Decisions. A2 Vs D1 vs Cafe Racer

[HBK2025]

Hi all,

First time posting so apologies if it's in the wrong place.

My experience with leather jackets stems from my father growing up always wearing them and me associating that awesome learher smell with him. He is also of an era where jackets were worn properly and not babied.

My adult experience has only really been with a couple of fashion jackets and the most recent was a Belstaff cafe racer. I adored the oxblood colour but the shoulder pads were ripped and as someone that didn't ride it felt too bikerish.

I am now on the hunt for a new jacket and have narrowed it to 3 options.

1. D1 or B6
Inspired by masters of the skies, I love the look but fear at 6ft with a bit of padding in the waist I may end up looking like a bin bag full of pillows

2. Cafe racer
I like the style and the ruggedness providing the maker has not gone too zip happy. There is a beauty on sale here from Titus but a bit out of my budget

3. A2
Feels inherently manly and that it could potentially be dressed up a bit for work but as with the D1, I wonder if it will accentuate the das bod paunch

I completely understand this is a marathon not a sprint and these are very different stylistically. For reference, I am looking for a relatively slim fit (like a trucker jacket), not too fussy and something that is easy to wear. Cool, classic. Any advice or other styles considered.

Thanks

 

[MrProper]

I don't have an A2, but I do have the other two. And they are not either or, but both.
One in winter, one in spring and autumn.

 

[HBK2025]

I don't have an A2, but I do have the other two. And they are not either or, but both.
One in winter, one in spring and autumn.

Thank you. I initially looked at N1 for winter but thought the D1 was more stylish.

You make a good point of different jackets for different occasions.

 

[Bfd70]

Talk about apples to oranges to bananas.
D1 much more seasonal and not meant to be trim.
A trim a2 is a straight jacket.
Get a cafe from Vanson with back gusset.
If this is your first dip into the leather pool you will be surprised how constricting leather can be in certain patterns. Nothing like a cotton jacket.

Only 2 scenarios:

1.spend hundreds on several jackets trying to get it JUST RIGHT.

2. Take the blue pill and walk away.

 

[Canuck Panda]

All three designs are classic. It comes down to the best available deal at the time. Also add G-1 to the search, they give similar vibes as the A2, works better as a in between temperature jacket.

 

[MrProper]

Thank you. I initially looked at N1 for winter but thought the D1 was more stylish.

You make a good point of different jackets for different occasions.

The N-1 is also cool. But the D-1 is warmer. At least with the N-1 that I have. And yes, definitely several jackets for different occasions

 

[newtojackets]

My opinion is not the A2. It is very hard to get a flattering fit on it, and even when you do, imo it still fits worse than a well fitting cafe racer / cross zip

 

[HBK2025]

Talk about apples to oranges to bananas.
D1 much more seasonal and not meant to be trim.
A trim a2 is a straight jacket.
Get a cafe from Vanson with back gusset.
If this is your first dip into the leather pool you will be surprised how constricting leather can be in certain patterns. Nothing like a cotton jacket.

Only 2 scenarios:

1.spend hundreds on several jackets trying to get it JUST RIGHT.

2. Take the blue pill and walk away.

 

[HBK2025]

All three designs are classic. It comes down to the best available deal at the time. Also add G-1 to the search, they give similar vibes as the A2, works better as a in between temperature jacket.

Thank you. Definitely trying for the best all rounder but appreciate that is ambitious

 

[HBK2025]

The N-1 is also cool. But the D-1 is warmer. At least with the N-1 that I have. And yes, definitely several jackets for different occasions

Thank you. Good to know. I assumed N1 was warmer. I found a good D1 and generally run cold but wife thinks it won't be flattering

 

[HBK2025]

My opinion is not the A2. It is very hard to get a flattering fit on it, and even when you do, imo it still fits worse than a well fitting cafe racer / cross zip

Thank you. Definitely new to all this as I wouldn't have known the numbers at all. I think from all the replies here the safe option is probably the cafe racer but sized right

 

[HBK2025]

The N-1 is also cool. But the D-1 is warmer. At least with the N-1 that I have. And yes, definitely several jackets for different occasions

I just saw your image photo. You have been amazing for inspiration on Instagram as your jacket collection is stunning

 

[TLW '90]

My opinion is not the A2. It is very hard to get a flattering fit on it, and even when you do, imo it still fits worse than a well fitting cafe racer / cross zip

It's not a fit you can compare to others.
They just have an A2 fit, and a good fitting A2 will look like you're wearing a good fitting A2.
Personally I think everybody should try to have an A2, but I completely understand if some just don't like the A2 fit.

