IRVIN NUTS?...the ULTIMATE thread for those who love 'em!

Spitfire · Apr 28, 2007

Very, very nice Aswatland.
One thing has always puzzled me. That is why the jacket allways sticks out under the Irvin. Not very nifty - but on the other hand, very typical for the period.
Why not make the Irvin that bit longer?
Or was that because, if the Irvin got any longer, it would be even more bulky in the cockpit?

aswatland · Apr 28, 2007

Spitfire said:
Very, very nice Aswatland.
One thing has always puzzled me. That is why the jacket allways sticks out under the Irvin. Not very nifty - but on the other hand, very typical for the period.
Why not make the Irvin that bit longer?
Or was that because, if the Irvin got any longer, it would be even more bulky in the cockpit?

Thanks. The Irvin jacket was originally designed as part of a suit with trousers. These were high waisted and the length of the jacket easily covered the top of the trousers. Of course the jacket was ofen just worn without trousers and then the number 1 servce jacket would show beneath it!

Here are a couple of pictures of my mint 1941 Wareings jacket showing the same thing!

PADDY · Apr 28, 2007

Short Irvin jackets...

They came as a suit, so there were sheepskin trousers to go with the jacket originally. You don't want too much of an overlap between jacket and trousers, otherwise there's no way you'd bend, which was essential in the cramped confines of a late 30's early 40's bomber, like a Stirling; Manchester; Halifax; Lancaster..etc. So the jacket comes down to the waist where you crease as you bend (although some of the very early Irvin jackets had longer versions, but then there was more open cockpit flying).

Is that about right gents?

PADDY · Apr 28, 2007

1938 English Rose of a jacket!!

And HE SCORES!!! putting Andrew at the top of the Premiership when it comes to Irvins!! :eusa_clap

Smithy · Apr 30, 2007

aswatland said:
Thanks. The Irvin jacket was originally designed as part of a suit with trousers. These were high waisted and the length of the jacket easily covered the top of the trousers. Of course the jacket was ofen just worn without trousers and then the number 1 servce jacket would show beneath it!

Here are a couple of pictures of my mint 1941 Wareings jacket showing the same thing!

That's an absolute pearl of an Irvin aswatland! Possibly the most well preserved original I've seen. I'm pea green

PADDY · Apr 30, 2007

That 1938 Eastman Repro looks great on you Andrew!

That's the closest anyone will get to making the definitive repro Irvin there Andrew, and you wear it so well :eusa_clap
I KNOW-I KNOW...

It's the REAL DEAL!! and truely looks the biz on you, you wear it well!!

As one bright spark said on VLJ, you've gotta get the faithful lab now and we can have a naming competition for you, such as "Spitfire," or "Blenheim."

I am in total admiration of your sheepskins. This 'wee thing' (pictured below) is my limit, but I think if I could get one a size or two bigger then I might just bite!!

Wear it in good health my friend!! :eusa_clap

[/QUOTE]

Smithy · May 1, 2007

I remember seeing that pic Paddy over at the RAF re-enactors forum a year or two ago and liking it. Cutting quite a dash there Paddy!

(like the Gladiator in Norwegian markings in the background too)

Septimus · Jun 10, 2007

Hello to you all irvin lovers,I know that the weather is hot but if i want to be ready for the next winter, i better made my mind very quickly.I m wondering if i should order a 1942 irvin from elc or from aero.I already own several jackets from both companies.
Aero:a seal bronco A2,a russet bronco A2 and a usn m 442a (all in size 46)
Elc:duo tone B3 (size 44)an 1940 pattern irvin but this one in a far to big size (48 but looks 50 or 52).
As i m pleased by the products of thesecompanies i can't make up my mind,please help me.

bfrench · Jun 12, 2007

Smithy said:
I remember seeing that pic Paddy over at the RAF re-enactors forum a year or two ago and liking it. Cutting quite a dash there Paddy!

(like the Gladiator in Norwegian markings in the background too)

Hi, Smithy,

Do you have the url for the RAF re-enactors forum?

Thanks,

Bill French

Spitfire · Jun 13, 2007

I have a feeling that Smithy is buzzy moving from one end of Norway to the other. Is it this http://www.network54.com/Forum/180748/ you are looking for?

Spitfire · Jun 17, 2007

Irvin from WPG - any good?

Hi all
has anybody seen, felt, tried or bought the "Irvin" from WPG - it's only $325.
But is it worth it?

I dont know, but there is something "flimpsy" about it...

And while we are at it, has anybody any experience with the white rollneck Navy/RAF/Submarine sweater form WPG?

Flieger · Jun 17, 2007

Spitfire: I found this: http://www.network54.com/Forum/180748/thread/1056324276/Repro+Irvin+jackets
and this: http://www.network54.com/Forum/180748/message/1175487550/New+WPG+Irvin+(pics)

/Flieger

Spitfire · Jun 17, 2007

Thanks a lot Flieger. Great info.:eusa_clap

Flieger · Jun 17, 2007

I'm glad it was something you hadn't already read.

I like the look of the WPG "Irvin" and I'm thinking of getting one for the coming winter. Don't know why I haven't already - I've been an aviation buff for all my live and I live in a country where I could wear a jacket like that for 8 months a year!

/F

Spitfire · Jun 17, 2007

Know what you mean - Ume?• isn't it?

HermannHKG · Jun 17, 2007

Rolled neck sweater !

Have bought from WPG last winter the RAF rolled neck sweater.
Its superb, looks the look and real warm. Remember wearing it one day with an A-2 in 7'C outdoors.:eusa_clap

Cheers,

HermannHKG

Smithy · Jul 20, 2007

Eastman Irvins

Hello all,

Getting ready to order a 1940 Pattern Irvin from Eastman and was just wondering if someone (Paddy I know you at least have a '42 Pattern ELC) could comment on what the sizing/fittings are like on these. Are the sizes on the small size and should I go bigger, or vice versa?

Just after some help from those you've got ELC Irvins already and thought I'd check here first.

Cheers!

Smithy.

pascalf · Jul 21, 2007

I have a 1940 irvin from ELC.I went a size bigger.I normally wear a size 42 but after talking with the guy at ELC I decided to go a size bigger,so i took a size 44.Which fits me just fine and I still have room to spare to wear one of their RAF sweaters.

PADDY · Jul 21, 2007

Agreed, size upwards on the ELC Irvins.

I usually wear a jacket size 40-42". This is true generally whether it's a blazer or an A-2 I'm wearing.

My ELC IRVIN is a 44" and it's perfect for me. I don't want it fitting like a shirt or a slim cut A-2. I want it so that I can wear it with a shirt and a jumper underneath (as they would have been originally worn). So 'go up' a size.

fishmeok · Jul 21, 2007

Another option for a repro is the one made by www.whatpriceglory.com

I bought one of the first generation jackets about 4 years ago. the current ones are even nicer. I think it's a good deal for about $360 U.S.
BTW can you guys tell me if any of your shots approximate the true color of an original? After my good experience re-painting the back of my A-2 I want to try the same to the Irvin- "re-dying" it to match the correct color and finish a little better.
Cheers
Mark

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