Help Choosing: Thedi Memphis vs A-2 Rough Wear (Eastman) vs ELMC Californian

[Ulysse]

ahah good advice from your young style consultant

 

[Edward]

I’m going to break rank with my TFL brothers and say go for the A2. The Thedi you selected is beautiful, but it might as well be another Eastman Californian, same pocket angles and everything.
The A2 gives a whole different vibe, and If you get the right size it will look sharp. The one you posted is too long, too loose, and has a collar big enough for two necks.

Yes. As an only jacket, I'd go for one of the half belts, but with a brown and a black version of the ELMC already, the A2 offers something different.

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Hi everyone,

First of all, huge thanks to all of you for your insights! Thanks to your input, I’ve officially ruled out the ELMC Californian from my list. Now, my main dilemma is about the A-2.

I love the history, the style, and the character of the jacket. But my biggest concern is: where do you actually wear an A-2 in daily life?

• Not at work – I teach in higher education, and an A-2 might feel a bit out of place in that setting.
• Not with a backpack – The lack of a bi-swing back makes it impractical.
• Not on public transport – I feel like it stands out a bit too much, especially in the metro.
• Not for carrying things – The pockets aren’t very functional, so daily practicality is a concern.

Other than dates or casual evening outings, I struggle to see how it fits into a daily rotation.

I also tried on a Buzz Rickson A-2 in size 44. What do you think—does that sound like the right size for me?

Has anyone successfully integrated an A-2 into their everyday wardrobe? Would love to hear your experiences and any tips!

Thanks again for the help!

I don't think an A2 really stands out any more than any other leather jacket - assuming it's plain and not patched up or painted. I doubt the average person would really notice the difference if not pointed out to them. I've had Indy comments when I was wearing a G1...

I'm also in academia. Used to have an A2 about fifteen years ago (got too big for it later on, so it got sold off). Regularly wore it to work in place of a blazer, just over slacks / collar and tie. Never stood out any more or less than any of my other leathers. The only leathers I've avoided wearing to work have been various bike jackets, which in that setting can look a bit try-too-hard. The A2 is a non-issue. Can't honestly say I ever found it a problem with a backpack either, just same as any other jacket as long as it fitted. Public transport, same as anything else. The only leather I ever had that really stood out there was a black leather trenchcoat - especially when I wore it with a fedora and a pinstripe suit. That got Herr Flick or Matrix comments, depending on whether the comment came from someone over or under 40.

 

[Canuck Panda]

You've already got two half belt jackets, maybe try a different style for the third jacket.

A2 is classic style but it has its limitations as a daily jacket. The pockets aren't that useful, and repros never come with inside pocket. A civilian A2 with hand warmers can be more useful, or an Indiana Jones jacket which has the A2 look but with an action back for mobility, pockets are also bigger, with inside pockets and no knits fraying to worry about.

 

[mtrlr]

I think it really depends on your body type. If you are slim (but not too lanky) with long legs (comparatively to your torso proportion), I think an A2 will look. But then, with that body type, almost anything would look good. I keep seeing people with bulgy body (especially with a beer belly) and short legs wear A2, it doesn't look very complimentary.

I don't have the Thedi jacket you're referring to, but have a Thedi peacoat with Italian horsehide, I like it, soft and not squeaky at all.

 

[El Marro]

I love the history, the style, and the character of the jacket. But my biggest concern is: where do you actually wear an A-2 in daily life?

• Not at work – I teach in higher education, and an A-2 might feel a bit out of place in that setting.
• Not with a backpack – The lack of a bi-swing back makes it impractical.
• Not on public transport – I feel like it stands out a bit too much, especially in the metro.
• Not for carrying things – The pockets aren’t very functional, so daily practicality is a concern.

Out of these four concerns, the last one is the the only valid problem in my opinion, A2 pockets are lacking. if a jacket fits and is comfortable, the backpack makes no difference in my experience. Regarding the other two, I think any leather jacket stands out these days because everyone else is wearing some form of plastic clothing. You have to decide whether or not you are comfortable with that, but An A2 is much less flashy than something like a grizzly or a Vanson Chopper.

 

[bn1966]

If I could have only one jacket it would be a decent A-2 ….. I currently own two from ELC. Great in summer with a T and lightly layered on chilly days, wore one of mine whilst out and about in W.London yesterday. Simple classic and practical is my view of the A-2 & have lived in them at times inc riding a motorcycle. Pockets are a non issue for me as I keep most items in my pant pockets. Getting the A-2 sizing right can be a problem but the right jacket on the right person can look very sharp. Go too small and they are ok unzipped but zipping up can make you feel like a sausage. Too big can look like rent a tent. You can dress an A-2 up a bit with chinos or down with ratty denim trews.