Any decent quality A2 style jackets made in Pakistan.

[creaser]

Hi, I am thinking of buying this guys A2 style jacket, just for a beater knockabout leather jacket. He is not asking much, , but it is made in Pakistan. I know it is nowhere near being an authentic looking replica, but want to know if there are any decent leather jackets made there, and if this one is better than an absolute POS. Any advice would be great.

 

[Bennarion]

If the jacket is not expensive, buy it and you can evaluate it yourself. The main thing is that it fits you in size. You just have to start somewhere.

 

[TLW '90]

Hi, I am thinking of buying this guys A2 style jacket, just for a beater knockabout leather jacket. He is not asking much, , but it is made in Pakistan. I know it is nowhere near being an authentic looking replica, but want to know if there are any decent leather jackets made there, and if this one is better than an absolute POS. Any advice would be great.

How much is the seller asking?
Is there any reason why you're looking for an A2 that's made in Pakistan?
Are you in the US ?
What size ?

If you're simply looking for a decent affordable A2, I'd recommend getting a 90's orange label Cooper on eBay.
Basically civilian labeled contract production, the only difference being the label and lack of Velcro patches.
Genuine issue Cooper and Saddlery ( by Cooper ) jackets will also show up in the same searches.

They can still sometimes be had for as low as $75 , but $150+/- is most common these days and there are currently a bunch in various sizes for under $200 on eBay.
A few well under $100 too, but those aren't in the best condition.
If you do go for an orange label Cooper, look for this exact label.

I assume that there's likely a brand / make of Pakistani A2 that's decent and affordable, but I know for a fact that these 90's orange label Cooper's are good are affordable and are quite plentiful.

Whatever you buy , search by number sizing and check measurements.

 

[Doctor Strange]

For a semi-accurate knockabout A-2, it's hard to beat the What Price Glory model... IF their trim-but-long sizing works for you. Alas, it just didn't for my wide-and-short form, and I sold it to a friend.

But you won't find a BRAND NEW A-2 that's correct in this many ways (nice goatskin, one-piece back, two-piece sleeves, no handwarmer pockets, throat hook) for the price. The ways in which it's "wrong" are pretty benign - no spec label, off-spec (but useful!) inner wallet pocket, blended-fabrics liner and knits, modern zip and other hardware.

What Price Glory — Reproduction Military Uniforms & Equipment

Authentic reproduction military uniforms, headwear, footwear, insignia, and field gear for collectors and reenactors. American, British, French, Canadian, Scottish, and Australian militaria from WWI, WWII, and the early Cold War.

onlinemilitaria.com

 

[Peter Mackin]

Buy a cooper, I have tons of expensive jackets, my £75 cooper is best value for money ive spent.

 

[TLW '90]

For a semi-accurate knockabout A-2, it's hard to beat the What Price Glory model... IF their trim-but-long sizing works for you. Alas, it just didn't for my wide-and-short form, and I sold it to a friend.

Their small is 22" p2p with 19" shoulders and sleeves that are 25"+ the cuffs.
That's about a 40 chest for A2 sizing when a small should be a 36, and I don't think I could trust anything from a company who either thinks a 40 is small or considers those measurements a 36.
I suppose they're allowed to have their own interpretation of S M L sizing, but those measurements are terrible in my opinion and it's cuts like this that give A2's a bad name.
The shoulders are the only decent measurement I see.

For $175 shipped you can get a good 90's era orange label Cooper.
I know I keep bringing them up, but they really are the perfect 1st A2 to get.
If you decide you don't like A2's you can always make your money back , and they're good enough that you could be perfectly satisfied with it.

 

[Grandville]

Would go with a cooper too! Nice jacket nonetheless!!

 

[MadCat]

Avi Denmark

 

[creaser]

Thanks for all the replies. I am in Canada so Trump’s tariff war with our evil, menacing, militarily threatening, traditional enemy, never been a faithful ally and best friend, country means that getting stuff from Ebay from the US is too expensive. Serves me right for being from such a terrible country.

 

[OldGreyBird]

I owned original A-2's in the 70's and 80's, most of them in fact too small---today (thanks to my darling and beautiful wife Lea) I own an Avirex A-2 for knockabout and airshow wear AND a Willis & Geiger---the latter for what I term 'occasions of state'. The Coopers are about the best really affordable versions on the market, from what I've seen. If you can get down here and sort out the unholy paperwork, that would be your most practical bet. Good Luck, and my best to you and to my Canadian friends and family!

 

[TLW '90]

Check eBay Canada, I'd expect there to be fewer available but I see no reason why Cooper would have excluded the Canadian market.

 

[creaser]

How much is the seller asking?
Is there any reason why you're looking for an A2 that's made in Pakistan?
Are you in the US ?
What size ?

If you're simply looking for a decent affordable A2, I'd recommend getting a 90's orange label Cooper on eBay.
Basically civilian labeled contract production, the only difference being the label and lack of Velcro patches.
Genuine issue Cooper and Saddlery ( by Cooper ) jackets will also show up in the same searches.
View attachment 768755
They can still sometimes be had for as low as $75 , but $150+/- is most common these days and there are currently a bunch in various sizes for under $200 on eBay.
A few well under $100 too, but those aren't in the best condition.
If you do go for an orange label Cooper, look for this exact label.
View attachment 768762

I assume that there's likely a brand / make of Pakistani A2 that's decent and affordable, but I know for a fact that these 90's orange label Cooper's are good are affordable and are quite plentiful.

Whatever you buy , search by number sizing and check measurements.

Hi, who you consider this to be an “exact label”? thanks.

 

[TLW '90]

Hi, who you consider this to be an “exact label”? thanks.

View attachment 771577

That's definitely the one.

I only mention looking for this exact label because in recent years ( they might currently) US WINGS has used a different orange label on the Cooper line, and they don't look to be as good.
I haven't tried one, but these 90's Cooper's are are well known good jackets.

 

[creaser]

Thanks, I really appreciate your advice.