Will hopefully receive a Bronson N-1 in navy blue today

[CatsCan]

But be aware: In both jackets you have to get used to wearing a short, relatively snug jacket. If you come from wearing a roomier parka style jacket, it can feel a bit off in the beginning

..if you allow me to quote myself.

Cats

 

[O'DubhGhaill]

Bronson 42(XL) has arrived and it could not be more perfect! FYI, I am wearing a thin long-sleeved undershirt under a thick flannel button-up shirt under a USGI GI sweater. Zipped and buttoned up with all this, the neck is snug and I cannot button over the throat latch, but it is comfortable otherwise. The body is the perfect amount of room I wanted and I can snug up the waist a bit more with the tie strings. Plush wool lining through the arms, excellent stitching and attention to detail all around! The sleeves are the perfect length for me as are the inner cuffs - the construction allows the wrist area of gloves to fit over the wrist bands and under the coat cuff smoothly! USN regs for the peacoat require the sleeve cuff extend down 3/4 from the distance between the wrist and the knuckles, and although an N-1 and not a peacoat, the sleeve cuffs here hit that distance perfectly - see photo of arms raised with minimal sleeve-rise. OUTSTANDING! I am trying to post photos, hopefully I figure out why I cannot attach them from my drive...

 

[Kid_Pistola]

Bronson 42(XL) has arrived and it could not be more perfect! FYI, I am wearing a thin long-sleeved undershirt under a thick flannel button-up shirt under a USGI GI sweater. Zipped and buttoned up with all this, the neck is snug and I cannot button over the throat latch, but it is comfortable otherwise. The body is the perfect amount of room I wanted and I can snug up the waist a bit more with the tie strings. Plush wool lining through the arms, excellent stitching and attention to detail all around! The sleeves are the perfect length for me as are the inner cuffs - the construction allows the wrist area of gloves to fit over the wrist bands and under the coat cuff smoothly! USN regs for the peacoat require the sleeve cuff extend down 3/4 from the distance between the wrist and the knuckles, and although an N-1 and not a peacoat, the sleeve cuffs here hit that distance perfectly - see photo of arms raised with minimal sleeve-rise. OUTSTANDING! I am trying to post photos, hopefully I figure out why I cannot attach them from my drive... View attachment 298828 View attachment 298829 View attachment 298830 View attachment 298831

Nice to hear you are happy.
Sleeves look perfect imo. It's not the slim fashion fit, but that is not the look I am going for either. My mistake is that I am usually a 40 and for some crazy reason ordered a 38 based on the measurements they provided. An error in judgement and lack of knowledge on my behalf for not knowing that these fit smaller. So from everything I read, jumping to the 42(XL) will hopefully also be a perfect fit for me. If not I give up LOL.

I am also glad you told me about the Delaware location. I emailed customer service and they did indeed give me that address. This ended up costing me only $30 cad instead of $130 to China!!! VERY HAPPY about that. So my jacket has been shipped back and I provided customer service wit the tracking. They said as soon as they get the tracking they will be sure to mail me a new jacket in my size. Let's pray that everything will go smooth.

For all you Canadian or US customers, the Delaware return address is the way to go!!! Make sure to ask about that address when speaking with their customer service.

I'll keep you posted when I receive the new jacket....mmmm.....in a month time HAHA

 

[CatsCan]

Bronson 42(XL) has arrived and it could not be more perfect!

When you are happy, so am I! You look very glad in your new jacket. I agree, details and over all quality are very good for the prize tag. I like these jackets more fitted on me though but you like to layer and this size seems to work pretty good for you indeed. I also like my sleeves a tad shorter, but you could always get them tailored to your liking come the day you change your mind about that. 10 bucks investment. As for flannel: I find my flannel shirts stick to the liner of the jacket somehow, making it a task to keep the flannel sleeves down while putting on the jacket, restricting my movements a little and crushing the buttoned front of these shirts to a chicken's breast. Have to rearrange my sleeves and shirt front every time after I had put on the N1. Not quite the throw and go this way. I heard this will get better when the wool flattens. Meanwhile I found a thin khaki nylon wind jacket of the british army helps alot. It also adds to the insulation.
I also have difficulties to butten the throat strap. I soaked it in warm water and pulled it out. Now it is a bit better, but I have a quite exposed laryngea.

They said as soon as they get the tracking they will be sure to mail me a new jacket in my size.

