Recommendations for A2 Bomber Jacket.

[mingboat]

Hi everyone,


I’m looking for some recommendations for a quality A-2 in seal brown, and figured this would be the best place to ask.


What I’m after:

• Goatskin or horsehide
• Around 1.0–1.2 mm thickness (midweight)
• Good quality construction that’ll last for years
• Doesn’t have to be a 100% historically accurate repro
• I don’t mind modern conveniences like handwarmer pockets and an internal phone pocket
• Budget is around AUD $600–800
• Located in Australia, although I’m open to ordering from overseas if shipping is reasonable.

I’ve looked at brands like Aero and Eastman, but they’re generally stretching beyond my budget. I’m also happy to consider good second-hand options if there are particular makers worth watching for.


If you’ve owned something that fits the brief, or know of a brand that offers good value in this price range, I’d really appreciate your recommendations.


Thanks!

 

[coolhandluke_7]

If you prefer something that's a bit higher end and pre-owned, look at Bill Kelso and Buzz Rickson.

If you prefer something new, take a look at Avi and Five Star. Each has their pros and cons, but they'll be on the lower end of your budget. Real Simons is another entry level option that would be closer to the upper end of your budget.

5*

Real Simons

 

[ShadowXY]

No idea but today I took out my 1990's Airforce Pilots Brown Leather Bomber in size Small aka hot find from a thrift shop in early 2000. It had the Airforce tag but it fell off. I must have kept it but can't find it. Heavy leather with the acrylic sherpa lining. I take it out every 5 or 10 years to condition & look at it. It's small for me now.

Wondering if anyone could ID it?

 

[RDS]

No idea but today I took out my 1990's Airforce Pilots Brown Leather Bomber in size Small aka hot find from a thrift shop in early 2000. It had the Airforce tag but it fell off. I must have kept it but can't find it. Heavy leather with the acrylic sherpa lining. I take it out every 5 or 10 years to condition & look at it. It's small for me now.

Wondering if anyone could ID it?

Even though the jacket may have originally had an ‘Airforce’ tag it isn’t military issue and looks to be just one of those many flying jacket styles which were widely available from stores in the 80’s& 90’s

Collectively they’ve become known now as ‘mall’ jackets and most were fairly low cost with their quality varying greatly.

I’m not sure why the jacket is being kept stored away and only seeing the light of day every 5-10 years but if it’s in the hope that it will somehow increase in value I think you are going to be disappointed.

If the jacket doesn’t fit and you’re not going to wear it the better option is probably to sell it on to someone who will.

 

[Pandemic]

Orange label Cooper is usually mentioned in these threads as one of the best value used jackets you can pick up from eBay

 

[Bfd70]

Coupe of thoughts

1. if you are in Australia pretty much everything will be from overseas unless you snag one off of ebay.

2. if not interested in historical accuracy perhaps just search “flight jacket” instead of A2.

3. A2 jackets were made by several companies with many different patterns that look the same to the untrained eye but will fit quite differently.

4. figure out what measurements you need. Terms like small medium large are meaningless

If you’re bored go down the a2 jacket rabbit hole and figure our more specifically what you want.

 

[raf]

Some recent threads here concerning LL Bean jackets may be worth your reading, and the jackets based on the A-2 version may meet your needs.