The current A-2s are now made of smaller leather parts. I think the back is now a triple construction instead of a double one as before.

The site I posted a link that says something along those lines, I’d imagine three pieces allow a greater degree of flexibility (especially with certain arm movements…a weak spot with stiff leather coats) and comfort, something important if you’re wearing them for a long period of time in a cockpit.

As far as sizes, we have my father’s WWII A-2. He was tall for the time 5’10″…and I haven’t been able to wear it since I was in high school (and not because I’m fat, just larger at 6’3″). So it sounds like when they redesigned the current issue A-2, they took lessons from the 1987 re-issue which was largely unchanged in design from the WWII item.