Background of the Flight Jackets

As recently as World War I when airplanes had openair cockpits, pilots began seeking attire to provide warmth and comfort in the bitter temperatures of the open skies. Thus the start of the legendary “Bomber Jacket” or “Flight Jacket” was born.

Over time, there have been many styles from the unofficial and popular early leather bomber jackets of 1915 through 1917 to subsequent official military issue bomber jackets such as the 1931 “A2 Bomber Jacket.”

Historically, pilots and crews used whatever they could acquire because no formal or official coat was issued to handle the extreme-hazardous cold and weather conditions the pilots faced in world war I. Weighty long leather jackets quickly became desired 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 heart of what traditionally we commonly perceive of as being flight jacket or bomber jacket.

At the end of WWI, the US army created the Aviation Clothing Board and began distributing these mighty leather jackets.

By the day WWII 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 called the G-1.

As airplane technology progressed durring the war, airplanes were now flying at dramatically higher altitudes and much higher speeds. Temperatures inside these planes – often flying with open compartments – plummeted! And their stylish bomber jackets started to give way to a much more practical 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 crew and flight crews quickly adopted the pilot’s B3 Bomber Jacket, and the new B7 Flight Jacket became the instant rage.

A decade later introduced the new age of the jet with its enclosed compartment and now 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 other synthetic materials to keep the pilot both warm and dry. The lighter weight and more flexible style was also welcomed. As jet technology continued to develop, the MA-1 jacket removed its fur linings 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 functional flight jacket or bomber jacket is considered both a stylish and practical item of clothing. Suitable for a evening out on the town or a comfortable outdoor excursion – and should be in every person’s closet.