A leather flying jacket, aviator jacket, or bomber jacket. Retailers call them differently, but what I'm looking for is a G-1 military leather flight jacket with a mouton collar, worn by Maverick. With help from Wikipedia, I'd like to clear my head as to what kind of US aviation-style jackets are available and find out whether the "G-1" flight jacket is still the best one of all.
Five Branches of the US Military
Five Branches of the US Military. Why am I writing this? Like me, if you're not from USA, you may wonder why many flight jackets are "produced by US Navy" - jackets for flying is surely the Air Force? Is this something that every US citizen knows about? For me, it was certainly the first time to learn. So here it they are; the five branches of service in the USA are;
- Army - the largest, and the oldest branch established in 1775. The ground force.
- Navy - established later in 1775. Defender of the seas. Main supporter of the Air Force (uh-huh)
- Air Force - only officially established in 1947. To support US security through air and space exploitation. The main supporter of the army is providing air support during missions.
- Marines - first established under the Navy as a ground force element (=beaches), then separately re-established in 1798, moved more towards ground force operations. Still supported by the Navy for air & sea operations.
- Coast Guard - the smallest branch established in 1790. Conduct sea rescues and control illegal immigration by sea.
"Naval aviation is the application of military air power by navies, whether from warships that embark aircraft, or land bases." Yes, it does make sense now.
A-1 & A-2 Bomber Jackets
"A" series started in 1927. Short, waist-length leather jackets with two snap-flap patch pockets. The A-1 type had with buttoned front and later on A-2 with a zipper was produced. Webbing at the bottom to close out the air.
The colors were mostly by seal skin (dark brown to black) or russet (red-brown) but seal jackets were often dyed during the war to cover scuffing and discoloration. Early A-2 had a silk lining, which later on changed to cotton.
B-3 "Shearling" Bomber Jacket
This iconic, very popular jacket was developed during WWII. Made of genuine Shearling (wool that's not separate from the sheep's tanned skin) which kept the pilots warm.
The one on the right is available from Amazon, 100% sheepskin, waist can be tightened with buckles on the side.
G-1 Flight Jacket
So this is the Top Gun jacket. Along with the B-3 jacket, it's very popular to this date.
The US Navy started making it during WWII and still currently worn by US aviation officers, and is also available on the market to the public. Form fitted with a mouton collar, slightly longer waist with webbing at the bottom.
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B-10 & B-15 Jackets
B-10 jacket was also developed during WWII, the new jet aircraft could fly at much higher altitudes meaning colder temperatures. When wet from rain, as the pilot walked to his aircraft, or from perspiration, the water would freeze at high altitudes making the leather jacket cold and uncomfortable.
Also, cockpits were filled with new equipment therefore lightweight jackets, so speedy, unimpeded access became more critical for safety.
B-10 lasted 9 months and was replaced by B-15, without the shoulder strap.
MA-1 Bomber Jacket
Also known as the MA-1 Flight Jacket in many retailer sites, this replaced the B-15 jacket with a mouton fur collar with a simple crew collar. This style is widely available in a very cheap price range nowadays.
Although if you are thinking about getting an MA-1 jacket, I would strongly recommend a genuine version - there's an unquestionable difference in quality. I will slightly go off the rail and talk about nylon & polyester; broadly speaking nylon is a better quality. More weather-resistant, widely used for rain jackets & swimwear. Whereas polyester material is shinier, crispier (i.e. tackier), and not as warm as nylon.
N2B & N3B Jackets
N2B and N3B were developed in the 1950's for extremely cold climates, these are nylon jackets just like B-10/B15 and MA-1, but with a hood. N3B is longer in length than N2B.
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CWU-36 & CWU-45 Jackets
CWU series was developed in the 1970s, and to be honest I can't find the difference between the CWU series and N2B/N3B above, except that obviously they have a bit more modern look, tighter and bulkier (or should I say not as baggy as N2B/N3B), and have bigger front patch pockets. Nylon.
