Hm...Contemplating a Pilot Jacket

[kl884347]

Seeing as how planes, trains, and automobiles go with watches...

I've always wanted an A2 jacket after the movie, The Right Stuff, came out. I managed to get a few pairs of Randolph Engineering sunglasses (it was either that or American Optical) and that was relatively easy. Of course google brought me to The Fedora Lounge and from there people mentioned the Vintage Leather Jackets forum. It's like a whole 'nother world when it comes to research, details, and pricing.

I thought I'd ask here if anyone has experience and guidance as this seems like a great low-key, friendly place to start. Basically wondering about:
1. Companies - good and ones to avoid. (You read a lot about custom jackets and some really unkind dealers and people waiting years to get theirs)
2. Material - Goat vs Horse vs....? I have an old really beat up Schott A2-ish jacket and the leather was kind of thin. When my son was in high school JROTC the Air Force guy had one and it seemed so much thicker and it hadn't worn in yet so it almost seemed pleatherish.
3. Color - Russet vs Seal vs...? I really like the color of the jackets from the movie.

Thanks!!!

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[The Sultan of SoWhat]

Seeing as how planes, trains, and automobiles go with watches...

I've always wanted an A2 jacket after the movie, The Right Stuff, came out. I managed to get a few pairs of Randolph Engineering sunglasses (it was either that or American Optical) and that was relatively easy. Of course google brought me to The Fedora Lounge and from there people mentioned the Vintage Leather Jackets forum. It's like a whole 'nother world when it comes to research, details, and pricing.

I thought I'd ask here if anyone has experience and guidance as this seems like a great low-key, friendly place to start. Basically wondering about:
1. Companies - good and ones to avoid. (You read a lot about custom jackets and some really unkind dealers and people waiting years to get theirs)
2. Material - Goat vs Horse vs....? I have an old really beat up Schott A2-ish jacket and the leather was kind of thin. When my son was in high school JROTC the Air Force guy had one and it seemed so much thicker and it hadn't worn in yet so it almost seemed pleatherish.
3. Color - Russet vs Seal vs...? I really like the color of the jackets from the movie.

Thanks!!!

unnamed.jpg

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First Step:

Get a plane.

[kl884347]

Doh! Now that's pretty good.

[AndroidIsAwesome]

I won't be very much help, but I bought a used Armani sheepskin leather jacket which is a similar style. Mine is an extremely close model to another Armani jacket that James bond had in casino royale. Although the movie one sells for around $10k, and mine was around $1300. The leather on mine is extremely soft and comfortable though.

Some other brands in general would be barbour or belstaff although I'm not sure if either offer leather jackets like that.

Here's my Armani:



Vs the movie: