A-2 collar stand sticking into throat – any suggestions?

Sir Jacket · Jul 14, 2014

I've recently acquired a lovely looking ELC A-2, in the heavily grained Warhorse horsehide, but it is proving rather uncomfortable to wear because the collar stand, particularly the hook, sticks into my neck. I have seen the same problem raised by others, to the point that they returned the jacket. You do wonder how those poor WW2 pilots coped.

Any suggestions? Perhaps some hot water treatment?

SJ

Asienizen · Jul 15, 2014

I've got an A2 with a collar stand, mine is from USAuthentic. I've had my A2 for about 4 years, and the collar poking me in the throat has been the only downside on an otherwise wonderful experience. Taking the example of those airmen from so long ago, I bought 2 yards of white silk and had a local tailor make me some aviator scarves. I usually wear one of these scarves with my A2, and I found that it helps a great deal. There's a reason pilots wearing a leather jacket wore a scarf - and it wasn't just to look cool.

I get people calling me "Snoopy" or "Earhart" or "Douglas Bader" but frankly, that is a compliment for me. There may be a way to soften the jacket, but for me - the good ol silk scarf just . . . works. In conclusion, I'd recommend anyone get the late model A2 which doesn't have the collar stand for that very reason. Furthermore, if I ever get another A2, I'm getting it with NO collar stand - maybe that will take care of the problem.
Good luck, and welcome to the asylum of A2 wearers.

Worf · Jul 15, 2014

Asienizen said:
I've got an A2 with a collar stand, mine is from USAuthentic. I've had my A2 for about 4 years, and the collar poking me in the throat has been the only downside on an otherwise wonderful experience. Taking the example of those airmen from so long ago, I bought 2 yards of white silk and had a local tailor make me some aviator scarves. I usually wear one of these scarves with my A2, and I found that it helps a great deal. There's a reason pilots wearing a leather jacket wore a scarf - and it wasn't just to look cool.

I get people calling me "Snoopy" or "Earhart" or "Douglas Bader" but frankly, that is a compliment for me. There may be a way to soften the jacket, but for me - the good ol silk scarf just . . . works. In conclusion, I'd recommend anyone get the late model A2 which doesn't have the collar stand for that very reason. Furthermore, if I ever get another A2, I'm getting it with NO collar stand - maybe that will take care of the problem.
Good luck, and welcome to the asylum of A2 wearers.

There's class and there there's CLASS! Well played sir... well played.

Worf

devilish · Jul 15, 2014

It's never been an issue on my Dubow. The hook catches a stray beard hair once in a while is all. However, I've worked the collar over pretty good to get a nice shape. Squishing and rolling it in my hands to break it in. Original owner gave it a HWT but I've still molded it to my liking. I also wear the jacket in pretty warm weather and doing jobs such as chopping logs in the winter and all that movement has helped too.
I have an Eastman without a collar stand and I'm working on that collar in the same way. Doesn't see nearly as much wear time but I haven't noticed any real difference in how the two collars feel around my neck.

scotrace · Jul 15, 2014

I'm confused. A collar stand is the little piece of extra leather at the back of the collar (neck). All A2 jackets I've seen have hooks at the front. What would you leave off to prevent this poking problem?

devilish · Jul 15, 2014

The collar stand is a strip of leather that runs all the way around from one side of the collar to the other on early contract A-2's and the neck hook is attached to it. This stand makes the hook a little higher up than on those contracts without. These have the hook part a little further out on the wind flap.

devilish · Jul 15, 2014

Collar Stand.

No Collar Stand.

Sir Jacket · Jul 15, 2014

Maybe we just have to suffer for our style. SJ

rgraham · Jul 15, 2014

Do you have the snaps on the collar snapped? If so, unsnap them. From photos I've seen, most do.

Doctor Damage · Jul 15, 2014

rgraham said:
Do you have the snaps on the collar snapped? If so, unsnap them. From photos I've seen, most do.

