As early as World War I when planes had open compartments, pilots began seeking garments to provide warmth and comfort in the cold temperatures of the open skies. Thus the origin of the historical “Field Jacket” was born.
Over the years, there have been many designs from the unofficial and popular early leather bomber jackets of 1915 through 1917 to later official military issue bomber jackets such as the 1931 “A2 Bomber Jacket.”
Originally, pilots and crews [grabbed|used|wore[/spin] whatever they could [acquire|find[/spin] because no formal or official jacket was issued to handle the extreme-hazardous cold and weather environments the pilots encountered in world war I. Heavy long leather jackets rapidly became popular with tight snug cuffs around the wrists, tight fit around the waists, and warm collars to help protect from the cold. These are the design fundamentals that are at the essence of what historically we commonly perceive of as a Leather Flight Jacket.
At the end of world war I, the US army started the Aviation Clothing Board and began distributing these heavy leather jackets.
By the day World War II broke out, the US Air Corp was distributing the A-2 Bomber Jacket. The Navy and Marine Corp began issuing a similar jacket that became known as the G-1.
As aircraft sophistication developed throughout the war, airplanes were now flying at dramatically higher altitudes and much higher velocities. Temperatures inside these planes – often flying with open doors – fell! And our stylish bomber jackets began to give way to a much warmer jacket with a lining of wool or fur. These new jackets were popularized by the B3 Bomber Flight Jacket, a large wool and fur lined jacket with large cargo pockets.
Ground personnel and flight crews soon adopted the pilot’s B3 Bomber Jacket, and the new B7 Flight Jacket became the popular rage.
A decade later saw the high-tech age of the jet with its enclosed compartment and more attention needed to be focused on the warmth, comfort, and safety of the pilots. The B-15 Flight Jacket was constructed out of nylon and other synthetic materials to keep the pilot both warm and dry. The lighter weight and more flexible design was also welcomed. As jet technology continued to develop, the MA-1 jacket removed its fur collars because they interfered with the harness of the pilot’s parachute. Today, you can often find both the B-15 and the Leather MA1 Flight Jackets with and without the fur collars.
A classic Leather Flight Jacket is considered both a stylish and practical piece of apparel. Suitable for a night out on the town or a comfortable outdoor trip – and should be in every person’s closet.
