Club Obi Wan

I am considering a G&B Expedition in goat as a "rough" jacket but I can't make head or tail of the sizing information given on the Flightsuits website. I am a tall and thin guy (6'3", about 160 lbs, longish arms). My other jackets (Westeds) are 42s, but they are generously roomy in that size, so I suspect that a size 40 might be an appropriate alternative.

So, can anyone with Expeditions in either 40T or 42T help me out with the following measurements: Back length (collar seam to lower back), sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff) and pit-to-pit measurements? Any other characteristics worth mentioning? (eg. generally roomy for their size, etc.)

Thanks!

I havn't ordered one, but from what I read call G&B, they are really nice and helpful. I also read order one size down. I want one, but funds arre not available right now, so all in good time, good luck.

Hi,

I'm just under 6 feet two and 185 pounds. A 42 T is perfect. A smaller size would not fit.

Ring G&B and ask them for your best fit.

I wouldn't go down in size either, stay with 42. Again, your best bet is to call or email G&B.

Note, while I have mentioned 42" jackets here, my actual chest measurement is less now than when I bought them - about 39" - which is why I describe my old jackets as generously roomy these days.

I wrote Jessica at G&B and she replied:

Jessica @ G&B wrote:Off hand, I would put you in a 40T just based on your chest and height.

The finished measurements for the 40T are:
Chest- 51
Sleeve-35
Neck-waist- 26 ½

For a 42T:
Chest- 53
Sleeve- 35 ½
Neck-waist- 26 ¾

The leather jackets finish much larger to allow for movement, clothing and ease.

But what do those chest measurements correspond to?? If anything, they seem to be in the same range as European-style sizing numbers (where 40 -> 50, 42 -> 52, etc.). But if that is so, why doesn't the 40T jacket have a 50 chest? Or do the numbers represent something entirely different?

Can't anyone help me out with sleeve length measurements (shoulder seam to cuff) for these sizes?

Jens_Hoppe wrote:Note, while I have mentioned 42" jackets here, my actual chest measurement is less now than when I bought them - about 39" - which is why I describe my old jackets as generously roomy these days.

I wrote Jessica at G&B and she replied:

Jessica @ G&B wrote:Off hand, I would put you in a 40T just based on your chest and height.

The finished measurements for the 40T are:
Chest- 51
Sleeve-35
Neck-waist- 26 ½

For a 42T:
Chest- 53
Sleeve- 35 ½
Neck-waist- 26 ¾

The leather jackets finish much larger to allow for movement, clothing and ease.

But what do those chest measurements correspond to?? If anything, they seem to be in the same range as European-style sizing numbers (where 40 -> 50, 42 -> 52, etc.). But if that is so, why doesn't the 40T jacket have a 50 chest? Or do the numbers represent something entirely different?

Can't anyone help me out with sleeve length measurements (shoulder seam to cuff) for these sizes?

I guess go with the 40T then. I don't know about the chest, ask her to clarify on that. I would write back to Jessica and ask her what the sleeve is from the shoulder seam. I know they do that when you call, so I'd believe they'd do it if you email.

Wow, a size 40 G&B is actually bigger than a Wested size 46!!

I knew the G&B jackets ran big for their size, but thats HUGE!

Its even bigger than a US Wings size large, and those run big also.

Flathead

I was wearing my size 40R Expedition just now when I read this, so I took it off, zipped it, and measured armpit-to-armpit.
Still 23.5 inches. So, mine is 47 inches around. Big for a 40 perhaps, closer to a 42, but certainly not 51 inches.
Surely the 40T isn't that much bigger? Might be some mistake.
I must add, the size is just perfect for me. The jacket sits nicely on my shoulders, and slips on and off so easily.

I am not sure whether those chest width numbers represent what you expect - as you say, it would make those jackets absolutely huge. The numbers correspond well with (continental?) European size numbers, where US 42 = euro 52, but whether that's the intended interpretation (or indeed, what those euro numbers actually represent), I just don't know. I've written Jessica again, asking for a clarification. I'll let you know.