I am curious how it is turning out for you! Hope we can see pics! I promise that I don't repeat that I liked the look of your N1 given that I like these jackets not too snug but rather fitted. Everyone's taste is different. But if a roomier jacket is to your satisfaction, I bet you will be very happy when it arrives, too. I also bet that you will have the better experiences with your knit cuffs in a bigger size. On one of my N1s the knit cuffs are in perfect position and I agree, they can be very useful and the design is well thought out for wearing with gloves. If they are sewn in at the right position and the sleeves are the right length.
Not without a reason these jackets had a long afterlife after WWII. N1s are such practical jackets!

Cats

 

[Kid_Pistola]

When you are happy, so am I! You look very glad in your new jacket. I agree, details and over all quality are very good for the prize tag. I like these jackets more fitted on me though but you like to layer and this size seems to work pretty good for you indeed. I also like my sleeves a tad shorter, but you could always get them tailored to your liking come the day you change your mind about that. 10 bucks investment. As for flannel: I find my flannel shirts stick to the liner of the jacket somehow, making it a task to keep the flannel sleeves down while putting on the jacket, restricting my movements a little and crushing the buttoned front of these shirts to a chicken's breast. Have to rearrange my sleeves and shirt front every time after I had put on the N1. Not quite the throw and go this way. I heard this will get better when the wool flattens. Meanwhile I found a thin khaki nylon wind jacket of the british army helps alot. It also adds to the insulation.
I also have difficulties to butten the throat strap. I soakt it in warm water and pulled it out. Now it is a bit better, but I have a quite exposed laryngea.



I am curious how it is turning out for you! Hope we can see pics! I promise don't repeat that I liked the look of your N1 given that I like these jackets not too snug but rather fitted. Everyone's taste is different. But if a roomier jacket is to your satisfaction, I bet you will be very happy when it arrives, too. I also bet that you will have the better experiences with your knit cuffs in a bigger size. On one of my N1s the knit cuffs are in perfect position and I agree, they can be very useful and the design is well thought out for wearing with gloves. If they are sewn in at the right position and the sleeves are the right length.
Not without a reason these jackets had a long afterlife after WWII. N1s are such practical jackets!

Cats

I will definitely post when it arrives. Customer service kept his promise and I was given a tracking the same day that I sent mine back. Crossing my fingers, it will get here faster this time I hope now the the holidays are over.

 

[Kid_Pistola]

@CatsCan I finally received my exchange jacket yesterday. The swap was a jump from a size 38(M) to a 42(XL).
At first I though: "Oh Noooooo...it's a little too big!!!" but after wearing it I realized that even if I had gone for the 40(L) it would have been a little tight. So strange because I'm mostly a Medium, mayyyyyybe a Large. But Xtra Large...hell no!
Well, let me know what you guys think. I definitely wasn't going for the slim tight fashion Brad Pitt look. To me these are closer to the thick construction Carhartt jackets. I'll probably wear it riding my Harley lol. This also allows me to wear a track suit top or hoodie. I think I'm happy...But I can't lie, I am curious as to how a 40(L) would fit. Hmmm....

 

[Turnip]

Depends on the purpose I would say. To me it looks a bit baggy, Carhartt-esque, but great for layering.

Like my Chore Coat in XL, quite excellent with a top heavy sweater underneath.

That’s what my N1 in XL wears, just with a Long sleeved Tee, everything more than a light jumper underneath feels already „spack“ to me.

 

[O'DubhGhaill]

It looks perfect Kid_Pistola! Added benefit of looking good with light layers while comfortable and wearable with more when you need them! Ah, versatility! Oh, and this guy looks as good with his fit too:

 

[Turnip]

Now that’s for sure.

I have to confess I have a relative tall upper body and am slightly less skinny...

 

[Kid_Pistola]

It looks perfect Kid_Pistola! Added benefit of looking good with light layers while comfortable and wearable with more when you need them! Ah, versatility! Oh, and this guy looks as good with his fit too:

Thank you!!!!
Funny you posted that photo as that is the exact look I was going for LOL. The Paul Newman/ James Dean. Winter layers....and well, when it's a little warmer (Fall/spring), I can bust it out with a long or short sleeve T under.

 

[Kid_Pistola]

Now that’s for sure.

I have to confess I have a relative tall upper body and am slightly less skinny...

We all have our body type differences. I wish I could fill the sleeves a little more myself. I guess I'll have to wait for gyms to open up again and work on my guns. Haha!

