Goodwear A-2 vs. Californian Ventura

[Deleted member 16736]

I have my order in with John and sometime this fall he'll be making my jacket. I ordered the Roughwear 27752, but I'm thinking about a modified Californian Ventura without the bi-swing back and with storm cuffs instead of wrist straps for a cleaner overall look. I need this to be my one, everyday, every occasion, go-to jacket to last me a lifetime. Do I go A-2 or streamlined Ventura? The Ventura would end up looking a lot this vintage original, which gave me the idea:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Rich-Sh...s_Clothing&hash=item5893d686e0#ht_1532wt_1398

Thank you.

 

[bretron]

My vote is go with the A2, especially if you're thinking this is going to be your one and only GW; it was the A2 that made JC legendary not his civilian patterns.

On the other hand, you have a lot more creative freedom with one of his civilian jackets bc he is willing to do mods. So, if you're not totally sold on the details of the A2 (wool cuffs, waist, epaulets, etc), or you're after a "one of a kind" look you may be better off with the Californian.

I used to think A2s were too run of the mill looking; but after owning three I can admit that I've drank the Kool Aid :lol:

 

[Deleted member 16736]

I do think the civilian jacket is a little dressier and therefore more versatile. Also, my wardrobe is 30s/40s and the civilian jacket will be more versatile there too, since the Roughwear A-2 is a late war A-2 and might look a little out of place in a 30's ensemble, whereas the Ventura can go either way with my modifications.

 

[JanSolo]

Get an A2 from Goodwear and buy a civilian jacket (maybe a used one) from Aero later. I have to agree - it's John's A2s that made the brand so highly regarded.

 

[Rudie]

I'd vote for the Ventura. If you're looking for a jacket for life anything with knit cuffs and waistband is far from optimum, I think. You'll have to replace them at some point. I also agree it's more versatile and if you have the physique to me a halfbelt is the pinnacle of style. Also, there are much fewer Venturas around than A-2s, which would make the Ventura look a bit more special in my eyes. You won't find these in a mall version.

 

[tonypaj]

Few people have jackets for a lifetime, not to wear, anyway. If they did, first, they would not be posting here, and second, they would stay the same size forever, which will not happen.

Get what pleases you now. After all, the society is geared that way . Joking aside, forever to me is the next few years. I have no clue right now about what kind of jacket I want then. I buy Aeros, I wear them now, and am fortunate enough in that I can always give them to my son, he can get them stolen (has happened) or sell them (to happen when he goes to University).

 

[Jeff M]

I own both Good Wear A2's and a GW Ventura.
If I could have only one design, I'd go with an A2.
More versatile for me. My A2's get MUCH more wear.
That, and as others have noted, they are John's specialty.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Thanks for posting, everyone. I'll stay with my Roughwear. Jeff, do you have the Roughwear? How do you like the fit?

 

[pauleway]

My vote is Cal. Ventura - No comparison!!!

 

[Deleted member 16736]

My vote is Cal. Ventura - No comparison!!!

Really? Why?

 

[Grayland]

I'd vote for the Ventura. If you're looking for a jacket for life anything with knit cuffs and waistband is far from optimum, I think. You'll have to replace them at some point. I also agree it's more versatile and if you have the physique to me a halfbelt is the pinnacle of style. Also, there are much fewer Venturas around than A-2s, which would make the Ventura look a bit more special in my eyes. You won't find these in a mall version.

Well said, Rudie. I agree.

 

[Qinhan]

I understand this probably comes down to a question of personal taste, but to me the Ventura is a hands down winner. I've never really liked the look of wool cuffs or waist and the Ventura's tapered half-belt style is a classic that looks great on those with a trim physique. A2's, even some of the slimmer-cut models, just look too boxy IMHO. I don't own a GW but I have a couple of half-belt reproductions from Japan and I smile every time I put one on.

 

[Jeff M]

Thanks for posting, everyone. I'll stay with my Roughwear. Jeff, do you have the Roughwear? How do you like the fit?

I like the general "Rough Wear" fit. I'm not into "tight torsos", but don't like to look like I am wearing a bag either.
Much of the fit of any of GW's contracts has to do with the actual specs John uses for the individual jackets.

Back to Ventura vs A2...
I have owned 2 GW Ventura's. Had to return the first to change the fit at the waist. (Was way too big).
Even with the first Ventura.....the Ventura fit leans more towards the "shirt" end of the spectrum...ie, torso/chest/shoulder/arm hugging. This is good on occasion...but not as generally usable for me as an A2 fit.
I generally wear a short sleeve polo shirt with my Ventura. I can wear a long sleeve thin cotton shirt with it, but nothing thicker.
I'd say my Ventura gets about 10% of the wear time of my Good Wears. Great on occasion...but just on occasion.
Not something I'd wear if I was going somewhere where I expect to be wearing a jacket for hours on end...ie, not as versatile as my A2's.
One other thing....I lean towards "classic, timeless" designs over "dateable" (ie, "whats in at the moment") designs.
A2's have been around for decades.
The half belt design...particularly a very slim fitting one like the Ventura....comes and goes and can look dated. Especally when the wearer puts on a few pounds over the years.

FWIW, definitely talk to folks who have actually owned a GW Ventura. Yes, they are a sharp looking design...but fit, feel and functionality are something you can only determine by actual experience with it.
I would get another Ventura if something were to happen to mine...but if it came down to choosing between a GW A2 or a Ventura.....I wouldn't hesitate for a minute in choosing an A2.

 

[Grayland]

Why wouldn't you consider designs like the Ventura or the various half-belt models classic or timeless? Haven't they been around since the A-2, if not before?

 

[Jeff M]

Why wouldn't you consider designs like the Ventura or the various half-belt models classic or timeless? Haven't they been around since the A-2, if not before?

To me, they are "classic" in that they seem to be popular every 20 years or so...then fade away.
Like wide vs narrow tie widths.
They come and go..while a "middle" width tie matched with a similar width jacket collar is always in style.
I own 2 half belt designs. An Aero and the Ventura. I like the design, but to me it is a bit can be a bit of an anachronism.
Don't feel that way about the A2.
Seems to me the A2 design has fit well in every decade since it's inception.
The half belt seems to surface for awhile..then go into hibernation.

 

[ButteMT61]

I see what Jeff means. The more generic look of the A-2 means it's never offensive (IMHO)
JC's Ventura is awesome based on these pics. Someday, I may even try one. But for "ME", I like the mil styles and those of the 50's. The seem to always be OK to wear, no matter the decade. I could see a Ventura being seen as a 30's/70's design in some ways. It' gorgeous, just trying to maybe see if I get Jeff's points.

 

[Jeff M]

I see what Jeff means. The more generic look of the A-2 means it's never offensive (IMHO)
JC's Ventura is awesome based on these pics. Someday, I may even try one. But for "ME", I like the mil styles and those of the 50's. The seem to always be OK to wear, no matter the decade. I could see a Ventura being seen as a 30's/70's design in some ways. It' gorgeous, just trying to maybe see if I get Jeff's points.

Yep.

 

[ButteMT61]

Tell me that the Ventura wouldn't look awesome on Col. Steve Austin!!!

 

[Grayland]

On Steve Austin, it would look better, stronger, and faster.

 

[ButteMT61]

On Steve Austin, it would look better, stronger, and faster.

Dunno. Allen coulda been a contender there. Maybe even his stunt-double lol