New Aerial Star A2, Incredible Steerhide, Great Cut, I Love It!

[tropicalbob]

I'd like to see them do a version of the aviator/motorcycle jacket that you're currently selling in the classifieds. Norshore also does a beautiful version, but I'd love to see these guys take a whack at it.

 

[tomsk]

Just as a point to note re. sizing. I lost about 7 lbs so far since the photo and it now basically fits although I'm still nearer a 48 chest. No room for layering but wearable so check your measurements if you want a particular fit. As I'm planning to lose another 28 lbs at least whilst training I just ordered a size 44! Why not hey?!

 

[Nicolas Voss]

Thanks for the review, tomsk. I've also received an Aerial Star A-2 from Chris and your thoughts mirror my own. The leather is absolutely gorgeous, and has a depth that is hard to capture in photos. To top it all off, Chris is a great guy and was happy to have a tall 36 custom made for me. Can't recommend this jacket enough. I intend to do a review shortly, although it will certainly not be as in-depth as yours, but I really think that Chris' work deserves to receive the proper attention.

Choosing a jacket was really not an easy task for me, and I actually posted a thread here asking for help. I really value quality and couldn't bring myself to purchase an inferior product. At the same time, my country's currency is rather undervalued right now, so I had to take care not to break the bank. I also have a slim and tall build and needed a jacket available in tall sizes. I'm really happy to say that Aerial Star satisfied all these criteria excellently.

 

[tomsk]

Thanks for the review, tomsk. I've also received an Aerial Star A-2 from Chris and your thoughts mirror my own. The leather is absolutely gorgeous, and has a depth that is hard to capture in photos. To top it all off, Chris is a great guy and was happy to have a tall 36 custom made for me. Can't recommend this jacket enough. I intend to do a review shortly, although it will certainly not be as in-depth as yours, but I really think that Chris' work deserves to receive the proper attention.

Choosing a jacket was really not an easy task for me, and I actually posted a thread here asking for help. I really value quality and couldn't bring myself to purchase an inferior product. At the same time, my country's currency is rather undervalued right now, so I had to take care not to break the bank. I also have a slim and tall build and needed a jacket available in tall sizes. I'm really happy to say that Aerial Star satisfied all these criteria excellently.

Do post a review. Is it a russet? I'd like to see a review of the russet. Chris sent me a few pics (attached) and I think it's got some nice varied character but I am usually more a seal brown man myself. I'm tempted though. I'll definitely be getting another Aerial Star as soon as I can afford it! you can see the incredible construction quality in these pics too, rather better than in mine.

 

[morrison2951]

Good looking A-2. I'd be interested in one in goat if they ever decide to bring one to market. I'm a real fan of my venerable old Cooper A-2 in goat but it needs a rest! Ha ha ha

 

[nick123]

I still find myself trying mine on attempting to convince myself it's not too short. Great jacket.

 

[schitzo]

I still find myself trying mine on attempting to convince myself it's not too short. Great jacket.

remind me pls Nick, how long is yours?


I think these A2s are interesting. But if I had one I'd like to wear it like a well fitted sweater rather than a jacket, if you know what I mean, which makes length all the more tricky to nail. For anyone who has one, do these fit snug or a bit looser? And how heavy is the leather?

Thanks
Schitz

 

[nick123]

remind me pls Nick, how long is yours

25.5". Down pulled as flat as possible-maybe closer to 26". It was a mistake on the part of the cutter, as I asked for 27". Chris caught it and contacted me before shipping it off. In retrospect I should have sent it back for a remake instead of make believing I was content with the length.

 

[schitzo]

Good looking A-2. I'd be interested in one in goat if they ever decide to bring one to market.

And me. I get that they're running with 'American Steerhide' but surely there must be some good quality 'American Goatskin' out there too. If I could have one in goat I'd order today

 

[schitzo]

So how long are they?!

