A-1 Jacket / A1 Flying Jacket - The ultimate Golden Era flying accessory!

[xt40]

And A-1's are hot right now.

and after only 80 years, too. practically an overnight success.

 

[ButteMT61]

lol
Look at the growth of this thread in just a few weeks.
Overnight indeed, but better late than never

 

[Fletch]

and after only 80 years, too. practically an overnight success.

It took the intertoobz, you know. Before this they were a closely kept secret. Mfrs would make them now and then but sell only to Europe and Japan.

 

[Atticus Finch]

I think part of the current interest in A-1s may be backlash generated by A-2 fatigue. I know its one of the reasons I ordered my A-1 from John back in '07. As much as we all love A-2s, you have to admit, they're as common as sparrows. Yes, high-end reproduction A-2s are relatively rare, but at thirty feet most people can’t tell the difference between a Goodwear Dubow W535-ac-27798 and a Wilson’s Distressed Bomber.

The A-1 fills the bill as a light-weight, vintage, leather military flight jacket. It can be worn with khakis and jeans...or even a tie. Like the A-2, it is classic and understated. But it is different enough from the A-2 that not even the most unschooled observer would lump it in with the other “A-2 bomber jackets”.

AF

 

[ButteMT61]

Good points AF. You may be right. I'm considering changing my GW order to an A-1. I'd probably benefit from one made for a slimmer torso, but I'd hate to give up the hide. Maybe I should just gain the weight back? lol

 

[Dr H]

It would be cheaper to try HWT on the capeskin Scott.

 

[Flashman]

I agree with all of that pretty much.

I was VERY close to ordering an A2 and in fact did - but fortunately the company (PROVIATION) was struggling with my order and by then I had stumbled on Alain De Cadanets VBD series and he was wearing a lovely (Aero, i think) A1.

I liked the facts that the A1 seemed to be a rarer jacket compared to the lovely A2 and I really love the collar of the A1.
Also, as a race/classic car I wanted a jacket that would protect me from the wind hitting my neck/throat.

So for all those many reasons, the 4 month wait for my Aero A1 was completely worth it.

I think part of the current interest in A-1s may be backlash generated by A-2 fatigue. I know its one of the reasons I ordered my A-1 from John back in '07. As much as we all love A-2s, you have to admit, they're as common as sparrows. Yes, high-end reproduction A-2s are relatively rare, but at thirty feet most people can’t tell the difference between a Goodwear Dubow W535-ac-27798 and a Wilson’s Distressed Bomber.

The A-1 fills the bill as a light-weight, vintage, leather military flight jacket. It can be worn with khakis and jeans...or even a tie. Like the A-2, it is classic and understated. But it is different enough from the A-2 that not even the most unschooled observer would lump it in with the other “A-2 bomber jackets”.

AF

 

[Stearmen]

No More A2s

On a side note, A2s are about to become a little rarer. I just found out today through a friend that the US Air Force is cracking down on the wearing of A2s, flight suits and fatigues of the flight line. Apparently, all non flight personnel are to turn in their A2s and Nomex suits. No Fatigues worn off base either!

 

[Atticus Finch]

On a side note, A2s are about to become a little rarer. I just found out today through a friend that the US Air Force is cracking down on the wearing of A2s, flight suits and fatigues of the flight line. Apparently, all non flight personnel are to turn in their A2s and Nomex suits. No Fatigues worn off base either!

To paraphrase my 2nd Amendment loving friends...they'll get my issued Saddlerys when they pry them from my cold, dead hands!

AF

 

[Sir Jacket]

Flashman, sir, where are the pics? (Unless I've seen you out on the street in London.) Would love to see them, in anticipation of my own GW A1 arriving.

Seconded on the tired A2.

SJ

 

[ButteMT61]

To paraphrase my 2nd Amendment loving friends...they'll get my issued Saddlerys when they pry them from my cold, dead hands!AF

The jacket part I believe, but you have 2nd Amendment loving friends? lol

 

[Fletch]

The A-2 is being reg'd out of existence in the same careful way the Navy got rid of Aviation Greens: you make it so the item can only be worn when it's more trouble than it's worth. AIUI, zoomies can mostly wear them while enroute to duty, not on duty (and certainly not off duty).

 

[Flashman]

Flashman, sir, where are the pics? (Unless I've seen you out on the street in London.) Would love to see them, in anticipation of my own GW A1 arriving.

Seconded on the tired A2.

SJ

I sort of took the pic off as it was not a very good one. Hope to post a better one. But the one that I did post is back up again the previous page.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...-ultimate-Golden-Era-flying-accessory!/page64

 

[Atticus Finch]

The jacket part I believe, but you have 2nd Amendment loving friends? lol

I do. In fact, Saturday, I'm supposed to go over to their house and help them store some more canned goods and dig a new bunker.

AF

 

[Sir Jacket]

I sort of took the pic off as it was not a very good one. Hope to post a better one. But the one that I did post is back up again the previous page.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...-ultimate-Golden-Era-flying-accessory!/page64

A shame. That pic still isn't showing for me. It says "REMOVED".

SJ

 

[Peacoat]

I do. In fact, Saturday, I'm supposed to go over to their house and help them store some more canned goods and dig a new bunker.

AF

How deep do you guys in NC usually dig your bunkers? I would think in the coastal areas it wouldn't be too deep because of the sandy soil?

 

[Flashman]

A shame. That pic still isn't showing for me. It says "REMOVED".

SJ

Not sure how that's poss - I can see the pics and in fact I have put up two for now.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

As much as I love the A-1 style, it does suggest the pre-WWII period, and if your wardrobe (like mine) is post-war, then you're probably better off with an A-2.

 

[Fletch]

Yes, it suggests the prewar period, but it doesn't scream it. I tend to think of the A-1 as wonk-inspired casual wear. 90% of the time I wear my A-1s it's with jeans and an undress shirt.

 

[Fletch]

Just noticed the typo: "wonk-inspired casual wear." I meant "work-inspired", but I'm going to leave it as is. It's the perfect name for high-authenticity, up-market work clothes: wonkwear. lol