Looking for a "buy it for life" A2

[belopsky]

I am tempted to pick up a A2 to have because of how classic the jacket is. What I worry about is sizing - I am in the USA.

I am looking at The Real McCoys right now, and worry about sizing. I measured my chest (with the help of my wife) over my Buzz chambray and am a tight 42" chest.

THE REAL MCCOY'S TYPE A-2 LEATHER JACKET - SEAL BROWN MJ18101 is what I am considering. Can someone help with sizing? I found one US stockist that has a 42 in stock so returns would be easy but rather get it right

I am 5'7, 170-175lbs if that's any assistance, and my torso is pretty short. The 42 seems right on the money though..

Are there any other jackets to consider sub $2000? (lower, better..I do love my Japanese reproductions though)

 

[El Marro]

Have you looked at Eastman? Their prices have gone up but they are still well under $2000.00 and they are pretty highly regarded by folks who take their A2 jackets seriously. HPA is their stock list here in the US and Charles is great to work with.
Back to your original question though, I think purchasing from someone who allows returns is a great idea because A2 jackets are tricky when it comes to getting the fit right on the first try. Oftentimes an A2 that feels comfortable looks like a sloppy sack of potatoes while one that looks great in the photos is too tight move around comfortably in. I suggest that you call or email the shop that you are planning on buying from and ask them which size they recommend considering your measurements. Don’t be afraid of getting it wrong the first time either, the important thing is to find the right jacket that fits and looks good too.

 

[Psant25]

I had an eastman a2 through HPA that was very nice. First jacket was small so I was able to exchange. Otherwise, aero makes a nice looking a2 that is priced pretty good.

 

[belopsky]

Is this the A2 that's classic A2 from Eastman? https://www.historypreservation.com...usaaf-a-2-flying-jacket-seal-brown-horsehide/

 

[Psant25]

Is this the A2 that's classic A2 from Eastman? https://www.historypreservation.com...usaaf-a-2-flying-jacket-seal-brown-horsehide/

Yeah i think their “house” a2. I had an original maker but those have a higher price an a little different fit going off HPA measurements

 

[Blackadder]

I am tempted to pick up a A2 to have because of how classic the jacket is. What I worry about is sizing - I am in the USA.

I am looking at The Real McCoys right now, and worry about sizing. I measured my chest (with the help of my wife) over my Buzz chambray and am a tight 42" chest.

THE REAL MCCOY'S TYPE A-2 LEATHER JACKET - SEAL BROWN MJ18101 is what I am considering. Can someone help with sizing? I found one US stockist that has a 42 in stock so returns would be easy but rather get it right

I am 5'7, 170-175lbs if that's any assistance, and my torso is pretty short. The 42 seems right on the money though..

Are there any other jackets to consider sub $2000? (lower, better..I do love my Japanese reproductions though)

Rainbow Country's A-2s are slightly cheaper than RM if you are after Japanese repros.
https://www.facebook.com/Rainbow-Country-620675177959218/
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/americaya/rcl-10030/

 

[CBI]

easy......Good Wear! if you don't want to wait....Eastman either through HPA or directly from ELC.

No need to pay the extra for Japanese brands that are not any better and in fact are sometimes "overdone".

They often look too pretty.

 

[jonesy86]

Rainbow Country's A-2s are slightly cheaper than RM if you are after Japanese repros.
https://www.facebook.com/Rainbow-Country-620675177959218/
https://item.rakuten.co.jp/americaya/rcl-10030/

Man, would you look at the grain of this RC Shinki A-2.

 

[belopsky]

Thanks for all the advice. I will take a closer look at some of the Eastman offering as well. Original Maker seems to be more true-reproduction from what I gather?

 

[jonesy86]

Major rabbit hole when you get into “authentic” reproductions with the many original contracts.

 

[handymike]

Depending on your body type, the ELC “slim fit” looks good too.

 

[jonesy86]

This one looks nice:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Goodwear-W...044941?hash=item3431a2b04d:g:EK0AAOSwn0xfbwIL

 

[belopsky]

Sure does, also pit to pit of 23" is pretty wide for me, I dont think I want that much space, but that's a great price indeed

 

[jonesy86]

Sure does, also pit to pit of 23" is pretty wide for me, I dont think I want that much space, but that's a great price indeed

I like 4 inches over my chest measurement. I don’t really know all the details about all the different contracts but this one may be a trim pattern. It sold pretty quickly.
Here is how JC describes the Werber:

Type A-2: 1939 Werber Sportswear

» Russet horsehide 1939 Werber

This jacket is a reproduction of a 1939 Werber Sportswear contract A-2. In this contract, one can see a number of interesting features. This was the last contract to utilize construction details such as a stitch in the leather just over the waistband, the use of large ball stud snaps in the collar (as seen in the pockets), and the throat clips sewn into the collar stand.

