Gibson and Barnes Air Force A-2 Sizing?

[Drewdog2323]

Another fit thread! I just received my G&B Air Force A-2 dark brown goatskin in size 40R. Not the Civil version so this does not have any size entry or inside pockets. I initially ordered my usual size of 42R but returned it as it was too big. Sizing down one size is definitely the way to go.

However, I fear the sleeves might be too short now? My problem is going Long is that the jacket length becomes too long for my shorter torso and some tunneling in the sleeves happens. I don't know if I should send it back or not based on the sleeves. It seems just long enough with my arms down but it rides up quite a bit when I raise my arms.

The shoulder width measures 19.5", sleeve length at 25.5" including the knit cuffs, and length from bottom of collar to bottom of waist knit at 25.5" for those interested. I apologize for the less than stellar picture quality. Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[Seb Lucas]

You illustrate why sometimes custom is the only way to get the sizing right. The sleeves are borderline to me but many will consider them too short. You're right, if you got a longer jacket it would be too long in the torso. I think some off the peg G1's have longer sleeves. But sounds like you need a 27 inch sleeves with a 25.5 inch back.

 

[Drewdog2323]

You illustrate why sometimes custom is the only way to get the sizing right. The sleeves are borderline to me but many will consider them too short. You're right, if you got a longer jacket it would be too long in the torso. I think some off the peg G1's have longer sleeves. But sounds like you need a 27 inch sleeves with a 25.5 inch back.

The sleeves are borderline, but it seems OK. Of course I hope to get some FL opinions before I decide. I think a 26.5”-27” sleeve, 19”-19.5” shoulders, and 25.5”-26” back length might be my sweet spot. Do you think I can workaround it with replacing the knit cuffs with slightly longer ones?

Luckily Cockpit makes their G1s with longer sleeves so their regular size works well for me.

 

[Fanch]

Normally I wear a 44 long sports jacket but wear a 40T G&B. Like you, I am all arms and legs, and need 27" sleeves to avoid a "stork arms" appearance but can easily handle a 26" back length. As a point of reference I am 6'2" and 185 lbs.

Having looked at the pictures, my input would be to return the G&B A-2 and try a 40T (long) and see how that works. OR simply return the G&B and try another brand. There is a range of acceptable fit, but based on pictures yours appears one size too big to my eye. I would not replace the knit cuffs with slightly longer ones if it were me.


This is my G&B "historical" Mark 43 A-2 in mahogany (dark brown) horsehide that is labeled a size 40T that is possibly one size too big for me.


This is my Aero Bronco A-2 in russet jerky horsehide labeled size 44 (long) that fits one size smaller than my G&B labeled 40T!

Most of us on the Lounge have come to go by measurements rather than labeled sizes, illustrated by the comparison of my two jackets above.

 

[GregGale]

Keep in mind that as you break the jacket in, you’ll lose an inch in the sleeves due to creasing. Those borderline short sleeves will become actually short.

 

[Drewdog2323]

Normally I wear a 44 long sports jacket but wear a 40T G&B. Like you, I am all arms and legs, and need 27" sleeves to avoid a "stork arms" appearance but can easily handle a 26" back length. As a point of reference I am 6'2" and 185 lbs.

Having looked at the pictures, my input would be to return the G&B A-2 and try a 40T (long) and see how that works. OR simply return the G&B and try another brand. There is a range of acceptable fit, but based on pictures yours appears one size too big to my eye. I would not replace the knit cuffs with slightly longer ones if it were me.

View attachment 119067
This is my G&B "historical" Mark 43 A-2 in mahogany (dark brown) horsehide that is labeled a size 40T that is possibly one size too big for me.

View attachment 119068
This is my Aero Bronco A-2 in russet jerky horsehide labeled size 44 (long) that fits one size smaller than my G&B labeled 40T!

Most of us on the Lounge have come to go by measurements rather than labeled sizes, illustrated by the comparison of my two jackets above.

Beautiful jackets! Thanks for your insight. I tried it on again this morning and decided to send it back. Even without the sleeve issue, I was not crazy about the cut of the jacket. It seemed too boxy and squared off at the shoulders for some reason. I like A-2s that have more of a natural shoulder and fit somewhere between fitted and relaxed. I might buy one later if I could find it on eBay for a steal. I just wouldn’t want to pay full price for that jacket given that.

I think I like G-1’s true to size trim versus slightly trim on A-2’s because the action back allows for it to remain comfortable.

 

[Fanch]

Beautiful jackets! Thanks for your insight. I tried it on again this morning and decided to send it back. Even without the sleeve issue, I was not crazy about the cut of the jacket. It seemed too boxy and squared off at the shoulders for some reason. I like A-2s that have more of a natural shoulder and fit somewhere between fitted and relaxed. I might buy one later if I could find it on eBay for a steal. I just wouldn’t want to pay full price for that jacket given that.

I think I like G-1’s true to size trim versus slightly trim on A-2’s because the action back allows for it to remain comfortable.

I am not too fond of G&B's current A-2's with polyester lining and knits, as well as blousy overall fit that does not work well on someone with a slender build. My "historical" A-2 Mark 43 is a better design but at a significantly higher price. Knowing what I do now, if I were to buy another A-2, I would likely order one of Aero's contracts. Aero will adjust the body and sleeve lengths up and down to accomodate someone with a short torso but long arms (me).