CWU-36 was for warm weather without the fluffy collar, and CWU-45 for colder weather as shown on the right.
Get A Leather Flight Jacket Now
Now leather Top Gun jackets - here are some that I've found.
Aviatrix Mens US Pilot Flying Antique Vintage Leather Jacket Bomber Air Force
A bit too many bright stickers? Could a middle-aged man wear this? - I would. This one's 100% leather, from Amazon for various sizes.
The Addition of Stickers and Patches
So why do some flight jackets have so many stickers and patches?
The trend started with military pilots who used patches to signify their squadron, rank, and achievements. Each patch serves as a visual record of the pilot's accomplishments and, over time, the patches became a form of, let's say, pride.
For many, the use of stickers on flight jackets represent something meaningful to the wearer. Whereas some purists believe that only military personnel should wear jackets with certain patches, as they signify real experiences.
This is a bit more like it, looks very shiny but genuine leather flight jacket.
ZR STYLE Top Gun Fighter Jet Pilot Brown Fur Cowhide Leather Jacket
Top Gun Replica - the same style of the collar and the sticker at the back says "FAR EAST CRUISE 63-4", just as the one he was wearing in the film... i.e. to tell the world you're a die-hard Top Gun fan by wearing this. I would have liked it with less stickers, personally.
Landing Leathers Men's Navy G-1 Leather Flight Bomber Jacket
This one is a plain conservative - great to wear it casually, or on top of the formal work suit on a cold day. (I think I saw this man in the photos above yesterday - wasn't he our photocopier engineer? Merely looked at it for 30 seconds and said "I'm gonna have to order the parts")
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Is G-1 Leather Flight Jacket The Best Of All?
This is what I originally wanted to find out but now I realise it's a ridiculous question. Instead, what I realise is I have identified the jackets that I own myself... I actually have G-1, B-3, MA-1 and CWU-45! All for many years and love them all. Nylon jackets are machine washable and leather ones look better with age.
What do you think? It'll be great if I can hear your opinions.
Hello Ray!
I have never been a military man but I love some of these jackets. I have a bomber jacket and had it for a few years now but now, when i see your page, I think I would go for B-3 “Shearling†or Tommy Hilfiger Cole Leather Jacket, Mulch. Especially the second one, it looks really great.
I see the price has been reduced to £227. Great price, it is pity that my size is not available. Great info, thanks!
Hi Igor, thanks for your comments! Wow you’re right, the price of Tommy Hilfiger has suddenly reduced to £227! Although sorry to hear that your size is not available… Thanks for checking!
Everyone’s ready for the early January sales now. I bet others will follow to reduce the prices in the next couple of days too (hopefully!). Yes the Shearling jacket has a classy look and I like it too.
Thanks again for stopping by!
Ray
Greetings Raymundo. I’m a fan of a leather jacket. Not fan of nylon or other materials.
The reason here is because with leather, it gives that shiny look. A reflective appearance I would say.
That being said as my personal preference, I do realize nylon and other materials provides an exceptional feel.
What I mean is the different experience of warmth when wearing it. Very in depth post, man. Cheers. – Tar
Hi Tar, thanks for your comment. Yes a leather jacket indeed gives a reflective appearance. If anyone asked me “leather or nylon?” then I’d definitely choose leather over nylon, so I agree with you. People have said to me “That’s a nice jacket, where did you get it from?” for my leather jacket, but never for nylons, so that’s said!
Thanks again for stopping by.
Ray
Hi Ray
I love these jackets. I had one a long time ago and just reading about these jackets here just stirred the juices in me to buy another one.
I personally would go for a genuine MA 1 bomber jacket. I like the simplicity and find that it worked perfectly to protect me from the chills during the winter months in my country.
Are these available at the Amazon uk store only ?
