Proper G-1 Jacket Fit?

[Drewdog2323]

When I was in my late teens and early 20’s, I used to obsess over finding the “perfect” A-2. However I joined the Navy and fell in love with the G-1 (and the associated historic legacy of Naval aviation).
Over the years I’ve accumulated lots of military-issue G-1 jackets along with an original M-422a WWII jacket and quite afew reproduction jackets.
I still admire the A-2 but for me the G-1 is the ultimate flight jacket.

Yes, to me the G-1 is the best looking and functional leather flight jacket. My favorite components to it are the bi-swing back, fur collar, and large internal pocket. The bi-swing allows for a wide range of movement on a trim jacket, fur collar makes it comfortable while turning your head, and internal pocket is great for storing a map or phone and wallet.

 

[JMax]

The fit looks spectacular. I do not prefer flight jackets but this one is making reconsider.

 

[Drewdog2323]

Hey guys! Back again for another comparison between my two Cockpit G-1 Milspec Jackets. I have it in both size 42 (seen in my OP) and size 44 with minimal patches. I found the 44 on eBay a while back for a good price of $175 from a former Navy pilot. I am deciding between whether I should keep both or sell one of them. The size 44 is slightly roomier and a little more comfortable for my broader chest and shoulders but is blousey in the mid-section when I sit down. The 42 isn't uncomfortable but feels a touch snug in the shoulders. Any thoughts? Should I keep both?

If you had to pick one based on fit, which one would you choose? Thanks!

Size 44



Size 42

 

[seres]

They both fit well, and I would keep both. But if I HAD to pick only one, I would take the 42.

 

[Seb Lucas]

The 42 looks pretty roomy already. The back on the 44 looks large. You really need to decide this one based on how they fell to wear and what you need.

 

[GregGale]

42 definitely!

 

[Drewdog2323]

The 42 looks pretty roomy already. The back on the 44 looks large. You really need to decide this one based on how they fell to wear and what you need.

The 42 feels fine with a button down shirt on. I think the snugness I am feeling is at the top of my shoulders - could be a function of the cut and my broader upper body. If I wear a sweater it starts to feel pretty fitted.

The 44 definitely is more comfy up top but gets blousey in the midsection as you might tell from the photos. Comfortable enough to wear thicker sweaters though.

I figured in the long run it may be worth keeping both. Different looks and uses. Who knows, I am only about to turn 30...may need the extra room later on (although doing my best to keep staying lean and fit, lol)

 

[Flightengineer]

42

 

[Brettafett]

42

 

[Brettafett]

Going back to what Big J and Seb were talking about... The Top Gun Hero and the 100 Missions are definitely different patterns, although probably very similar. I wonder WHY Cockpit keep 'dodging' this?
I have emailed Cockpit about this a number of times. At first they direct me to the 100 Missions, then they say, "yes, well, the ONLY differences are..." Besides the pattern and horizontal seem, the collar is also slightly different. If the same guy had both jackets in the same size and took pics, one would see they drape differently also.
Also, the TG Hero is offered in long sizes now, not the 100 Missions (yet)
I have had the 100 missions, size 40, nice jacket, but too short on me, a bit of room in the torso also... could have gone down to a 38 possibly.
From what I keep hearing, guys tell me to size up in the TG Hero....
Jackie did say (after much badgering) that they could make me a TG Hero 40 long without the patches, but I would have to pay a premium for the 'effort'???, so I gave up and ordered a Headwind M422a instead!
If anyone at Cockpit reads this... I am annoyed at you!

 

[GregGale]

Cockpit makes very nice jackets, but their customer service combined with their weird sizing...phew..

I once tried a size 40 100 mission G-2, perfect fit, but I had a size 36 long WW2 A-2, and a size 40 reissue goat A-2 (this latter was too baggy, yet short.) One can't just keep sending jackets back and forth across the pond.

