History of the Bomber Jacket
Sunday, November 30th, 2008As early as World War I when planes had open cockpits, pilots began seeking garments to preserve warmth and comfort in the bitter temperatures of the open skies. Thus the birth of the historical “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 grabbed whatever they could find because no specific or official jacket was issued to address the extreme-hazardous cold and weather conditions the pilots faced 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 fundamentals that are at the core of what historically we commonly perceive of as being flight jacket or bomber jacket.
At the close of WWI, the United States army started the Aviation Clothing Board and started distributing these comfortable leather jackets.
By the time World War 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 technology developed throughout the war, airplanes were now flying at dramatically higher altitudes and radically higher velocities. Temperatures inside these planes – often flying with open doors – plummeted! And the stylish bomber jackets started to give way to a much warmer 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 crew and flight crews soon adopted the pilot’s B3 Bomber Jacket, and the new B7 Flight Jacket became the popular rage.
A decade later saw the high-tech 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 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 collars 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 linings.
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 practical outdoor excursion – and ought to be in every man’s closet.