Jessica said the numbers were finished measurements. That means what the jackets actually
measure when they are completely assembled, sewn together, and ready to sell.

If she says the finished chest measurement on the size 40T is 51 inches, that means the actual
jacket, when laid flat, and measured across the chest from armpit to armpit, will measure
25.5 inches.

I don't think it really has anything to do with whether a size 42 US is equiv to a size 52 euro, since she also
states what the finished sleeve and back length measurements are in inches also.

They are just actual measurements in inches of garments that have been completed and are
ready to sell.

Flathead

FLATHEAD wrote:If she says the finished chest measurement on the size 40T is 51 inches, that means the actual
jacket, when laid flat, and measured across the chest from armpit to armpit, will measure 25.5 inches.

You might be right. In that case, of course, the jacket is outrageously wide for its nominal size.

My Wested 42 reg is almost identical in size to my G&B 42 T. The size always leaves a few inches of room so you don't feel like a condom full of wallnuts...

G&B runs pretty true to size from all I have heard.

CM wrote:My Wested 42 reg is almost identical in size to my G&B 42 T. The size always leaves a few inches of room so you don't feel like a condom full of wallnuts...

G&B runs pretty true to size from all I have heard.

True but it falls more off the shoulder. Depends on if you like that look or not. I didn't mind until I got my Wested.

JC1972 wrote:

CM wrote:My Wested 42 reg is almost identical in size to my G&B 42 T. The size always leaves a few inches of room so you don't feel like a condom full of wallnuts...

G&B runs pretty true to size from all I have heard.

True but it falls more off the shoulder. Depends on if you like that look or not. I didn't mind until I got my Wested.

Droop at the shoulder is part of the I-J jacket look.

Couldn't one just order a size smaller or a Custom sized G+B for a tighter feel? I know they don't alter their pattern but I thought you could order custom to your size?

RCSignals wrote:

JC1972 wrote:

CM wrote:My Wested 42 reg is almost identical in size to my G&B 42 T. The size always leaves a few inches of room so you don't feel like a condom full of wallnuts...

G&B runs pretty true to size from all I have heard.

True but it falls more off the shoulder. Depends on if you like that look or not. I didn't mind until I got my Wested.

Droop at the shoulder is part of the I-J jacket look.

Couldn't one just order a size smaller or a Custom sized G+B for a tighter feel? I know they don't alter their pattern but I thought you could order custom to your size?

Yeah but there was too much droop. And no, G&B does not do customs, even for sizing.

My G&B only droops the way it does in the film - not too much. As I said the fit is not much different to my Wested - in all areas. I do have wide shoulders, so that may impact. Overall I would say the G&B is the best cut leather jacket I have and I have owned more than I can remember (non-Indy's). It sits on the torso with more "confidence" but it is an intangable quality.

My G&B fell more off the shoulder than the Wested, so it seemed to have more of a sloppy look to it.

JC1972 wrote:My G&B fell more off the shoulder than the Wested, so it seemed to have more of a sloppy look to it.

Out of curiosity, how long is the shoulder of each?

Well, Flathead's right! An Expedition seems to be cut wide:

Jessica @ G&B wrote:The chest measurements I gave are the finished measurements in inches of the circumference of the jacket.

For the 40T the sleeve length from shoulder is 25 ¾” and from arm-pit to arm-pit it measures 25 ¼”

(emphasis mine)

10.5" of free room?

Why not get a Magnoli JH? Sounds like the cut wide, overly large G&B may not be your thing. My G&B must be the only one cut trim. My 42T is 24 inches across the chest, my 42 wested LC is 23.5.

CM wrote:My G&B must be the only one cut trim. My 42T is 24 inches across the chest, my 42 wested LC is 23.5.

Yeah, that does sound more reasonable. Both my 42 Westeds are 23" across.

I will take a look at Magnoli's offerings. Would you say they are as sturdy as G&Bs are supposed to be?

Jens_Hoppe wrote:

CM wrote:My G&B must be the only one cut trim. My 42T is 24 inches across the chest, my 42 wested LC is 23.5.

Yeah, that does sound more reasonable. Both my 42 Westeds are 23" across.

