Help Choosing: Thedi Memphis vs A-2 Rough Wear (Eastman) vs ELMC Californian

[Ulysse]

ahah good advice from your young style consultant

 

[Edward]

I’m going to break rank with my TFL brothers and say go for the A2. The Thedi you selected is beautiful, but it might as well be another Eastman Californian, same pocket angles and everything.
The A2 gives a whole different vibe, and If you get the right size it will look sharp. The one you posted is too long, too loose, and has a collar big enough for two necks.

Yes. As an only jacket, I'd go for one of the half belts, but with a brown and a black version of the ELMC already, the A2 offers something different.

View attachment 686060
Hi everyone,

First of all, huge thanks to all of you for your insights! Thanks to your input, I’ve officially ruled out the ELMC Californian from my list. Now, my main dilemma is about the A-2.

I love the history, the style, and the character of the jacket. But my biggest concern is: where do you actually wear an A-2 in daily life?

• Not at work – I teach in higher education, and an A-2 might feel a bit out of place in that setting.
• Not with a backpack – The lack of a bi-swing back makes it impractical.
• Not on public transport – I feel like it stands out a bit too much, especially in the metro.
• Not for carrying things – The pockets aren’t very functional, so daily practicality is a concern.

Other than dates or casual evening outings, I struggle to see how it fits into a daily rotation.

I also tried on a Buzz Rickson A-2 in size 44. What do you think—does that sound like the right size for me?

Has anyone successfully integrated an A-2 into their everyday wardrobe? Would love to hear your experiences and any tips!

Thanks again for the help!

I don't think an A2 really stands out any more than any other leather jacket - assuming it's plain and not patched up or painted. I doubt the average person would really notice the difference if not pointed out to them. I've had Indy comments when I was wearing a G1...

I'm also in academia. Used to have an A2 about fifteen years ago (got too big for it later on, so it got sold off). Regularly wore it to work in place of a blazer, just over slacks / collar and tie. Never stood out any more or less than any of my other leathers. The only leathers I've avoided wearing to work have been various bike jackets, which in that setting can look a bit try-too-hard. The A2 is a non-issue. Can't honestly say I ever found it a problem with a backpack either, just same as any other jacket as long as it fitted. Public transport, same as anything else. The only leather I ever had that really stood out there was a black leather trenchcoat - especially when I wore it with a fedora and a pinstripe suit. That got Herr Flick or Matrix comments, depending on whether the comment came from someone over or under 40.

 

[Canuck Panda]

You've already got two half belt jackets, maybe try a different style for the third jacket.

A2 is classic style but it has its limitations as a daily jacket. The pockets aren't that useful, and repros never come with inside pocket. A civilian A2 with hand warmers can be more useful, or an Indiana Jones jacket which has the A2 look but with an action back for mobility, pockets are also bigger, with inside pockets and no knits fraying to worry about.

 

[mtrlr]

I think it really depends on your body type. If you are slim (but not too lanky) with long legs (comparatively to your torso proportion), I think an A2 will look. But then, with that body type, almost anything would look good. I keep seeing people with bulgy body (especially with a beer belly) and short legs wear A2, it doesn't look very complimentary.

I don't have the Thedi jacket you're referring to, but have a Thedi peacoat with Italian horsehide, I like it, soft and not squeaky at all.

 

[El Marro]

I love the history, the style, and the character of the jacket. But my biggest concern is: where do you actually wear an A-2 in daily life?

• Not at work – I teach in higher education, and an A-2 might feel a bit out of place in that setting.
• Not with a backpack – The lack of a bi-swing back makes it impractical.
• Not on public transport – I feel like it stands out a bit too much, especially in the metro.
• Not for carrying things – The pockets aren’t very functional, so daily practicality is a concern.

Out of these four concerns, the last one is the the only valid problem in my opinion, A2 pockets are lacking. if a jacket fits and is comfortable, the backpack makes no difference in my experience. Regarding the other two, I think any leather jacket stands out these days because everyone else is wearing some form of plastic clothing. You have to decide whether or not you are comfortable with that, but An A2 is much less flashy than something like a grizzly or a Vanson Chopper.