 

[CatsCan]

Kid,
I have some fav jackets of which I over time got myself one in a bigger size for serious winter conditions when I need to have extra layers worn under them, and one in a smaller size when temps are moderate. These Deck Jackets - as you have pointed out - can be chosen for a specific look one is after. If it is the Dean/Newman look you are going for, than this is your jacket! I have not hesitated to give all of mine an initial wash (wool cycle with mild encyme free liquid detergent). I guess you should try this method. I bet it will slightly shrink the arms to a more favorable fit.

I have "worn in" Deck jackets that seemed to be on the "more fitted" side size wise during rain weather and found they brake in very nicely. I like the look of them in old WWII photos when worn by navy personnel. Often times these jackets were grabbed from the wall before rushing out on deck and you never could be sure to find you a perfect fitting one. There are guys seen on the old photos who seem to have picked one which was slightly too small. The guys seemed to be ok with that. On the other hand, I rarely saw any photos in which the guys were swamped in their Deck Jacket pick. So these seem to have been painstakingly avoided.

I chose my fit after these images

This guy only wears a buttoned shirt. I doubt he would get a wool sweater under his

This Hells Angles Member has a serious problem but seems to be very happy with his worn in jacket.

This young communication officer had found his perfect fit and put his name on the jacket right away.

Old versions worn by these guys, more baggy but sleeves end at wrist.

The right Admiral is in trouble when taking in a deep breath. I bet he would not be able to lift his arms to spot an aircraft.
The other Admiral looks more comfortable in his old version zipped Deck Jacket.

He wears only a T-Shirt under his.

Capt. with a very nice fitting one..

After all, it is what it is, a very fashionable piece of history.

 

[Kid_Pistola]

Kid,
I have some fav jackets of which I over time got myself one in a bigger size for serious winter conditions when I need to have extra layers worn under them, and one in a smaller size when temps are moderate. These Deck Jackets - as you have pointed out - can be chosen for a specific look one is after. If it is the Dean/Newman look you are going for, than this is your jacket! I have not hesitated to give all of mine an initial wash (wool cycle with mild encyme free liquid detergent). I guess you should try this method. I bet it will slightly shrink the arms to a more favorable fit.

I have "worn in" Deck jackets that seemed to be on the "more fitted" side size wise during rain weather and found they brake in very nicely. I like the look of them in old WWII photos when worn by navy personnel. Often times these jackets were grabbed from the wall before rushing out on deck and you never could be sure to find you a perfect fitting one. There are guys seen on the old photos who seem to have picked one which was slightly too small. The guys seemed to be ok with that. On the other hand, I rarely saw any photos in which the guys were swamped in their Deck Jacket pick. So these seem to have been painstakingly avoided.

I chose my fit after these images

​

After all, it is what it is, a very fashionable piece of history.

Thank you @CatsCan
I use to wear my stuff slightly baggier. I'ver learned to wear my close more fitted over the years. I do wear a lot of army style gear, and those aren't always fitted. So there are days when I feel the jacket is a touch big. I think the 40 would have been spot on, then again it's hard to say. The thing is I have long arms and wide shoulders.
Anyways, I find it extremely warm and with an added layer, I can see myself wearing this in pretty cold weather such as -10/-15 degrees celsius. It will definitely be a winter jacket. If and when I have some spare change, I'll probably order another one size smaller.
In the mean time, here's to the James Dean + Paul Newman look

 

[CatsCan]

Looks like a very practical throw over and go out jacket on you - and yes, this is the way Paul Newman looks in his! I am thinking of getting another Bronson Deck Jacket in one size bigger, too, to be honest, exactly because of this hassle free throw over thing. I dropped Lee a mail. He will inform me, when the olive one is back in stock in size xl. I have this kind of every day functionality with my old german army parka as well, and i often choose this coat precisely because of it being not restricting whatever I want to wear underneath.. Well done, Kid, looks pretty cool.

 

[Kid_Pistola]

Looks like a very practical throw over and go out jacket on you - and yes, this is the way Paul Newman looks in his! I am thinking of getting another Bronson Deck Jacket in one size bigger, too, to be honest, exactly because of this hassle free throw over thing. I dropped Lee a mail. He will inform me, when the olive one is back in stock in size xl. I have this kind of every day functionality with my old german army parka as well, and i often choose this coat precisely because of it being not restricting whatever I want to wear underneath.. Well done, Kid, looks pretty cool.

Thx @CatsCan Appreciate the support.

