Leather Flying Jacket immediately invokes a picture of a cool, young Tom Cruise swaggering as he stated “I have the need for speed”.
But in reality, the leather flight jacket or also known as a bomber jacket dates back much further than that movie. The bomber jacket was made originally for the pilots during WW1 because they needed clothing that would keep them warm enough during flying. During this infancy stage of aviation, open cockpits and increasing altitudes created a need for clothing that helped the pilot stay warm and was functional. From this need, the first leather flying jacket was designed.
Features of this jacket include heavy duty leather, wrap around collars, snug cuffs and waistands and zip fasteners. Some were also lined with fur and fringed. This originally started in 1915 and the trend for flying jackets has continued from there. Leather flying jackets have numerous designs to choose from and some have names based on the type of aircraft or flight the pilots took.
The G-1, official flight jacket of the U.S.Navy and Marine Corp flyers had double gussets under each arm and bi-swing pleats in the shoulder extending down the back to a belted waist. This allowed for easier movement while in the cockpit. Another very famous jacket is the A-2 Flight Jacket made famous by the U.S. Army Airmen who wore them.
Time and fashions have moved forward, however Leather Flying Jackets have maintained their classic, cool look throughout the decades.
A Leather flying jacket is classic and will continue to be a symbol of a generation of men who displayed an extraordinary amount of bravery, independence and skill.