what kind of fabric is an original deck jacket lined with?

[sshmuck]

i know its alpaca of some sort. im looking for a name because id like to use a similar fabric in an upcoming project of mine. i have some reference photos in case that helps. i have a pair of a-11 flight pants my cat spilled ink on so i cut them into shorts and this allows me to show the front and back side of the fabric.

heres a wider shot of the front.

and heres a picture showing the thickness of a scrap in cm, as you can see its almost exactly 1/2 cm thick so very much so on the bulky side.

 

[Fonzie]

ii have a pair of a-11 flight pants my cat spilled ink on so i cut them into shorts

I’m sorry if this is off topic, but I’m finding it really hard to imagine what kind of weather is optimal to wear alpaca-lined shorts?

During a tropical snowstorm?

 

[sshmuck]

I’m sorry if this is off topic, but I’m finding it really hard to imagine what kind of weather is optimal to wear alpaca-lined shorts?

During a tropical snowstorm?

since they’re so wide its not actually that bad theres a lot of air flow believe it or not

 

[Peacoat]

I looked in the label of my deck jacket (A–2), but the material isn't listed. Doesn't look like Alpaca to me, but rather garden variety wool–a warm wool.

 

[CatsCan]

The lining of A-2 Winter Jackets is a fleece made of 100% Nylon. The main fabric is made of 50% Cotton and 50% Nylon (just like M-65 from 1966 and after). The advantages: Less heavy, quicker drying, easy laundry (machine washing at 120 - 140° F, tumble dryer), higher durability of the insulation layer (100% Alpaca was less durable), much more skin friendly for people sensitive to wool, does not feel itchy.

Basically USN Winter Jacket N-1 WWII to early 50s: 100% Alpaca
N-1 mid 50s until early 1960s: 50% Alpaca 50% Wool
A-2 from 1960s on: 100% Nylon

Depending on where you live, there are good sources for 100% Alpaca in the quality needed or even better 80% Alpaca 20% Mohair. It may surprise you, but there is a German company who is specialised in those fabrics since well over 100 Years, the worlds most famous Teddy Bear Brand uses it for the fur. This Company frequently ships fabrics to Japan and Greece (this says something to those who know). It is quite expensive, though, partially explaining why good repros cost their money. Parts of the production is in Germany, other parts are outside Europe. I source my Alpaca liner material for projects just like yours second hand (vintage Ladies Coats of better quality, 100% Alpaca high flor, e.g. Schulte Alpaca Coats). I aim for XXXL, lots of material in there. Good luck.

Cats