The pattern is snug in the waist, but trim yet comfortable in the chest and shoulders. The sleeves taper to a tight end before the cuffs. The collar hole in the body is a little smaller than other A-2 patterns, but the collar itself has a somewhat big profile, and is high in the front. Jackets of this contract were usually russet to dark russet horsehide with an aniline finish. Our russet aniline horsehide is an excellent copy of Werber's horsehide.

Zippers in A-2 jackets from 1931 to 1939 were made with a metal base frame, and then rivets in the leather that stabilized the zipper end. We have an excellent copy of a 1939 Talon, though our zipper has the name Waldes, as Talon is a currently owned brand in the USA. Some jackets from Werber's 1939 contract had the newer Talon zipper with the sunburst stopper and a slider with a full circle hole puller. We choose the earlier model zipper for our 1939 Werber.

Details of this contract:

• usually russet or dark russet horsehide/cowhide
• slender lower torso
• torso has stitch above waistband in leather
• collar stand, with throat clips sewn in
• long, thin epaulets
• ¼" top stitching around flaps and collar
• pocket body with square re-enforcing stitching
• dull orange lining and light brown thread color
• large ball stud Anzo snaps in pocket and collar
• mid-brown knits
• usually riveted Talon zippers (Waldes is on our zipper)

 

[Fonzie]

Man, would you look at the grain of this RC Shinki A-2.
View attachment 265184

 

[Dav]

You could also have a look at Bill Kelso before you make you final decision, they don't get much love around here but that isn't due to the jackets.

 

[Dr H]

I am tempted to pick up a A2 to have because of how classic the jacket is. What I worry about is sizing - I am in the USA.

I am looking at The Real McCoys right now, and worry about sizing. I measured my chest (with the help of my wife) over my Buzz chambray and am a tight 42" chest.

THE REAL MCCOY'S TYPE A-2 LEATHER JACKET - SEAL BROWN MJ18101 is what I am considering. Can someone help with sizing? I found one US stockist that has a 42 in stock so returns would be easy but rather get it right

I am 5'7, 170-175lbs if that's any assistance, and my torso is pretty short. The 42 seems right on the money though..

Are there any other jackets to consider sub $2000? (lower, better..I do love my Japanese reproductions though)

If you are looking for a single A-2 (and they vary significantly in cut when you look at how original companies interpreted the contract spec.), then if you can access Gary Eastman’s book (https://www.eastmanleather.com/books-magazines/290-type-a-2-identification-manual.html) or John Chapman’s website (https://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/index.html) then you can gauge which might best suit your body shape before you buy.
For example, with a shorter torso, you might avoid Doniger or Spiewak jackets (long, narrow silhouette), but consider e.g. Perry or Aero - Arco on John’s site).

 

[welltailoredsuit]

I am tempted to pick up a A2 to have because of how classic the jacket is. What I worry about is sizing - I am in the USA.

I am looking at The Real McCoys right now, and worry about sizing. I measured my chest (with the help of my wife) over my Buzz chambray and am a tight 42" chest.

THE REAL MCCOY'S TYPE A-2 LEATHER JACKET - SEAL BROWN MJ18101 is what I am considering. Can someone help with sizing? I found one US stockist that has a 42 in stock so returns would be easy but rather get it right

I am 5'7, 170-175lbs if that's any assistance, and my torso is pretty short. The 42 seems right on the money though..

Are there any other jackets to consider sub $2000? (lower, better..I do love my Japanese reproductions though)

Sorry, i'm a little late to the party but my Eastman 1401-P Rough Wear contract just arrived in the post from HPA and it's awesome. The jacket is great and pretty easy to wear (I'll get pics up soon... lol). Like others, I highly recommend ordering through History Preservation Associates since you're based in the USA. Charles at HPA is great and won't steer you wrong.

 

[belopsky]

Thanks all! I like the darker seal skin look of the McCoy. Sizing wise it looks to be like the Eastman 1401-P Rough Wear. I know that Charles recommends minimum of 3", and I went down a rabbit hole of reading about proper fit last night..but also see that that a size 44 would be what I'd need to fit his advice, which would be pretty baggy on my waist I think. I will try a 42, the plan is to wear over a shirt or a thinner sweater..photos when I get it.

 

[rockandrollrabbit]

For example, with a shorter torso, you might avoid Doniger or Spiewak jackets (long, narrow silhouette), but consider e.g. Perry or Aero - Arco on John’s site).

The Bronco's long in the body as well.