 

[newtojackets]

It's not a fit you can compare to others.
They just have an A2 fit, and a good fitting A2 will look like you're wearing a good fitting A2.
Personally I think everybody should try to have an A2, but I completely understand if some just don't like the A2 fit.

You’ve put it very well. A good A2 fit looks like a good A2 fit, but not a good fit. I think if we break down the fundamentals of good fitting men’s clothing (builds up your upper body, slims your waist), the A2 is not the most appealing.

I can understand however why people buy them, in terms of reproduction jackets they are truly iconic

 

[MrProper]

I just saw your image photo. You have been amazing for inspiration on Instagram as your jacket collection is stunning

Thank you

safe option is probably the cafe racer but sized right

I think a café racer is a good model for getting into leather jackets. Simple, easy to wear, easy to combine and available from almost every manufacturer.

 

[HBK2025]

Thank you

I think a café racer is a good model for getting into leather jackets. Simple, easy to wear, easy to combine and available from almost every manufacturer.

Great shout.

 

[HBK2025]

You’ve put it very well. A good A2 fit looks like a good A2 fit, but not a good fit. I think if we break down the fundamentals of good fitting men’s clothing (builds up your upper body, slims your waist), the A2 is not the most appealing.

I can understand however why people buy them, in terms of reproduction jackets they are truly iconic

Masters of the skies definitely got me thinking about them. But a Hollywood bod I do not have

It's not a fit you can compare to others.
They just have an A2 fit, and a good fitting A2 will look like you're wearing a good fitting A2.
Personally I think everybody should try to have an A2, but I completely understand if some just don't like the A2 fit.

Completely agree looking at photos from stylish to... not so stylish

 

[TLW '90]

Masters of the skies definitely got me thinking about them. But a Hollywood bod I do not have

Completely agree looking at photos from stylish to... not so stylish

I personally think a person just needs to get a good fitting proper A2 ( a good reproduction or even a 90's USAF issue) and wear it confidently without care.
They didn't become to be one of the most prolific popular leather jackets for no reason.
I'm talking proper A2's though and not cheap generic " bombers " that are often atrociously baggy and ugly.


Now if a trim fitting more flattering jacket that makes you look like a rockstar is what you want then pass on the A2, get a cafe or a trucker.
Just keep in mind the ability to layer at least a little underneath if need be.
If you just want a comfortable
classic jacket to wear when you don't need much or will wear it over a sweater an A2 is the way to go, it's not going to draw attention and nobody is going to look at you like you're wearing a poorly fitting jacket.
It's only people in the jacket community who have hangups about how A2 jackets fit.

As far as the D1 I think it'll draw more attention, and it will also be less versatile, the cafe & A2 will draw less attention, and I think the A2 will be the most versatile.

 

[HBK2025]

I personally think a person just needs to get a good fitting proper A2 ( a good reproduction or even a 90's USAF issue) and wear it confidently without care.
They didn't become to be one of the most prolific popular leather jackets for no reason.
I'm talking proper A2's though and not cheap generic " bombers " that are often atrociously baggy and ugly.


Now if a trim fitting more flattering jacket that makes you look like a rockstar is what you want then pass on the A2, get a cafe or a trucker.
Just keep in mind the ability to layer at least a little underneath if need be.
If you just want a comfortable
classic jacket to wear when you don't need much or will wear it over a sweater an A2 is the way to go, it's not going to draw attention and nobody is going to look at you like you're wearing a poorly fitting jacket.
It's only people in the jacket community who have hangups about how A2 jackets fit.

As far as the D1 I think it'll draw more attention, and it will also be less versatile, the cafe & A2 will draw less attention, and I think the A2 will be the most versatile.

Really useful info. Thanks. I must admit I think the image of how I see myself in a leather jacket (Steve Mcqueen, James Dean) and how I will actually look (Ricky Gervais) may be the issue.

 

[TLW '90]

Really useful info. Thanks. I must admit I think the image of how I see myself in a leather jacket (Steve Mcqueen, James Dean) and how I will actually look (Ricky Gervais) may be the issue.

This is just my opinion as somebody who appreciates the A2 for what it is.
I'm not an expert when it comes to general fit, so while I don't think most of those fit concerns apply to the A2 I would suggest that anybody who does should take the advice of others over mine.

If you're really worried, maybe look into finding a shop with jackets you can try on and take pictures to ask about here.
Plenty of members here can tell you which jackets are a good aesthetic match for you.