Replacing Air Force Issued A-2

[Paximus]

Greetings,
The Air Force issued me an A-2 by Excelled and unfortunately it's rather baggy on me (quite the normal trend of the current-issue jackets I take it). I've followed the shrink-at-your-own-risk directions on this site and that has indeed improved the fit somewhat, but in my opinion it's not ideal.

The A-2 can be a somewhat polarizing uniform item in my community. I'm okay with taking the spears from the nay-sayers - their anti-A-2 rhetoric, at least to me, is mostly silly elitism. But if the jacket itself looks sloppy on me, then I may have provided said nay-sayers their only valid argument!

That being said, I've begun investigating my options for purchasing an A-2 that's better built for my frame. I know there's plenty of threads here reviewing A-2s so maybe I can throw out a more unique question:

What would you recommend for a uniform A-2?

This means I'll need velcro and the color to be seal brown. Apart from that, I think there's some leeway with the other details. I'm not looking for a WW2 replica, nor can I justify paying that much. I do like the look of the original A-2s, so if anyone can recommend something that pays homage to that era while having some modern functionality - namely inside pen/wallet pockets (I can live without the hand-warmers) - I would greatly appreciate your input. Looks like US Authentic, Gibson & Barnes, Cockpit, and Pop's might be where I need to look? I like the look of the Aero Leather USAAF Type A-2, but that might be just outside my price range.

Thanks guys!

 

[Bern1]

Good luck in your quest!

I kind of like the austere functionality of the original design...forces me not to put my hands in my pockets among other things....

 

[rocketeer]

How about a decent secondhand quality repro, add some velcro and inside pockets or must it be new? They are reproductions after all so will never be worth a fortune and you will not be destroying something historic.

 

[Fanch]

Gibson & Barnes "historical" Model 41 A-2 that has a far slimmer profile. I think their Model 31 A-2 only comes with russet veg tanned goatskin whereas the Model 41 comes in both russet and mahogany (dark brown) horsehide. Both models have a collar stand last time I looked. My Model 43 dark brown horsehide is no longer listed. If you are ever in San Diego, consider a ride on the SD trolley to the G&B factory in El Cajon.

 

[TPD166]

Pop's Leather - made to order.

 

[Stand By]

Good day Paximus and welcome to the Lounge!
Interesting. Y'know, if it was me, I think I'd also consider an A2 from Aviation Leathercraft. https://www.flying-jacket.com/index.aspx
I wore one of their Irvins and A2s for many years (1987-2005) and they both served me very well. The A2 was in seal brown (as you need) and it had the inside pocket you also need and the lining never wore out at all. I can tell you that the damned thing was also 100% waterproof! I think it was steer hide then and never quite broke in the way I wanted, so when I needed a new one (I'd outgrown the AL one - it became too tight on the chest) I began my website research (which wasn't around before) into more superior A2's and discovered TFL and ended up with an ELC 352nd A2 …
AL A2's, although not perfect or proper copies, look the part and are decent, robust jackets and AL's customer/repair service is exemplary. My brother told me that he had a problem with his Irvin after 20 years of service (he bought his in 1988 after he saw mine) - it had some fraying around the zip, I think, and they repaired the jacket for free and paid the return postage - with no questions asked! Not bad for a guy who only ever made one purchase from them a couple of decades before!
So I suggest you look at the Aviation Leathercraft website and give them a ping and ask for some seal brown swatches in goatskin, HH and steer hide so you can see and feel the leather and, like any jacket company, see how you feel about dealing with them (if you develop a rapport). I think they are definitely one to consider and can tick the boxes you require at the price-point you have.
As for the velcro, you could get that online (or from the QM!) and they could add that for you.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[Seb Lucas]

US Authentic- $400 (for standard sizes) and it's a trim cut that looks pretty good.

 

[Asienizen]

There are many options to get a fairly good/affordable A2. Lots of people have used US wings, Gibson Barnes, and of course Eastman Leather if you are willing to pay the money for it. I myself got a horsehide one from US Authentic and in the past 5 years I've used it in all weathers and so far I've not even needed to treat it once. Horsehide is a bit stiff, goatskin is more supple - your call.

 

[Peacoat]

Gibson and Barnes has supporters on the Lounge and would probably be in your price range.

BTW, welcome to the Lounge.

 

[Paximus]

Looks like the two finalists are US Authentic and Steve McColgan. Have communicated with both Shaul and Steve and it looks like they can make the jacket I'm looking for within the price range that should keep my marriage happy. This is gonna be a tough choice...