VLJ "WW2 Fit"

[ZuZu]

 

[mulceber]

Some text here might clarify the point you're trying to make with this picture, @ZuZu. Not meaning that as snark - I'd like to hear your argument.

 

[leper-colony]

 

[ZuZu]

Some text here might clarify the point you're trying to make with this picture, @ZuZu. Not meaning that as snark - I'd like to hear your argument.

I just thought this was a good example of what many here used to argue was the "WW2" fit- tight and not roomy. There was also the branch of that argument which held that fighter pilots liked tight jackets and bomber crews liked looser stuff. It's an endless argument- so basically yes I was just starting some shiistuff!

That being said I think many younger or hipper members do seem to like that tighter fit- as go suits so go the jackets. I think the actual WW2 fit was almost always looser than what's generally worn today- smaller upper bodies but also they had to actually use the jacket as outerwear. The arguments are endless- sorry!

 

[mulceber]

I tend to agree with you. Fit was all over the place, but looser was the norm. I'm not sure your impression that we all think ww2 fit = tight is correct though. Ever since I've been here, I've heard the phrase "wartime fit" thrown around now and again, and I pretty much always took it to mean baggy. Might just be me though.

 

[leper-colony]

Historically you can find fits of all types. Me? I tend to look at things from the historic context. Some others do the same. Others from a fashion POV. It does make "Does it fit?" questions intersting.

 

[Wz1999]

 

[mulceber]

I suppose all fits become accurate eventually - no way those jackets fit their owners the same way 20 years later.

 

[Nickb123]

The beauty in all this is that an example exists for all kinds of fits. To short sleeves (Stewart), oversized B-3s, tight, short, long, etc.

Honestly I think it’s liberating. Frees us from worrying too much about fit. Only rule should be “Does it make me feel good/decent while wearing”?

 

[ZuZu]

View attachment 103213

This photo actually pretty much illustrates what I think the most common WW2 fit was. If you notice almost none of the jackets- even zipped up all the way- almost none of the jackets exhibit the gathers and wrinkles in the chest which are the sign of a relatively form fitting A-2. Plenty of room in the chest- plenty of room for layers.

Just trolling the internet quickly I come up with the more modern fit with the corresponding gathers which show a relatively form fitting jacket:

 

[Pa12]

I doubt they had the opportunity to try a couple on when they were issued either. I’m picturing “size? Here you go. Next.”

 

[ZuZu]

I doubt they had the opportunity to try a couple on when they were issued either. I’m picturing “size? Here you go. Next.”

Actually I kind of think that the famous large photo posted by Wz belies that. In that photo 99% of the jackets are largish well fitting jackets. If you look at the Doolittle photos however your scenario makes sense. "Size?- oh sorry all we have is a bit small!"

 

[Pa12]

Actually I kind of think that the famous large photo posted by Wz belies that. In that photo 99% of the jackets are largish well fitting jackets. If you look at the Doolittle photos however your scenario makes sense. "Size?- oh sorry all we have is a bit small!"

Yes, I’m sure they didn’t just throw jackets at them, but once being measured for their uniforms they probably got as close as they could. And I remember getting uniforms at work. Ideas start spreading through the line up like”they’re tight, go up a size”.
Maybe the guys at the end got the best fit

 

[Pa12]

And I know which picture your referring too. Your eyes go straight to the poor bugger with 6 inches of arm showing. Haven’t seen it in awhile but as I recall he was pretty tall dude.

 

[Pa12]

Wasn’t there a picture floating around with stacks of A-2 jackets and they were handing them out like new folded shirts? Or was I dreaming.?

 

[ZuZu]

Wasn’t there a picture floating around with stacks of A-2 jackets and they were handing them out like new folded shirts? Or was I dreaming.?

Someone should find that picture. Maybe in the Life archives- I think there was a story on new AAF recruits- or was I dreaming?

 

[Pa12]

Damn. Don’t remember where I saw it but I distinctly remember the jackets being folded like new shirts. For some reason I expected them to be on hangars like suits.

 

[B-Man2]

 

[John Lever]

Also consider the size of people 80 years ago whole possibly grew up eating very differently to people today.

 

[Micawber]

I'm sure this has been discussed to the enth degree on here and elsewhere more than once before.
Young skinny guys got what they were given. Production line process not bespoke tailoring.

The jackets arrived in standard sizes contained in size marked boxes didn't they. A quick request to the guy receiving the items for size, backed up by a swift tape around the chest, grab a jacket from the appropriate stack and Bob's your uncle, one jacket. Quick try on maybe then "next"!

Production line process.