Drewdog: The G-1 is supposed to be trim, the bi-swing back will make up for it. IMO you shouldn't keep a jacket for 10-20 years later when you may get some extra weight. Keep the one that fits right, and keep in shape. As a plan B you can still sell it and buy the bigger one WHEN needed.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I figured in the long run it may be worth keeping both. Different looks and uses. Who knows, I am only about to turn 30...may need the extra room later on (although doing my best to keep staying lean and fit, lol)

People keep saying this like it is an expectation you will swell up as you get older. Not everyone gets bigger with age. I'm into my fifth decade yet my build and clothing sizes have not changed since I was 21.

 

[Brettafett]

Ditto Seb... I'm almost midway through my fourth decade and still same as I was in my 20s... Lucky I guess, plus some good habits perhaps )

 

[Drewdog2323]

Ditto Seb... I'm almost midway through my fourth decade and still same as I was in my 20s... Lucky I guess, plus some good habits perhaps )

Haha that is good to know! I am actually leaner now than when I was in my early to mid 20s, primarily due to much better diet choices and workout habits. So it is nice to hear expansion into my 40s is not a guarantee if I keep staying on top of myself.

I am receiving my replacement Cockpit Top Gun Hero G-1 size 44 jacket in the mail next week to replace the defective one I received last time. I also had Cockpit exchange the size 42 Top Gun for a 46 so I can try both on before deciding on which one to keep. I originally planned to keep both to use one on my motorcycle, but I think it may be better to use the money to buy a "100 Mission" G-1 jacket during their next sale.

I will post measurements and pictures of the size 46 when I receive it.

Brettafett: Yes, I completely agree to go at least one size up in the Top Gun Hero jacket - it is truly a slim fit.

 

[navetsea]

People keep saying this like it is an expectation you will swell up as you get older. Not everyone gets bigger with age. I'm into my fifth decade yet my build and clothing sizes have not changed since I was 21.

I see people who eat a lot and doing physical activities in sport, hobby or job requirement grow big when they are slowing down from those activities, people who just don't eat much and not very active to begin with practically stay the same weight throughout their life.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I see people who eat a lot and doing physical activities in sport, hobby or job requirement grow big when they are slowing down from those activities, people who just don't eat much and not very active to begin with practically stay the same weight throughout their life.

Maybe, in my case I have never worked out. But I don't have snacks, never drink sodas. I walk a lot because I prefer not to drive.

 

[Flightengineer]

Ditto Seb... I'm almost midway through my fourth decade and still same as I was in my 20s... Lucky I guess, plus some good habits perhaps )

Guys, I'm with you I have a little left before the terrible 50, but I saved the size from 25s - it did not change.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Worst sex scene though; ever. I always thought they should have turned a light on.

Lmao. It was always a weird scene to me.

It's not a weird scene if you think Maverick is still in the closet at that point in the movie.

 

[Drewdog2323]

Okay! So I just got my replacement Cockpit Top Gun Heroes jacket in size 44 to replace the defective one they initially sent me! And I had them exchange the size 42 for a size 46 so I could try it on before I settled on one jacket.

Let me know which size looks best to you. I had one person tell me to keep the size 44 and my tailor told me she thinks the 46 looks better. So sort of at a loss as to which one to keep...the 46 is roomier so of course it is more comfortable, but I want to nail down the G-1 look and don't want it to look sloppy.

Thanks so much everyone for all your valuable input and feedback thus far

Here are the measurements and fit pictures for both sizes. I hope this also helps anyone deciding on getting one of the Top Gun Heroes jackets in the future For reference I am 6'2", 185lbs, broad shouldered/chested, normally wear a size 42 Long suit, and am wearing a button down shirt underneath a light cotton sweater beneath the jacket in these pictures.

Size 46

Length: 26" - Collar seam to bottom of waist knit down the back
Pit to pit across back: 24" (a bit tough to get a true measurement with the bi-swing back - took it without it expanding)
Sleeve length: 28" - Shoulder seam to end of wrist knit cuff
Shoulder width: 20.5" - seam to seam on backside of jacket



Size 44

Length: 25.5" - Collar seam to bottom of waist knit down the back
Pit to pit across back: 23" (a bit tough to get a true measurement with the bi-swing back - took it without it expanding)
Sleeve length: 28" - Shoulder seam to end of wrist knit cuff
Shoulder width: 19.5" - seam to seam on backside of jacket

 

[Peacoat]

I think the 44 is the better fit.