Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Sizing of Gibson & Barnes G-1 and A-2 Jackets

Razor

New in Town
Messages
10
Location
Nevada
I recently purchased a G&B M422a jacket in a size 44 and when I tried it on I was swimming in the jacket. I compared it to my buddies size 46 G-1 Brill Brothers jacket and the G&B was even larger than the size 46. Needless to say, G&B was very accommodating and exchanged my jacket for a size 42 that fits great.

Their jacket are very well made and the goatskin has a nice patina that seems to come with wear and ageing. My question is how is the sizing for their G-1s and A-2s since I am looking at purchasing the Historic Goatskin A-2in a size 44.

I welcome comments from those that have owned G&B jackets. I have a US Authentic and several Cooper A-2s in size 44 and they fit me extremely well.

Regards,

Razor
 

bfrench

Familiar Face
Messages
88
Razor said:
I recently purchased a G&B M422a jacket in a size 44 and when I tried it on I was swimming in the jacket. I compared it to my buddies size 46 G-1 Brill Brothers jacket and the G&B was even larger than the size 46. Needless to say, G&B was very accommodating and exchanged my jacket for a size 42 that fits great.

Their jacket are very well made and the goatskin has a nice patina that seems to come with wear and ageing. My question is how is the sizing for their G-1s and A-2s since I am looking at purchasing the Historic Goatskin A-2in a size 44.

I welcome comments from those that have owned G&B jackets. I have a US Authentic and several Cooper A-2s in size 44 and they fit me extremely well.

Regards,

Razor

Hi, Razor,

I have a G&B historic A-2 with the collar stand in the russet goat, another A-2 in mahogany horsehide, an M-422a and a custom made AN-J-3 in horsehide.

I have a 48" chest and wear their size 46 jackets. They all fit about the same so if you have one model that fits in a size 42 then I'd stick with that.

You'll find all the models have just about identical sizing.

The plus side is if you order a standard size jacket and it doesn't fit, they'll exchange it for a size that will fit - only thing you're out is the shipping costs.

Bill French
 

kojax

Practically Family
Messages
937
Location
haverhill
i just got a navy g-1 jacket from gibson -barnes nice jacket for the money dark seal brown size 36 i have a a2 from them to......i am thing of getting a a2 horsehide from them i like marhoney color
.......
 

Razor

New in Town
Messages
10
Location
Nevada
Just spoke to Travis at G&B

I just got off the phone with Travis at G&B and he said that the G-1 and M422a are cut a little larger with the bi-swing back and that I should order a size 44 in the A-2 since it is a trimmer military cut.

Thanks for your comments.

Razor
:p
 

kevinblack

New in Town
Messages
24
Location
Australia
I have their Civil A-2 which is a 'modern Fit". It is supposedly current issue with the side entry pockets. Workmanship excellent and size (46R) seem fine. I sent my measurements via their web site.

I have a sort of Bill French build although probably not as tall. (I'm the correct weight, just a foot too short). For my build, with a keg in lieu of six-pack, the jacket is good. Back length and sleeve length are perfect (176cm tall). My suit size is 46R although the sleeves re always longish - not so with the G&B Civil A-2.

HTH,
Kevin
 

bfrench

Familiar Face
Messages
88
G&B sizing

kevinblack said:
I have their Civil A-2 which is a 'modern Fit". It is supposedly current issue with the side entry pockets. Workmanship excellent and size (46R) seem fine. I sent my measurements via their web site.

I have a sort of Bill French build although probably not as tall. (I'm the correct weight, just a foot too short). For my build, with a keg in lieu of six-pack, the jacket is good. Back length and sleeve length are perfect (176cm tall). My suit size is 46R although the sleeves re always longish - not so with the G&B Civil A-2.

HTH,
Kevin

Hi, Kevin,

You're the same height as me - 176cm / 5'-9.5" - just went and measured myself.

Didn't realize but since I've had pretty severe arthritis in the knees causing some bowing of the legs, I've lost an inch in height - makes the pounds to inches ratio even worse - :rolleyes:

What that does help is that the G&B jackets with the more modern patterns fit much better than the trimmer WWII cuts - seems most 19 to 22 year old aviation cadets didn't have the later version build that we have.

Bill French
 

kevinblack

New in Town
Messages
24
Location
Australia
Hey Bill,

You look taller in the photos I've seen. For reference I also have an Alpha CWU-45P in XL and that's a perfect fit also. I see you have the G&B Mark 31 (IIRC - the A2 with collar stand in russet goat). I really like that jacket and would have got it over the Civil A-2 (not that I'm unhappy with the choice, I got the zip out thinsulate liner for the real cold days). I was concerned that the Mark 31 wouldn't suit my Mark 54 body. It looks fine on you, I'm kinda sad I didn't ask the question.

Cheers,
Kevin
 

Fletch

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,865
Location
Iowa - The Land That Stuff Forgot
M-422A

I don't know that theirs is cut all that "modern." I scored a size 40 '422A off eBay thinking it would be quite roomy on my 43 reg / 5" drop physique. But the 40 fits more like a trim 42 - ie, it just fits. Stuffing the pockets inhibits the free expansion of the integral life preserver. lol
1736342200_eb414bc28d_m.jpg
1736341086_1892bd7164_m.jpg
1735487901_ff17c533d8_m.jpg

I'd rather have the 42, but I'd have to find someone to swap with who doesn't mind nameplate holes. These things usually don't hit the 'bay.
 

Raymundo

One of the Regulars
Messages
109
Location
Michigan
I also have the G&B Civil A-2. Normally, a size 42R jacket fits me well but I ordered a size 42R and had to send it back for a size 40. I could have kept the 42 but it was a little too big for my liking and the 40 fits much better in the shoulders and sleeve length is perfect for me. For layering, the 42 would have more room in the chest and waist. I have an older Flightsuits horsehide A-2 in a size 44 that fits well but a 42 would probably have a better sleeve length for me. Moral of the story: For G&B jackets, ordering a size down from your usual jacket size is the best choice for most of their products.

Ray
 

kojax

Practically Family
Messages
937
Location
haverhill
any pictures of the gibson barnes a-2 civil goatskin...thank you i looked at there mark31 veg goatskin 638.00 alot of money
 

Feraud

Bartender
Messages
17,190
Location
Hardlucksville, NY
Razor said:
Their jacket are very well made and the goatskin has a nice patina that seems to come with wear and ageing. My question is how is the sizing for their G-1s and A-2s since I am looking at purchasing the Historic Goatskin A-2in a size 44.
My G&B horsehide a2 is a generous cut. I returned my original order for one size down. It fits much better.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
109,267
Messages
3,077,638
Members
54,221
Latest member
magyara
Top