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ALL REPRO R.A.F. Irvin type jackets

Sloan1874

Sloan1874

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Let me have a think about that... nah. It is interesting though, the idea that they were already doing (some pretty inaccurate) repros at a time when you'd think that there were plenty of originals still kicking around for a reasonable price.
 
S

scrawlysteve

One of the Regulars
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213
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London
Fanch said:
Craig, are you insinuating that you might not be willing to swap your recently acquired Irvin for that lovely ebay repro? :D :pound:
Click to expand...
This sent me searching for the new Irvin mentioned as I've been contemplating getting one....I have an original but it it is somewhat fragile now and I don't care to wear it if carrying a camera bag or something....

I certainly like the look of that Aero from the front, beautiful looking skin --- but not so keen on the back view where it looks rather like David is wearing Goliath's jacket as a battle trophy.... website photos from the makers don't always tell the whole story, so does anyone know if the ELC versions are a bit less monumental from the back....
 
Sloan1874

Sloan1874

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Ha! I know what you mean, but my Irvin doesn't drop below my waist and I don't feel as if I'm swamped by it at all. I sized up to accommodate a jumper, so the sleeves are a little long - though they've wrinkled up a bit already - but they afford my hands some protection in the absence of pockets. :D
 
S

scrawlysteve

One of the Regulars
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213
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London
I'm amazed you need a jumper under that thing, but then I live down here in the balmy south.... Does anyone know if the ELC jackets are really as accurate as they claim. My, now less than robust, original Irvin is the design Eastman list as "1942" and I would like one of those or the "1940"-- but only if the sleeves/back area are precisely like mine and not more voluminous....I'll be looking on their Guestbook page for a secondhand job as £750 or £800 is a bit much for occasional use. The alternative is repair/restoration with original parts--but I'd hate to see mine mismatched at all--anyone with experience of that course of action ?
 
Sloan1874

Sloan1874

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Paging Mr Swatland! :D And while at the moment I can wear it with just a t-shirt underneath, I guarantee you that come mid-November through to February, a decent jumper will still be required! Hell, the clocks go back tonight, we're already half-way there...
 
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Worf

Worf

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Troy, New York, USA
9 Degrees Farenheit this morning with a stiff westerly wind. Had to shovel the driveway and sidewalk so I won't git sued. God Bless the RAF, Mr. Irvin, Aero and Spitty wherever you are!

Worf
 
Spitfire

Spitfire

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Copenhagen, Denmark.
scrawlysteve said:
I certainly like the look of that Aero from the front, beautiful looking skin --- but not so keen on the back view where it looks rather like David is wearing Goliath's jacket as a battle trophy.... website photos from the makers don't always tell the whole story, so does anyone know if the ELC versions are a bit less monumental from the back....
Click to expand...

If you are referring to my Irvin, first of all it's not an AERO - it's one of Jon's Irvins - from Aces High. Secondly: I happen to tall, have rather broad shoulders and a chest like a barrel. Thirdly: You might not have noticed that the jacket - when seen from the back - is worn open. When the belt is drawn, the shape is different and tighter. But hey - they were not tailor made. Neither back then - or today. I am pretty sure, that Jon knows what he's doing. He took an original Irvin apart and created his pattern directly after the old design. So that's how they look. Like it or not. Or try to look at old photos from the 1940's. Not exactly Haute Couture either. But heavy, cumbersome jackets. Made for flying in open cockpit - and not the catwalk.

......

And happy holidays back to you Worf!!!!
 
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Sloan1874

Sloan1874

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I think it was my Irvin, Spitfire. Tbh, the pic is slightly misleading. If you take into account that it finishes at my belt-line, it's not really that 'monumental'. I think the tapes give a certain emphasis too. I don't own a warmer jacket though, and I wouldn't part with it for the world.
 
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scrawlysteve

One of the Regulars
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213
Location
London
Spitfire said:
If you are referring to my Irvin, first of all it's not an AERO - it's one of Jon's Irvins - from Aces High. Secondly: I happen to tall, have rather broad shoulders and a chest like a barrel. Thirdly: You might not have noticed that the jacket - when seen from the back - is worn open. When the belt is drawn, the shape is different and tighter. But hey - they were not tailor made. Neither back then - or today. I am pretty sure, that Jon knows what he's doing. He took an original Irvin apart and created his pattern directly after the old design. So that's how they look. Like it or not. Or try to look at old photos from the 1940's. Not exactly Haute Couture either. But heavy, cumbersome jackets. Made for flying in open cockpit - and not the catwalk.

......
Yep, Sloan is right--it was indeed his jacket I referred to (don't believe I've seen yours) --and I am aware they were not built for the catwalk sashay... I don't really need to look at wartime photos as I do own an original Irvin--although I confess I've never actually seen it from the back...

Anyway Sloan replied saying he didn't feel at all swamped by it -so that was that... except I now realise I owe Sloan an apology-- having flicked through some of the other shots on this thread every single jacket I've seen (when pictured from the back with the collar up) looks like it's devouring someone. I must get a picture of my own from the rear and check out the look.....
Click to expand...
 
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Sloan1874

Sloan1874

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Location
Glasgow
scrawlysteve said:
Anyway Sloan replied saying he didn't feel at all swamped by it -so that was that... except I now realise I owe Sloan an apology-- having flicked through some of the other shots on this thread every single jacket I've seen (when pictured from the back with the collar up) looks like it's devouring someone. I must get a picture of my own from the rear and check out the look.....
Click to expand...

Don't worry about it at all.:D I think it comes down to the basic construction with the gussets and sleeve shape and back shape. It makes most sense when you think of airmen hunched forward gripping the controls or one of the guns of a bomber.
 
OldGreyBird

OldGreyBird

New in Town
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23
Location
SE Portland OR since December 2017
My WPC Irvin has become a dear and trusted friend every winter---we caught up on old times yesterday while braving a rain/snow mix north of Seattle. Best use of a 'leave quietly, please' severance bribe I could possibly think of...(which is just how I financed the purchase).
 
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