As recently as World War I when airplanes had open cockpits, pilots started seeking garments to preserve warmth and comfort in the freezing temperatures of the open skies. Thus the start of the famous “Bomber Jacket” or “Flight Jacket” was born.

Over time, there have been many variations 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.”

Originally, pilots and crews wore whatever they could find because no formal or official clothing was issued to handle the extreme-hazardous cold and weather environments the pilots encountered in world war I. Heavy long leather jackets quickly became desired with tight snug cuffs around the wrists, tight fit along the waists, and high collars to help protect from the cold. These are the design fundamentals that are at the heart of what traditionally we commonly perceive of as a flight jacket or bomber jacket.

At the close of world war I, the US army formed the Aviation Clothing Board and began distributing these comfortable leather jackets.

By the time WWII broke out, the United States Air Corp was distributing the A-2 Bomber Jacket. The Navy and Marine Corp were issued a similar jacket that was called the G-1.

As aircraft sophistication developed durring the war, planes were now flying at dramatically higher altitudes and dramatically higher speeds. Temperatures inside these planes – often flying with open compartments – plunged! And the stylish bomber jackets began to give way to a much more practical jacket with a lining of wool or fur. These new jackets were popularized by the B3 Bomber Flight Jacket, a large wool and fur lined jacket with large cargo pockets.

Ground personnel and flight crews quickly 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 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 light weight and more flexible design was also welcomed. As jet technology continued to develop, the MA-1 jacket removed its fur linings because they interfered with the harness of the pilot’s parachute. Now, you can routinely find both the B-15 and the Leather MA1 Flight Jackets with and without the fur collars.

A traditional flight jacket or bomber jacket is considered both a stylish and practical item of clothing. Appropriate for a night out on the town or a comfortable outdoor excursion – and ought to be in every man’s closet.