road less traveled for jacket nuts? the N-2B flight jacket...am i crazy 4 loving it?

[Peacoat]

hi...i started this thread like 12yrs ago, and that's me in my profile pic iN an n2b. so when i saw your comment i decided to check out sizing forya. the most accurate to past milspec (of current makers) is cockpitusa, and the medium is listed as going up to a 43" chest, and alpha (which used to make them for the US military) has their medium going up to a 42" chest. so it should work but be a bit snug. i wear a current replica by alpha and like mine a bit roomy, so i have an XL with a 44" chest. if you don't mind the fit being snug with no real room for layering, that should work. i've worn my alpha in 38 degree fahrenheit San Francisco at Christmas and it worked with a warm shirt. if either one is too small you shouldn't have a problem reselling it. cheers.

Welcome back, J squared.

It's been a year and a half since you last posted.

 

[johnnyjohnny]

Welcome back, J squared.

It's been a year and a half since you last posted.

thanks much Jx2! i'm guessing you might own the place by now

 

[John_Z]

The 70s one seems the better bet.

Please explain why. Is it just down to the price?

 

[Aloysius]

Please explain why. Is it just down to the price?

Price and comfort. The wool pile is cool as an object but makes for a weird jacket to move around in. Think a wool coat shoved inside a nylon coat.

 

[John_Z]

Price and comfort. The wool pile is cool as an object but makes for a weird jacket to move around in. Think a wool coat shoved inside a nylon coat.

Ok thank you. That’s food for thought right there.

 

[John_Z]

Price and comfort. The wool pile is cool as an object but makes for a weird jacket to move around in. Think a wool coat shoved inside a nylon coat.

Well the decision was taken out of my hands. I went to check out the 70s example only to find it had been sold. That'll teach me not to prevaricate. Not finding another another example that I'd be happy with I pulled the trigger on the 61 jacket. I was too impatient to wait for another to come up that I'd be happy to buy. I'll post pics went it arrives in the UK from Japan.

You're advice was much valued and I mean no disrespect by going against it.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Anybody able to advise on what size I would need, S,M or L, for a 41” chest?

Military issue (or military sized repros) get a size Large. I'm a 41" chest and that's what I wear. Keep in mind these are parkas and fit big, unless you get some sort of modern-day slim fit version. Also, they're short in the torso, so if you're 6' or taller be prepared to have a gap between your pants and your jacket at the back.

 

[John_Z]

Military issue (or military sized repros) get a size Large. I'm a 41" chest and that's what I wear. Keep in mind these are parkas and fit big, unless you get some sort of modern-day slim fit version. Also, they're short in the torso, so if you're 6' or taller be prepared to have a gap between your pants and your jacket at the back.

Thanks. I’ve a 41” chest and I’ve gone for a medium. I don’t layer. Always T-shirts under my jackets. I’m 5’7” so the shortness doesn’t concern me. I like my jackets short. I know these jackets were intended to be worn over flight suits so I’m confident a medium will be fine.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Thanks. I’ve a 41” chest and I’ve gone for a medium. I don’t layer. Always T-shirts under my jackets. I’m 5’7” so the shortness doesn’t concern me. I like my jackets short. I know these jackets were intended to be worn over flight suits so I’m confident a medium will be fine.

At your height you should be fine with these jackets.

 

[Steve S]

Discovered this thread recently after going down a rabbit hole of researching N-2Bs! Contemplating this example https://thewildemerchant.com/products/5190?_pos=4&_sid=8b47a816a&_ss=r

Can anyone chip in on some details? Im thinking its an 80s Alpha based on the ideal zipper but cant tell much from the stock or contract numbers.

 

[John_Z]

Discovered this thread recently after going down a rabbit hole of researching N-2Bs! Contemplating this example https://thewildemerchant.com/products/5190?_pos=4&_sid=8b47a816a&_ss=r

Can anyone chip in on some details? Im thinking its an 80s Alpha based on the ideal zipper but cant tell much from the stock or contract numbers.

It’s civilian issue that I can tell. I don’t know much about dating them. My ‘61 USAF issue example has a Comar zip.
Alpha still sell these:

N-2B Heritage Winter Jacket | Alpha Industries

N-2B Heritage Winter Jacket | £250.00 | Alpha Industries | Free shipping from 40,-€ ✔ free return ✔ Shipment within 24h ✔

www.alphaindustries.eu

 

[John_Z]

It’s civilian issue that I can tell. I don’t know much about dating them. My ‘61 USAF issue example has a Comar zip.
Alpha still sell these:

N-2B Heritage Winter Jacket | Alpha Industries

N-2B Heritage Winter Jacket | £250.00 | Alpha Industries | Free shipping from 40,-€ ✔ free return ✔ Shipment within 24h ✔

www.alphaindustries.eu

 

[MrProper]

It’s civilian issue that I can tell. I don’t know much about dating them. My ‘61 USAF issue example has a Comar zip.
Alpha still sell these:

http://[URL]https://www.alphaindust...V1dXw25VOHBvPmr60iKYM9BSs76bH3a-hxgjsVm3baoXc

[/URL]

I have the one from Alpha. Unfortunately, the current model doesn't have a metal zip. But I still like it, even though it's a fashion jacket