Creation Of The Popular Bomber Jackets
As recently as World War I when planes had openair compartments, pilots started seeking garments to provide warmth and comfort in the cold temperatures of the open skies. Thus the birth of the historical “Flight Jacket” was born.
Over the years, there have been many styles from the unofficial and popular early leather bomber jackets of 1915 through 1917 to later official military style 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 specific or official clothing was issued to address the nightmarish cold and weather conditions the pilots faced in world war I. Weighty long leather jackets quickly became popular 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 core of what historically we commonly think of as a Leather Bomber Jacket.
At the end of WW I, the United States army formed the Aviation Clothing Board and started distributing these mighty leather jackets.
By the day WW II broke out, the United States Air Corp was distributing the A-2 Bomber Jacket. The Navy and Marine Corp began issuing a similar jacket that was called the G-1.
As airplane technology developed durring the war, planes were now flying at dramatically higher altitudes and dramatically higher velocities. Temperatures inside these planes – often flying with open doors – plunged! And their 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 introduced the new age of the jet with an enclosed compartment and more attention needed to be focused on the warmth, comfort, and safety of the pilots. The B-15 Flight Jacket was constructed out of nylon and various synthetic materials to keep the pilot both warm and dry. The lighter weight and more flexible style was also appreciated. As jet technology continued to develop, the MA-1 jacket removed the fur linings because they interfered with the harness of the pilot’s parachute. Now, you can often find both the B-15 and the Leather MA1 Flight Jackets with and without the fur linings.
A classic Leather Bomber Jacket is considered both a stylish and practical piece of apparel. Suitable for a night out on the town or a practical outdoor excursion – and must be in every person’s closet.

Posted November 28, 2008
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