MA-1 recommendations?

[WolfofStateSt]

Thank you very much.
What a shame. I ordered XL and **L from Alpha Industries. Both the slim and Heritage and CWU styles. Then they'll all be too big. But anyway, I'll wait until they arrive and let you know.

Alls well that ends well.

 

[MrProper]

Alls well that ends well.

Definitely, thanks
It's not a problem anyway, because I can send everything back. I was just surprised because I had read that the sizes run small and according to the size chart, an L should be too small for me. I'm curious to see how the size chart matches up with reality. I should know in the next few days

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Definitely, thanks
It's not a problem anyway, because I can send everything back. I was just surprised because I had read that the sizes run small and according to the size chart, an L should be too small for me. I'm curious to see how the size chart matches up with reality. I should know in the next few days

Yeah, they do run a little small. I’m usually a medium but with Alpha industries I’m a large and L.L. Bean clothes. I’m a medium. For iron heart I am a size **L. For real McCoys in Bronson, I usually go for size 44. With American companies I feel like I’m more size 42.

 

[tamoko]

MA-1 Like a USN WEP jacket was part of cockpit suite so pretty short on body early gray lined even shorter then later orange lined. All civilian copies have a longer body than original and even some Long versions was I think great for every day use. But what I love in original thet real wool lining. I think only Japanese repro make this. Synthetic more light but never same filing as wool.

 

[tamoko]

To MacQueen Jacket
I saw this label. But if you compare MacQueen MA-1 jacket wind-flap with vertical stitching this is a 1976 Greenbrier “E-series” contract. Alpha had different wind flap

 

[MrProper]

The first delivery has arrived. This is the slim fit version of the MA-1 (called VF 59 in Europe). To my surprise, I needed size **L. XL might have just about fit if I turned a blind eye, but it was very short in the body and sleeves.
I'm curious to see how the standard MA-1 fits.
Since the slim fit version was really cheap, I'll definitely keep it anyway.

 

[Edward]

I have also come around on Bronson, I had one bad experience with them (I think their denim products are absolute ****) but I would not mind recommending their bomber jackets. I bought one of their Suka jackets in size 44 and it’s a nice fit and a good budget option. I am not spending $1,600 on a RMC Suka jacket, as nice as those are.

I've looked at those myself. Oddly enough, a couple of years ago SuperDry JPN here in the UK sold a run of Sukajans that were identical to the Bronson one in look, save for the jarring superdry logo embroidered on the forearm on one side. I've been very tempted by the Bronson, but I fear it would run just too small for me in their **L; I'd really need I think a size up from that gonig by their sizing charts. Quite a few Bronson products I'd like, but the sizing is either no mission (any of their trousers, that all stop at the 38w I'll never be again), or, with the top half stuff, looks on paper to be just a size smaller than I'd really need. I live in hope they'll eventually recognise the Western market for bigger sizes.... particularly as the Japanese stuff prices itself father and farther out of reach.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

The first delivery has arrived. This is the slim fit version of the MA-1 (called VF 59 in Europe). To my surprise, I needed size **L. XL might have just about fit if I turned a blind eye, but it was very short in the body and sleeves.
I'm curious to see how the standard MA-1 fits.
Since the slim fit version was really cheap, I'll definitely keep it anyway.
View attachment 748367

That’s an Alpha Industries jacket? Surprisingly good aren’t they for the price. Wouldn’t touch their N3B though. I had one in college and it was fine for a college kid, but they are actually kind of ****, especially compared to the real thing.

The alpha MA-1 though, probably the best MA-1 for the price, it does all that it needs to do.

 

[MrProper]

That’s an Alpha Industries jacket? Surprisingly good aren’t they for the price. Wouldn’t touch their N3B though. I had one in college and it was fine for a college kid, but they are actually kind of ****, especially compared to the real thing.

The alpha MA-1 though, probably the best MA-1 for the price, it does all that it needs to do.

Yes, exactly, an Alpha Industries. But the slim one with the “wrong” pockets.
At first glance, it looks well made and I'm satisfied. But I don't have anything to compare it to, either an original or a high-quality reproduction.
In the next few days, an MA-1 Heritage (the non-slim version with the “right” pockets), a CWU 45, and an N-2B should arrive. Let's see if I keep anything else.
My daughter kept the size XL right away. It's way too big, but it looks pretty cool on girls. And I don't have to send anything back

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Yes, exactly, an Alpha Industries. But the slim one with the “wrong” pockets.
At first glance, it looks well made and I'm satisfied. But I don't have anything to compare it to, either an original or a high-quality reproduction.
In the next few days, an MA-1 Heritage (the non-slim version with the “right” pockets), a CWU 45, and an N-2B should arrive. Let's see if I keep anything else.
My daughter kept the size XL right away. It's way too big, but it looks pretty cool on girls. And I don't have to send anything back

They do look good on women, I think they also make one specifically for women. Either way it’s a good look.

