Origin of the Bomber Jacket
As recently as World War I when airplanes had open compartments, pilots began seeking flight jackets to provide warmth and comfort in the cold temperatures of the open skies. Thus the start of the historical “Bomber Jacket” or “Flight Jacket” was born.
Over time, there have been many variations 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.”
Originally, pilots and crews used whatever they could acquire because no specific or official clothing was issued to address the extreme-hazardous cold and weather conditions the pilots encountered in world war I. Weighty long leather jackets rapidly became desired with tight snug cuffs around the wrists, tight fit around the waists, and high collars to help protect from the cold. These are the design principles that are at the heart of what today we commonly think of as being flight jacket or bomber jacket.
At the close of world war I, the United States army formed the Aviation Clothing Board and began distributing these warm leather jackets.
By the day WW II broke out, the US Air Corp was distributing the A-2 Bomber Jacket. The Navy and Marine Corp were issuing a similar jacket that became called the G-1.
As aircraft technology progressed durring the war, planes were now flying at significantly higher altitudes and much higher speeds. Temperatures inside these planes – often flying with open compartments – plunged! And our stylish bomber jackets began to give way to a much more practical jacket with a lining of wool or fur. These warmer 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 high-tech age of the jet with an 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 other synthetic materials to keep the pilot both warm and dry. The lighter weight and more flexible comfort was also appreciated. 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 collars.
A classic 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 practical outdoor excursion – and must be in every person’s closet.
Tags: alpha jacket, bomber jacket, field jacket, flight jacket