MA-1 recommendations?

[WolfofStateSt]

You make two good points here.
The first is that fit trumps all else. If it doesn’t look good then who cares who made it and what it cost.
The second is that not every jacket need to be fancy. It is nice to have a jacket or two that didn’t cost an arm and a leg or require a two year waitlist to acquire.
I have a blue MA-1 that I purchased from Gibson and Barnes a couple years ago. I ordered it with the Thinsulate insulation and it is super light and yet quite warm. When I got a stain on it at work, I wasn’t happy, but I also wasn’t as bummed as if it had been my Buzz Rickson

It pays to be more discerning regarding leather; cheap leather stands out like a sore thumb.

I’ve owned McCoy’s, Alpha, Rothco, and Vintage MA-1s, and I can not see a massive difference in the nylon. I bet most average people you will meet won’t either.

I have also learned to utilize the used market. I just ordered a vintage Monarch G-1 from the 50s, which was cheaper than the RMC MA-1, which cost me $600. I was surprised to see RMC MA-1s, new and used, running over a thousand.

Edit:
I wouldn’t spend more than a thousand dollars on anything other than high-quality leather.

But sometimes I get so caught up looking for the best, most accurate jackets that I forget they are just jackets. Hell, sometimes you get the original and realize the repros are improvements. I prefer the polyester knit collar of cheaper MA-1s to that of the original ones with wool collars I’ve tried.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Well I ended up going with another Alpha Industries MA-1 which was on sale, this time in Sage. I take it back, after trying all sorts of MA-1 the modern Alpha is my favorite. The sizing is great, and the materials don’t feel any worse than the Real McCoys I tried. It's much better than the Rothco I had. The Alpha MA-1 in Sage is still the King, at the price I don’t think RM or Buzz can compete.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

For reference this is the Alpha jacket, which I think fits perfectly and looks amazing.

 

[Fifty150]

I’ve owned McCoy’s, Alpha, Rothco, and Vintage MA-1s, and I can not see a massive difference in the nylon. I bet most average people you will meet won’t either.

I'm the average person. I'm not combing the interwebs for hours, trying to source the perfect vintage item. I'll buy whatever jacket is easily accessible. In my case, the jackets I own were from uniform issue. I didn't shop and buy it. I took whatever they handed me. And it looks like collection includes Alpha, Rothco, Spiewak, and Propper. All uniform supply contractors.

I'm wearing the jacket to be warm, and for a reasonable amount of resistance to wind and rain. All of the jackets seem to do that. The zippers haven't failed yet. The stitching hasn't unraveled. And the fit, to me, is fine. The tag says' XL, I put it on, I can move my arms, and it's not riding up my back. But that's me. I'm not concerned about how it looks, or comparing it to old photos of soldiers wearing the jackets. I'm not trying to get a certain "fit". I just need a functional fit.

On some very cold nights, I will wear it as a layering piece, under a heavier coat. For people wearing the jacket as a fashion item, it probably never gets worn as an intermediate layer. But it seems to work that way. The N-3B coats fit like they were made to be worn over an MA-1. I've got a leather coat that seems to fit perfectly for those winter motorcycle rides.


I think that when I look at my Alpha Industries and Rothco, side by side, the shell looks and feels different. Maybe the less expensive jacket is a lesser priced blend of polyester. That explains why a Rothco cost about 1/3rd of the price of an Alpha. But as for fit and function, both work exactly the same. When there's a wind and a light rain, I feel warm.

this is the Alpha jacket, which I think fits perfectly and looks amazing.

It looks good on you.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I'm the average person. I'm not combing the interwebs for hours, trying to source the perfect vintage item. I'll buy whatever jacket is easily accessible. In my case, the jackets I own were from uniform issue. I didn't shop and buy it. I took whatever they handed me. And it looks like collection includes Alpha, Rothco, Spiewak, and Propper. All uniform supply contractors.

