Eastman Star size help!

[JHamilton]

Hey everyone,

I am having a dilemma with an Eastman purchase, It’s the Star contract.

Originally I went for a size 40 based on advice, but when I received it the jacket was way too big like a tent!

My chest measures 38” and I’m 5ft 7. Eastman sent me the measurements for the size 38 which I compared to another A-2 I have, it was pretty much the same bar a litttle longer.

When I got the size 38 it still felt too big, it’s fine in the shoulders and chest but it’s just too long in the body and arms for my liking.

Here are some photos so you can see the fit properly. What is your honest opinion on this fit? Will it get better over time or should I sell it and get a smaller size or different contract. I find that everyone’s opinion is different but I like a trim fit!

Many thanks thanks for the advice.

 

[MrProper]

I would say the jacket looks like what an A-2 looks like. Judging by the pictures, everything seems to be ok and nothing looks wrong.
I also like rather tight myself and therefore this jacket style is not for me.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

For my own tastes, that looks pretty darn good. I'm not an expert in the different contracts so maybe there's one out there that keeps the chest/shoulders you need and comes in shorter.

Generally speaking, when sleeves are a little too long, there's an effective way to shorten them a touch. Get them wet and wear the jacket, flexing around until they dry. It'll induce sleeve creases and just mathematically speaking, it'll shorten up the length. Don't expect big numbers, YMMV, but I'm pretty sure you can shorten a good 1/2 inch or so if the creases hold their shape with that particular leather.

Back length with A2 is tricky because of the knits. They have a tendency to tuck under. So sometimes you might think it's long, other times it's perfect, and still others, it's too short. TBH, I wouldn't mess with it with the pictures you've shown. Again, for my tastes, you're well within the tolerance zone.

If you wanted a more fitted A2 "style", I have a Schott 3 - 16 collab that I love. It's not military spec though. Lots of alterations. But if you just want the silhouette with more of a fashion vibe, try and track one down. Highly recommend. Size down for a very fitted look.

 

[Carlos840]

Looks good to me, if i bought an A2 this is how i would want it to fit.

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Its about right.

Looks great on you man, seriously.

Is it star sportswear?

I have an original G-1 by star sportswear. It's my favourite.

Also, you're only wearing a T-shirt underneath. Might try it with some different Layers of clothes to see how it changes the fit or look, etc. Depends.


IMHO Short pants, tight leg? Try not to go long sleeves and short pants...It's ok if the boots show a bit less...they're very nice too.

A wool scarf to balance the upper profile and pronounce the V neck streamline look that was so classic at the time (like the film 12 o clock high) There was a thing for V neck sweaters and V neck cold weather under wear at the time in the US...all things to consider...Plus they wore officers pinks (trousers) with a HIGH cut waist, and a crush cap that gives one the illusion of more vert. Anyway, depends on what you're going for etc etc.

A brand new Jacket also takes awhile to break in, like months.

looks great on you!!

 

[JHamilton]

Thanks for advice so far, I think it’s the bunching up at the back because it’s quite long so I get a lot of excess leather making it puff out a bit. That’s the Main thing that’s bothering me

 

[Brandrea33]

Any shorter and I think it’d ride up over your belt … looks spot on to me

 

[Tom71]

Pictures can be deceiving, and if you FEEL the jacket is too large, it may well be.

All I can say is that the fit looks spot-on, and I really like how you wear it. What a great model and Eastman really delivers for the big money they take. If you stick to it, I guarentee you 20+ likes, each and everytime you post it...

 

[JHamilton]

This is the fit of my old Eastman house A-2, it’s a little small but it has the right length I think

 

[Bfd70]

I think the fit looks good. A trim A2 can look good but feels like a straight jacket to me. Since you have experience though you do know what you like. I think the advise to try different layers could be prudent depending on where you live.The A2 maker/contract matrix may be the most difficult of all patterns to solve. For grins here are pics of 2 of my Eastman. A 38 rw and a 42 slender. Rw looks pretty good but for T shirt open only. The slender is layerable and zipable which are musts for me.

 

[El Marro]

I would say the jacket looks like what an A-2 looks like. Judging by the pictures, everything seems to be ok and nothing looks wrong.
I also like rather tight myself and therefore this jacket style is not for me.

