Not all jackets are tight US Pilots Great Sailing UK 1944

[tibor]

Fits were all over the place. Pre-war photos show fits closer to this, but later as all size guys hit the air corp, jackets were all over the place. Jimmy Stewart's looks like he borrowed his from a little brother. He had a trim chest measurement, but that size didn't have the sleeve length he really needed.

Now how you LIKE it to fit, that's different. When a jacket fits right, it doesn't pinch and has some comfort in its range of motion, but agree, it shouldn't be baggy. Very Cinderella-kind of thing. You're particular body may like high arm holes, or may like wider sleeve tops, As you try different contracts, you find some are a good match, some aren't...

 

[Steve27752]

Duxford 2016
Photo by Keith Foster.

 

[Bombing IP]

Yes that is a good fit , 100% agree .Maybe the sleeves could be shortened a touch but its passable .

BIP

 

[Bombing IP]

Fits were all over the place. Pre-war photos show fits closer to this, but later as all size guys hit the air corp, jackets were all over the place. Jimmy Stewart's looks like he borrowed his from a little brother. He had a trim chest measurement, but that size didn't have the sleeve length he really needed.

Now how you LIKE it to fit, that's different. When a jacket fits right, it doesn't pinch and has some comfort in its range of motion, but agree, it shouldn't be baggy. Very Cinderella-kind of thing. You're particular body may like high arm holes, or may like wider sleeve tops, As you try different contracts, you find some are a good match, some aren't...

That said It would of saved me a bunch of money if I spent the day with John Chapman trying on different makers . That way I could get the jacket that fits me best .

BIP

 

[regius]

I do not like it, the shoulders droop and the body is too long, obviously from a second rate maker.

Second rate maker? How did you determine that just by the fact it's big on him? It could be an Eastman in the wrong size. Also, is this a historical photo or a modern recreation?

 

[Bombing IP]

Tongue in cheek comment and its WWII original picture !

BIP

 

[Skyhawk]

I think that was a joke for sure. I thought it was funny as heck!

Calling an obvious original a poor reproduction. Pretty funny to me

 

[Steve27752]

Second rate maker? How did you determine that just by the fact it's big on him? It could be an Eastman in the wrong size. Also, is this a historical photo or a modern recreation?

Indeed, it was a joke, it is a WW11 photo.

 

[Robman]

Star looks excellent for sure.

 

[Rutger]

The it-should-be-a-tight-fit myth of the A2 (and most/all other flight jackets) has been debunked many years ago, and it should be made a sticky on every forum that remotely deals with the subject.

 

[Marv]

This is the fit on my GW Dubow 20960 size 46 (fits more like a 44), probably wouldn't go any slimmer fitting than this on an A2.

 

[Bombing IP]

To me that jacket does not look comfortable ,the arms are fine shoulders are OK but the body is to tight across the upper chest .
BIP

 

[Steve27752]

To me that jacket does not look comfortable ,the arms are fine shoulders are OK but the body is to tight across the upper chest .
BIP

I agree, far too tight for me.

 

[Bombing IP]

I agree, far too tight for me.

I am with Steve on this ,you need a size 48 at least my friend !.

 

[CBI]

Just IMO, jackets, no matter the era are outerwear. Anytime a jacket clearly and in detail outlines someone's body shape, where the body shape is clearly visible, the jacket is too small. Skinny, portly, anywhere in the middle, too small. Yep, one can certainly go too far the other way and wear a huge mall jacket. That perfect mid point is tricky!

 

[seres]

Of all the original WW2 contract patterns I own or have tried, the Dubows seem to be the smallest for the tag size. I wear a size 44 suit, but generally wear a size 46 in most original WW2 patterns. But every Dubow I've tried required a size 48 tag size to look right.

 

[Smithy]

That is a lovely GW Dubow but I couldn't go that trim either.

Still it doesn't really matter what a bunch of random guys on the internet think, if it's comfortable, you have a good range of movement and you like it, wear and enjoy I say!

 

[Bombing IP]

That is a lovely GW Dubow but I couldn't go that trim either.

Still it doesn't really matter what a bunch of random guys on the internet think, if it's comfortable, you have a good range of movement and you like it, wear and enjoy I say!

Smithy you are such a diplomat .Or such a piss taker I cannot make up my mind which it is . \
BIP

 

[Smithy]

I'd say a bit of both, but maybe that's the diplomat in me talking...

 

[Robman]

Let's also not forget they were a working garment, not a parade class A. Uncomfortable restriction would render it useless for working conditions.