I want your flight jacket!

[Mike K.]

All of us flying jacket aficionados know how many A-2 contracts were given during the Golden Era reign of this jacket. We also know the subtleties like the reddish knits of an Aero, the beveled pockets of a Bronco, the unique collar of a Dubow. Today, each of us has our own preference for A-2 jacket contract(s)...with the exception of those out to own a sample of each. Well, I've been wondering if pilots of yesteryear sought out any specific A-2 jackets. Sure pilots were typically issued whatever was on hand, but was there any trading/swapping for a "more trendy" or "more coveted" A-2 contract? Was it any more "cool" to wear an Aero with those reddish knits versus a Bronco with those spiffy pockets?

 

[Jacob Dubow]

Great question Mike. I know that there was swapping that took place concerning jackets......whether for size reasons or appearance reasons. Maybe someone has specifics in regards to this situation.


J.A. Dubow.......aka Ted

 

[greyhound68]

Interesting question. I have talked to three vets from WW2 about their flight jackets and none of them could tell me anything about the contract or if they preferred one maker from another. One guy bought a second one for 20 bucks when he was in England. I guess 20 bucks in 1944 went a lot more than now. In fact, they believed it was a work uniform and really to them nothing more. Guess all this other stuff is left for us jacket geeks.

 

[drjones]

jacket geeks unite!

Im right there with you gents. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the WWII leather jacket. I own three jackets (none truly vintage....yet) and never tire of wearing them. I always get questions and comments and lovely oh's and ah's from the ladies.

DRJONES

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Interesting question. I have talked to three vets from WW2 about their flight jackets and none of them could tell me anything about the contract or if they preferred one maker from another. One guy bought a second one for 20 bucks when he was in England. I guess 20 bucks in 1944 went a lot more than now. In fact, they believed it was a work uniform and really to them nothing more. Guess all this other stuff is left for us jacket geeks.

Pretty much everything we collect was probably just ho-hum every stuff to the good people of the golden age.

"Wow, look at that stapler!"

I bet that us 21st Century folk collect more than anyone else in history–too much time and disposable income...added to the fact we can look back at that period on film and really obsess about it more than anyone could before.

 

[Mike K.]

Perhaps so, but I strongly suspect that fashion trends were just as prevalent then as now. You can put two articles of nearly-identical apparel side by side. Which one is more popular? The one with the trendy logo! Be it an Armani suit, a North Face jacket, some Billabong shorts, etc.

Now step back into the USAAF of the 1940s. Everyone gets issued (or has to purchase) a leather flight jacket, a service visor, a dress uniform. What was more fashionable? What made you stand out among those acres of airmen? Was it the Luxembourg crusher cap? The bullion insignia? How about that leather badge of honor & identity...beveled pockets, reddish knits, pointy collars?

 

[drjones]

distinguishing yourself

Perhaps so, but I strongly suspect that fashion trends were just as prevalent then as now. You can put two articles of nearly-identical apparel side by side. Which one is more popular? The one with the trendy logo! Be it an Armani suit, a North Face jacket, some Billabong shorts, etc.

Now step back into the USAAF of the 1940s. Everyone gets issued (or has to purchase) a leather flight jacket, a service visor, a dress uniform. What was more fashionable? What made you stand out among those acres of airmen? Was it the Luxembourg crusher cap? The bullion insignia? How about that leather badge of honor & identity...beveled pockets, reddish knits, pointy collars?

Dont forget the personal touches....the tilting of the cap, left or right or to the rear of your head and the accessories (Zippo lighter, etc.)

DRJONES

 

[Smithy]

I think it's worth pointing out here that flying jackets were for the most part "work wear" and as such the primary focus was function. They generally were not worn off base so their wearing was when on duty and working. Sure they were sometimes decorated with artwork but I think that was more a case of "belonging" to a certain unit or crew than any kind of nod at being "fashionable". In much the same way as American soldiers have decorated helmets with slogans and drawings.

Talking in relation to the RAF, the most valued clothing was an airman's best service dress uniform, or "best blues". This was what he wore off base and when socialising. This was where he put a real effort into looking smart, often having top tailors make up the uniform.

Although possibly there may have been the odd individual who was interested in what contract jacket they had, for the vast majority, I seriously believe the flying jacket was something merely to fly and fight in.

 

[greyhound68]

I forgot about one comment the vet I met who flew B-17s said of his A2. It was too tight and uncomfortable and left him in his words "too damn cold" when he flew. So he preferred a B-3 or B-6 Didn't know the maker of those either.

 

[Windsock]

I forgot about one comment the vet I met who flew B-17s said of his A2. It was too tight and uncomfortable and left him in his words "too damn cold" when he flew. So he preferred a B-3 or B-6 Didn't know the maker of those either.

"too damn cold".......

George, that's exactly the words Chuck Yeager used (with a strong Texan drawl) when I thrust my RMNZ dubow in front of him last year for signing at the Avalon Airshow. I really doubt in his case he could have cared less for the maker, and I agree with Tim that for the majority of the time they had more pressing concerns.

The A-2 was obviously a highly regarded item, often proudly adorned and with it's phasing out probably coveted in any form.

Jacket envy wasn't limited to the AAF, in the early stages of the War the Irvin was issued across the branches of the RAF but with the growing number of aircrews- particularly in Bomber Command jackets often passed through several hands. I remember Alan posted references to this coveting in period texts last year...

 

[davyjones007]

Well if I could add my 2 cents, I know that todays Navy pilots and aircrew prefer the older (early 90's) G-1's to the 2000+ models. They say the leather was better and that the fur collar was fur and not the plastic stuff they use today. I know this because I work with one and was attached to a wing in 97-00.