1911 Man said:Perhaps closer to 38. I have several jackets in size 40 that fit great, and this one is too small for me. The part that is too small is in the upper back shoulder area. Under the armpit area (trunk?) it fits okay. When I bought it, they told me it would fit more like a 39, and I would guess that is correct. It is definitely smaller than my size 40 Aero Barnstormer, 40 Wested, and several suit and sportcoats, all size 40.
H.Johnson said:I have the same type of Aero jacket in the same size (same knits too) and it measures a bit smaller in the chest - 22" laid flat, but with a bit of a pull it easily goes to 22 1/2" like this exmple. In my experience (I've owned a lot since they started in business) unless you ask for a trim fit, Aero stuff is 'cut generously'.
I would expect a 38" to measure 20" - 21" laid flat.
My example (an anniversary with a NOS WW2 zip) is also for sale, by the way.