USAF N-3B parkas - Let's talk about them!!

[WolfofStateSt]

The N3A nape (center back to end of cuff along the curve) is 33" before the knits, knits is about 2.5" to 3" but wears shorter.
The N3B nape is 35.5", so about the same as the N3A but nylon sleeve all the way and no exposed knits.
The nape sleeve length on these parkas are not long. I wear dress shirts with 34.5" to 35" nape length and these parka feels short to me but tolerable. You're a taller dude and need longer sleeve length like Iron Heart fits or other motorcycle brands that does the longer sleeves, I believe their nape sleeve length is at least 36" or longer.
N3A Medium
View attachment 675748
N3B Medium
View attachment 675749
I think with size Large you get another 1/2" in sleeve length but the body can be over 30" P2P depending on contract.
Both parkas has black leather trims on them, and I am thinking of adding leather cuff extensions to both so I get a bit more sleeve length... We will see...

I am looking into buying a used McCoys N3A in Large, if that fits better I may have to sell my Monarch original 1950s

 

[Canuck Panda]

I am looking into buying a used McCoys N3A in Large, if that fits better I may have to sell my Monarch original 1950s

Look for an older one that was made in the early 2000s. It will either be made in New Zealand with the "Reproduced by Real Mccoys" or made in Japan "Manufactured by Real Mccoys" white labels. These jackets will be reproduction sized, so Large will be Large and so on. RMC tweaked the sizing going slender fits in mid 2010s or so and those ones you will need XXL size. The most recent one this year went back to the reproduction sizing, but is priced very high (price increase), so not the best value.
Look for ones with these labels, they're good and lots of value,
Made in Japan in the early 2000s,

Made in New Zealand,

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Look for an older one that was made in the early 2000s. It will either be made in New Zealand with the "Reproduced by Real Mccoys" or made in Japan "Manufactured by Real Mccoys" white labels. These jackets will be reproduction sized, so Large will be Large and so on. RMC tweaked the sizing going slender fits in mid 2010s or so and those ones you will need XXL size. The most recent one this year went back to the reproduction sizing, but is priced very high (price increase), so not the best value.

​

Made in Japan in the early 2000s,
View attachment 675751
Made in New Zealand,
View attachment 675752

Here is an RM for about $1000 in large. What do you guys think?

 

[Canuck Panda]

Here is an RM for about $1000 in large. What do you guys think?

Need to see jacket pics, especially the contract label and a pic in the hand warmer pocket to see which RMC label it's got, like these,

Or this,

And a pic of the zipper,

And pics of overall jacket inside out to show condition.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Need to see jacket pics, especially the contract label and a pic in the hand warmer pocket to see which RMC label it's got, like these,
View attachment 675782
View attachment 675783
Or this,
View attachment 675784
And a pic of the zipper,
View attachment 675785
And pics of overall jacket inside out to show condition.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

As it stands, the sleeves on my current parka ride up 3 to 4 inches when I drive or do anything but stand with my arms at my side. Can knits take care of all that difference? If you removed the current knits it would be closer to 5 inches from the end of the sleeve to the wrist bone. I think I need a new parka or new sleeves.

 

[Canuck Panda]

You need one with longer sleeves, like the long sizes if available.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Would a size large Real McCoys N3A fit me. I like to have at least 26 inches long sleeves on my jackets.

 

[Canuck Panda]

The current RMC one retails for over ¥300k... Goodwear can probably make you one with lengthen arms for less and just as historical accurate or more, but super long wait. And I don't think the current RMC version has long enough sleeves for you either. Maybe wait for Ironheart to make one their sizing is slim long and fits you well.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

The current RMC one retails for over ¥300k... Goodwear can probably make you one with lengthen arms for less and just as historical accurate or more, but super long wait. And I don't think the current RMC version has long enough sleeves for you either. Maybe wait for Ironheart to make one their sizing is slim long and fits you well.

Yeah, I talked to RM and they said that I would need an XL to fit me in the sleeves. @Aloysius recommended Buzz Rickson, I know they make slender fit N3B parka, just wish I knew where to buy Buzz Ricksons. Their Japanese site weird to navigate.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I’m thinking about going with a down mooseknuckles jacket because it will probably be warmer than any N3B.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I'm going back and forth on this parka. In the first two pictures, the sleeves look fine. But then, after moving around, they start to rise up.

