Which one of these jacket twins is a keeper?

[Vezio]

I think the right size for you is the 38, considering that the back length is also right.
Of course it all depends on your willpower, as you yourself admitted that the lock down period was not lenient for your weight.
When you lose weight, not only waist decreases, but also chest and partly shoulders.
Of course if you don't want to lose weight and if you want to wear the jacket mainly in winter, with bulky sweaters, keep the size 40!

 

[trainspotter]

How long have you worn the 38? Keep in mind you're going to get .25 inch as it breaks in on the chest and little bit on the shoulders.

Is your extra weight "normal" or you think you're going to get it back down again?

I think the 40 is on the edge of being a little big (this is OCD TFL talk here, not normal world LOL). So with weight loss and/or a little break in wear stretch, I think you're going to be on the edge.

Your 38 fits like how my 40 did when I first got it. The jacket is a hair tight on me, definitely tshirt only (which is fine for Los Angeles weather). But I noticed big differences over 20 wears on the main stretch points like shoulders, waist and chest.

Haven't really worn any jacket till now, got both this summer. I intend to loose weight, but would want to layer as well during winters. 38 is strictly T shirt only actually

 

[trainspotter]

The second jacket in the first post is the 38? I would take the second one.
If the first jacket is the 38, then I vote for the 40

The second jacket is the 40

 

[MrProper]

The second jacket is the 40

I took another closer look at the pictures and realized that I was fooled by the length of the 40. At first I thought the 40 fits better, but on closer inspection, the 38 is perfect (for my taste). But both are good jackets. I would keep both if financially it fits. one with a layer, the other with a t-shirt.

 

[trainspotter]

I took another closer look at the pictures and realized that I was fooled by the length of the 40. At first I thought the 40 fits better, but on closer inspection, the 38 is perfect (for my taste). But both are good jackets. I would keep both if financially it fits. one with a layer, the other with a t-shirt.

I was thinking of keeping both @MrProper. Had put up the 38 on sale even before receiving the 40, but took it down later. But now that I think of it, can probably get a BR or a HB in the same leather(love natural cxl) by topping up the sale amount from one of these
great to hear your perspective though, I was hoping someone suggests keeping both

 

[Monitor]

40 looks better.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

40

 

[trainspotter]

How long have you worn the 38? Keep in mind you're going to get .25 inch as it breaks in on the chest and little bit on the shoulders.

Is your extra weight "normal" or you think you're going to get it back down again?

I think the 40 is on the edge of being a little big (this is OCD TFL talk here, not normal world LOL). So with weight loss and/or a little break in wear stretch, I think you're going to be on the edge.

Your 38 fits like how my 40 did when I first got it. The jacket is a hair tight on me, definitely tshirt only (which is fine for Los Angeles weather). But I noticed big differences over 20 wears on the main stretch points like shoulders, waist and chest.

Zipped open(which for me is most of the time), the 38 feels great. Zipped up, it is too tight at the waist, but the 40 is only marginally better. I like the length of the 40 better though
The stretching part, isn't it dependent on how tight the jacket is to begin with? Like if one is wearing a fairly relaxed jacket, it will stretch much less vs a tighter one being pushed out at several points. That way, the 40 can only stretch so much..its already quite generous in the shoulders and chest

 

[bn1966]

The 40 looks much better especially zipped...I had a similar issue with an A-2 which I wore for years & eventually accepted, that zippered it fitted like a straitjacket. Sized up one...perfect fit open & shut

 

[Superfluous]

Much cleaner fit.

 

[jonbuilder]

For me it's obvious the 40 jacket fit overrides any collar perferences

 

[Ugly Genius]

38 looks perfect, like a bespoke fit. The 40, by contrast, looks more off-the-rack.
Granted, the 40 fits, sure, and, should you choose to pursue this (crazy difficult) form of body transformation, it will allow you to maximize belly robustness (winter storage!), but for your frame right now, I think the 38 is spot on.

 

[jglf]

38 looks perfect, like a bespoke fit. The 40, by contrast, looks more off-the-rack.
Granted, the 40 fits, sure, and, should you choose to pursue this (crazy difficult) form of body transformation, it will allow you to maximize belly robustness (winter storage!), but for your frame right now, I think the 38 is spot on.

Expect for the part where the waist is too tight while zipped up. Can’t you see the bulging pockets?

 

[Peacoat]

I say keep them both; one for wearing a sweater underneath and one for just a shirt in mild weather. Failing that, I vote for the 40.

 

[air]

Definetly 40, never been a fan of tighter fits

 

[AeroFan_07]

I would keep the size 40

 

[Jin431]

I'm thinking the size 38 will gradually form better around your physique over time especially when it is fully broken in and will be the more flattering of the two. The size 40 will be the more versatile of the two

 

[breezer]

38.........all day

 

[58panheadfan]

I don't mean to be rude, but i don't think either jacket really suits you. From my point of view, your physique is not made for this type of jacket...

Edit: In particular, when both jackets are zipped up, there is something wrong with the proportions between the belly area and the top of the jacket. Somehow both jackets size 38" & 40" look too tight in the belly / hip area.

 

[58panheadfan]

Here is an illustration of what I mean exactly. The change from lower to upper section is kind of weird. Of course, the CR jacket has its own cut. Originally made for and worn by lean motorcycle racers, that could be a reason why in old photos the jackets look different...