Agreed. I don’t think the length looks bad and you can’t go much tighter in this style or you lose the ability to move.

 

[Canuck Panda]

What every else says; It looks good.

I had an A1 and had the same concerns about the back like you. If you take photos with two different poses like this you can see that it's the knits that's the culprit. The knits creates a cinching effect that will tell the leather to go where the knits want them to go. Once the knits starts to wear down and lose elasticity then everything will drape better.

 

[JHamilton]

Thanks guys, it’s a tough one. At the moment I am swaying towards selling but worry about regretting it. I think it will be easier to move on whilst it’s brand new so I don’t know if I should take the risk breaking it in only for it to look the same

 

[JHamilton]

Another couple of pics that highlight the problem.

 

[JHamilton]

it’s up for sale on Ebay now if anyone is interested. I don’t think it’s for me unfortunately

 

[bn1966]

If it’s not right for you it’s not right. I sold an ELC A-2 last month because the fit wasn’t what I wanted even though it was probably within the acceptable range. Charles at HPA has done the decent thing by measuring the ELC A-2’s he vends & putting the measurements on the HPA site..it’s a good resource & has helped me.

 

[TREEMAN]

Wear and enjoy......

 

[Brettafett]

Fit is a subjective thing, as are dissecting WW2 pics.

Im selling my ELC Monarch because it feels a bit large on me. And its a pain, because the jacket is insane!
But no amount of wishing is going to change the fact. I have 4 other high end A-2s that fit me beautifully, makes its pretty obvious. So... I feel your pain.

I think it your Star looks good though, yes, a touch long... but rather be comfy than barley able to move.
Its also has a classic WW2 profile to my eye.

Bare in mind, over time those sleeves will shorten 0.5" to 1", and generally, the jacket should shrink a little once its properly worn in. That said, it won't be dramatically so.

You have to wear it and if you are not happy with the fit, then you'll not wear it... rather let it go.

 

[JHamilton]

Fit is a subjective thing, as are dissecting WW2 pics.

Im selling my ELC Monarch because it feels a bit large on me. And its a pain, because the jacket is insane!
But no amount of wishing is going to change the fact. I have 4 other high end A-2s that fit me beautifully, makes its pretty obvious. So... I feel your pain.

I think it your Star looks good though, yes, a touch long... but rather be comfy than barley able to move.
Its also has a classic WW2 profile to my eye.

Bare in mind, over time those sleeves will shorten 0.5" to 1", and generally, the jacket should shrink a little once its properly worn in. That said, it won't be dramatically so.

You have to wear it and if you are not happy with the fit, then you'll not wear it... rather let it go.

Fit is a subjective thing, as are dissecting WW2 pics.

Im selling my ELC Monarch because it feels a bit large on me. And its a pain, because the jacket is insane!
But no amount of wishing is going to change the fact. I have 4 other high end A-2s that fit me beautifully, makes its pretty obvious. So... I feel your pain.

I think it your Star looks good though, yes, a touch long... but rather be comfy than barley able to move.
Its also has a classic WW2 profile to my eye.

Bare in mind, over time those sleeves will shorten 0.5" to 1", and generally, the jacket should shrink a little once its properly worn in. That said, it won't be dramatically so.

You have to wear it and if you are not happy with the fit, then you'll not wear it... rather let it go.

It is painful when you spend this amount of money. I just don’t think I can get over the fit, it’s way bigger than what I’m used to in an A-2. I have always had them in size 36 because of the length issue, but my chest is a 38. I’m only short so it makes it difficult! I prefer a much more fitted look so I guess it’s going to have to go

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Hope you find the right one!

sorry to hear it's not a keeper.. it's got a slightly boxier fit than some Jackets and I agree if it's not right it's not right...In this case the back 'puff' hangs in a good way unlike a modern version, but it's hard to find the right balance.

This Jacket is kind of awesome to me because it's got a look that says 'rigging room 'utility' jacket' more than it might be dressy if you know what I mean?

It takes a Lot of wearing for a jacket to break in, someone else here mentioned about the wool cuffs will eventually loosen up and the back of the Jacket might hang a little better, that might take months of daily wearing though.

If you want a trim fittin' Jacket, I recommend the G-1 made by Split-S aviation, if you ever happen to come across one of those in your size. Those had good cuffs that didn't have that typical cheap 'aftermarket' feel to them.