A2 jackets and sizing

[saintkobe]

In your experience, how do you guys recommend sizing leather A2 jackets to maintain arm mobility when buttoned up? I'm looking at A2 jackets and find that they have a some variety of pit to pit sizes. My chest is a size 40, so how much bigger would you recommend the jacket chest size be? Right now, I'm thinking that +6 value sounds good, so I would be looking for one with a pit to pit of 23" or a total chest size of 46 inches. What do you guys think? I was thinking that a 22" pit to pit (or a total of 44" chest circumference) may be too restricting and anything more than 23" PTP/46" chest circumference may end up being too blousy. This is all assuming the jacket is just leather and lining with no insulation and is made of goatskin.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

In your experience, how do you guys recommend sizing leather A2 jackets to maintain arm mobility when buttoned up? I'm looking at A2 jackets and find that they have a some variety of pit to pit sizes. My chest is a size 40, so how much bigger would you recommend the jacket chest size be? Right now, I'm thinking that +6 value sounds good, so I would be looking for one with a pit to pit of 23" or a total chest size of 46 inches. What do you guys think? I was thinking that a 22" pit to pit (or a total of 44" chest circumference) may be too restricting and anything more than 23" PTP/46" chest circumference may end up being too blousy. This is all assuming the jacket is just leather and lining with no insulation and is made of goatskin.

I'm just learning about A-2s and had similar questions. What I've concluded is that it depends on the pattern (like Aero versus Dubow versus Bronco). The Good Wear website actually has the most complete breakdown I've found of all the different makers and patterns.

Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Welcome!

www.goodwearleather.com

My chest is size 39 and I recently purchased two used Lost World A-2s. One (horsehide) is supposed to be 22 inches ptp and the other (goat) is supposed to be 21. I won't be home to try them on for a few more months, but I am curious which one I will prefer.

 

[Tom71]

In your experience, how do you guys recommend sizing leather A2 jackets to maintain arm mobility when buttoned up? I'm looking at A2 jackets and find that they have a some variety of pit to pit sizes. My chest is a size 40, so how much bigger would you recommend the jacket chest size be? Right now, I'm thinking that +6 value sounds good, so I would be looking for one with a pit to pit of 23" or a total chest size of 46 inches. What do you guys think? I was thinking that a 22" pit to pit (or a total of 44" chest circumference) may be too restricting and anything more than 23" PTP/46" chest circumference may end up being too blousy. This is all assuming the jacket is just leather and lining with no insulation and is made of goatskin.

23" will likely be a bit blousy on you. I have a 43" chest, and currently own an RMC jacket with a 23,5" P2P.

A2 come in all shape and forms, with some being a bit more form-fitting (the Bronco being named in that league and of course the Eastman "House" jacket in the "slender" variant"), some are more boxy by design.

The A2 in general is NOT a refined pattern. It doesn´t have any features that would let you retain mobility while at the same time maintaining a slim look (gussets, action-back, underarm footballs etc.); the guys in the Navy had the better choice of kit in that respect for sure.

Why don´t you just reach out to Aero or Eastman. They have a variety of contracts on offer and really know their stuff. I am sure they can sort you out according to your own fit-preferences.

 

[TLW '90]

I got an orange label Cooper A2 ( civilian labeled military production from the 90's ) and have found that buying my regular size was just right.
Some thought I could stand to go down a size but while the fit might have looked a hair better the feel and comfort would have been wrong.