I'm wearing the jacket to be warm, and for a reasonable amount of resistance to wind and rain. All of the jackets seem to do that. The zippers haven't failed yet. The stitching hasn't unraveled. And the fit, to me, is fine. The tag says' XL, I put it on, I can move my arms, and it's not riding up my back. But that's me. I'm not concerned about how it looks, or comparing it to old photos of soldiers wearing the jackets. I'm not trying to get a certain "fit". I just need a functional fit.

On some very cold nights, I will wear it as a layering piece, under a heavier coat. For people wearing the jacket as a fashion item, it probably never gets worn as an intermediate layer. But it seems to work that way. The N-3B coats fit like they were made to be worn over an MA-1. I've got a leather coat that seems to fit perfectly for those winter motorcycle rides.


I think that when I look at my Alpha Industries and Rothco, side by side, the shell looks and feels different. Maybe the less expensive jacket is a lesser priced blend of polyester. That explains why a Rothco cost about 1/3rd of the price of an Alpha. But as for fit and function, both work exactly the same. When there's a wind and a light rain, I feel warm.








It looks good on you.

Well I have combed the internet looking for the right jacket, with the intention that hopefully if I pick the right jackets now I will never have to buy new ones again barring significant and extenuating damage past regular wear and tear. I say the Alpha is the way to go and when it comes MA-1’s anything that costs more than $150 is in terrority of diminishing returns.

When it comes to N3B/N3As I have found the originals are significantly better than the repros, if you can find one in good shape.

It's with leather where the expensive and rare jackets truly shine.

 

[bn1966]

I have a military issue N-3B for the cold and an Alpha Civvy version for chilly weather

 

[Edward]

For reference this is the Alpha jacket, which I think fits perfectly and looks amazing.

Yes, good fit. It has that signature MA1 look: a little bulk, but not comically oversized. Spot on. I still want one, but I'm increasingly leaning in favour of a cheapie in case I don't take to it. Not that I think I wouldn't like it in the abstract, more that being a big guy in my early fifties with a shaved head, the MA1 can still carry certain associations.

 

[MrProper]

Not that I think I wouldn't like it in the abstract, more that being a big guy in my early fifties with a shaved head, the MA1 can still carry certain associations.

Those are exactly my concerns. In principle, I would like to have a jacket like that, but with my overall appearance, I would create associations that I don't want to create.
But perhaps with chinos and button-down shirts? Hm…

 

[tamoko]

I have a lot of original USAF nylon, from gray lined to BR William Gibson. As authentic, probably best fit early Alpha mil-spec MIL-J-8279C contract with crown zipper.

 

[bn1966]

Still wear MA1’s, tache and Baker Boy cap tone the look down a bit. I find a nylon B-15 is a happy compromise giving the practicality of the MA1 type without the ‘Skinhead’ / Doorman association sometimes attributed

 

[Fifty150]

increasingly leaning in favour of a cheapie in case I don't take to it

I have several cheapies. Alpha, Spiewak, and Rothco. They seem to work just fine for me. Good over insulating layers as a jacket. Fine under a top coat for harsher weather.


How will it look? How will it look on you? You won't know until you try it on. Try wearing it with Dr., Martens.

 

[Edward]

I have several cheapies. Alpha, Spiewak, and Rothco. They seem to work just fine for me. Good over insulating layers as a jacket. Fine under a top coat for harsher weather.


How will it look? How will it look on you? You won't know until you try it on. Try wearing it with Dr., Martens.

Ha, it's some of the DMs associations I don't want! Not had a pair of Docs since the 90s when I switched to military boots instead (cheaper and better built by 1996). PIcked up a couple of pairs of their shoes for the wife in a sale a few years ago, which lasted surprisingly well, to be fair. She got about seven years out of each pair, wearing them in rotation as her only shoes at the time.

 

[MrProper]

For reference this is the Alpha jacket, which I think fits perfectly and looks amazing.

