Buzz Rickson's MA-1 Bomber itchy!!! Is this normal?

[hamletpowpowpow]

Hi there,


I just scored a William Gibson MA-1 bomber. It’s in excellent condition and even came with the tags — though it’s definitely not new.


I’ve wanted one of these for over 20 years, ever since reading Pattern Recognition, so I’m a bit heartbroken to admit that, overall, it’s a pretty uncomfortable jacket compared to other bombers I own. It’s really heavy and doesn’t breathe at all— But the biggest issue is that the ribbing on the neck is rough and dry, which makes the whole thing pretty itchy to wear.


I’m hoping this is just a one-off case, and that maybe a brand-new one would feel better? I tried one on at Self Edge a while back and don’t remember it feeling this way, but maybe I was just so taken by the whole thing I didn't notice.


Thanks so much!

 

[DancingDecker]

In my experience collars like that will soften up over time but will never not be itchy. It took a while for me to get used to it

 

[raf]

First, suggest you vacuum the collar well with a brush attachment on vacuum's business end. Then, use a "de-pilling" contraption to remove any "pills" on the collar as well as some loose ends of woven material. Vacuum afterwards. You can also use the "de-pilling" device on the wrist cuffs and waistband as well as other garments subject to "pilling" .

Do Not use fabric softener on the collar of the leather jacket, as fabric softener can damage leather.

It might be possible to buy some unscented hair conditioner and liberally apply it to the pre-wetted collar, rinsing/washing well with Cold water afterwards; never Hot water, which might shrink the material. While the collar is wet, you could install a rolled towel in the neck of the garment which would keep the collar slightly stretched while it is drying. Suggest you gently stretch the collar by hand immediately after rinsing, but be careful to pull on the material itself, and don't tug on the stitching attaching collar to jacket.

As an aside, I did this hair conditioner treatment to a faux mouton collar on a repro G-2 and the faux mouton came out looking and feeling almost like the real thing--much improved.

 

[Bennarion]

This is not an isolated case. I have this jacket and I don't wear it. It's too heavy, it's very hot, and the neck itches from the collar.

 

[bn1966]

Hi there,


I just scored a William Gibson MA-1 bomber. It’s in excellent condition and even came with the tags — though it’s definitely not new.


I’ve wanted one of these for over 20 years, ever since reading Pattern Recognition, so I’m a bit heartbroken to admit that, overall, it’s a pretty uncomfortable jacket compared to other bombers I own. It’s really heavy and doesn’t breathe at all— But the biggest issue is that the ribbing on the neck is rough and dry, which makes the whole thing pretty itchy to wear.


I’m hoping this is just a one-off case, and that maybe a brand-new one would feel better? I tried one on at Self Edge a while back and don’t remember it feeling this way, but maybe I was just so taken by the whole thing I didn't notice.


Thanks so much!

If you like the jacket otherwise I’d get some replacement knits, I’m very skin sensitive but have never had this problem with an MA-1 and I own a few