New bill kelso A2 16160

[Brettafett]

I measured a jacket earlier and it's tricky to take pics and hold the tape.
Measurements are supposed to be taken taught. Yours looks to be 22" pit to pit, 22.5" if pulled tight, which is correct.

End of the day, you have to wear it. If it's not comfortable, best size up or try a more 'forgiving' contract.
Keep in mind, even a 44 will still have the same pattern quirks, ie the higher arm hole etc.

 

[blackrat2]

I am in the size up camp, maybe two sizes up
If you think the majority of time you’ll only be wearing a t-shirt it might work out but for sure if your wearing a jumper or sweatshirt it’s tight
The fact your asking would imply it’s a issue and as happened here before it will niggle you…now is the time to sort it as it’s a new jacket..good luck with your choice

 

[Bewear88]

If a jacket isn’t comfortable, it won’t get worn. Comfort should be priority imho, above style!

 

[Skyhawk]

I measured a jacket earlier and it's tricky to take pics and hold the tape.
Measurements are supposed to be taken taught. Yours looks to be 22" pit to pit, 22.5" if pulled tight, which is correct.

End of the day, you have to wear it. If it's not comfortable, best size up or try a more 'forgiving' contract.
Keep in mind, even a 44 will still have the same pattern quirks, ie the higher arm hole etc.

I totally agree. This contract should have a chest of 22.5" in a size 42. It looks like if you pulled it tight for the measurement, it could be about that. Maybe 22.25" but not 21.5". I would chose another contract like Bronco in the same size. Those arms will be way too long on an Size 44. Take your full chest measurement and add 3", that should get you a comfortable size that is not too baggy. Looks like your Schott there is probably 24" if measured correctly so consider that as well.

 

[Nickb123]

I had a BK Roughwear 23380 years ago, IIRC it was a size 40 with a 21.5 P2P. I had a similar issue where it was at least one size too small (no fault of BK). It was actually slightly painful to wear because of the immense pressure up in the armpits when wearing.

 

[Davidjohn7]

Thanks for all the replies guys, i decided to keep the jacket and not wear a thick hoodie under it as like some of you said before it’s not meant to be to wear one under. And I think the jacket needs to break in a little as well. Other question Has anyone got experience with the

Great Escape – Capt. Virgil Hilts jacket?​

That’s also a fine looking jacket perhaps for the near future.

 

[Brettafett]

I love my BK jackets, but honestly... Put a deposit down on a GW. No one makes a better jacket.

 

[Davidjohn7]

I love my BK jackets, but honestly... Put a deposit down on a GW. No one makes a better jacket.

Thanks for the reply, what’s the difference between BK, GW and Eastman leather?

 

[blackrat2]

The devil is in the detail

 

[Brettafett]

Some general info on all three makers here..

Goodwear vs Eastman vs Bill Kelso

As I have been looking at Reproduction A2's I have noticed that there "seems" to be consensus that if you want the very best you get Goodwear. But not too much further down I see a lot about Eastman and Bill Kelso. Maybe others I have missed. My question is what makes one better than the other...

www.vintageleatherjackets.org

 

[Davidjohn7]

Some general info on all three makers here..

Goodwear vs Eastman vs Bill Kelso

As I have been looking at Reproduction A2's I have noticed that there "seems" to be consensus that if you want the very best you get Goodwear. But not too much further down I see a lot about Eastman and Bill Kelso. Maybe others I have missed. My question is what makes one better than the other...

www.vintageleatherjackets.org

Cheers.

 

[Drzdave58]

Thanks for all the replies guys, i decided to keep the jacket and not wear a thick hoodie under it as like some of you said before it’s not meant to be to wear one under. And I think the jacket needs to break in a little as well. Other question Has anyone got experience with the

Great Escape – Capt. Virgil Hilts jacket?​

That’s also a fine looking jacket perhaps for the near future.

I recently acquired a BK Hilts jacket and am enjoying it.

 

[mulceber]

Great fit.

 

[Davidjohn7]

I recently acquired a Hilts jacket and am enjoying it.
View attachment 130383View attachment 130385

That’s a fine looking jacket suits you very well.

 

[Drzdave58]

That’s a fine looking jacket suits you very well.

Thx..I appreciate the comment. A2 jackets are amazing. I have owned 4 so far. I would love a Goodwear someday.

 

[Davidjohn7]

Thx..I appreciate the comment. A2 jackets are amazing. I have owned 4 so far. I would love a Goodwear someday.

My next jacket wil be the great escape jacket made by John Chapman GW leather. I have to wait for a year but I don’t mind it will be worth the wait.

 

[bseal]

Thanks for the reply, what’s the difference between BK, GW and Eastman leather?

Mindset.

 

[Flightengineer]

Try the Dubow contracts, they have the most comfy arm holes.

 

[kev15]

I also received my BK, also feels small. Check the other Whats happening topic for more.

 

[Davidjohn7]

I’ve been breaking my one in last week or
So, and I have to say it feels pretty good. Give it time to break in.