Creation of the Flight Jackets

As early as World War I when airplanes had openair cockpits, pilots began seeking jackets to preserve warmth and comfort in the freezing temperatures of the open skies. Thus the origin of the famous “Bomber Jacket” or “Flight Jacket” was born.

Over the years, there have been many variations from the unofficial and popular early leather bomber jackets of 1915 through 1917 to later official military style bomber jackets such as the 1931 “A2 Bomber Jacket.”

Historically, pilots and crews grabbed whatever they could acquire because no specific or official coat was issued to address the nightmarish cold and weather conditions the pilots faced in world war I. Weighty long leather jackets quickly became popular with tight snug cuffs around the wrists, tight fit along the waists, and high collars to help protect from the cold. These are the design fundamentals that are at the heart of what today we commonly think of as a flight jacket or bomber jacket.

At the end of WWI, the United States army formed the Aviation Clothing Board and started distributing these warm leather jackets.

By the time WW II broke out, the US Air Corp was distributing the A-2 Bomber Jacket. The Navy and Marine Corp began distributing a similar jacket that was known as the G-1.

As airplane sophistication progressed throughout the war, planes were now flying at dramatically higher altitudes and much higher speeds. Temperatures inside these planes – often flying with open doors – plunged! And their stylish bomber jackets started 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 introduced the new age of the jet with its enclosed compartment and more attention needed to be paid to the warmth, comfort, and safety of the pilots. The B-15 Flight Jacket was constructed out of nylon and various synthetic materials to keep the pilot both warm and dry. The light weight and more flexible comfort 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 routinely find both the B-15 and the Leather MA1 Flight Jackets with and without the fur linings.

A traditional flight jacket or bomber jacket is considered both a stylish and practical item of apparel. Appropriate for a evening out on the town or a comfortable outdoor trip – and should be in every man’s closet.