If you could only order one GW jacket today...

[ButteMT61]

Which would it be? I asked the fellas at VLJ as well. I thought I had it narrowed down, but I simply can't decide. So, fellow loungers, I'm asking for input. I want to get inline for one of John's masterpieces, and I was "this close" but realized I can't decide which one. I've even got the M-422/AN-6552 on the list since I saw some pics of those.
So, please help me. Here's the GW Site
Opinions are 100% wanted here

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Butte
That would be a tough decision for me. I know the style I like..however..most all contracts are slightly different fits. Some bigger in the shoulder..slimmer to the waist..etc. To me..fit is crucial..then hide(HH..Goat..Grainy...Flat or glossy finish)...Knits (brown..Aero's rust...berry..Dubow's rosey brown). John has the answers concerning fit....and some nice hides..and knowledge of what color knits belong on which contracts. I bet he could easily and wisely help you make a great decision.
HD

 

[ButteMT61]

Thanks HD. John has a new assistant (Vickie) and she's been emailing with me the last two days. Very nice person, and yes, I imagine John would be a big help, but I fear he's overloaded. There are so many to choose from, I fear it will take me forever to figure out which one. I guess I have to just decide on which one "for now" lol

 

[HorseHide]

If you have decided you must have a Goodwear product (and it sounds like you have), my suggestion is the Californian Ventura - magnificent garment.

I ordered one, waited patiently (the stories of those that had their orders cancelled are classic) and got it in hand. Truly a work of art but the fit needed some "tweaking" so back to Seattle it went. And I waited, and waited. Finally I said something and it must have offended the master because I got the "No coat for you!" message and a prompt refund.

Miss the coat, not the drama.

 

[ButteMT61]

Yep, that's where I'm getting my next one. Every maker has had people here peeved at some point. I appreciate the info, but I am willing to give this a shot as the products are lovely - from what I see in pics.

 

[tonypaj]

Any of the G-1 type jackets, they are easily the most comfortable and versatile to wear. The premise is that someone else pays...

 

[Yeps]

Californian Ventura, definitely. I don't like knits.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Californian Ventura, definitely. I don't like knits.

Ditto

 

[ButteMT61]

Knits are fine with me. Thanks though...

 

[53Effie]

The one I like best is the Arcadia, which is not listed as a current production jacket. Otherwise, I would choose the Ventura in seal goat.

 

[pauleway]

Which would it be? I asked the fellas at VLJ as well. I thought I had it narrowed down, but I simply can't decide. So, fellow loungers, I'm asking for input. I want to get inline for one of John's masterpieces, and I was "this close" but realized I can't decide which one. I've even got the M-422/AN-6552 on the list since I saw some pics of those.
So, please help me. Here's the GW Site
Opinions are 100% wanted here

Butte,
If you are looking at the Navy Flight jackets, GW has a new model G-1/55J14 that is really nice. Has the fur collar that fades to a rust brown after time and the goatskin shows some wear around the edges with some wear. My second choice would be the California Ventura!

 

[pauleway]

Butte,
If you are looking at the Navy Flight jackets, GW has a new model G-1/55J14 that is really nice. Has the fur collar that fades to a rust brown after time and the goatskin shows some wear around the edges with some wear. My second choice would be the California Ventura!

That is a Star Sportswear G1/55J14 in his new items section.

 

[HighandDry]

Initially, I was overwhelmed with the choices. The subtle differences between the A-2 jackets were difficult for me to pick up and they all kind of looked the same. John has been great to me. Living in Seattle, I've been able to meet him and he was able to measure me personally. He also took the time to explain the differences in the jackets and I started to see the difference in the contract models.

I'm a pretty trim guy, so my biggest concern was fit. Any A-2 I tried in the past were too bulky for my tastes. John has recommended a pre-WWII aero, which he says is much trimer in the torso and sleeve. In terms of leather color, I went with an almost black HH with berry knits.