 

[Alec Leamas]

Bronson 42(XL) has arrived and it could not be more perfect! FYI, I am wearing a thin long-sleeved undershirt under a thick flannel button-up shirt under a USGI GI sweater. Zipped and buttoned up with all this, the neck is snug and I cannot button over the throat latch, but it is comfortable otherwise. The body is the perfect amount of room I wanted and I can snug up the waist a bit more with the tie strings. Plush wool lining through the arms, excellent stitching and attention to detail all around! The sleeves are the perfect length for me as are the inner cuffs - the construction allows the wrist area of gloves to fit over the wrist bands and under the coat cuff smoothly! USN regs for the peacoat require the sleeve cuff extend down 3/4 from the distance between the wrist and the knuckles, and although an N-1 and not a peacoat, the sleeve cuffs here hit that distance perfectly - see photo of arms raised with minimal sleeve-rise. OUTSTANDING! I am trying to post photos, hopefully I figure out why I cannot attach them from my drive... View attachment 298828 View attachment 298829 View attachment 298830 View attachment 298831

Jacket looks great and if/when I get one for myself I would be aiming for that kind of fit! Good work!

As a side note - and not to detract from the jacket or the thread - what are those boots??? I like the look of those!

 

[Edward]

View attachment 298828 View attachment 298829 View attachment 298830 View attachment 298831

Very nice. I've long been looking at the Pike version, torn between it and the B15, but there's something wonderfully 'throw on' utilitarian about the N1.... though a think, Winter jacket it reminds me of the very basic cotton military jackets, mostly (West) German, I use to buy for a few pounds back in my early teens. I love the look.

@CatsCan I finally received my exchange jacket yesterday. The swap was a jump from a size 38(M) to a 42(XL).
At first I though: "Oh Noooooo...it's a little too big!!!" but after wearing it I realized that even if I had gone for the 40(L) it would have been a little tight. So strange because I'm mostly a Medium, mayyyyyybe a Large. But Xtra Large...hell no!
Well, let me know what you guys think. I definitely wasn't going for the slim tight fashion Brad Pitt look. To me these are closer to the thick construction Carhartt jackets. I'll probably wear it riding my Harley lol. This also allows me to wear a track suit top or hoodie. I think I'm happy...But I can't lie, I am curious as to how a 40(L) would fit. Hmmm....

This is how I'd like mine to fit when I buy one - I like them with a little room in them (in the same way I think an Irvin looks best maybe a size 'big').

My understanding has long been that the N1 was intended to be ship's property, used by whomever was on shift and needed to throw it on to go out on deck (like a lifejacket, in that regard), so "accurate WW2 fit" was really all over the place, even moreso than an A2. I believe this is why they had the ship's marking on the back so often. Of course, it seems many individuals managed to acquire a 'personal' number, though even there the variation seems to suggest there was no, one idealised fit.

 

[CatsCan]

My understanding has long been that the N1 was intended to be ship's property, used by whomever was on shift and needed to throw it on to go out on deck (like a lifejacket, in that regard), so "accurate WW2 fit" was really all over the place, even moreso than an A2. I believe this is why they had the ship's marking on the back so often. Of course, it seems many individuals managed to acquire a 'personal' number, though even there the variation seems to suggest there was no, one idealised fit.

That's absolute correct. These jackets were hanging ready at the bulkheads of wider compartments at the end of passageways leading to the flight deck on aircraft carriers. They were ship equipment, no personal belongings. If the one these guys grabbed fit reasonable, they took it and did not think twice. Based on the old photos of Navy personnel on duty it was a miss or hit. Private owned ones in use after the war seem to have been chosen more carefully. Looking at those post war photos it seems a roomier fit was preferred to be able to layer.

We are so much used to modern fits that these N-1s can be difficult. They can feel odd. It takes some time to feel comfortable in them. At least that is my own experience. It is especially hard when one is used to down jackets. It helps to "live" in one's N-1 for a prolonged time as it will "mold" to one's body shape within a while and start to feel much more comfortable.

 

[Klaatu]

Wonder what effect soaking these in hot water will have. Details on site include: Outer: 12.5oz jungle cross fabric, 100% cotton; Inner: 70% wool, 30% polyester; and Dry clean only. Usually take a 40 but am likely to buy a 42 hoping the soaking will shrink it to the perfect size. Concerned a 40 might be too small for layering and will prematurely wear-out the seams. As it's been said, depends on the look you're after: fashionable fitted or baggy utility.

 

[O'DubhGhaill]

Jacket looks great and if/when I get one for myself I would be aiming for that kind of fit! Good work!

As a side note - and not to detract from the jacket or the thread - what are those boots??? I like the look of those!

Alec, I believe the boots are: Irish Setter Men's Countrysider Waterproof Chukka, circa ten years ago.