Some tips when ordering a custom A2 jacket

[carl1000]

So, I just got back a Bill Kelso A2 Arco leather jacket for myself. I have had three or four leather jackets made by different people, but the A2 was a bit challenging to get measurements and get them done correctly.

First off, Bill was excellent to work with and very precise. My jacket looks amazing. But… There were a couple measurements that were made that made it less than the perfect fit for me. Since it was a custom-made order, I can't really do anything about it except live with it. For the most part it is fine, but I wish I would've knew a couple things. I hope to help you guys with this.

Mainly, remember this jacket has an elastic waist band. When I gave him my measurements I measured my waist and added about an inch or two in case I had a shirt underneath. The problem is when I got the jacket, the waist measurements were correct, but only when the elastic waist band was 100% stretched out. So when I put the jacket on it's literally stretched all the way out around my stomach when it is zipped up. No room to move. Obviously you would want about 50% elastic stretch when it is zipped up. This is something I didn't take an account for I guess.

The second thing is your neck measurement. These jackets I have a clip to be able to secure the jacket around your neck when zipped all the way up. Mine is about 3 inches short of being able to do that.

Other than that everything is awesome. I can live with it for sure, as I need to leave use about two or 3 inches in my waist anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if I ordered another jacket from him one day. They are pretty badass and the quality is amazing.

 

[Sloan1874]

Fit pics would help to illustrate what's happened there. Sounds rather odd, tbh.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I would have thought BK would have offered tips on how to measure and size correctly?

 

[pawineguy]

I'm a little confused - you padded your waist measurement and it was still way too small? Shouldn't it have been too big?

 

[carl1000]

He did help me with measurements. But I Kinda did it is if I were doing, say, a regular leather jacket. Plus, I didn't really ask for too much help from him. I just gave him some measurements and he went with it. All I am saying is maybe add a little bit extra in the waste if you're in say a 46 or 48 size jacket. My jacket is about a 48. Most likely I just didn't add enough in my waist area as I thought I did. Realistically maybe I should've added 3 inches or more to the waste. All that adds up pretty quick if you have a sweater on or a shirt with a flannel on top. The neck measurement I didn't even think about. Again, just think of details when you're ordering. I love the jacket, and personally I need to lose a little bit. This is good reason to.

 

[Superfluous]

Did someone say Bill Kelso? Time to invoke my New Years resolution. Your jacket looks great Carl. The leather appears to be the finest available. BK did a superb job.

Truth be told . . . the jacket does look nice.

 

[nick123]

Great jacket. Trial and error. It's a painful road but you're on your way and hopefully your reservations about the fit of your jacket vanish.

 

[Sloan1874]

I'm still mystified how you ended up with such a tight waist, though. If you gave BK your correct measurement, and it's surely the easiest one to take/know, then it should fit. I've never seen a jacket where the waist band is stretched to the limit - unless, and I say this with the greatest of respect, that your waist is greatly out of proportion *ahem* to your chest measurements. Mind you, I think you'd have to be Humpty Dumpty to get that look, but it doesn't sound as if you are.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Not sure I understand how this could happen and I've never heard of this before - sounds like a one-off terrible mistake.

 

[Fanch]

My experience is the opposite of yours. I also padded my measurements a bit, and my earlier jackets were sized way too big. Given the information you provided BK, I am uncertain why your A-2 is so tight. Perhaps your anatomy doesn't allow for an A-2 fit at all, keeping in mind that the original A-2 design was made to fit skinny young WW II men. That having been said, frontal fit pics with the jacket unzipped and zipped, and a pic from the back with the jacket zipped might be helpful?

 

[devilish]

Fit photos really would help this thread. What I am wondering is if in fact your jacket is actually too short not to narrow. Meaning that the waistband sits at the widest part of your middle. Normally it would tuck in underneath this spot. At or just below the belt line rather than at true waist height which is a little higher up?

 

[tonypaj]

Fit photos really would help this thread. What I am wondering is if in fact your jacket is actually too short not to narrow. Meaning that the waistband sits at the widest part of your middle. Normally it would tuck in underneath this spot. At or just below the belt line rather than at true waist height which is a little higher up?

Yes, that would be my thinking, as well. I've never had too tight knits. And they get way less tight if they get wet and worn. But then again, I'm done with A-2s. One repro, sort of OK, one original, perfect, but too fragile to wear. Not really for me...

 

[ProteinNerd]

I guess it depends if he gave BK his body measurements or the measurements the jacket was supposed to be. I know from experience DD and John at GoodWear ask for body measurements and know how to fit the jacket from those, maybe BK asks for jacket measurements and hopes you get it right from that? That's the only way I can see this sort of thing happening.

 

[Fury]

Mainly, remember this jacket has an elastic waist band. When I gave him my measurements I measured my waist and added about an inch or two in case I had a shirt underneath. The problem is when I got the jacket, the waist measurements were correct, but only when the elastic waist band was 100% stretched out. So when I put the jacket on it's literally stretched all the way out around my stomach when it is zipped up. No room to move.

I had this same problem with a custom order from Bill Kelso and I had to trash the jacket. Well, I have it for sale but you need too find a buyer thin enough that can wear it I feel your pain, mate