Knitted Cuffs

[edecarlo]

Hey there,

I'm new around here, and just out of total curiosity, I wanted to know everyones' opinions on knitted cuffs/waists on jackets. Now, I know Indy doesen't have either but I just wanted to see what everybody thought.

Thanks,

[GCR]

Well, I've always liked the look of the classic A-2, I just never much liked the look of them on me. They're still a pretty slick looking jacket, though.

[Havana]

I wore an A-2 for many years before switching to a Wested. I can say that knitted cuffs and waistbands do make a big difference depending on the weather. In cooler weather, they're great. In warmer weather, they can be a problem. They're also great if you ever ride a motorcycle. Indy style jackets just tend to blow up your back on a bike. Gibson and Barnes makes an A-2 - G1 hybrid jacket called the F-82 that combines the best of those two styles such as a traditional A-2 front with the bi-swing back of a G-1. I like to wear my Wested for most of the year and use my heavier A-2 for the cooler months or for riding.

[dougc]

My second favorite jacket of all time is the USAAC Type A1 (not the more popular A2 that most people go for). I mainly prefer it because of the Knit collar and more vintage looking buttons. But really it's the popped up knit collar. I like the A1 so much that I had Wested build me a Indy/A1 combo.





Doug C

[GCR]

Cool jacket, Doug!

[dougc]

Thanks, it's long gone now but I often miss it. Of course Wested could always make another, I paid extra for a pattern to be created...I would make some minor changes though. But back to the original subject of knits - I personally can't ever get used to the tightness around the waist on most of those jackets.

Doug C

[edecarlo]

Valid point Doug! I also feel that the waist (and sometimes the wrists) can be too tight. Also they keep alot of the heat in the jacket, which is nice in the winter but hellish in the summer