Pleated backs

[gimmesomeshelte]

All-

I just ordered an Aero last week and now I'm already thinking about the next purchase. I think I need help.

I have an Aero Cheyenne I purchased on eBay a few years ago and I'm thinking of selling it and buying and Aero Barnstormer that actually fits. I like a trim fit, but I also like to be able to move my arms. I was looking at some sites and they had pictures of jackets/coats with pleated backs. I don't know enough about tailoring to know if they were just for looks, or if they actually added some 'give'.

http://www.costumes.org/history/20thcent/1930s/tailoringcatalogs/1936taylorco/PICT0078.JPG

I appreciate your comments.

Paul

 

[Interbak]

Hey Paul,

Earlier this year I got an Aero half belt and had them add the bi-swing back. Mark told me up front that it doesn't add that much mobility, it's more of a "feature". Now that it's getting colder up here I wear it every day, and it's breaking in nicely, and starting to soften up. The action back adds a small amount of extra movement, but Mark was right in saying that it is minimal. As a "feature" it looks great, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Mobility will come from age, and sizing it large enough to have some room to move, Aero will help you with that part.

Brian

 

[dfrancis]

I just got here. This is the first post I've read. I was in the Navy for 24 years, so you can imagine I am partial to the G-1, 422A, etc., with the bi-swing back.

I like the feature. I think it really adds something to a flight jacket. Jackets w/o the bi-swing look incomplete to me. That's just me, ok, I am strickly speaking in regard to my own personal taste.

I have a G-1 and a 422A. I can't speak for other Navy vets, but I couldn't wear an A-2 for example. Owing nothing to the cut, it just wouldn't be proper for me to be wearing Air Force gear, even in retirement. I work in civil service, for the Corps at Camp Pendleton and there's some guys with A-2s around, but they're AF vets.

Your being a civilian gives you more lattitude in that regard than it would me an my, uh, sensibilities. All of that said, my point is this: even when I was a civilian back in the 50s, 60s, and 70s - I ALWAYS wanted a G-1, I always thought the bi-swing was the coolest look around. Had an Ike jacket, had a older leather bomber - still wanted a G-1; what's not to like?

Growing up in D.C. I saw them all, and all the old ones on vets from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. G-1 was always at the top of my list. I'm on my third one... no, 4th. Not including the G&B 422A. But that's another story.

I find the bi-swing totally functional. I was able to get by with a 40L when I was a solid 44 suit. Now I wear a 46; hence the 4th jacket. You can't go wrong.