I will take a look at Magnoli's offerings. Would you say they are as sturdy as G&Bs are supposed to be?

That I can't say but he has an excellent reputation for quality. I am thinking of getting his Open Road jacket which is a 1950's inspired short leather jacket like Sears used to put out.

SOme of the guys here think he's pretty darn good. Check out his website, it's brilliant.

Heck, he's almost 'local' to you, CM, him being located in New Zealand!

Regards! Michaelson

Mark Moye (Aero's US rep) was selling a 44R G&B on his ebay store recently, which is where I grabbed these pics. I have a 44T, and the measurements to his are quite close:

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll10 ... 219699.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll10 ... 219700.jpg
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll10 ... 219701.jpg

Thread revival...

I'm going to purchase a G&B this fall and I'm having trouble deciding between a 42R & 44R. I have a different coat at home (size L) that fits great. I'd like to figure out which expo is closest to the jacket I own. I'm going to give them a call on Monday, but in the mean time, would anybody mind measuring their 42's or 44's? Looking for shoulder to shoulder, pit to pit, and shoulder seem to the cuff (straight line). Many thanks in advance!

V/R,
DLJ

A couple years ago, I bought a G&B Expo in 44R and was surprised to find it so big (I usually get a 44R for all my other Indy jackets). I ended up returning it. The 42R would probably be a better fit.

I have a G&B 42R and it measured 20 inches across shoulder to shoulder. 25.75 inches pit to pit. 24 inch from shoulder seam to cuff and 21.5 inches at the bottom across. The back of the collor to the bottom is 25 inches. I'm 6ft. 180lbs and my usual size is a 42 and this jacket is a perfect fit. I hope this helps.

tmurph wrote:I have a G&B 42R and it measured 20 inches across shoulder to shoulder. 25.75 inches pit to pit. 24 inch from shoulder seam to cuff and 21.5 inches at the bottom across. The back of the collor to the bottom is 25 inches. I'm 6ft. 180lbs and my usual size is a 42 and this jacket is a perfect fit. I hope this helps.

Awesome stuff - many thanks! BTW, welcome to COW. You won't get addicted...trust me.

Thank you for the welcome and I already got addicted. I never would have found that jacket if it wasn't for the people on this site. so thanks to everyone for that.

I talked to Jessica at G&B and she gave me the finished jacket dimensions for a 42R & 44R. Thought it wouldn't hurt to post them.

42R:
Chest - 53"
Waist - 46.5"
Sleeve - 34.5" (+ approx. 2" for the cuff) = total sleeve length of 36.5"
Collar to waist - 25.25" (+ approx. 1" cuff) = 26.25" total length
Shoulder - 20.5"

44R:
Chest - 55"
Waist - 48.5"
Sleeve - 37" (Total sleeve length)
Collar to waist - 26.5" Total length
Shoulder - 21"

Excellent work! Many thanks for posting this. Cheers -- Lao Feng

Lao Feng wrote:Excellent work! Many thanks for posting this. Cheers -- Lao Feng

No worries brother!

And for those of us who are a long way out of shape, I found that doing a few push-ups before getting in the shower did a surprising job of (re)developing the shoulders. Started out struggling to make 20 and just kept at it until I was able to do 50 without pain. I guess I should get back to that again...

LJ

Long John Tinfoil wrote:And for those of us who are a long way out of shape, I found that doing a few push-ups before getting in the shower did a surprising job of (re)developing the shoulders. Started out struggling to make 20 and just kept at it until I was able to do 50 without pain. I guess I should get back to that again...

LJ

Nah... I agree with Henry Ford on exercise - if you're healthy you don't need to do it, and if you're not, you shouldn't do it.

All I'll say is that my physique often reminds people of the movie "Twins". Apparently I have the same build as one of the stars.

LJ

Long John Tinfoil wrote:All I'll say is that my physique often reminds people of the movie "Twins". Apparently I have the same build as one of the stars.

LJ

Nice!

_ wrote:I got the impression he may have meant DeVito...

Oh...
Well that's nice too.