Aero A2 vs M442a

[Igor Sotelo]

At some point I had an Aero M422a, I think it was 40 from Hindi seal goat leather with an russet mouton collar and loved the jacket but was snug fit and a bit radical for local tastes, where here in Montreal males seldom even use leather jackets. So I will probably go with a standard M422a size 42 this time, looking for something elegant but not distracting. Though, apparently it would take till spring 2023 to get one custom made.

Another alternative was to go with an Aero A2 size 42 with russet knits made from Vicheza Italian seal leather. I loved the rayon lining from the M422a, but it seems the A2 has mustard cotton lining.

Apparently the M422a would be a better fit for very cold Canadian weather, because of the mouton collar, but for my latest health conditions, doubt will go outside often anyways.

I never had an Aero A2 jacket, and wanted some recommendations there.

From very fine leathers only have a Steer Chrome Excel Highwayman replica by Simmons Built and had the M422a from Hindi goat leather. The other leather jackets are mostly Schott. And not sure what to expect from the Vicenza leather.

The Chrome Excel is thick, love the jacket, but is a bit too stiff and ends being colder in it than it probably should in certain conditions.

Well any recommendations will be much appreciated.

 

[Peacoat]

I can't give a recommendation as to which jacket to get as neither will be suitable for your winters. I have a G-1 with a mouton collar, but it does nothing to ward off the chill. My neck stays warmer than with the A-2, but that's all.

Welcome to the Lounge.

 

[El Marro]

I have to agree with @Peacoat on this point. I love the warmth of the mouton collar on my G-1 jackets and I love how easy they slip on and off because of the rayon lining as well. On a cold day though the rayon lining is cool to the touch and does very little to keep one warm.

 

[Aloysius]

None of the options you mention are suitable for winter, let alone Montreal winter.

However, the M-444 could be perfect for you. Unlike other shearling jackets, it essentially looks like a standard G-1 on the outside rather than being big and puffy. Five Star Leather makes one, at $495 ($675 CAN). If you place an order, they'll likely have it over to you within a couple of weeks.

 

[Igor Sotelo]

Could maybe go with a C-3 vest over the A2, for very cold days. Not sure if that would work with the M422a, but could stuff a hoodie or a good sweater under or use something like a Schott B-3 jacket.

It’s important to respect winter logically, but it would be really just few steps from the building to a taxi cab to hospital and back. Probably would be uncomfortable for hours in the hospital later if too “winterized”.

 

[Aloysius]

The A-2 and G-1/M-422/AN-6552 are windbreakers, to an extreme extent. Adding a winter vest still won't make them winter jackets.

Something like a B-15/B-10 with mouton collar could be perfect for your situation. I'd look at both Aero's B-10 and Buzz Rickson's various flight jackets. They're really versatile and wearable. I've found that simple unzipping makes them work in warmer climates than they do zipped.

 

[Igor Sotelo]

The B-10 is a great suggestion, with the alpaca lining that thing has to be really warm. I remember was very allergic to alpaca, but later the material got much smoother.

Perhaps that one for winter and the M422a for fall.

Though, will have to contact Aero to see if can have the jackets before summer next year.

 

[Dbrn]

None of the options you mention are suitable for winter, let alone Montreal winter.

This. I'm a Montreal native and leather is not a full-winter option. Get what you like, but I'd size it for layering to accommodate thick sweaters and actually trap some body heat. And then get yourself a real winter coat too.

 

[Salmosalar]

You might try something like this - my custom Wayfarers with mouton collars, shearling body lining and wool-backed rayon sleeve lining - these are badalassi but goat might be a better option if you have wet winters? Best to size up from your normal tagged size to accommodate the thicker lining too….

 

[Igor Sotelo]

@ Dbnr

I used a shearing lined Schott B-3 last winters, even at the last work where OMG, they supplied some silly jackets completely inadequate for winter at least in January. At the company didn’t like I didn’t use the uniform at road and pressured, but was feeling good and could move in the truck or outside.

The B-3 probably won’t be necessary this time, and to be honest I miss the M422a (G-1). The B-10 looks cool too. Perhaps the WW2 thematic doesn’t make much sense in this age, but anyways, would say it looks cool if old fashioned.

@ Salmosalar

Fine jackets. I noticed some bigger Aero jackets can be optioned with shearing lining and wind cuffs. Have yet to try one of those.

 

[Aloysius]

The B-10 is a great suggestion, with the alpaca lining that thing has to be really warm. I remember was very allergic to alpaca, but later the material got much smoother.

Perhaps that one for winter and the M422a for fall.

Though, will have to contact Aero to see if can have the jackets before summer next year.

While Aero’s B-10 is nice, with the low yen right now I would go straight for a Buzz Rickson’s B-15 with a nice mouton collar. Or if you want to be impervious to even Montreal winters, you can go all out and get an N-3B, which is one of my favourite jackets ever. It has a coyote trim rather than shearling. With the current yen, anyone outside Japan is getting a hefty discount.

I got one this past winter and felt so cool in it that shoveling snow was fun!

Personally, as repro flight jackets go, I have an L-2 I wear in warm months, two MA-1 jackets (one that’s reversible to a B-15), and the N-3B that’s great for the coldest days. MA-1/B-15 is probably the most versatile option; you can actually wear it from autumn through spring, so long as you layer/unzip as needed.

 

[Edward]

You might try something like this - my custom Wayfarers with mouton collars, shearling body lining and wool-backed rayon sleeve lining - these are badalassi but goat might be a better option if you have wet winters? Best to size up from your normal tagged size to accommodate the thicker lining too….

Before ordering a size if you go this route, I'd speak to Aero. When a customer orders the shearling lining as an add-on option, they upsize the leather shell accordingly to ensure that the space inside is the same as with a 'normal' liner. Holly and the team will be best placed to advise further on sizing.