Flight Suits Civil A-2 ( Need Size Help)

[Raymundo]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum and find the posts interesting and informative to say the least. I am somewhat of a flight jacket - aholic so I should fit in although I am far from being an expert. My goal is to own an original WWII A-2 someday. Until then I will have to be content wearing a copy of the original like many of you guys. I bought a Flight Suits Civil A-2 about 4 years ago and for my money it is the best all around everyday flight jacket. Best of all, it is made in the U.S.A just like the originals. I sold my first FS A-2 and just ordered a new Civil A-2. My first one was a size 42 and fit me pretty good. When I ordered the new one, the sales rep suggested a size 44. I am 5'11" and weigh about 190. Would appreciate any sizing advice from anyone who owns or may have owned one of these jackets. Thanks.

Raymundo

 

[airfrogusmc]

Contact FS they are the experts on their products.

 

[Harp]

Flight Suits civil A2 Size Issue

I recently grabbed a FS civil A2 off Ebay, 42R (currently listed in
classified section here) that was a tad too small. Listed it for resale
with heavy heart, but that's life.... You might have a tailor measure
your favorite A2, measure you as you weigh today, and then contact
Flight Suits' customer service dept for a product recommendation.

Also, consider dropping a line off to Paddy at Real McCoy New Zealand
with your latest measurement and inquire about discount stock or
resale item avail. Perhaps you might be able to snag a steal.
Good luck.

 

[The Mad Hatter]

I haven't dealt with FlightSuits for a while, but you used to be able to exchange jackets if they did not fit. Check that out.

However, generally, FlightSuits sizes correspond to those you otherwise use. So if you generally are a 42R, then the same would go for FlightSuits - and so on. So just order the same size jacket as whatever your suit jacket is.

 

[Baggers]

Without knowing your build, at 5' 11'' and 190 lbs you sound like you might be more comfortable in a 44. I'm 5"10 and twenty pounds lighter and wear a 42 Reg, and wear the same size in a suit.

But height and weight don't tell the whole story. Get someone to measure your chest. If you can't find a professional, like a tailor, at least get someone to put a tape measure around your chest and back, just under the armpits at the widest part, and over a shirt or whatever you expect to to be wearing under the jacket. Don't snug the tape down, and be sure you take a breath of air to expand your chest a bit. Round up to the nearest even number and that should indicate what size you are.

And if your waist is larger than your chest (not likely, given your height and weight), take that measurement and give it to them too. It might make a difference.

Your arm length is important as well. If you know your dress shirt size (sleeve length and neck circumference), have that handy when you call them back. Airfrogusmc is right, the customer service folks at FS should be able to give their best recommendation since they should know their products. And if it's too big when you get it, you ought to be able to exchange it for another size. Just find out what their policy is regarding such things before you commit. That's the only downside to buying long distance, if you don't know your own measurements and not sure how the product fits, then there will be some possible trial and error.

Try whatever FS suggests. If it doesn't work, they'll fix it. It's not like you're getting it surgically attached to your body.

Cheers!

 

[Raymundo]

Thanks guys! I will wait and see how the 44R fits and return it if necessary. As you know, sizing these jackets can be a guessing game. FS has great customer service so returns are not a problem. They even pay for the shipping. Can't beat that.

Raymundo

 

[Rundquist]

G&B’s current jacket sizing reflects modern sizing. Go with your suit size as long as there is nothing un-average about your build. Cheers

 

[priestyboy]

I have a FS M-422 (G-1). I am 5'11" and 200. I wear a 44R in a sport coat and my M-422 is a 44. It is a little snug. If I had a 46, it'd be perfect.

If it was me I'd order the size up like FS says.

 

[bostonnerd]

My first post and I just received my first A-2 Historical from Flightsuits last night. I was also concerned about sizing. I'm 5'9", 163 lbs with a 32-33 pants waist. Normally I wear a 40R jacket but Jessica at Flightsuits convinced me to go with a 42R. I'm glad she did as it fits perfectly, with just enough extra room for a light sweater underneath which should extend my wear time in New England by at least 3 weeks.

The quality and workmanship of the jacket is fantastic and I couldn't be happier with it. I noticed there are quite a few Boston posters here. If you see a guy wandering Boylston and Newberry Streets in a not yet broken in A-2, it's me

 

[Raymundo]

Flight Suits Civil A-2 ( Need Size Help ).

Thanks for the size help, guys. Just received the Civil A-2 Goat in regular seal brown size 44R and it fits great. The leather is very soft and supple and the jacket is very comfortable to wear. No break in necessary. For $308 this is the best deal and nicest quality jacket you can buy. Gibson and Barnes beats them all hands down. Their modern sizing fits right unlike Mil-Spec jackets that you have to squeeze into.

Ray

 

[bostonnerd]

Thanks for the size help, guys. Just received the Civil A-2 Goat in regular seal brown size 44R and it fits great. The leather is very soft and supple and the jacket is very comfortable to wear. No break in necessary...
Ray

Interesting as my goat is a little stiff and will require some wear time to soften up. It's been too warm in Boston to wear it. We are supposed to return to Fall tomorrow. My wife was able to snag free tickets from her client to the Clubhouse for the Patriots opening game tomorrow so it looks like it will see its first day of wear.

 

[Raymundo]

Bostonnerd,

I believe your jacket is stiffer because it is vegetable tanned. Mine is chrome tanned which makes the leather softer and more supple.

Ray

 

[bostonnerd]

Bostonnerd,

I believe your jacket is stiffer because it is vegetable tanned. Mine is chrome tanned which makes the leather softer and more supple.

Ray

Ah right! Thanks...