What size did you buy? And which model? There's a slim and a heritage version. Item number, perhaps?
Thanks

 

[Technonut]

The Bronson has the same bulky look as the 50s originals (since it's a copy of the Rickson's), but with blend batting. The batting in the originals isn't the most practical thing either honestly, as much as I like mine.

I picked up a 50's Bronson B-15C from the classies recently, and have been pleased with it overall. The batting does give the jacket a bit of weight and bulk, but also was quite warm when the wind picked up and temps dropped in my neck of the woods a couple of days ago.

I never really have been into nylon jackets over the years, but the Bronson has opened my eyes to the warmth, comfort, and practicality... Enough so, that I began searching for a Bronson MA-1, only to find absolutely none available in my size...

Due to budget constraints, I searched my usual Chinese vendors, researched a bit over at VLJ, and found the Real Simons brand to be interesting. Their 50's MA-1 checked all of my boxes with the bonus (to me) of an upgraded, modern batting made from a double-layer of 60 gram 3M Thinsulate.

Ended-up purchasing the jacket on e-Bay the other day for about $170.00 USD shipped after negotiating with the seller:

Pardon Our Interruption...

I had the notion to start a thread covering cloth and nylon Chinese jackets, and may do so starting with the Bronson B-15C and Real Simons MA-1 when it arrives in a couple of weeks....

 

[raf]

For these and similar jackets with pencil pockets: https://www.amazon.com/Kutsuwa-HiLine-Assorted-Metallic-RB029/dp/B0D4QW72KN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2KTQRH3KCJIOH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.30d2e2RRt4Ik7LrYK91HJtE9uT_Vy4WXbgkoF7uBUs0jRIaIEN9B6CVxNMQTmxYvnMHOyLecdsa_oe8hEQAV0JhrWutvePi8yF4daZ9mDfC5PD22WafwqRiEpSVb2q9VzYemSupGwu_gPEfQ8ZKPo6xEwtS7mO3zzIuRcziBEuf_sgaIeM4iAaZfPwrSxR8bGhyXA6Fqn-f7kVlhNeGAb6O5wWjm4vP1lHa4DfyXw7yfypLU4LV6_NDncVKpSbpqtiJu6OQmOW98C9fxXBfz5m5GXZPX-Sxutf8iFaXpUEI.7NgvG4XppyspIBi2luWJrSAZ5HbopUWSovqEhdYREFY&dib_tag=se&keywords=metal+pencil+point+guards&qid=1763209145&sprefix=metal+pencil+point+guards,aps,121&sr=8-1#customerReviews

User reviews indicate that the slot on the side of the device can be compressed or expanded to grip the pencil appropriately.

 

[MrProper]

Those are exactly my concerns. In principle, I would like to have a jacket like that, but with my overall appearance, I would create associations that I don't want to create.
But perhaps with chinos and button-down shirts? Hm…

I've just ordered a few different models from Alpha and will take a look at them.

 

[Edward]

I picked up a 50's Bronson B-15C from the classies recently, and have been pleased with it overall. The batting does give the jacket a bit of weight and bulk, but also was quite warm when the wind picked up and temps dropped in my neck of the woods a couple of days ago.

I never really have been into nylon jackets over the years, but the Bronson has opened my eyes to the warmth, comfort, and practicality... Enough so, that I began searching for a Bronson MA-1, only to find absolutely none available in my size...

Due to budget constraints, I searched my usual Chinese vendors, researched a bit over at VLJ, and found the Real Simons brand to be interesting. Their 50's MA-1 checked all of my boxes with the bonus (to me) of an upgraded, modern batting made from a double-layer of 60 gram 3M Thinsulate.

Ended-up purchasing the jacket on e-Bay the other day for about $170.00 USD shipped after negotiating with the seller:

http://[URL]https://www.ebay.com/itm/406056060206?var=676375068271

[/URL]

I had the notion to start a thread covering cloth and nylon Chinese jackets, and may do so starting with the Bronson B-15C and Real Simons MA-1 when it arrives in a couple of weeks....

