A2 fit

[TLW '90]

I have been thinking about this recently after seeing multiple comments about A2's not looking good on anybody or not fitting well...etc.

The way I see it an A2 is not a cafe racer or a trim fitting Cross zip.
People don't care if their hoodie or rain jacket has a trim fitting flattering fit do they ?
I feel that an A2 just needs to look like it's your size, it just needs to be good fitting for an A2 for the most part.
I think the A2 has kind of gotten a bad reputation from cheap mall jackets and 80's action movie goons.
Most people here in the US probably have a dad or uncle who has a cheap poorly fitting A2 that they wear on Christmas.

I see pics of WW2 pilots in their original A2's, and this is about how they fit.

Is it a flattering trim fit that makes me look like a badass Rockstar?
No absolutely not ( nothing could do that ), but to the average person I probably look like I'm wearing the right size jacket and they won't give me a 2nd look.

Scrawny guys like me are probably a bit fortunate in this regard, average to more athletic types may get lucky , and I can definitely understand why some more husky guys would steer clear of A2's.
The USGI coopers seem to unintentionally hit the mark in the smaller sizes, but I've heard of more athletic types having trouble with certain dimensions, and it seems they just didn't care that the larger sizes often look like a windbreaker.

I don't know about the original A2's or any exacting repro's, some say they fit the best but opinions on A2's are as all over the place as the body types of people buying jackets are.


Ultimately I just think too many people misunderstand the A2 ,or those people simply want things out of a jacket that the A2 isn't about.
The A2 is comfortable, it's ubiquitous enough to not draw attention, and I feel an A2 looks just fine as long as it's the right size of A2.
If it looks like you're wearing a jacket that's generally the right size, nobody is going to think you're going for that awful hip hop style.
For a lot of people the issues with A2 fit just may be in their head.



If anybody more knowledgeable cares to correct me and better detail the issues people have with A2 fit I'd love to hear it.

 

[El Marro]

Ultimately I just think too many people misunderstand the A2 ,or those people simply want things out of a jacket that the A2 isn't about.

This pretty well sums it up. A really trim fit in this jacket often means that you can’t move around freely. I have seen some guys pull it off but most of us decide we would rather have a little extra room.
I have a couple A2s I like the fit of but thst is because I took them to a tailor. He was able to taper the jackets a bit without going too tight.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I'm new to the A-2 so I'm definitely still learning, but as I understand it there is no singular A-2 fit. A generic A-2 looks like a generic A-2: most of the time uninteresting and poorly fitting.

An A-2 should be patterned properly, ideally based off the classic patterns from WWII but possibly modernized. Each classic pattern fits a bit differently. Some of them were made to be worn a bit bigger to provide more movement, some were designed to be trimmer but had more room in the shoulders, etc. A-2 enthusiasts who have studied these particulars can talk at length about those characteristics - just visit the Vintage Leather Jackets Forum.

The problem I have with your Cooper is that it looks unintentionally too big. That is, it looks like a generic pattern where little thought was put into how the elements work together to create a functional work jacket. Fine for fast fashion, but not really what I'm after for my collection. I honestly think it looks too big on you (not trying to be critical, just trying to keep it real).

I found fhe Goodwear Leather Coats website to be a fantasic introduction to the various patterns:

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Welcome!

www.goodwearleather.com

 

[TLW '90]

The problem I have with your Cooper is that it looks unintentionally too big. That is, it looks like a generic pattern where little thought was put into how the elements work together to create a functional work jacket. Fine for fast fashion, but not really what I'm after for my collection.

I simply take this jacket for what it is because for all it's faults it's the real deal ,and this is just what uncle same was handing out in the 90's after they were recommissioned.
I completely understand if somebody wants a more tailored fit because they can get it, I'm just saying don't write A2's off in general because they don't fit like a cafe racer.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I simply take this jacket for what it is because for all it's faults it's the real deal ,and this is just what uncle same was handing out in the 90's after they were recommissioned.
I completely understand if somebody wants a more tailored fit because they can get it, I'm just saying don't write A2's off in general because they don't fit like a cafe racer.