(the sleeves)

 

[Ian C]

Hiya All,

I recently took up Aerial Star's paying in instalment offer and can say that I am more than happy with the result. I wanted a daily wearer that was comfortable, practical as well as having a bit of room without being too blousony.
Chris was more than helpful with advice on sizing etc. as I wanted a bit of extra length to it. I wanted a 46in chest and it fits as the ticket says. On arrival, they had nailed it spot on. It's probably the most comfortable A2 I've got at the moment. I can get a T-shirt and light jumper underneath it, which is exactly what I wanted. As for 100% authenticity to a WWII contract, I'm not that concerned as it was never what I was after-I've already got those jackets and this was just one to kick around in.
When I first tried it on, the (seal) leather felt quite sturdy, but in no way over stiff. It did squeak a bit, but this soon disappeared after it started breaking in a bit through daily wear and working it by hand while watching the TV. It's now getting a good bit of character and is looking better by the day. Ideally,I initially thought that the sleeves could have done with being an inch shorter, but decided to leave it until they started wrinkling up a bit. Now its done this, it's just about there. They still feel slightly long, but this is offset by the comfort given when driving as they don't have the feeling that they are halfway up your fore-arm.
One thing Chris informed me of was that as the cutter had made it for the longer length, they had to install a YKK zip instead of the regular fastener. Again, this isn't a concern for me, though if anyone can give me information on fitting a more period puller, I may give it a go in the future.

Overall, this is a great jacket for the money and anyone who buys one will feel that it's worth a good deal more than the ticket price. If the USAF was looking at issuing a new A2 to aircrews, then this should be the one they grant a contract for. It's a classic, yet modern take on the A2 and although I'm putting a down payment on a Goodwear or Diamond Clothing A2 as soon as funds allow, I'm going to get another one of these in russet while I wait.
I'll add some more photos as soon as I can get a minute. This is one taken when I recently wore it to Walcheren Island in Holland, where my Grandad fought seventy years to the day.

Ian

 

[tomsk]

I just received my second Aerial Star A2 from Chris. It took an incredible 3 days to arrive from NY to London, very impressive even for USPS Express!
I sized down this time to a 44 as I've lost about 25 lbs and the fit is absolutely perfect. It is absolutely the most comfortable, well-fitting A2 I've owned (I've had about 15, mostly from Eastman and Aero). I'll get some pics up soon but just wanted to publicly say a very big Thank You to Chris of Aerial Star. I can't recommend them enough and these jackets make me a very very happy customer!

 

[Sloan1874]

Great to hear that Aerial Star are still knocking it out the park. Will we get some pics, Tom?

 

[nick123]

Great photo Ian. Hard to tell from a distance, but it looks to be a very good fit.

 

[Dagenham Dave]

I just received my second Aerial Star A2 from Chris. It took an incredible 3 days to arrive from NY to London, very impressive even for USPS Express!
I sized down this time to a 44 as I've lost about 25 lbs and the fit is absolutely perfect. It is absolutely the most comfortable, well-fitting A2 I've owned (I've had about 15, mostly from Eastman and Aero). I'll get some pics up soon but just wanted to publicly say a very big Thank You to Chris of Aerial Star. I can't recommend them enough and these jackets make me a very very happy customer!

How does it fit?

And what are the measurements for your 44?

Are they as expected:

A size 44 regular would give these measurements:

Across Chest: 24.5"
Across Shoulders: 19" (closer to 19.5" epaulet to epaulet)
Sleeve Length: 24" (27" including wool wristlet)
Back Length: 26.5" (including wool waistband)

A size 44 tall is exactly the same except for the sleeve length and back length. A size 44 tall would give you:

Across Chest: 24.5"
Across Shoulders: 19" (closer to 19.5" epaulet to epaulet)
Sleeve Length: 25" (28" including wool wristlet)
Back Length: 27.5" (including wool waistband)​

 

[Dagenham Dave]

Great to hear that Aerial Star are still knocking it out the park. Will we get some pics, Tom?

Yes, I'm keen too.

 

[Grayland]

Are they still doing the 3 installment payment plan thing? I don't see that listed any more.

 

[Cocker]

It's still stated here:

http://aerialstar.com/leather-jacket-model-7301.htm

 

[Brettafett]

Hi gents. My Aerial Star is on the way, so expect some Xmas pics and a review.
Yes, still offering installments and any lengthening you require, just not pattern tweaking.
Just a note: What refreshing customer service, Chris seems not only passionate about his product, but his customers.

 

[Dagenham Dave]

Hi gents. My Aerial Star is on the way, so expect some Xmas pics and a review.
Yes, still offering installments and any lengthening you require, just not pattern tweaking.
Just a note: What refreshing customer service, Chris seems not only passionate about his product, but his customers.

I agree that Chris is a real stand up guy. However he does NOT offer ANY lengthening you require. I want a 44 regular with long sleeves, but Chris tells me it is EITHER 44 regular or 44 long (1" on the sleeves AND 1" on the body), not a combination. If he did I would purchase the A2 with Slash Pockets right away.