Eastman A-2 help

[Sloan1874]

Even if you're not going the Good Wear route, I would definitely use John's descriptions of the various jacket fits as an accurate guide for them.

 

[Fanch]

Your Cockpit A-2 that you perceive fits too tightly appears to drape very well to me, although you should order any jacket to fit the way you want, keeping in mind that an A-2 is designed more or less to fit snugly. Your nice Cockpit A-2 perhaps could have another inch in body length to cover your belt?

Anyhow, I suggest you measure your A-2 and use those measurements to order whatever you want for the perfect fit. Below Andy Falzon's pictures illustrate the proper way to measure a leather jacket:

 

[GregGale]

It looks nice when I stand relaxed and the zip is slightly down. But when I drive/ fly it's quite restrictive in the shoulders. Also, as you said, I could use an extra inch of body length. Some "in action" photos:

Thanks for the measurement pictures, I will measure my Cockpit A-2 when I get home and post it here.

 

[Fanch]

Welcome to the Lounge!
I can't give you advice about Eastman A-2s, but I have several Aeros, and they are excellent. You should consider them too, and ask for samples of the leather so that you can choose the right color for your jacket.

By the way, I love the fit of that Cockpit re-issue! Looks damn near perfect to me!

I concur with what the Big Man just said, including the way your Cockpit fits and considering other options such as Aero. I particularly love the way my seal jerky horsehide Aero Bronco A-2 looks, feels, and drapes, which I felt was a bit tight initially but now think the fit could hardly be improved on. I will say if I were ordering a new A-2 for myself, I would go with an Aero Bronco A-2 made from seal Vicenza (Italian) horsehide and/or a Goodwear Bronco A-2 made from one of John Chapman's Shinki horsehides, probably his version of seal brown that appears to have red undertones although I could be wrong about the red undertones. I am partial to the Bronco A-2 that seems to conform to my anatomy with its large square shoulders and more slender sleeves than most other contracts.

 

[Brettafett]

That is one gorgeous jacket Fanch.

 

[Fanch]

It looks nice when I stand relaxed and the zip is slightly down. But when I drive/ fly it's quite restrictive in the shoulders. Also, as you said, I could use an extra inch of body length.

If your current A-2 is restrictive in the shoulders and a bit short of body, the Bronco A-2 contract well might be just your cup of tea as the Bronco is designed with broad, square shoulders and slightly longer body length than other contracts. Just sayin' ...

 

[Brettafett]

I am super keen to check out AVI LTHR's Bronco when it gets released... Would be interesting to compare with Aero's... Ive seen pics of their original and am sure they are going all out...

 

[GregGale]

Here are the measurements of my Cockpit A-2 according to the pictures posted above:

Shoulder: 18.5
Pit to pit: 21.5
Length: 25
Sleeve: 25.5

My old Avirex that doesn't restrict my shoulder movement, but is too short in both torso and sleeves:

Shoulder: 19
Pit to pit: 22.5
Length: 23.5
Sleeve: 25

 

[breezer]

my new Aero Bronco - 40" with extra inch on body & sleeve - I'm 6ft tall, 38/40 chest, 72kgs.

 

[Fanch]

Now that's how an A-2 should look and fit. ^^^

 

[Brettafett]

my new Aero Bronco - 40" with extra inch on body & sleeve - I'm 6ft tall, 38/40 chest, 72kgs. View attachment 83135

Breezer.... Spectacular! What hide and knit?
Now that you've piped up. Measurements please and a colour pic!
Loving it. Now I want another one.

 

[breezer]

see my thread - Aero A2 Soft Italian horsehide on the Outerwear index.

 

[GregGale]

Great fit, Breezer!

 

[Monitor]

Cool jacket, cool photos, OP!

my new Aero Bronco - 40" with extra inch on body & sleeve - I'm 6ft tall, 38/40 chest, 72kgs. View attachment 83135

Man, again, that's such a nice jacket. Sleeves are beyond.

 

[breezer]

Sleeves are beyond

the soft Italian horsehide works particularly well on the sleeves. Having said that, I mentioned above that the over all fit is a little trim - I couldn't reach up and grab something off a high shelf, but I'm guessing thats normal for an A2 like this. And anyways, when I'm driving my car, riding my bike, or walking around, the jacket feels just right.

 

[willyto]

Also, watch for the stitching on the ELC Star. I saw one in Son of Stagg and there was a section on the collar that looked as if whoever was sewing it was seriously distracted for a few seconds...

But...but that's part of the charm in the marketing of leather jackets. Originals weren't perfect

 

[GregGale]

I found the Eastman measurements on the historypreservation site, and it looks like I'm in serious trouble with both the Star and the RW. If I want at least 18.5 shoulder width, I have to go at least size 46 with the star? That's insane...I guess I need at least 22" pit to pit as well...

No other option but to go to the UK and try one. Provided their stockists will have a jacket in my size...

 

[Brettafett]

Theres an ELC Pop Up in central London in Nov/ Dec. Check with them. They usually carry everything and its the best place to geek out on jackets...

 

[Brettafett]

Greg.. consider a RW27752 XL. You should get the 18.5 shoulders and 22 pit there... Plus it has the collar stand, seal warhorse and contrasting olive thread... beautiful.
I had a 38 Long a few years back, it fit and looked pretty good.

 

[GregGale]

"We also confirm that we will be having our pop up shop in Dray Walk, Shoreditch, London again during the last two weeks of November 14th - 26th"

This was posted on their website. If it's 100%, then I'm buying my flight tickets