The original A-2 Flight Jackets that were
military issue are far and few between but are not totally
unavailable.
The A-2 Flying Jacket was the replacement for the A-1
Jacket that was made in 1927. The A-2 Jacket became the standard issue by the
US Army Air Corps in May of 1931. This jacket is a classic and is sometimes
referred to as a leather bomber jacket even though its use wasn't limited to
pilots or bomber crews. The original jacket material was referred to as seal
brown horsehide leather with knitted wristlets and waistband. The A-2 Jacket
was available in even sizes from 32 through 54.
The original design of
the A-2 flight jacket might vary from different manufactures but they all had
the same basic characteristics. The snap-flap patch pockets on either side were
not equipped with hand warmer compartments, because this was considered
unmilitary to put your hands in your pockets. The jacket also had a shirt style
snap down collar, epaulets with knit cuffs and waistband. The back was a single
piece of leather so as to not put excess stress on the jacket. The lining was
usually made of a lightweight silk or cotton with the military ID
specifications tag sewn just below the back collar. The color of the A-2
jackets varied but there were two distinguishing colors. Seal which is dark
brown or almost black and Russet which is a pale red-brown to medium
brown.
The A-2 Flight Jacket was designed in a way to have a more
tailored fit. This was to accommodate the slim more slight built men of the day
and lets face it, it looked cool too. This leather jacket was not designed to
fit over layers of clothes. Many thanks to Ron Winsor of Look Sharp Leather for information
on the A-2 leather bomber jacket.
Mens Leather Bomber Jackets Available on eBay
New Black Faux Leather Zip Front Bomber Jacket W013
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zip up faux leather bomber jacket black
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zip up faux leather bomber jacket brown
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New Real Leather Motorcycle Rider Mod Bomber Jacket S
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