Need help choosing g1 jacket size

[cjha1997]

Greetings everyone, long time lurker and a new member!

Getting my very own g1 jacket has always been a goal for me (thanks Tom Cruise) I'm no pilot but just love the timeless and cool look of the jacket and I absolutely adore the fit in the original Top Gun.

I feel like in the film Tom's jacket looks a little oversized and not too tight perhaps a couple inches upsize, whatever this fit is I would love to replicate, when I get mine!

I cannot stress enough this is how it must fit

When I buy jackets in my size they are always tight in the shoulders, this maybe because for some reason I have larger than average neck and traps?

On to my second question, as I intend to keep this jacket for life is it worth getting a reproduction, I like the cockpit USA ones or the real deal (excelled) which can be found on Ebay my budget being roughly $500 - 700, I'm not a massive nerd on the small details I just want it to last, be comfortable, useful, and most of all fit me properly!

I don't have the luxury of trying any on as I'm in Australia I guess I have one shot at getting this right, so I have summoned the gods of vintage flight jackets.

To whomever can figure this out I'll be eternally grateful

My measurements are:

5 foot 10.

32-34 inch waist, depends what I've eaten lol.

42.5 inch chest.

22 inches across the shoulders.

 

[El Marro]

Welcome to the lounge @cjha1997!
I have owned a number of vintage and reproduction G-1’s, I agree that it is a timeless and cool jacket.
Based on the measurements you provided I think that a size 44 would be a trim fit while a 46 would be on the loose side, probably just what you are looking for.
Since you want this jacket to wear for a long time I think Cockpit would be a good choice. They have the correct mil spec fit and they are well made. Whatever you choose, make sure it has a real mouton fur collar, not synthetic.

 

[cjha1997]

Wow thanks for the swift reply

I have done some research and apparently cockpit usa ones are catered more for the modern "huskier" gentleman as opposed to the original surplus jackets which are designed to be slim for pilots which makes sense.

So for me with my peculiar upper body a cockpit makes sense fit wise, however it is a reproduction, would you say the quality of their jackets is on par with the real thing or better/worse.

Nothing infuriates me more than something poorly made, that's why I'm adamant whatever I buy has to be made in the US

Thanks for answering my silly questions!

 

[El Marro]

I have done some research and apparently cockpit usa ones are catered more for the modern "huskier" gentleman as opposed to the original surplus jackets which are designed to be slim for pilots which makes sense

Their mil spec model is cut like an issue jacket, it has a trim fit.
https://cockpitusa.com/products/u-s-navy-issue-mil-spec-g-1-jacket
Here is a tastefully aged version:
https://cockpitusa.com/products/classic-naval-aviators-100-mission-flight-jacket-without-patches
I would say that their quality is good, probably better than the current issued navy jacket which is made from cowhide with a synthetic collar. An expensive reproduction will have nicer goatskin and real wool knits instead of the synthetic blend found on the cockpit. You will have to decide whether or not these are worth the extra cost.

 

[bn1966]

I hear you! Have tried to get an issued G-1, being a 46 chest but broader shoulders even the 48 is too narrow. Only real option for me is repro route. Had an issued Star 48 in goatskin which fitted everywhere bar the shoulders so it had to go, tried another issued 48 in cow hide, same shoulder issue but also disliked the heavy creaky cow on that particular jacket. Also I much prefer mouton collars to synthetic.

 

[cjha1997]

I hear you! Have tried to get an issued G-1, being a 46 chest but broader shoulders even the 48 is too narrow. Only real option for me is repro route. Had an issued Star 48 in goatskin which fitted everywhere bar the shoulders so it had to go, tried another issued 48 in cow hide, same shoulder issue but also disliked the heavy creaky cow on that particular jacket. Also I much prefer mouton collars to synthetic.

I have a German polizei motorcycle jacket which Is absolutely lovely and really but again the shoulders are too tight so looks like I'm wearing a mumu, I'll more than likely end up selling if I can get a good g1

 

[BernieH]

I am about to buy an Eastman G1. I am on the larger size, chest is 49. I tried on their 48 and the shoulders had room to spare with no restrictions around the chest. I just have to work on the waist! (give me a month!) But they maybe a bit outside of the budget you have set? I was also looking at a cockpit G1 but I found them too American (if that is a thing) also not to insult any of the esteemed gentlemen from across the pond.

 

[cjha1997]

I am about to buy an Eastman G1. I am on the larger size, chest is 49. I tried on their 48 and the shoulders had room to spare with no restrictions around the chest. I just have to work on the waist! (give me a month!) But they maybe a bit outside of the budget you have set? I was also looking at a cockpit G1 but I found them too American (if that is a thing) also not to insult any of the esteemed gentlemen from across the pond.

