How does A-2 Sizing Work?

[Deleted member 16736]

My chest measurement is 42 with a shirt on. For a vintage fit, would I size up 2 inches to a 44 or 4 inches to a 46? I want a snug fit that will loosen over time and mold to my body. The specific contract I'm considering is the GW Perry, but in general, the same rule should apply to most contracts. My first A-2 was a 48 Dubow and that was just too big. Thank you.

 

[Dr H]

Joel
I've had two GW Perrys (HH and goat) and 5 originals in these contracts. It sounds like you'll need a wartime 44...
Good choice!
Ian
P.s. I'm also a 42" chest with a shirt on.

 

[aswatland]

I agree with Ian. A size 44 in a GW Perry should fit you fine.

 

[Edward]

As best as I can make out, a well-fitting A2 requires a 4" tolerance. I'm a 42 as well - in a modern Size 42, that'll make the jacket itself 46", roughly, around the chest. To get that in an original, I'd need a Size 44. Same with suits - most often in modern OTR I'm a 42, but always a 44 in vintage. I would suggest if you stick to a moder 42 / vintage 44 you'll have a snug enough fit in an A2. Bear in mind it's a jacket that was never cut to be worn as form fitting as the likes of an Aero Halfbelt. If you want a neater fitting military jacket in that vein, maybe something in the G1 family?

 

[Fanch]

My chest measurement is also 42" with a shirt on, and my best fit is a size 44 contemporary and size 46 vintage. I have an Aero A-2 Bronco in size 48 that is too large and should have gotten a size 46 instead. You might find that a 44 original contract is too tight.

 

[Dr H]

I know nothing about Aero sizing, but I think a GW 46 would swamp you.

 

[Jeff M]

Best to discuss sizing with the maker...if you can.
In general I've found that the size shown on the label is a "starting place".
I own size 44 and size 46 GW's and ELC A2's.
The 46's generally fit what I expect a 44 to fit like (otherwise I wouldn't have kept them.)
Some of the 44's lean towards a "slim fit 44" size.
Much depends on the shoulder to shoulder size, the cut of the jacket, the sleeve design (inset?), what you are looking for in jacket fit. You want the "vintage fit" which tends to be snugger across the shoulder and chest, or what we think of as a "modern fit", which tends to be what many folks are more comfortable with?

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Best to discuss sizing with the maker...if you can.
In general I've found that the size shown on the label is a "starting place".
I own size 44 and size 46 GW's and ELC A2's.
The 46's generally fit what I expect a 44 to fit like (otherwise I wouldn't have kept them.)
Some of the 44's lean towards a "slim fit 44" size.
Much depends on the shoulder to shoulder size, the cut of the jacket, the sleeve design (inset?), what you are looking for in jacket fit. You want the "vintage fit" which tends to be snugger across the shoulder and chest, or what we think of as a "modern fit", which tends to be what many folks are more comfortable with?

Thanks for everyone's input. I really appreciate your feedback. I will discuss sizing with John when the time comes (I'm 3 months way), but I wanted to have another opinion before we talked. It's like going to another doctor for a second opinion.

I was leaning towards the 44 so the consensus confirms my predisposition. From what I know, the Perry has a wide shoulder so I don't need to size up. I've seen pictures of John wearing a 44 vs. 46 Perry and feel the 44 is the better fit for him and we're almost identical in size (I'm an inch taller).

Jeff, I want the vintage cut. My experience with horsehide is that it will stretch, but only if the fit is fairly snug to begin with. My first horsehide jacket was a 42 Highwayman and it fit me like a sausage when I first got it. Six months later it was almost loose. My Dubow never would have molded to my body because it was too big to begin with. The jackets of servicemen during the war that fit loosely may not have when they first received them.

By the way, I found a picture of James Dean wearing a Perry I think looks pretty cool:

http://www.purestorm.com/forum/readThread.aspx?id=198429&start=2

 

[Dr H]

James Dean is wearing the 23377 in goat. Of the two GW Perrys, I think this one is reproduced more accurately with John's latest goat, although the 16175-P is also a cracker...

 

[Fanch]

Best to discuss sizing with the maker...if you can.
In general I've found that the size shown on the label is a "starting place".
I own size 44 and size 46 GW's and ELC A2's.
The 46's generally fit what I expect a 44 to fit like (otherwise I wouldn't have kept them.)
Some of the 44's lean towards a "slim fit 44" size.
Much depends on the shoulder to shoulder size, the cut of the jacket, the sleeve design (inset?), what you are looking for in jacket fit. You want the "vintage fit" which tends to be snugger across the shoulder and chest, or what we think of as a "modern fit", which tends to be what many folks are more comfortable with?

Jeff M expressed far better what I was trying to say. In my younger days, I wanted everything that I wore to be tight fitting, including jackets, shoes, cowboy boots, etc. However, in my old age, I have found my preferences regarding fit about almost everything have changed and prefer less constriction, although my body weight is identical to what it was when I was 20 years old. My response probably didn't answer your question, which probably won't be answered until you open the box and try on the jacket for the first time.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

James Dean is wearing the 23377 in goat. Of the two GW Perrys, I think this one is reproduced more accurately with John's latest goat, although the 16175-P is also a cracker...

Well, it was a Perry anyway. Mine will be horse.