 

[bn1966]

If I could have only one jacket it would be a decent A-2 ….. I currently own two from ELC. Great in summer with a T and lightly layered on chilly days, wore one of mine whilst out and about in W.London yesterday. Simple classic and practical is my view of the A-2 & have lived in them at times inc riding a motorcycle. Pockets are a non issue for me as I keep most items in my pant pockets. Getting the A-2 sizing right can be a problem but the right jacket on the right person can look very sharp. Go too small and they are ok unzipped but zipping up can make you feel like a sausage. Too big can look like rent a tent. You can dress an A-2 up a bit with chinos or down with ratty denim trews.

 

[Bennarion]

View attachment 686060

This jacket is perfect for you. In style, too

 

[4444Design]

I'd vote for the A2:

- i work in the automotive industry since 40 yrs and wear an A2 no matter for meetings with my managers or hangin' on the shopfloor and discuss with the blue-collar people or engineers. The only difference is the accessories but it works fine all the way

business "official"

business "leisure"

i do not wear any patched A2 at work for sure (except the meatball on the left sleeve)

As for the pockets they work for my car-keys and my mobile/wallet and the THEDI doesn't look like a lot of storage space either

When i wear it with a backpack it speeds up the procedure of breaking in..

Finally i give absolutely no thoughts in public transport about who might feel "offended" even though 99% of public would not recognise an A2 anyway but rather think it is an ordinary leather jacket ...

Basically I wear an A2 for all occassion that i want to

Just my 2 cents

 

[Ulysse]

thanks a lot !! The A2 suits you wonderfully!

 

[jr30]

Hey,

I just saw your post now. A few days ago, my new Thedi Memphis in buffalo arrived. If you're interested, you can check out my first impressions of the Thedi. I'm really looking forward to the first spring days to finally wear this beautiful piece. I'm thrilled!


Please keep in mind that this is an in-stock jacket.

You can find my detailed review here.

Good luck,
Roman

 

[ProfG]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently debating between three leather jackets and could really use some advice from the experts here. My choices are:

• Thedi Memphis Half-Belt (Hand-Dyed Cocoa Toscano Buffalo)
• Eastman A-2 Rough Wear 27752/ or Buzz rickson
• ELMC Californian Walnut

I’m looking for a jacket that looks classy and well-crafted, but I don’t want to look like a movie extra either—so nothing too "costume-like" or overly vintage in appearance.

Here’s what I like about each one:

• Thedi Memphis → I love the craftsmanship and the rich texture of the hand-dyed buffalo leather. Seems like a high-end, versatile jacket. But is it too much of a "statement piece"?
• Eastman A-2 Rough Wear → Classic, historical, and timeless. But does it feel too military and rigid for everyday wear?
• ELMC Californian Walnut → A solid, casual choice that seems effortless to wear. But I already own two Californian jackets (Havana and Black), so would this be redundant?

I want something classy, versatile, and easy to wear, but I also want it to have character. Which one would you pick and why? View attachment 686037

Would love to hear your thoughts!
View attachment 685856
Thanks in advance. View attachment 685857

Seeing as how you already own two Californians, I need to ask: what do you think of them? How is fit/quality? Any differences between black and Havana (other than color, obviously)?

 

[ericsanpablo31]

I’ve got 2 Elmc Californians as well - one in walnut and one in black. I also have a custom thedi black half belt. My thoughts:

I love the Californians they are my easiest wearing jackets . The leather on my walnut in particular has so much character. The black is great too , a little thicker and a little less noticeable grain. The walnut gives that kind of worn , effortless look. The black is more sleek, classy and probably more versatile . The walnut gets noticed more i think probably because the color is more unique

The thedi is beautiful and my wife thinks the leather looks richer . Mine is ranger horsehide. The only thing about thedi is they are meant to be trim fitting … so don’t gain weight lol. The thedi fits like a second skin, that said I find as I get older I kinda like the slightly more comfortable/relaxed fit of the Elmc …. Or maybe I outgrew my thedi I don’t know. I guess I’d say thedi has a more European vibe and Elmc is more kind of casual American. Both are good.

In terms of stitching , fine details and such the thedi is tighter. The elmc is still good though, but just less perfect…. Like a more refined aero . I’ve had two freewheelers jackets as well (a mulholland and brakeman), I’d say from a details pov the thedi is on par but with a more craftsman feel

 

[jeepTj98]

Be you man, own it! wear what makes you happy to throw on. If you are confident, then whatever you are wearing will look good on you because your confidence will show…own it! I have many jackets, hats and boots that I know that most would never wear. I’m proud and confident and don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks.

 

[jchance]

Another vote for Thedi. A-2 is so boring, it’s not even a competition.