 

[Drewdog2323]

I am not too fond of G&B's current A-2's with polyester lining and knits, as well as blousy overall fit that does not work well on someone with a slender build. My "historical" A-2 Mark 43 is a better design but at a significantly higher price. Knowing what I do now, if I were to buy another A-2, I would likely order one of Aero's contracts. Aero will adjust the body and sleeve lengths up and down to accomodate someone with a short torso but long arms (me).

That’s great to know. I have an ELC Monarch A-2 in a 44XL that fits pretty well. It was an eBay score at the time. I think I would have had a hard time wearing a 42 regular purely because of the narrower shoulders and shorter body lengths of the WW2 repros. The 44 XL gives me the right amount of sleeves, fits a bit relaxed, but is a little long in the torso by almost an inch. However, it works well enough for me not to give up my one and only HH A-2. The fit is still much better than the current G&B A-2.

I am looking for a mohagany or seal brown HH A-2 to compliment the russet Monarch A-2 in my closet. Any recommendations? I hear Aero jackets fit quite slim even compared to other high end repros? Is that true?

 

[Fanch]

That’s great to know. I have an ELC Monarch A-2 in a 44XL that fits pretty well. It was an eBay score at the time. I think I would have had a hard time wearing a 42 regular purely because of the narrower shoulders and shorter body lengths of the WW2 repros. The 44 XL gives me the right amount of sleeves, fits a bit relaxed, but is a little long in the torso by almost an inch. However, it works well enough for me not to give up my one and only HH A-2. The fit is still much better than the current G&B A-2.

I am looking for a mohagany or seal brown HH A-2 to compliment the russet Monarch A-2 in my closet. Any recommendations? I hear Aero jackets fit quite slim even compared to other high end repros? Is that true?

Consider an Aero A-2 made from seal Vicenza horsehide that has a soft hand with virtually no break in and drapes better than anything else i personally have encountered. If you live in the US you can have a fit A-2 jacket sent to you by Carrie with Thurston Bros in Seattle in order to nail down a perfect fit for you. Thurston has a nice website for you to view their inventory. Below is the URL for Thurston's military jacket information.

https://www.thurston-bros.com/collections/military-jackets

 

[Butch_Coolidge]

Normally I wear a 44 long sports jacket but wear a 40T G&B. Like you, I am all arms and legs, and need 27" sleeves to avoid a "stork arms" appearance but can easily handle a 26" back length. As a point of reference I am 6'2" and 185 lbs.

Having looked at the pictures, my input would be to return the G&B A-2 and try a 40T (long) and see how that works. OR simply return the G&B and try another brand. There is a range of acceptable fit, but based on pictures yours appears one size too big to my eye. I would not replace the knit cuffs with slightly longer ones if it were me.

View attachment 119067
This is my G&B "historical" Mark 43 A-2 in mahogany (dark brown) horsehide that is labeled a size 40T that is possibly one size too big for me.

View attachment 119068
This is my Aero Bronco A-2 in russet jerky horsehide labeled size 44 (long) that fits one size smaller than my G&B labeled 40T!

Most of us on the Lounge have come to go by measurements rather than labeled sizes, illustrated by the comparison of my two jackets above.

Nice jacket. Did anyone ever tell you, that you look a bit like Hugh Hefner?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Fanch]

Did anyone ever tell you, that you look a bit like Hugh Hefner?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What???!!!

 

[El Marro]

I hear Aero jackets fit quite slim even compared to other high end repros? Is that true?

I certainly found this to be the case with the one and only Aero A-2 I tried. It was a jacket that Thurston had in stock and looking at the numbers I thought it would be a perfect fit. Body length, arm length and pit to pit were all fine, but the jacket had such narrow shoulders and high armholes that it actually hurt to wear!
I asked about the possibility of making the shoulders substantially wider as well as increasing the armholes and I was told that this would represent too great a deviation from their pattern and therefore would not be possible. Truly a shame because that jacket was so beautiful I hated to send it back.
I agree with Fanch about going through the fit jacket process with Thurston Brothers. That way you will still have options if you find the A-2 is not for you. In my case I returned the A-2 and got a Teamster instead.

 

[bn1966]

Just about to order an ELC Monarch..sizing up from my usual 46 to a 48 to ensure shoulder and chest room, sold on my 46 R Wear due to 'snug' issues (was a lovely jacket though).

My experience with G&B has been 'tent' fit issues.

 

[Drewdog2323]

Just about to order an ELC Monarch..sizing up from my usual 46 to a 48 to ensure shoulder and chest room, sold on my 46 R Wear due to 'snug' issues (was a lovely jacket though).

My experience with G&B has been 'tent' fit issues.

The Monarch is a nice contract and I love the collar on it. I believe it is one of the easier patterns to wear. Do you think you would have fit into a 48 Wear contract? Or were the proportions just too far off for you?

 

[bn1966]

Hi Drewdog,

I've checked the numbers on all the contracts prior to deciding on the Monarch (thanks Charles HPA). Broad shoulders were the main issue, I'm a 46 chest / 48 shoulders, came down to another RW or the Monarch, both work numerically in a 48, went with the Monarch just to have a change.

My ELC A-1 is a 48 & fits great as does my 48 Hartman

 

[bn1966]

In the Ostmann & B-3 (ELC) I'm a 46 still (both have generous shoulders in the pattern).