 

[Steve S]

I had a slim fit alpha ma1 many years ago but sold it due to sizing changes after getting back to the gym. Fit wise when I discovered vintage versions of the ma1 and the CWU jackets it was more my preference and historically accurate. Neither the regular or slim are bad options just down to personal preferences!

 

[Steve S]

My favourite these days is an old ex Korean Air Force ma1. It has faded a lovely shade of green and the UV exposures in some areas has started to reveal some of the orange liner underneath.

 

[Technonut]

For those interested, Bronson's Black Friday sale is underway until December 1st.... I just picked up one of their 50's MA-1 jackets for $136.00 shipped (15% off regular price)..

1950s USAF Type MA-1 Flight Jacket

This is a reproduction of the first version MA-1 flight jacket, introduced in the 1950s and becoming the flight jacket of the US Air Force. This model is quite rare in the market. This MA-1 flight jacket is completely reproduced in the 1955 MA-1 flight jacket(SPEC. MIL-J-8279). It is made from a...

bronsonshop.com

The Real Simons MA-1 I purchased from eBay should be arriving soon. The Bronson was such a good price with the discount, I just couldn't say no to it.. Should be interesting to compare it and the Bronson, although I know that the Real Simons should be lighter in weight and warmer with it's 3M Thinsulate batting than Bronson's wool-poly blend.

As previously posted, I'll start a thread covering "budget" vintage-styled civvie and military Chinese textile (Cotton / Wool / Nylon) jackets after they arrive.

 

[MrProper]

Okay, sand isn't exactly a winter colour, but I like it anyway.
A MA-1 Heritage from Alpha Ind. in color Vintage Sand.
The slim fit suits me a bit better because this one has quite a lot of fabric around the stomach, but surprisingly it works better than I expected.

 

[raf]

There is a sub-genre of MA-1 jackets, those worn by NASA astronauts. See various types of jackets here: https://lunareplicas.com/collections/jackets

Note the addition of the bottom snap, which reduces wear on the zipper due to the waistband trying to pull it apart.

At least some of these jackets are offered in "Flame Resistant" fabric, which is likely reflected in their price.

Having had an MA-1 (NOT FR) ruined by campfire sparks, such fabric may be worth considering.

 

[Technonut]

Received the Real Simons MA-1, and was disappointed to find that the Chinese e-Bay seller's sizing conversion was unnecessary and incorrect.

I placed the order based upon the listed sizing chart, and ordered a size XL. I expected a tagged size XL, but the seller converted it to an "Asian" size **XL, which in most Asian sizing would have worked for my 44" chest.. BUT, in this case it appears that Real Simons sizing chart is correct to USA / Western standards (not Asian), and the tagged **XL matched the sizing chart's measurements.... WAY TOO LARGE for me!....

That said, VERY well-made jacket here folks. The Thinsulate batting is a bit lighter in weight than the wool-blend batting in my Bronson B-15C, but also has a substantial "feel" to it as well. I am still waiting on the Bronson MA-1 to arrive, but I can't see it being much better than this Real Simons.

It's a shame that I will be needing to list the Real Simons in the classies soon (USA only) at a discounted $$. It would be a great MA-1 for someone in the size 46-48 range. Keep an eye out if interested...

 

[Harris HTM]

Received the Real Simons MA-1, and was disappointed to find that the Chinese e-Bay seller's sizing conversion was unnecessary and incorrect.

I placed the order based upon the listed sizing chart, and ordered a size XL. I expected a tagged size XL, but the seller converted it to an "Asian" size **XL, which in most Asian sizing would have worked for my 44" chest.. BUT, in this case it appears that Real Simons sizing chart is correct to USA / Western standards (not Asian), and the tagged **XL matched the sizing chart's measurements.... WAY TOO LARGE for me!....

That said, VERY well-made jacket here folks. The Thinsulate batting is a bit lighter in weight than the wool-blend batting in my Bronson B-15C, but also has a substantial "feel" to it as well. I am still waiting on the Bronson MA-1 to arrive, but I can't see it being much better than this Real Simons.

It's a shame that I will be needing to list the Real Simons in the classies soon (USA only) at a discounted $$. It would be a great MA-1 for someone in the size 46-48 range. Keep an eye out if interested...

View attachment 752529

That's a pity. Please do a comparison with the Bronson when you receive it.
I am at my parents house at the moment as unfortunately my dad passed away suddenly and unexpectedly a week ago. I found my old civilian alpha and my red tornado ma-1 which I think is better than the Bronson. Maybe less historically accurate but really thick and warm.

 

[s4rmark]

Very sad for your loss Harris. Especially hard at this time of year.

 

[raf]

Have had some GI and close clone jackets of this type--Made by GI Mfrs/suppliers. Never seen one sized for Tall/Long folks, but perhaps I missed something.

To get some additional body length, jackets were needlessly huge in chest size. Sleeves always too short. Gave up eventually.

A "Bespoke" jacket of this type can probably be ordered to a specific size/length, but it will not be nearly the same price as an "off-the-rack" jacket.

 

[Harris HTM]

Very sad for your loss Harris. Especially hard at this time of year.

Thanks Mark, it was a shock. Actually we are still in shock.