What size jacket are you looking to purchase?Wow! Thank you silver surfer, brettafett and saint-ex. A little overwhelmed to say the least, was not expecting this much help and information haha..
Bill Kelso seems to be out of stock on the correct leather with no eta shown anywhere. Which leaves me with either 5star or Eastman. Being that the jacket will probably never be worn other than a very rare occasion, and I would be surprised if it ever left the house after all he’s been through with this jacket..rather it will hung up for display in his home gym where all of the other memorabilia from my grandfather is. Would it be wise to go for the five star jacket over Eastman? I can see the quality difference between them, both with Eastman and good wear. For display purposes, Would I be a fool for going with the more cost effective 5star to have more funding for quality patches instead?
Currently emailing Sean Collin’s as well as sending a private message to member @ties70 in regards to patches.
I’m a little confused on the sizing part, I’ve read some are true to size while others run on the smaller side. My father wears a size large in regular jackets, coats and sweatshirts, as do i. At first I assumed a size 40-42 would be my best bet but from what research I’ve done today now I’m second guessing. Any thoughts?What size jacket are you looking to purchase?
The reason Im asking is because if you can pick up an original WWII jacket for a reasonable price … might that not be a better option that a repro ? Then you could have the patches made and put onto an original A2
If he wears a size Large that would translate to a size 44 HOWEVER…. Don’t depend on sizes as most makers jackets run differently .I’m a little confused on the sizing part, I’ve read some are true to size while others run on the smaller side. My father wears a size large in regular jackets, coats and sweatshirts, as do i. At first I assumed a size 40-42 would be my best bet but from what research I’ve done today now I’m second guessing. Any thoughts?
so when I originally looked at their site I was basing it off of the display picture disclaimer saying it was the “victory horsehide dark seal” leather, that option was out of stock. At the time I thought the other leather variants were not true to manufacturer spec and opted them out as an option for purchasing a jacket. If I did go with BK would you think the seal or dark seal be a better finish? I’ve tried to colorize the photo of him wearing the jacket, the best it can be done. The jacket is more on the darker side compared to the lighter and more reddish tinted variations I have seen with the star sports lineup.Also, just an fyi, BK has all leather in stock, not sure where you saw its unavailable.
You'd want Liberty horsehide for the Star.
![]()
Star 18245 - Bill Kelso Mfg.
This jacket represents the only A-2 jacket contract awarded to Star Sportswear Mfg Co. of Lynn, Massachusetts. The Star 18245 A-2 jacket pattern is a really slim fit. It features inset (rotated) sleeves and a uniquely “crescent moon” shaped collar that sits lower in the front and does not...billkelsomfg.com
The Star is a trim pattern, would need to size one or two up from chest measurement, dep on body type.
Was my point, with Good Wear you are free to request a specific color target.Note. ELC's hides vary from batch to batch, sample colours may change compared to actual jacket received.
Side note - the dark russet on this Star is stunning!!!This is the jacket.
Good Wear Leather Coat Company — Good Wear Star Sportswear Type A-2 Jacket Flight Jacket
www.goodwearleather.com
Of the 3 top-end makers mentioned above, only GW will work to match the colour, ie dark russet.
Note. ELC's hides vary from batch to batch, sample colours may change compared to actual jacket received.
Also, I dont think ELC will make a Star in a russet anyway (I asked before and was told no).