Got my first A-2, is it too big???

[Dave E]

I'd take them up on shortening the sleeves (maybe an inch or so), but otherwise it looks fine to me.

 

[Tito]

Hi guys, I prefer a fit right on the belt, but it looks good on you ... the sleeves a bit long perhaps.
Cheers





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[michael.jtf]

Hi Oktobr,

Can you kindly meassure the back length of this jacket from the collar seam to the end of waist band for me? I am with same height/weight, I think the length of your jacket is fine for me, but aero's A-2 is 24inch back length in size 36, I guess is shorter than yours.

Many thanks,

Michael

 

[1087]

I agree with all of you here. The sleeves are a bit long in my opinion. But what we see here is probably the modern kind of fit, more relaxed. Of course, if you are not entirely happy, try to see if you can exhange the sizes or if somebody can professionaly modify the length of the sleeves for you.

I just recently had a huge debate (but constructive) with some fellow flight jackets fanatics in Hong Kong (I was born in HK by the way....). They all think that "fitting like a snug shirt" is a must. What I think is that, they have been hugely influenced by the Japanese kind of styling modelled by some "average built" Japanese guys.

I guess you can will see what I mean from the pics. For a person who has been living in the West for some many years like myself (with plenty of fish & chips....), I am really sorry to say that these fittings just don't look right to me. Oktobr, I can assure you, yours jacket looks much better than those Japanese in the pictures. They are just way too small.

The Japanese fitting does not make any justice to any of those jackets, no matter how good they are!:whip:

 

[captaincaveman1]

The Japanese fitting does not make any justice to any of those jackets, no matter how good they are!:whip:

Pic reminds me of those super short pleather jackets teenage girls buy at H&M.

 

[442RCT]

Okay...this is the way an A-2 is supposed to fit. Mine fits likes this....

 

[Justhandguns]

Pic reminds me of those super short pleather jackets teenage girls buy at H&M.

Yeah, something like this.......

Or even like Ms Barton.....

 

[Oktobr]

First, let me thank everyone for their kind words about the jacket and it's fit. :eusa_clap Its broken in quite a bit now from wearing it on my journey from Dublin, through Wales, to England and back. I love the fit, but I am going to be sending it back to Shaul, tomorrow when I get stateside. The sleeves are a bit long, I'll have him take an inch off them. I hate the tunneling, but you cant beat a free alteration. I'll probably post a few more pics from my travels when I get back, as well.

I think you're very lucky to have a superb fit on your first A-2. I've been looking for that shoulder fit in my last two A2 jackets and still searching. Yours just perfect! The sleeves will do just fine many years to come. Wear in good health!

How tall are you Oktobr?

Thanks, and I'm 5'7'' 135 lbs.

Hi Oktobr,

Can you kindly meassure the back length of this jacket from the collar seam to the end of waist band for me? I am with same height/weight, I think the length of your jacket is fine for me, but aero's A-2 is 24inch back length in size 36, I guess is shorter than yours.

No problem, I'll measure it tomorrow. I'd do it right now, but I'm leaving Dublin, today, after an amazing vacation in the UK.

 

[michael.jtf]

Thank you very much! I am about your height, I don't want my A-2 too lang but not that short as the photos of Jappaness style

No problem, I'll measure it tomorrow. I'd do it right now, but I'm leaving Dublin, today, after an amazing vacation in the UK.

 

[FRASER_NASH]

Get the sleeves sorted (easily done) to rid yourself of the excessive tunnelling. Job Done and then Enjoy!! (nice pressie!!!).

 

[bentusian]

I too hated the tunnelling on the sleeves of my A-2s so much that I ended up selling off all my size 40s and converted to 38s. As 40 is really my size for comfortable fit with a room for extra layer underneath, it's indeed a little tight around torso, but it looks much better on the sleeves and justifies the tighter feel, to the extent that the trouser belt is properly covered by the waist knit of the jacket.

I don't subscribe to the extreme Japanese fitting either, but born as an Asian with longer waist and shorter arms than western shapes (and especially when you're chubby!) I truly understand how hard it is for them/us/me to get the right fit with A-2s..