Anyways, it's been a year of waiting, but I'm hoping it's worth the wait!

 

[Doctor Strange]

Actually, I just ordered my first (and with my finances, probably only!) Good Wear jacket last week. After discussing it with John, I went for the Dubow 27798.

(I have the opposite issue, requiring considerably more room at the waist/gut and less in the chest/shoulders and sleeves. I spent a lot of time measuring my other jackets and myself to come up with the hopefully correct sizing.)

 

[aswatland]

Actually, I just ordered my first (and with my finances, probably only!) Good Wear jacket last week. After discussing it with John, I went for the Dubow 27798.

(I have the opposite issue, requiring considerably more room at the waist/gut and less in the chest/shoulders and sleeves. I spent a lot of time measuring my other jackets and myself to come up with the hopefully correct sizing.)

An excellent choice. It should prove to be a very stylish and comfortable A2 to wear.

 

[ButteMT61]

Initially, I was overwhelmed with the choices. The subtle differences between the A-2 jackets were difficult for me to pick up and they all kind of looked the same. John has been great to me. Living in Seattle, I've been able to meet him and he was able to measure me personally. He also took the time to explain the differences in the jackets and I started to see the difference in the contract models.

I'm a pretty trim guy, so my biggest concern was fit. Any A-2 I tried in the past were too bulky for my tastes. John has recommended a pre-WWII aero, which he says is much trimer in the torso and sleeve. In terms of leather color, I went with an almost black HH with berry knits.

Anyways, it's been a year of waiting, but I'm hoping it's worth the wait!

Yep - overwhelming. But I do have models I like more than others - just have to match my body shape/size and pull the trigger. I'm waiting on leather samples from Vickie so I can make the decision and go. I think I have it down to three now:

1939 A-2 Werber, A-2 RW27752, and the A-2 Acme 18775P (Aero)

Unless 767fo, HD, Andrew, Dr. H tell me otherwise, it'll likely be one of those three at this point. Everyone has been a lot of help. I probably should have stated up front I'm looking for a WWII military jacket - but I do appreciate the suggestions of other models. I am bothered by knits ONLY due to moths/damage potential. I actually like wearing them. But I now have two Aero FQHH jackets that cover the non-military look for now and I want to grow my classic inventory after reading about GW for years and seeing all the pics here and VLJ.

Thanks again...but don't stop discussing - I could easily change my mind again :eeek:

 

[ButteMT61]

That's fine AD! I realize what I asked for is opinion. But many here have a lot of experience on the fit so I thought I'd query the house and see what people think. It's fun. IN the end of course I'll pick what makes me most excited, but I could easily order six of them and then be looking for the next one within hours

 

[Atterbury Dodd]

Oops, I deleted the post you replied to. I decided maybe it wasn't really helpful... I think the fun is a big part of it, so enjoy it. Do what suits you best

 

[Philalethes]

That is a Star Sportswear G1/55J14 in his new items section.

Hey, I have one of those - an original, I mean, inherited from my Grandfather. I think the Star Sportswear 55J14 is an excellent specimen of an under-appreciated jacket (compared, for example, to the A2).

Fortunately, mine did not cost me $1400, but the GW version does look very close, when just glancing at the pictures.

If ordering this model, you may want to size up. I am a 38, my Grandfather's jacket is a 42. It is a little big, but only a little.

Good luck, Butte.

 

[ButteMT61]

OK, the "Boss" says she does not want me getting anything "red", meaning, russet. I think she has a point - my skin color probably is better served wearing a seal HH. That being said, there are few models in the seal HH. I'm pretty sure it would be blasphemy to order a jacket that didn't come in seal with seal - right?
So, this leaves me with an easier choice with fewer options (that are correct).
Given that, what do you guys think?

Type A-2: Rough Wear W535-ac-27752

Type A-2: Acme Leather 42-18775-P

Thanks again for the input. It's much appreciated.