I'm still struggling to choose, I spoke to cockpit and they said it won't fit me, I need to get myself professionally measured, as I'm in Australia I can't try any on

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

You say about the Tom Cruise Top Gun jacket:

"I cannot stress enough this is how it must fit."

I realize you are referring to it being a bit oversized, but it's important to note that Cruise's Top Gun jacket had shoulder pads in it. You're never get something that looks the same without the pads.

I'd recommend shopping on TFL classifieds before you buy anything. There are some real deals that can be found here. Just search "G-1" and select "titles only" and bob's your uncle.

I would also recommend considering Lost Worlds. They simply can't be beat for durability. I have two A-2s from them and they are both top notch. The horsehide A-2 is exceptional but the goat is also beyond excellent. I don't believe anything from Cockpit USA will come close.

Another Aussie Lounger, @Jasonissm, has an LW G-1 and has given me strong reviews of it.

 

[cjha1997]

Wow thanks for the info, good to see people know what they are talking about, thanks!

 

[El Marro]

I own a size 46 LW G-1 that I picked up for a great price off eBay around seven years ago. It is made from very thick supple goatskin and the fit is almost exactly the same as my vintage G-1s in the same size.
I am going to suggest that you do not buy the LW G-1 unless you find it offered at a steep discount like I did. The goatskin is flat and boring and in no way is it as nice a G-1 as an Eastman or an Aero. I have owned a Cockpit as well and if I had to buy either one at full price, I would buy the cockpit 100 mission G-1 and be done with it..
There are repro jackets that LW does really well and some repros are only available from LW. That is not true of the G-1 and I would not pay LW prices for their G-1.

 

[cjha1997]

You say about the Tom Cruise Top Gun jacket:

"I cannot stress enough this is how it must fit."

I realize you are referring to it being a bit oversized, but it's important to note that Cruise's Top Gun jacket had shoulder pads in it. You're never get something that looks the same without the pads.

I'd recommend shopping on TFL classifieds before you buy anything. There are some real deals that can be found here. Just search "G-1" and select "titles only" and bob's your uncle.

I would also recommend considering Lost Worlds. They simply can't be beat for durability. I have two A-2s from them and they are both top notch. The horsehide A-2 is exceptional but the goat is also beyond excellent. I don't believe anything from Cockpit USA will come close.

Another Aussie Lounger, @Jasonissm, has an LW G-1 and has given me strong reviews of it.

Almost double the price, that's why it's better quality, not sure if I can justify that much for a jacketi

I own a size 46 LW G-1 that I picked up for a great price off eBay around seven years ago. It is made from very thick supple goatskin and the fit is almost exactly the same as my vintage G-1s in the same size.
I am going to suggest that you do not buy the LW G-1 unless you find it offered at a steep discount like I did. The goatskin is flat and boring and in no way is it as nice a G-1 as an Eastman or an Aero. I have owned a Cockpit as well and if I had to buy either one at full price, I would buy the cockpit 100 mission G-1 and be done with it..
There are repro jackets that LW does really well and some repros are only available from LW. That is not true of the G-1 and I would not pay LW prices for their G-1.

I quite like the 100 mission, the collar doesn't seem too overpowering plus I live in warmer climates the price is reasonable, I'll have to get myself professionally measured and place an order, let's hope the shipping fees aren't too outrageous

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I own a size 46 LW G-1 that I picked up for a great price off eBay around seven years ago. It is made from very thick supple goatskin and the fit is almost exactly the same as my vintage G-1s in the same size.
I am going to suggest that you do not buy the LW G-1 unless you find it offered at a steep discount like I did. The goatskin is flat and boring and in no way is it as nice a G-1 as an Eastman or an Aero. I have owned a Cockpit as well and if I had to buy either one at full price, I would buy the cockpit 100 mission G-1 and be done with it..
There are repro jackets that LW does really well and some repros are only available from LW. That is not true of the G-1 and I would not pay LW prices for their G-1.

yeah i wasn't clear enough - i also would not buy LW new. They are much better the older they get and can be found often at great discount (especially compared to Eastman, which I don't believe are as durable but I can't substantiate that claim). I don't believe I have ever seen an Aero G-1 so I can't comment.

As for LW's goat being "flat and boring" mine is definitely not, so I'm sorry to hear you are disappointed. But I stand by my initial comment: LW cannot be beat for durability.

Here is my LW goatskin. I personally don't find it flat or boring at all, but that's very subjective.