Anything and Everything A-1

[siddhartha]

I ended up with Bevan's A-1 from The Few, and need to get some pics up-it's an awesome jacket.

Thanks to this thread, I needed to get one-wallet's a bit lighter, but closet is heavier

Chris

 

[asiamiles]

..... and I liked the earlier version, without the leather sleeves. Rufus bought one 'on tour', and posted it on old VLJ.

I like the look of that jacket as well, but I wonder how practical it is; being unlined wool I think one would need to wear more than a t-shirt beneath it for comfort, yet it wouldn't provide that much warmth. I've always been curious about those kind of waistbands which rather than fitting tight around the torso actually seem looser than the body of the jacket.

 

[zoomer]

Those might be an attempt to replicate the stretched-out state of non-elasticized wool knits. Wool without elastic in it will stretch, but will not snap back into shape. It contracts a little, but remains slack. (Those of you with Eastman jackets know what I'm talking about.)

 

[asiamiles]

Those might be an attempt to replicate the stretched-out state of non-elasticized wool knits. Wool without elastic in it will stretch, but will not snap back into shape. It contracts a little, but remains slack. (Those of you with Eastman jackets know what I'm talking about.)

I've seen similar waistbands on vintage jackets and as you say it's as though they've stretched and remained that way; wasn't sure why this was. I guess for some this is a desired look, but I personally like tight knits.

 

[deeb7]

I ended up with Bevan's A-1 from The Few, and need to get some pics up-it's an awesome jacket.

Yes yes, post pictures !!

I'm glad it went to a good home, as I've already said ... that jacket's just too good for strangers.

 

[Grant]

Hey Chris,
You'll look very cool biking in an A-1.
BTW, how's the holy grail holding up?

Regards from NYC,
Grant

 

[Doug C]

regarding the waste knits, I have an eastman A-1 and yes I can vouch for it's insistance on staying stretched out, though I personally prefer that to knits that are too snug around the waste. I had a Willis & Geiger A-1 for a while and it had a farely wide white elastic band built into the waste band, believe it or not. Those with the W&G can check theirs to see what I'm talking about (except the guy I sold mine too..). You didn't know it was there by looking at it but it felt too snug and caused me to constantly have to tug the knit below my waste area, so I gengerly snipped it at each end and extracted it through a smallish hole at the inside of the knit, that I later stitched up.

Doug C

 

[zoomer]

I may install some scrap elastic in my ELC waists. It'll have to be sewn down fully stretched, tho. Otherwise the wool will just pucker.

 

[siddhartha]

Hey Chris,
You'll look very cool biking in an A-1.
BTW, how's the holy grail holding up?

Regards from NYC,
Grant

Hey Grant,

Haven't yet worn it on the bike-too cold, but will do once the weather is nicer-best way to break it in!

The holy grail is fine-still my favorite, and not going anywhere. Planning on an NYC trip coming up, and will contact you, buddy

Chris

 

[Doug C]

Hey guys, here's some pics of my Eastman prototype in grainy cape sheep leather.
















Doug C

 

[bseal]

That looks like a pretty good fit on you Doug C.

 

[Falcon_52]

Damn...that is a great-looking A-1, Doug. Eastman's new pattern really looks fantastic. I have to agree with bseal; the fit couldn't be better on you.

Wear it in good health!

Noel

 

[Doug C]

Thanks guys, I did have the fit tweeked a little but you're right Eastman's got the pattern down pat. I want one in russett now..

Doug C

 

[fishmeok]

Guys- what size are the buttons on an A-1? Looks around 18-20 mm to me.
Cheers
Mark

 

[deeb7]

Looks around 18-20 mm to me.

Spot on ... they measure 19 mm on The Few.

 

[bfrench]

55th pursuit group 1931
byeeeeeeee
marcel

Hi, Folks,

Here's the first of Marcel's pics in the Photo section cropped and enlarged - that A-1 seems to be a lot longer than its A-2 contemporary.

And looking at Doug C's from ELC it almost looks that way.

Is that the way they were made - about 1" to 1 1/2" longer in the torso?

Have you guys who have bought A-1s had them made a little longer than you would have the A-2?

Bill French

 

[bseal]

The waistband length more closely resembles the M-422/(a) or G-1.

 

[bfrench]

The waistband length more closely resembles the M-422/(a) or G-1.

Seems like the originals have a narrow or more square shoulder and a much more roomy torso plus the extra length.

The more I look into this section the more likely it's going to be my next jacket.

Bill French

 

[deeb7]

Have you guys who have bought A-1s had them made a little longer than you would have the A-2?

Bill, my A-1 is actually a 1/2 inch shorter than my A-2's, but when worn it appears longer. The waistband is the same length, the main difference is that it is not gathered.

However, if it's a Good Wear A-1 that you are planning, you might want to add a little ... they have more the back of an A-2.

 

[fishmeok]

I think having the pockets way down on the waist knit (plus the way the light leather drapes)tricks the eye a little too, makes it look longer than it really is.

Thanks for the answer on the buttons.
Cheers
Mark