A2's, do you miss handwarmer pockets?

[Fletch]

Sleekness is the watchword. The A-2 is elegant because it is butt simple in design. What could you take away? The epaulets - but officers wanted them for rank. Maybe the windflap - but that's functional. Otherwise nothing.

[jamespibworth@n]

Here is that jacket Ed:

The leather on that jacket looks great but those pockets sure do go up high!
It reminds me of a jacket I saw on ebay about a month ago, a 50s star I think.
Was going to bid, but those pockets? not sure?

[Spitfire]

My goodness - those pockets goes all the way up under the arms!

And Handwarmer pockets - BAAAAADDDDDD pockets!

[scotrace]

Handwarmers mean it isn't an A2.

Do I miss having them? Not personally. Jackets with handwarmers usually have them placed so far back (Indy jacket included) as to be awkward to use anyway.


Back in 1997 or so Peterman was selling a leather "flight jacket" with high scoopy pockets and handwarmers. Also had a multiple-piece back panel, I think. A ghastly thing made of "5 lambskins." Yet the copy said "this is as close to an original as you're going to get." $395 i think. Absolute garbage.

[Mr. 'H']

My goodness - those pockets goes all the way up under the arms!

And Handwramer pockets - BAAAAADDDDDD!

Yes, is it really worth it? Having handwarmers???



Look at this jacket's proportions - not as nice - especially when walking along with arms tucked in high up like Jack Nicholson's character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

[Feraud]

Real Men do not need handwarmers!

Kidding aside, I do not miss a handwarmer pocket on my a2. I can wear gloves or stuff my hands in my pants pocket if necessary.

[The Wingnut]

Putting one's hands in pockets directly in front of one's stomach feels - and looks - awkward. The handwarmers I had on leather jackets in the past didn't do much to warm the hands, either...in fact, they were downright pointless. You couldn't put much in them without having fear of it falling out.

I'd agree with Scotrace, if it's an A-2 with handwarmers, it's not an A-2.

[Edward]

Kidding aside, I do not miss a handwarmer pocket on my a2. I can wear gloves or stuff my hands in my pants pocket if necessary.

For me, trouser pockets would be fine - and as already discussed, a "true" A2 is short enough to allow that. Gloved hands are too bulky for most trouser pockets, but then if it's cold enough for me to need gloves, chances are I'm gonig to want something more substantial over my back than an A2.

[Milu]

The jacket above is an "almost A2". It's an Aero 1950s flight jacket I have one in FQHH cordovan. It differs from a detail correct period A2 not only for the handwarmer pockets but also the slightly roomier fit.

I like handwarmer pockets not only to keep hands warm whilst outdoors, but also for storing items I want quick access to. They look an awful lot better in use than walking with hands in your pockets. I've never found them awkward to use, perhaps those with difficulties in using them are wearing very trim fitting jackets?

[Fast]

The A2 was designed to be worn by a man who sits in a cockpit and flies an airplane. I don't want the guy flying my plane to have his hands in his pockets. The sleeves are a little long as well. They're fine if you're sitting down and moving your arms out in front of you. The materials were chosen to keep the pilots warm. I miss the map pocket the navy so thoughtfully provided their pilots too.

As best I can figure, the reason anyone would wear these things after WWII had to do with economy. They were a steal from a surplus store at under $10 way back then.

There are plenty of folks out there who sell variants of these jackets at almost any price, with handwarmer pockets, attachable mouton collars, wool linings, cigarette pockets, ipod ports and all manner of stuff. They are just not authentic, and will not be unless they are what they were. They tend to be cheaper too, as authenticity is an expensive feature.

Carpe Diem
Fast