I've noticed that and I was wondering about it. No doubt a casual style had something to do with it, but I bet you're right and comfort was involved too!

morrison2951 · Jul 15, 2014

I always keep the collars of my A-2's unsnapped for comfort.

devilish · Jul 15, 2014

I've wondered about the collar snaps and why they're on there. I'm thinking it's from the beginning of it's history when many planes were still open cockpit and the snaps would stop your collar from flapping around and also maybe to keep it tucked out of the way of any radio/oxygen equipment. Does anyone know a definitive answer?

Fanch · Jul 15, 2014

The collar stand was designed to provide a "military" appearance. I used to have a G&B "historic" veg tanned goatskin A-2 with collar stand that I returned for a G&B "historic" veg horsehide A-2 without collar stand since the collar stand was uncomfortable for me to wear, although unsnapping the collars helped quite a bit. I don't have any discomfort at all with the replacement A-2 without the collar stand.

Big J · Jul 16, 2014

Maybe you should try wearing the jacket with a repro issue shirt and tie- maybe the throat hook was never a problem with the original uniform?
Just as an experiment, of course.

Brettafett · Jul 16, 2014

Thats why I am veering more towards non-collar stand A-2s and those with inset sleeves, a bit more comfortable and wearable. Eg Star A-2s have quite a low neck line, potentially a more comfortable wearer than prewar and other collar stand designs. Although, some HWT and hand-crunching will shape any collar over time and 'flatten' if you will.
Try this,

, open and flatten the collar and then sandwich jacket between your mattress and sleep on it, repeat as necessary.

havocpaul · Jul 16, 2014

I have never been a fan of collar-stand A-2's, repro or original but as others have said, don't have the collar 'snapped', they were seldom worn that way, and it restricts and tightens the collar too much. I also spend a little time 'moulding' the collar with my hands to get a better feel and soften it, bit like the work they did on their cap peaks back then I guess. That and just wearing the jacket will soon get the more comfortable fit you need, I am sure they had similar issues in the war but then would have worn a shirt and tie underneath anyhow.

Marv · Jul 16, 2014

I have several A2s with collar stands and yes they can be a bit of a problem when the jacket is stiff and new. The best way (which I have found) to rectify this, is will HWT (hot water treatment) so here is what I suggest you can try.

1) Depending on the Contract maker of your A2 eg. Rough Wear, Dubow etc. (doesn't matter who the manufacturer is say Goodwear, Eastman etc.) have a look at some photos of how the collar sits on the stand for shaping purposes - check out www.goodwearleather.com for the best reference photos.

2) Get yourself a little spray bottle, like the type used for misting house plants which can be obtained from most DIY stores or Garden centres.

3) Fill the bottle with hot water from the tap or kettle, set the spray nozzle to give off a fine mist when squeezed.

4) Spray mist the collar both sides, top and underneath until wet and the leather becomes soft and can be manipulated with your fingers.

5) Put the jacket on and the refer to the A2 collar photo you have chosen then try to replicate the style of the collar in the picture until it feels comfortable when wearing.

6) Finally, once happy with the collar wear the jacket until dry to set the shape and adjust as necessary, if you have manakin then you could always place the jacket there to dry (don't use a hanger whilst drying as this will alter the collar shape and the way it sits when wearing).

The HWT process can be repeated is need be and will help break in and soften the leather, giving it a more worn look and bringing out the natural grain of the leather.

You can use the HWT process on the entire jacket to give the same results if required especially if the jacket is very stiff as horsehide sometimes can be when new.

Hope that helps some what.

Sir Jacket · Jul 16, 2014

Thanks, fellas. I'm sure these very useful tips will improve the wear of the jacket.

S

CBI · Jul 16, 2014

You can work the leather and re-shape to get rid of the problem. For me I prefer a collar stand as it keeps the collar higher and that looks better on me vs. a fallen/flat/floppy look.

devilish · Jul 17, 2014

^This. I feel that when new, at least, a collar stand makes for a better look. Those contracts without sometimes have the 'pilgrim' look to the collar. It spreads out and lays flat, looking lifeless (insert inappropriate wife joke here). Once they've been lived in and shaped it's not so much of a difference but I definitely prefer an early collar stand contract myself.

A-2 collar stand sticking into throat – any suggestions?

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