differences in fit between 422a and a-2

[lcowboy30]

Are there any significant differences in the fit between the 422a and the A2? I have a GW A2 and I find that motion is a little restricted in the shoulders, just wondering if the 422 is the same.

 

[bazelot]

No, it's not the same. The M-422a has a by swing in the back and that makes it more comfortable to wear. There is no restrictions at the shoulders.

 

[better duck]

Indeed. In fact, the M422(a) is definitely the more comfortable jacket. And that's coming from one who has both and has a huge preference for A2s, but that's for other reasons, like the historical background of where the jackets were used.

 

[lcowboy30]

So, with the bi-swing back of the 422, there would be no need to up size for bigger shoulders like the A2?

 

[better duck]

So, with the bi-swing back of the 422, there would be no need to up size for bigger shoulders like the A2?

Well..... I would be careful to answer that question with an affirmative. If you have exceptionally broad shoulders, the biswing of an M422 doesn't necessarily tackle that aspect. I wear size 44 / 46, both for M422 and A2. The fit on the shoulder breadth-wise is the same, it's the freedom of movement that distinguishes the M422 from the A2. It's like this: when moving your arms forward, all the room you have in an A2 is the "slack" in the backpanel; with the M422 the bi-swing construction literally swings into action and unfolds, thus giving you a lot of extra room to manouevre. But that has little to do with how tight the jacket sits on your shoulders. My 2 cents worth.

 

[hacker]

So, with the bi-swing back of the 422, there would be no need to up size for bigger shoulders like the A2?

You have to be careful in making a sweeping statement that all M422a's sized the same have the same shoulder measurements. For example a F.Ostermann, will have tight shoulders, just the way they were made, where as an Ed Church will probably have broad shoulders. The bi-swing back no doubt makes them more comfortable in any case.


Hacker

 

[bazelot]

So, with the bi-swing back of the 422, there would be no need to up size for bigger shoulders like the A2?

Actually for me 18" shoulder to shoulder works fine but with a M-422A I need 19.5". Go figure that one out. Never been able to know why except that the fit is different.

 

[Stony]

Are there any significant differences in the fit between the 422a and the A2?

How about just any Navy jacket and an A-2? Totally different animals and not even in the same zoo.

 

[Atticus]

The Navy jacket will be more comfortable in the shoulders, but if you have any beer gut at all, it will be snug in the torso. The A-2 can bind in the shoulders, but will generally have more gut room.

AF

 

[Peter Graham]

No comparison. The Navy jackets are far superior. A much more comfortable and better designed garment in all aspects.