 

[Edward]

WE've hashed and rehashed the question of "proper" A2 fit manys a time on the FL. Both ends of the spectrum have their advocates, though it seems to me that - as with any issue garment, of course - when you look at the old photos of USAAF personnel wearing their A2s, you'll see everything from that sort of 'shirt' fit modelled by the Japanese kids in the photos above, to... well, not 80s 'bomber' jacket baggy (think those early A2-style jackets by the likes of Schott that were cut more like an MA1 than an A2), but certainly looser than some will insist is 'period accurate'. So whatever works for you, within reason, probably has a fair historical pedigree as a fit... My own personal view is that any A2 cut big enough to layer a sweater under won't look quite 'right' - it is, after all, a jacket that was designed as one to be worn over a collar and tie. Think about your best fitting blazer, for instance, and imagine how much better it looks over just a shirt than it would were it large enough to accomodate a heavy sweater.... For my frame, ELC's 42 (equivalent to a wartime 44 - or a GoodWear 44 for that matter!) is ideal - trim without being restrictive. I've seen many photos of USAAF pilots with A2s that fit them like mine does me - as well as looser and tighter. As to whether the content of my jacket (and the majority of other high-end, A2 repros out there for that matter) are 'period accurate', well, that's another can o' worms entirely!

 

[Mr Badger]

As to whether the content of my jacket (and the majority of other high-end, A2 repros out there for that matter) are 'period accurate', well, that's another can o' worms entirely!

Heh!

I like to be able to wear a five-button GI sweater or a sweatshirt under my A2, so mine's a little looser than 'shirt-only' fit, but by no means baggy...

Oktobr, glad the FL crew helped you out – they've stepped up to the plate for me several times and I'm a relative newbie. Not to get all gushy, but with so much b(censored)t around in life, it's good to know that you can count on something! Enjoy that A2! :eusa_clap

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Yes. The A2 was first and foremost designed as a functional issue garment. That it is not shaped to the body; that essentially no aesthetic considerations as to the male torso have been made in the design of the A2, is what makes me dislike the A2 so much. I don't think i've ever seen one where I could say: that, to me, looks great, and I would want one. Particluarly the back panel: It's always billowy and saggy and too big around the midriff (absolutely unavoidable with straight side seams and a single panel back). This is not aesthetically pleasing. It's shoddy and unfinished. And those useless tiny little pockets! Don't even get me started. I have originals, but the only interest I have is historical.

I don't buy the A-2 "fit like a glove" theory either. I was a military pilot, and it would not have been comfortable for me to do my job in the cockpit with a tight fitting leather jacket. I imagine the pilots of the A-2 generation felt the same way. Additionally, most of the pictures of wartime A-2s I have seen don't support the fit like a glove theory.

 

[Gromulus]

Yes. The A2 was first and foremost designed as a functional issue garment. That it is not shaped to the body; that essentially no aesthetic considerations as to the male torso have been made in the design of the A2, is what makes me dislike the A2 so much. I don't think i've ever seen one where I could say: that, to me, looks great, and I would want one. Particluarly the back panel: It's always billowy and saggy and too big around the midriff (absolutely unavoidable with straight side seams and a single panel back). This is not aesthetically pleasing. It's shoddy and unfinished. And those useless tiny little pockets! Don't even get me started. I have originals, but the only interest I have is historical.

I have a similar opinion re. the A2 (although perhaps not quite as strong!). I have been eyeing the Gibson & Barnes Skyliner and would love to hear opinions from any owners:

http://www.gibson-barnes.com/Skyliner+Airline+Jacket/id/18/cat_id/18/prod_id/60/

 

[767fo]

Everybody's first A-2 is too big.

Everybody's next A-2 is too small.

:eusa_clap

 

[Justhandguns]

:eusa_clap

Yeah, why don't they do a size 39...... I am the in-betweener of 40 and 38..... damn.........

 

[bentusian]

Yeah, why don't they do a size 39...... I am the in-betweener of 40 and 38..... damn.........

So am I! It's not always easy to find either loose 38 or tight 40, unless you pay a visit to the store and try them on.

 

[Justhandguns]

The Eastman that I've got is a size 40, which looks pretty ok, but the belly seems a bit baggy from behind.
Got another Aero recently from bidding, which is a size 38, it fits extremely well, except that I can only wear a T-shirt
inside, anything thicker than a denim shirt is just too tight to fit in.

 

[eClairvaux]

It seems the A2 is the nemesis of everyone looking for the perfect fit. Thank god I haven't fallen for one (yet). That said, I think yours looks fine, except for the sleeves. I would get them shortened right away and never look back.

Re the japanese: I've been flicking though an occasional japanese magazine (Lightning etc.) and also see it on japanese tourists quite often: it seems they have an entirely different understanding of fit. May be it's all about the brands, regardless of the individual garment's fit? And may be they think the same of us caucasians? Where are the cultural context research lab people when you need them?