Department of Defense and quickly became a respected name in military apparel in the U.S. Its function was to increase pilots’ visibility in the event of a plane crash, so pilots could reverse their jacket and be more easily found by rescue teams.Īlpha Industries began manufacturing military outerwear in the ‘60s through contracts with the U.S. The bright orange lining, now a signature detail of the women's bomber jacket, first appeared in the design of the MA-1. The olive bomber jackets allowed for better camouflage on the ground over the navy bomber jackets previously used. Though it originally appeared in midnight blue, the MA-1 became predominantly made in sage green (or olive) during the Korean and Vietnam wars. This allowed for a more lightweight jacket that could be worn in warmer weather. military in 1949, the MA-1 flight jacket featured updated specs such as a wool knit collar, to replace the B-15’s fur, and high-quality nylon and polyester. It also featured a mouton fur collar and oxygen mask straps, two design details that didn’t make it to later versions, and a sleeve pen pocket, a design detail that did.įinally, the B-15 became the blueprint for the most iconic bomber jacket design: the MA-1.įirst created by Dobbs Industries ( Alpha Industries’ predecessor ) in 1948 and introduced to the U.S. The B-15 flight jacket was introduced in the ‘40s, with wool-knit cuffs and an outer shell made of nylon or a cotton-rayon blend. Pictured above, the B-3 was one of these low-temperature models, lined with thick shearling.įlight jacket models grew more and more innovative in both style and materials. The A-1 soon gave way to the A-2 in the ‘30s, which switched out the buttons for a more secure zip closure and featured a fold-down collar, inspiring a vintage and instantly recognizable silhouette.ĭuring World War II, technological advancement allowed planes to fly faster and at higher altitudes, which brought the need for even warmer pilot jackets. It also featured a button closure and flap pockets. Specs for the A-1 included a knit waistband and cuffs for better insulation, and was often made of horsehide, sheepskin, or goatskin leather. In 1927, the US Army produced the first standard flight jacket: type A-1. What we know as the bomber jacket today likely got its name from these aircrafts and their pilots. The first pilot bomber jackets were made of leather and fur, both highly insulating materials that were well-suited to the cold, open-air cockpits of WWI bomber planes. In World War I, aerial bombing was a common war strategy, especially in Europe, which led to the development of bomber aircraft and the training of fighter pilots – known as “aces” – to carry out strategic bombing raids. But how was the classic bomber jacket created, and why has its fashion appeal endured for decades? In this post, we’ll take you through the history of the bomber jacket, including a closer look at design variations, some little-known facts, and its place in the Alpha Industries’ legacy. Whether you need a bomber winter jacket for low temperatures, a lightweight layer for spring, or a military-style sherpa jacket, there’s no denying that a good bomber is a wardrobe must-have.
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