The right length is the one you were issued buddy!Waistband right above your belt? Covering half your fly? I'm never happy with my flight jackets length. Specially when hide is too hard.
The right length is the one you were issued buddy!
Seriously though the lengths are not that uniform on flight jackets. The USN G-1 Specs have a tolerance of +1"/-1/2" on length. That means your size 46 could be 1 whole inch longer than your buddy with the same size. Personally I prefer a length just below the belt line (In loose jeans or khakis not period high waisted pants). It's not so important when wearing a flight suit, no belt or buckle to worry about.
No, wearing off base was never a problem, although I never added any patches, nor did I even add a name tag with rank to mine. It was always exactly the same as the first day I removed it from the cellophane wrapper when issued to me.Fanch, so those stories of aviators having to sneak their G-1s off base under their raincoats to avoid detection are just fables? That MacGuire book sure made it seem like the G-1s were almost impossible to wear off base!
At least the sleeves are long enough.I thought this was period correct [emoji13]
Actually, I've never thought too much about what is being discussed but just checked my Aero Bronco A-2 and Aero Sheene. The A-2 clears my belt by 1 5/8" and the Sheene by 1 3/8". Should I send both back to Galashiels be lengthened another 1/2"?
Fanch, so those stories of aviators having to sneak their G-1s off base under their raincoats to avoid detection are just fables? That MacGuire book sure made it seem like the G-1s were almost impossible to wear off base!
As for the original topic, while there is definitely too long and definitely too short, the only thing that really bugs me is when you sit down and it's so long that it bunches up in front. It's especially annoying when you are trying to strap in and you've got all this spare leather to deal with!
Even after I got out I still have a thing about long jackets.
Good Wear just posted up some neat pics of old jackets. Many are A-2's. See these for some idea on what things looked like...
http://www.goodwearleather.com/photos/vintage_photos/
As for the original topic, while there is definitely too long and definitely too short, the only thing that really bugs me is when you sit down and it's so long that it bunches up in front.
Waistband right above your belt? Covering half your fly? I'm never happy with my flight jackets length. Specially when hide is too hard.