Why so little love for the A2?

[tweedydon]

I’m curious! I have mixed views of the A2; in theory I like its simplicity, but I dislike the cuff knits and have never kept one I’ve owned.

 

[Guppy]

I don't have one because I'm not a pilot and not 100 years old and I have too much respect for the ones who wore them when they were 18 or 19 and sent to deal with the threat of creeping global fascism for me to feel like I could pull it off, but I think they're a great jacket, classic, and utterly cool.

 

[AeroFan_07]

I have "tried" to own these, along with other Bomber-style leather jackets. I just sell them along eventually.

I have always wanted/wished I could have gone into the military, no actual reason when I was younger that I could not, just timing-wise with university studies and the amount of in-depth work I had to do, even ROTC just would not work out for me. I do wish it would have. I have the utmost respect for military service folks.

That said, it seems to me the folks who really like A2's and other military styles Really Love them.
For the rest of us, well, we will keep looking for a CHP, Cross-zip, Cafe Racer, Type 3, or half-belt...

 

[coolhandluke_7]

My only $0.02 on A-2's is to purchase one from John Chapman. My Good Wear A-2's were keepers, the others, not so much. Not only are his jackets top tier in the accuracy department, he has a gift for nailing the sizing.

A trim fitting A-2 isn't comfortable and just won't be worn. I'd typically recommend going with a jacket with a chest measurement that is a minimum of 4-6" over your chest measurement, when wearing an A-2.

Bronco 1761 (ordered directly from GW)

Rough Wear 18091 (purchased second hand)

David D. Doniger (purchased second hand, but resold since it was a touch too small to wear comfortably)

 

[Bennarion]

Yes, there are very few A2 jacket lovers here. All on the VLJ forum
https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/

 

[Bennarion]

Bronco 1761 (ordered directly from GW)

It's the best jacket I've ever seen. Fits perfectly, looks very cool.

 

[TLW '90]

I love my cooper.

 

[RDS]

I don't have one because I'm not a pilot and not 100 years old and I have too much respect for the ones who wore them when they were 18 or 19 and sent to deal with the threat of creeping global fascism for me to feel like I could pull it off, but I think they're a great jacket, classic, and utterly cool.

Presumably this would mean that no items of military clothing would be worn as well ?

 

[Zoro]

I quite dislike the elastic cuffs and waist. Also I'm not American and perhaps I'm too young to have any kind of "attachment" to the A2 that can overcome the thought "that's a very ugly jacket that looks bad on most people".

I have to say I've seen Goodwear that looked good but still not like something I would wear.

 

[coolhandluke_7]

It's the best jacket I've ever seen. Fits perfectly, looks very cool.

Thanks for the kind words! It's the only jacket in my collection that was custom ordered based on my measurements. John absolutely nailed the fit.

 

[Bennarion]

@coolhandluke_7, is this a diamond in your collection

 

[coolhandluke_7]

@coolhandluke_7, is this a diamond in your collection

Absolutely

 

[TLW '90]

Presumably this would mean that no items of military clothing would be worn as well ?

I can sorta understand this...but for me I wear USGI gear with pride...
Many pieces were issued to my dad by Uncle Sam...and many I just bought...
For me the one thing I won't do is imported replicas .. genuine USGI or made in the US by an original contractor only...

and I'm always sure nobody makes assumptions that I served...I'm very proud of the many in my family who have served even if it wasn't personally my calling...

 

[jchance]

I owned a vintage A-2 that I’ve since sold. I think the pattern is unflattering: tubular arms, the front pockets are huge, which make the front look baggy and sagging. Often times, the roomy chest makes it look like you have man b o o b s. Sorry to say, but I haven’t seen anyone that’d look good in an A-2 leather jacket.

 

[Guppy]

Presumably this would mean that no items of military clothing would be worn as well ?

You know, it's funny. But I think lots of other military clothing looks fine on me. But I just don't feel like I can pull off an A-2, B-3, or Irvin. I'm not sure what it is.

 

[Bfd70]

My only $0.02 on A-2's is to purchase one from John Chapman. My Good Wear A-2's were keepers, the others, not so much. Not only are his jackets top tier in the accuracy department, he has a gift for nailing the sizing.

A trim fitting A-2 isn't comfortable and just won't be worn. I'd typically recommend going with a jacket with a chest measurement that is a minimum of 4-6" over your chest measurement, when wearing an A-2.

Bronco 1761 (ordered directly from GW)

View attachment 781917

Rough Wear 18091 (purchased second hand)

View attachment 781918

David D. Doniger (purchased second hand, but resold since it was a touch too small to wear comfortably)

View attachment 781919

That Bronco is 11/10

i’ve had and sold 5. I wish i kept my eastman

 

[Buick]

I bought an Eastman A2 a few years ago, second-hand. I bought one a size up from my usual based on the measurements (a 44, when I’m usually a 42) and it was a very good fit - I liked it a lot. Until, that is, my wife said it reminded her of something that uncool uncles wore in the ‘90s and gave Jeremy Clarkson vibes:: not the look I was going for.

 

[coolhandluke_7]

That Bronco is 11/10

i’ve had and sold 5. I wish i kept my eastman

Thanks Doug. It's in Horween, so the jacket is as nice to wear as it is to look at. Batches can be hit or miss, but this one was absolutely magical hide. There are a couple other members on VLJ that have jackets made from the same batch. The Pakistani goat on the RW 18091 is fantastic as well. Those are the two A-2's that I've hung onto.

I think an A-2 is best with a pliable hide that drapes well. I really disliked A-2's that were made with stiffer, heavy HH. Case in point, the Bill Kelso Star shown below. Not only is it not overly comfortable, the jacket doesn't drape like it should.

Unfortunately, I haven't owned an ELC A-2 yet, but they would definitely be the one other maker, aside from Good Wear that I'd recommend getting an A-2 from. I'm not a fan of the knits that they use, but their Havana HH is gorgeous stuff.

 

[Bfd70]

Well if you ever get tired of the GW don’t even bother with the classifieds

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Well if you ever get tired of the GW don’t even bother with the classifieds

Absolutely Doug. I have you down for dibs if I ever happen to part with the Bronco.

BTW, thanks for the belt. Perfect fit!