I actually totally agree with your point and absolutely feel that a well-made A-2 looks really good. I'm glad to see you defend the style.

I've been away from home since July but while away I purchased two used Lost Worlds A-2s (one in horse and one in goat) off eBay. I wasn't specifically looking for both but two became available for very fair prices so I bought both. Point being, I'm biting at the bit to get home and see how they fit.

If you enjoy the A-2, I can truly recommend spending time learning about the WWII patterns - it's a very rewarding study in my opinion.

I hope you wear your Cooper in good health.

 

[TLW '90]

If you enjoy the A-2, I can truly recommend spending time learning about the WWII patterns - it's a very rewarding study in my opinion.

I do certainly get interested in details and variants of things, so while I'm not looking for any others I will enjoy digging into them.
I'm worried I could become unhappy with my A2 though.
I remember when I bought it the pictures weren't the greatest and I was bummed that the pocket flaps looked like they might have a boring square shape to them.
I was happy when it arrived that they were envelope shaped, not as nicely contoured as some of the ww2 A2's but at least it's something.

 

[Bennarion]

I have been thinking about this recently after seeing multiple comments about A2's not looking good on anybody or not fitting well...etc.

The way I see it an A2 is not a cafe racer or a trim fitting Cross zip.
People don't care if their hoodie or rain jacket has a trim fitting flattering fit do they ?
I feel that an A2 just needs to look like it's your size, it just needs to be good fitting for an A2 for the most part.
I think the A2 has kind of gotten a bad reputation from cheap mall jackets and 80's action movie goons.
Most people here in the US probably have a dad or uncle who has a cheap poorly fitting A2 that they wear on Christmas.

I see pics of WW2 pilots in their original A2's, and this is about how they fit.
View attachment 675824
Is it a flattering trim fit that makes me look like a badass Rockstar?
No absolutely not ( nothing could do that ), but to the average person I probably look like I'm wearing the right size jacket and they won't give me a 2nd look.

Scrawny guys like me are probably a bit fortunate in this regard, average to more athletic types may get lucky , and I can definitely understand why some more husky guys would steer clear of A2's.
The USGI coopers seem to unintentionally hit the mark in the smaller sizes, but I've heard of more athletic types having trouble with certain dimensions, and it seems they just didn't care that the larger sizes often look like a windbreaker.

I don't know about the original A2's or any exacting repro's, some say they fit the best but opinions on A2's are as all over the place as the body types of people buying jackets are.


Ultimately I just think too many people misunderstand the A2 ,or those people simply want things out of a jacket that the A2 isn't about.
The A2 is comfortable, it's ubiquitous enough to not draw attention, and I feel an A2 looks just fine as long as it's the right size of A2.
If it looks like you're wearing a jacket that's generally the right size, nobody is going to think you're going for that awful hip hop style.
For a lot of people the issues with A2 fit just may be in their head.



If anybody more knowledgeable cares to correct me and better detail the issues people have with A2 fit I'd love to hear it.

I totally agree with you. The main thing is that the jacket is comfortable and practical.

 

[Jon Crow]

My 40s, early 50s A2 civilian model I restored, I like the fit, I'm not a big guy though, 5-7 40 chest, 32 waist

 

[Bennarion]

My 40s, early 50s A2 civilian model I restored, I like the fit, I'm not a big guy though, 5-7 40 chest, 32 waist

The jacket fits perfectly

 

[TLW '90]

My 40s, early 50s A2 civilian model I restored, I like the fit, I'm not a big guy though, 5-7 40 chest, 32 waist

That one certainly looks good in the torso, and the knitts look to be of great quality.
That is one complaint about mine, my old Starter NFL jackets had better knitts.

 

[Jon Crow]

The jacket fits perfectly

Cheers Benn

 

[Jon Crow]

That one certainly looks good in the torso, and the knitts look to be of great quality.
That is one complaint about mine, my old Starter NFL jackets had better knitts.

Thanks, the knits were a replacement though, but good ones from Mash, the originals were ratted and moth eaten, my local tailor, haberdash guy put them on for me