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Do, please, start a thread on this. There are a lot of us interested (particularly in sizing; as a 48 chest, I'm reliably a 2XL in the UK, sometimes XL in the US, but invariably a 4XL in China) in these, and it's very helpful to hear from experience which are and are not worth buying. As a rule, when it comes to milspec I like accuracy, however when it's an "invisible" ingredient - e.g. knits that look perfect (but might not be exactly wool), or the liner change you mention - that maintains the correct look in anything you can see (exterior shape, liner and shell look and feel), I'm very open, particularly at a more cost-effective price bracket.

 

[Technonut]

Enough so, that I began searching for a Bronson MA-1, only to find absolutely none available in my size...

Hmmm... Appears that Bronson has restocked all sizes of their MA-1 since I looked last week.. The price is a bit less than the Real Simons for those interested (Bronson's has the heavier but more authentic wool / poly batting):

1950s USAF Type MA-1 Flight Jacket

This is a reproduction of the first version MA-1 flight jacket, introduced in the 1950s and becoming the flight jacket of the US Air Force. This model is quite rare in the market. This MA-1 flight jacket is completely reproduced in the 1955 MA-1 flight jacket(SPEC. MIL-J-8279). It is made from a...

bronsonshop.com

Personally, I believe I'll prefer the Real Simon's 3M Thinsulate batting over the heavier wool / poly, and am liking the genuine maker's tag over Bronson's for certain..

 

[WolfofStateSt]

What size did you buy? And which model? There's a slim and a heritage version. Item number, perhaps?
Thanks

I got a size large in Sage, I think it was just a regular and not slim, although I used to have one of their slim fit in blue and that was cool too, it was a little more street wear though than heritage.

By far the best “bomber jacket” I can recommend is the Iron Heart L2B. I went on shopping spree and bought like five vintage and repro MA1/L2B and I found out of all of them, the best quality and fit was actually the modified version from Iron Heart.

It comes in a beautiful blue nylon. Idk, if it is still in stock, it came out last winter.

Best fit in the sleeves and the knits aren’t wool which is an improvement. I even owned a Real McCoys MA1 for a bit (i remember the fit was awful) and the collar was unbearably itchy, to the point that I always needed to wear a collared shirt underneath. I sold that jacket thank god.

The Alpha Industries MA-1 is good too, but I keep that one in the cabin for Deer Hunting Season, specifically cause I can reverse it when needed.

I have also come around on Bronson, I had one bad experience with them (I think their denim products are absolute ****) but I would not mind recommending their bomber jackets. I bought one of their Suka jackets in size 44 and it’s a nice fit and a good budget option. I am not spending $1,600 on a RMC Suka jacket, as nice as those are.

 

[MrProper]

I got a size large in Sage, I think it was just a regular and not slim, although I used to have one of their slim fit in blue and that was cool too, it was a little more street wear though than heritage.

By far the best “bomber jacket” I can recommend is the Iron Heart L2B. I went on shopping spree and bought like five vintage and repro MA1/L2B and I found out of all of them, the best quality and fit was actually the modified version from Iron Heart.

It comes in a beautiful blue nylon. Idk, if it is still in stock, it came out last winter.

Best fit in the sleeves and the knits aren’t wool which is an improvement. I even owned a Real McCoys MA1 for a bit (i remember the fit was awful) and the collar was unbearably itchy, to the point that I always needed to wear a collared shirt underneath. I sold that jacket thank god.

The Alpha Industries MA-1 is good too, but I keep that one in the cabin for Deer Hunting Season, specifically cause I can reverse it when needed.

I have also come around on Bronson, I had one bad experience with them (I think their denim products are absolute ****) but I would not mind recommending their bomber jackets. I bought one of their Suka jackets in size 44 and it’s a nice fit and a good budget option. I am not spending $1,600 on a RMC Suka jacket, as nice as those are.

Thank you very much.
What a shame. I ordered XL and **L from Alpha Industries. Both the slim and Heritage and CWU styles. Then they'll all be too big. But anyway, I'll wait until they arrive and let you know.