Origin Of The Popular Bomber Jacket
By tk | December 1, 2008
As early as World War I when planes had open compartments, pilots started seeking garments to preserve warmth and comfort in the harsh temperatures of the open skies. Thus the start of the famous “Field Jacket” was born.
Over time, there have been many variations 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 nightmarish cold and weather conditions the pilots encountered in world war I. Weighty long leather jackets quickly 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 fundamentals that are at the heart of what traditionally we commonly think of as a Leather Flight Jacket.
At the conclusion of WWI, the US army started the Aviation Clothing Board and began distributing these warm leather jackets.
By the day WWII broke out, the US Air Corp was distributing the A-2 Bomber Jacket. The Navy and Marine Corp were issued a similar jacket that became called the G-1.
As airplane technology progressed throughout the war, planes were now flying at significantly higher altitudes and dramatically higher velocities. Temperatures inside these aircraft – often flying with open doors – fell! And their stylish bomber jackets began 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 an enclosed compartment and now attention needed to be paid to the warmth, comfort, and safety of the pilots. The B-15 Flight Jacket was designed out of nylon and other synthetic materials to keep the pilot both warm and dry. The light weight and more flexible design was also appreciated. 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 routinely find both the B-15 and the Leather MA1 Flight Jackets with and without the fur linings.
A traditional Leather Flight Jacket is considered both a stylish and practical item of clothing. Appropriate for a night out on the town or a comfortable outdoor excursion – and should be in every person’s closet.
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