Help Me Find a Modern A2 That Fits

[Jwag]

Hey guys, I'm in the market for a modern A2 that actually fits. I prefer one that has handwarmer pockets. I have a repo Dubow A2 which is super nice but not practical for everyday use. I use pockets alot. The problem with these modern A2 is sizing. I always wear a size 34. I'm 5 foot 5 inches and 115 pounds (I'm trying to gain weight but it's not working yet). I recently purchased a US Wings A2 and while it's a nice jacket for the price, I'm disappointed with the fit. The "Small" fits like a medium on me. It's overly baggy and blousy, sleeves are baggy and the overall length is an inch too long. This is the second modern A2 that I'm disappointed with. Maybe a custom mfgr would be willing to add handwarmers to a more vintage fitting jacket? Thanks for your input.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=23

 

[Seb Lucas]

I think HD is right about Aero. Your small size may rule out an off the rack version. As you probably know most A2's are cut for more expansive, 21st century men with, how can I put it? A veranda over the tool shed... A medium almost always fits like a large, etc.

Remember sizes are meaningless as companies make them all different -one maker's 36 is another's 38. It's the measurements that count. You need to measure your chest and shoulders as these are where the fit will go wrong, especially in an A2 where sloping shoulders will look bad.

At your size you probably need 17 inch shoulders and a 19 inch pit to pit. Might be useful to measure a denim jacket you may have across the chest - under the arms and see what that is. Once you know this you can then explore the jackets which conform to these measurements.

 

[Lebowski]

Jwag, A-2 pattern doesn't have any hand warmer pockets and never had them. You might be talking about any other (but evidently civilian) jacket that looks a bit similar to A-2, but has handwarmer pockets - that's the other case then. But correctly speaking it's not an A-2 anyway. There are lots of very good civilian and moto jackets around, Aero leathers incl. - look at their site, they might have jackets in size you wanted. Considering size you wanted I'd also look at japanese makers production.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Jwag, A-2 pattern doesn't have any hand warmer pockets and never had them. You might be talking about any other (but evidently civilian) jacket that looks a bit similar to A-2, but has handwarmer pockets - that's the other case then. But correctly speaking it's not an A-2 anyway. There are lots of very good civilian and moto jackets around, Aero leathers incl. - look at their site, they might have jackets in size you wanted. Considering size you wanted I'd also look at japanese makers production.

You're right but I thought he was after a modern version of the A2 - many of those (such as those made by US Wings, Perrone Apparel or Gibson and Barnes or Schott) come with hand warmers.

 

[Lebowski]

You're right but I thought he was after a modern version of the A2 - many of those (such as those made by US Wings, Perrone Apparel or Gibson and Barnes or Schott) come with hand warmers.

Seb, if anybody wants to name them "A-2" even despite evident facts and all the well known historical public info - it's their own deal. But those jackets with handwarmer pockets aren't A-2. At all)

 

[Tom71]

If you don’t mind the pricetag, have a look at the Eastman „House Jacket“ in the „Slender“ version. Beautifully made jacket (relatively lightweight hide), albeit without handwarmers (for the reasons already stated).

 

[El Marro]

Johnson Leathers makes the M-120 which is a very “civilianized” version of an A-2.

Alan should be able to help you dial in the fit just how you want it as well as any other modifications to the stock jacket.

 

[Bfd70]

Agree with all previous posts that custom is likely your best route unless you find a maker whose small size meets your needs. Here’s the rub, you may take measurements, get professional advice, pay $1,0000, and still wind up with a jacket that doesn’t quite meet your expectations. You will then attempt to sell that $1,000 jacket, but due to the niche market created by the size will have great difficulty. A year later it will sell for $400. My $.02 to (in the long run) save a few dollars and heartache is to buy a few cheap A2 type jackets from the bay. Figure out what you want in terms of sizing based on them. Make this your project between now and Feb, then custom order. You’ll have a nice jacket in time for the PN spring. Btw, one slender guy to another, these are not warm jackets. Closer to a heavy shirt. For me the temp range is upper 50’s - upper 60’s depending on sun, wind, and activity. Consider a little room if you want it to be at all practical.

 

[Bfd70]

I should have added that Thurstons fit jacket process is a good investment as well.

 

[Bfd70]

Also i shoulda added to check out the Aero Happy Days pattern

 

[handymike]

There are a lot of these civilian A2 styles on ebay. With your sizing, a good condition vintage one might be an option.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Seb, if anybody wants to name them "A-2" even despite evident facts and all the well known historical public info - it's their own deal. But those jackets with handwarmer pockets aren't A-2. At all)

Of course that's accurate, but pure classifications may not be relevant to this discussion. In general discussions A2 style jackets are a broad category. They are called A2's by the companies which sell them and the OP was referring to an A2 by US Wings, which is far from accurate. For some purposes, a strong adherence to categorical purity is kind of pointless.

 

[breezer]

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=15

50's Flight Jacket

 

[Jwag]

Thanks guys. I do have a repo Dubow A2 so I understand the A2 historically didn't have handwarmers. But I'm not looking for another accurate repo. I hear US Authentic will make an A2 with hidden pockets. So I'll consider a custom made.

 

[GHT]

Seb, if anybody wants to name them "A-2" even despite evident facts and all the well known historical public info - it's their own deal. But those jackets with handwarmer pockets aren't A-2. At all)

Sorry for going off topic but for the sake of an ignoramus. I was under the impression that A2 was the intellectual copyright of Aero. I know that there's various versions like Aero 2 Type 38, I thought that was simply a variation on the original A2, much like Porsche cars 993 model is still the 911, just a different variant. If A2 is the intellectual property of Aero, how come the term A2 is used by others? Surely that should be A2 clone or something similar.

 

[Lebowski]

A2 was the intellectual copyright of Aero.

False.
Have you just written such false abovementioned things intentionally? What for? Stop please.

 

[GHT]

False.
Have you just written such false abovementioned things intentionally? What for? Stop please.

Ask a reasonable question and you get your head bitten off. Read the post. It says I thought, it says, under the impression. It says ignoramus. Nowhere does it say or imply intention.

 

[El Marro]

Ask a reasonable question and you get your head bitten off. Read the post. It says I thought, it says, under the impression. It says ignoramus. Nowhere does it say or imply intention.

GHT,
A-2 was the U.S Government specification for the Army Air Corps flight jacket that came after the A-1. Many companies made them under government contract, including Aero. Aero in no way had a copyright nor did they invent the A-2. Take a look at the Good Wear Leather webpage for a quick crash course in the different wartime versions that were made by at least a dozen different manufacturers.

 

[El Marro]

False.
Have you just written such false abovementioned things intentionally? What for? Stop please.

Everything you have posted in this thread has been somewhat challenging and confrontational. There is no need for this negative energy.