Thanks and Take Care
Roopesh
Hi Roopesh,Thanks for your comments – I like MA-1 jackets too, they keep you certainly very warm, in fact very light yet too warm, I can’t wear these until the mid-winter. A lot of military jackets are available from Amazon worldwide. Especially Alpha Industries are US based company but have branches all over the world, the quality of jackets and coats they produce is first class.Thanks again for stopping by.Ray
Hi Raymundo. Nice selection of jackets. I guess they are all men jackets? for me, B-3 is the nicest. I have 2 questions for you: How much cold weather the jackets can keep someone warm? I’m from Canada and the temperature in winter can go as below as -40 degrees Celsius. Why the prices are in pound sterling? Just curious. Thanks for the info.
Hi Mona,Thanks for your comments – yes B-3 jacket seems to be very popular as well as G-1. I’m sorry to have confused you, the site was originally intended for UK readers, so the clothes I’m choosing still tend to be from the UK retailers, hence prices are in UK Sterling… but of course I’m welcoming everyone & anyone from the world!In fact this particular article was about the US military jackets, but flying jackets worn by UK Royal Air Force pilots in war time were predominantly B-3 style. I’ve read that the “Shearling” jacket was very warm when it came out in 1940’s that, in the extremely cold weather it was worn on top of the A-2 style jacket at the time. Funny you should mention about the warmth of the jackets… To be perfectly honest, the B-3 style jacket that I own for many years – is not warm! I just checked the label and, to my amazement it is a real sheepskin. I wouldn’t wear this one if the temperature here in the UK was say, 5 Celsius, it’s not warm enough. So it’s hard to say! Wow, -40c is beyond imagination (I’ve never experienced!), I guess your body gets used to the climate you are in, but I hope you’re keeping warm in this festive season.Best Wishes,Ray
Thanks on your review on life jacket. It was much informative on the various kinds of life jackets.
Also thanks for elaborating more on the various kinds of government in the military and their different purposes and duties, it was much appreciated and i hope to read more of your reviews
Thanks for your comments! Initially I only wanted to find out about these jackets because “they look good”, never expected to learn the production timeline of each flight jacket. I’d actually like to learn more about deeper history and episodes relating to each jacket (if anyone has a suggestion as to where to look or who to ask, I’ll be grateful!)
Thank you for stopping by – do visit again!
Am interested in clothing and I used to collect all kinds of jackets that suit me. When comparing all the jackets I can surely say that the flights are one of the best designs ever. It always has a different look and I feel comfortable to wear it. The above article helped me to get more idea about the flight jackets that are available in today’s market. Gonna get it soon.
Thanks Adten for your comment, yes I do agree. I like the masculinity that flight jackets have, and the fact that because of the bold existence you don’t have to co-ordinate so hard. Thanks for stopping by, I like your website too.
Black B3 bomber jacket, I love this one. It’s a kind of jacket I want to wear throughout the winter.
Nice comprehensive list. Bomber and Denim Mens Leather Jacket is so popular in every generation.
Thanks Henry, I appreciate your comment!
i want to buy these Bomber Flight Jackets
Hi, I got a Tom Gun style jacket for my husband for his birthday and he LOVES it. I can’t believe 40+ years old man is allowed to wear something like that, but he actually looks ok in it. I’m pleased.
Also known as the MA-1 Flight Jacket in many retailer sites, this replaced B-15 jacket with a mouton fur collar with a simple crew collar. This style is widely available in very cheap price range nowadays.
Thanks for the info Eric, I appreciate it!
Cool Blog, Love Nick Jonas really a fashion super star most especially Nick Jonas Bomber Jacket rocks. Do you have any?
No, I love him too but I wouldn’t wear a jacket with his face on it if I were you!
Dude loved this blog, I basically become a fan boy any content about real leather bomber jackets.
Great! Good luck to you for finding the most suitable one for you. Thanks for your comment.
Cool Blog, When I was a kid the Loony toons were my friends. The as a tribute I just bought a custom made Bomber Jacket.
Good for you! Thanks for your comment!
Nice Blog, You’re very inspiring please keep sharing. I love leather flight jackets.
Nice blog bro ! Men B3 Black Jacket also at Usa Leather jackets