Heading to London in 2 weeks. Want an Eastman A2.. help!

[LaymanX]

Unfortunately, I'm missing the Eastman popup store by a week. Son of Stag and American Classics appear to be the London Eastman stockists but they've been "Sold Out" for 4 months now.

Any ideas?

 

[El Marro]

If you order one through HPA it should arrive in time to take it with you on your trip to London.

 

[CBI]

yes, HPA is a good idea

 

[Graemsay]

You could get in touch with Eastman directly, and see if they could post to your hotel.

 

[LaymanX]

Well.. part of the experience is trying various models and sizes on. Apparently shopping for an A2 is very hit / miss and it's best to try it in person.

Thanks for the suggestions though!

 

[willyto]

You could get in touch with Eastman directly, and see if they could post to your hotel.

Wouldn't that be nice? Reaching the hotel, getting to your room and opening your package with an Eastman inside.

Only problem is that the beautiful box would be thrown away but not that one is going to store their jacket there.

Well.. part of the experience is trying various models and sizes on. Apparently shopping for an A2 is very hit / miss and it's best to try it in person.

Thanks for the suggestions though!

Try American Classics then, they're great people and could advice on fit if they don't have the proper model for you.

 

[El Marro]

Well.. part of the experience is trying various models and sizes on. Apparently shopping for an A2 is very hit / miss and it's best to try it in person.

Thanks for the suggestions though!

LaymanX,
I agree that an A-2 is one of those deceptively simple jackets that can actually be quite tricky to find the fit that works best for you. I have read, with some degree of envy, posts from the members here who attended the Eastman pop up and were able to try on many styles of jackets in in several different sizes until they found the one that fit perfectly.

 

[Dav]

Any ideas?

A day trip to Devon perhaps?
https://www.eastmanleather.com/showroom.php?osCsid=f974fa9999fb4f7a3dbbc3893daaa4a7

 

[GregGale]

As someone who researched Eastman A-2s for a long time ,then finally had the chance to try them all at the popup store I learned an important lesson: You must try them in person, there is no substitute for that! No amount of measurements and photos can tell you how they will fit you.

A trip to their showroom is a good idea if you have the time. At least you get to see some beautiful English countryside

PS: as for the nice box they come in, I had to throw mine away, as I was only travelling with a backpack, and my newly purchased Star A-2 came home with me inside it...

 

[Cocker]

Try American Classics then, they're great people and could advice on fit if they don't have the proper model for you.

Totally agreed! Pretty cool shop, lots of ELC jackets, and the owner is really helpful. Actually, I was quite impressed when he correctly identified my Aero A-2, contract and all, at first glance. It's well worth a visit!

There's also Son of a Stag on Brick Lane.

 

[Justhandguns]

Try both the American Classic near Covent Garden and Son of Stag, they may not be updating their website that frequently. Although the last time round when I was in the American Classic, they only had smaller sizes A-2s. You just missed the pop-up store by 2weeks.....

 

[Brettafett]

Hi there, agree with the above. I was in both American Classics, Son of Stagg and the ELC Pop Up recently...
American Classics have one or two smaller size A-2s (Star in a 38? and another generic model perhaps?), Son of Stagg... nothing.
I would highly recommend a trip to the showroom, but if you can't make the time... Then you have no choice but to order a jacket.
Have it arrive before you arrive, so can try it on and return it for a better fit if necessary, before you leave. Email Rob, I am sure he will be able to advise. Good luck!

 

[Graemsay]

Going to Devon would be quite a hike. You'd need to get a train to Totnes, then a bus to Ivybridge, followed by a walk of nearly two miles. (Or catch a cab.) It'll take four hours each way, and probably cost £60 to £70, about $100.

 

[LaymanX]

Alright, I'll just give it a shot and try my luck at American Classics. Thanks everyone!

 

[willyto]

Alright, I'll just give it a shot and try my luck at American Classics. Thanks everyone!

Ask for Ben to see if he's there. He used to be a regular lounger here and has a great collection of jackets himself including a Good Wear A2. He's Chamboid around these parts and he'll take good care of you and help as much as he can, he's a great guy!

 

[Justhandguns]

Unfortunately, I'm missing the Eastman popup store by a week. Son of Stag and American Classics appear to be the London Eastman stockists but they've been "Sold Out" for 4 months now.

Any ideas?

Just curious, what size are you looking for?

 

[Edward]

If you ut up a thread in the Observation Bar wth your dates, we can see abouyt hte possibility of a meet-up with some Floungers in town.

 

[devilish]

Going to Devon would be quite a hike. You'd need to get a train to Totnes, then a bus to Ivybridge, followed by a walk of nearly two miles. (Or catch a cab.) It'll take four hours each way, and probably cost £60 to £70, about $100.

Actually, as it says on the Eastman website site, the Paddington to Penzance train stops in Ivybridge. You could walk it in about 30 mins or take a cab from the station. Probably about a fiver for the ride.
Or if worst came to worst. Train to Plymouth then the Gold Express bus from Plymouth to Totnes stops at several places in Ivybridge and that takes about 20 mins. £5.50 for a Dayrider ticket.

 

[Edward]

Actually, as it says on the Eastman website site, the Paddington to Penzance train stops in Ivybridge. You could walk it in about 30 mins or take a cab from the station. Probably about a fiver for the ride.
Or if worst came to worst. Train to Plymouth then the Gold Express bus from Plymouth to Totnes stops at several places in Ivybridge and that takes about 20 mins. £5.50 for a Dayrider ticket.

Do bear in mind, though, that the train from London to Ivybridge will take between three and five hours, so make sure to factor that in to your plans. Might be a bit much for a daytrip. Return trainticket, according to www.thetrainline.com will be in the region of £100-£130, standard class. (Might be a tiny bit cheaper if you book a couple of weeks in advance - that's the figures it gives for travelling tomorrow.)

 

[Stand By]

As you're regularly 3600 miles away (just like me), but suddenly will be in range of just a matter of a few miles, I'd recommend holding off on HPA and having a good look around the store in London. As Greg says, there's no substitute for trying jackets on in-person, and who knows, you may spot a different A2 that you had not considered before but it totally appeals to you in an unexpected way on the day and jumps off the rack shouting "Buy me, buy me!" when you see it (always the most secure of purchases)? And some house styles vary as you know and some will fit your frame better than others and the best way to know is to try on as much as you can ... who knows, you may look at the A2s and walk away with a G-1 or a nylon jacket instead? Or decide to save your money and buy nothing at all.
But go and enjoy it and, whatever you do, don't go to the pub before you go in! I'd never go in to the ELC tent at RAF Duxford after I'd been to visit the Spitfire Ale lorry - and head in there feeling all buoyed up and a bit more free and easy about life. And my credit card balance. I'd get a beer after!
Do enjoy! Very envious! Please let us know how you make out and what you decide.
Cheers!