Welcome To “The Bargain Basement”

[B-Man2]

And I guess it's not even broken in ?!

Not really … I try but the weather here just doesn’t want to cooperate .

 

[Kermit3D]

You want photos of cyclist jackets ? don't encourage me...

 

[Pa12]

You want photos of cyclist jackets ? don't encourage me...

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They sure wore them short and snug.

 

[Kermit3D]

Rather square shoulders, but no excess.
The main feature of cyclist jackets (as they were worn) is really their small size. Small, short and close-fitting.

And a bonus photo :

 

[Pa12]

Rather square shoulders, but no excess.
The main feature of cyclist jackets (as they were worn) is really their small size. Small, short and close-fitting.

And a bonus photo :

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Not a bad fit. Maybe take a little off the arms.

 

[FlakMagnet]

Not a bad fit. Maybe take a little off the arms.

Too much tunnelling on the sleeves

 

[B-Man2]

Great photos Kermit !
I was surprised to see the photo of the Kriegsmarine U-Boat officer wearing the jacket. I guess that shows that the name “Hartmann Luftwaffe Jacket” really is a misnomer for that particular style jacket and that “French Cyclist Jacket “ is a more appropriate name.

 

[Kermit3D]

Great photos Kermit !
I was surprised to see the photo of the Kriegsmarine U-Boat officer wearing the jacket. I guess that shows that the name “Hartmann Luftwaffe Jacket” really is a misnomer for that particular style jacket and that “French Cyclist Jacket “ is a more appropriate name.

agree with you, it's a misuse of language.
I'm pretty sure the name "Hartmann jacket" is an ELC invention. These were cyclist jackets used by those who liked them : luftwaffe, kriegsmarine, wehrmacht, tank commanders, ... but also and above civilians, with no connection to the German army : cyclists, workers, resistance fighters, ...

In my opinion, the idea that this is a luftwaffe jacket comes from recent marketing.

 

[B-Man2]

agree with you, it's a misuse of language.
I'm pretty sure the name "Hartmann jacket" is an ELC invention. These were cyclist jackets used by those who liked them : luftwaffe, kriegsmarine, wehrmacht, tank commanders, ... but also and above civilians, with no connection to the German army : cyclists, workers, resistance fighters, ...

In my opinion, the idea that this is a luftwaffe jacket comes from recent marketing.

The jacket seems to have been very popular throughout France and Europe in those days. I’m sure that like much of the French clothing of the period, they were highly sought after by most young men of that era.

 

[MauldinFan]

They sure wore them short and snug.

I think loose and longer in the torso became a "thing" well after WW2.

 

[Enigma1938]

It is such a strange feeling when I've worn my cyclist jacket the whole weekend long and put on my carhartt work jacket on Monday then. From super short and snug to long baggy and loose... two jackets style who cannot be more different

 

[entertainment]

@B-Man2
Returning to the French cyclist jacket that you recommended. How do you feel about the "soft buffalo hide"?

 

[B-Man2]

@B-Man2
Returning to the French cyclist jacket that you recommended. How do you feel about the "soft buffalo hide"?

My personal opinion is that it’s too thick for this type of jacket. If you’ve ever worn buffalo anything, you’ll know that it’s thicker than cow hide and really doesn’t lend itself to being used for a jacket like this or an A2.
Just my opinion John .

 

[B-Man2]

So …. In trying to revive this thread, I came across a jacket that really is worth being posted here in the “Bargain Basement”
It’s a “What Price Glory 37J1 “ USN early flight jacket made from soft but durable goat hide. I purchased one of these jackets last week at the very reasonable price of $175.00 US and I couldn’t be happier . The jacket is well made and the goat hide is very comfortable and nice to wear. The knits are seamless wool . I would definitely recommend this jacket if you’re in the market for a repro of the USN 37J1.
The interior of the jacket has a pocket but that does nothing to detract from the appeal of the jacket. There is one thing that I wasn’t thrilled about, they listed the jacket as being “Very Dark Brown” . Well … they didn’t lie about that fact . It’s Ultra Dark Brown, almost to the point of looking black when it first comes out of the box. In fact I had to walk it outside in the sunlight to confirm that it was in fact “Very Dark Brown ” However with a little sunshine and some fading this jacket will definitely have a place in my collection. So the choice is yours .
It’s your money ….. you make the call.