What do you guys think?

 

[Aloysius]

Yeah, I talked to RM and they said that I would need an XL to fit me in the sleeves. @Aloysius recommended Buzz Rickson, I know they make slender fit N3B parka, just wish I knew where to buy Buzz Ricksons. Their Japanese site weird to navigate.

History Preservation Associates is the best place to buy BR in the West. They’re also the only western dealer of a Japanese brand that doesn’t charge you a fortune in markup. I paid $50 less than the same jacket cost in Japan at the time.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

History Preservation Associates is the best place to buy BR in the West. They’re also the only western dealer of a Japanese brand that doesn’t charge you a fortune in markup. I paid $50 less than the same jacket cost in Japan at the time.

I’ll keep that in mind next time I need a bomber jacket. I think I’ve been all jacketed out for a while now. I’ve been on a grind to rebuild my wardrobe, and I think it's done.

I got a Mooseknuckles 3Q jacket at 30% off for skiing and wearing in the city. It's a down jacket, so it's probably warmer than a surplus N3A, and I would guess it's better for skiing.

I bought another original Korean War Era N3A with extra long sleeves for pretty cheap price to wear in the countryside.

Will be selling my other N3A for about $800 on eBay when they arrive.

Seems like some good deals to me. The price of the both parkas combined is less than a new Canada Goose and less than half what a brand new RM parka costs.

 

[Aloysius]

I'm going back and forth on this parka. In the first two pictures, the sleeves look fine. But then, after moving around, they start to rise up.

What do you guys think?

They look fine to me; you can get long gloves/mittens to cover the wrists.

But if it’s a comfort issue rather than an aesthetic one that’s its own thing and I don’t think it’ll work for you.

That said I think even the repros are this way so if you don’t like it I think it’s worth considering a different jacket type.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

They look fine to me; you can get long gloves/mittens to cover the wrists.

But if it’s a comfort issue rather than an aesthetic one that’s its own thing and I don’t think it’ll work for you.

That said I think even the repros are this way so if you don’t like it I think it’s worth considering a different jacket type.

That's why I went with the Mooseknuckles 3Q jacket.

Real McCoys Parkas seem really expensive for a parka. Especially when you can find originals for a couple hundred dollars on eBay. At least with A2 and B3 leather jackets RM’s offerings are cheaper than an original in wearable condition.

 

[MrProper]

I would guess it's better for skiing.

Very likely, provided it is not too warm. Depends on the outside temperature, of course.

As nice as I find leather jackets and military jackets/parkas, for sports or other "professional" activities I prefer high-tech or modern materials.
When I go paddling in winter, for example, I don't wear a neoprene suit, but a dry suit made of slightly stretchy, waterproof and breathable material. The same goes for white water, except that the outer fabric of this dry suit is very robust. When skiing, I wear ski clothing in a layering system.
Even though a parka will certainly look nice on the slope, I don't find it practical. In everyday life, I have plenty of opportunities to wear the "cool" jackets/parkas.

Regarding the length of the parka sleeves... they would be too short for me. But I wouldn't mind it riding up in the car so much.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Very likely, provided it is not too warm. Depends on the outside temperature, of course.

As nice as I find leather jackets and military jackets/parkas, for sports or other "professional" activities I prefer high-tech or modern materials.
When I go paddling in winter, for example, I don't wear a neoprene suit, but a dry suit made of slightly stretchy, waterproof and breathable material. The same goes for white water, except that the outer fabric of this dry suit is very robust. When skiing, I wear ski clothing in a layering system.
Even though a parka will certainly look nice on the slope, I don't find it practical. In everyday life, I have plenty of opportunities to wear the "cool" jackets/parkas.

Regarding the length of the parka sleeves... they would be too short for me. But I wouldn't mind it riding up in the car so much.

Yeah, I might have to get some kind of ski jacket from Arcteryx or Fallraven, or Helly Hansen.

Moose Knuckles does make something call the Kings Down Puffer. Idk if that is ski jacket.