I don't think there was a standard length for all Irvins, but like many flight jackets, they tended to be cut quite short, as they were intended primarily for use while seated. I think you have to choose the best chest measurement for you and then check that the length is workable. What size are you? I'm sure someone on here - John Lever may wish to chime in - can recommend which size would be best for you.Another question: In measuring for an Irvin Jacket (or any jacket), I don't see any instructions for the proper length of the jacket. Is that somehow interpolated from sleeve length?
HiIt's interesting that you mention the noticeable short length of the of the Irvin Jacket, I thought I was seeing things as it appears A-2 jackets are longer than heavy Irvin jackets (at least in the length). But, they are and you give the reason why. You ask what size I am; I'll give you the extraneous, OCD answer, not knowing what is really important. I have an A-2 that's 24" from collar seam to the bottom of the knit and it is perfect, just covering my belt. I'd like that for the Irvin, too. Chest is 42.5. Sleeve length (t-shirt seam to end of wrist) is 23." I'd rather keep the sleeve at the end of my wrist and completely above my hand, as opposed to the longer Wartime sleeves. In short (no pun intended), I'd like the coat to be on the short side and with enough room to wear over a suit jacket, but no larger. Sorry if that's more than you asked for.
Thanks, Jennison
They were meant to be worn with the high matching shearling trousers in flight. And worn like that they allow movement and are warm. For what it's worth I've had a couple of Eastman Irvins and I always find them a bit too short at the front and they also ride up a bit there - and I'm not likely to walk around wearing Irvin trousers.It's interesting that you mention the noticeable short length of the of the Irvin Jacket, I thought I was seeing things as it appears A-2 jackets are longer than heavy Irvin jackets (at least in the length). But, they are and you give the reason why. You ask what size I am; I'll give you the extraneous, OCD answer, not knowing what is really important. I have an A-2 that's 24" from collar seam to the bottom of the knit and it is perfect, just covering my belt. I'd like that for the Irvin, too. Chest is 42.5. Sleeve length (t-shirt seam to end of wrist) is 23." I'd rather keep the sleeve at the end of my wrist and completely above my hand, as opposed to the longer Wartime sleeves. In short (no pun intended), I'd like the coat to be on the short side and with enough room to wear over a suit jacket, but no larger. Sorry if that's more than you asked for.
Thanks, Jennison