]

nice fit what size is the jacket

 

[Airborne]

Thanks for your feedback and responses.
The best fitted jacket that I have is a G1 40R from Cooper.
The length is key here. It feels like these jackets sit lower than A2 jackets. It may be my imagination.
The back length from collar seam to hem is 26, but the plus is the front hem which gives me about an extra inch at 27 to 27.5. That extra length covers my belt very well. I noticed that the A2 jackets don't sit as low. Is it just me?!

That G1 jacket has the following dimensions
shoulder to shoulder 19.5
pit to pit 23
back length 26
back length to front hem 27 to 27.5
sleeve length from center back to end sleeve 34
sleeve length from seam to end sleeve 24.5

 

[Seb Lucas]

G1's do seem to sit lower. Maybe post photos so we can see.

I'm six two and 185 pounds, so larger than you and that pit to pit would fit me. What does back length to front hem mean?

 

[Bfd70]

nice fit what size is the jacket

36 But size #s are arbitrary. Another maker lists 36 as 20, 17, 24, 24.
You really need measurements.

 

[Airborne]

G1's do seem to sit lower. Maybe post photos so we can see.

I'm six two and 185 pounds, so larger than you and that pit to pit would fit me. What does back length to front hem mean?

The front is slightly longer than the back piece. I measured from the back seam to the bottom hem of the front piece instead of the back piece. There's an inch difference.

 

[Seb Lucas]

The front is slightly longer than the back piece. I measured from the back seam to the bottom hem of the front piece instead of the back piece. There's an inch difference.

Do you mean you included the front bit that sticks out past the back hem when you lie the jacket out flat? If so that's not worth noting. The front is best measured from the start of the zip down to the end.