Leather flight jackets: leather, USSR and US Air Forces
Design features
- The flight jacket is distinguished from other similar models by the presence of pockets on the sleeves. The pilots used them as pockets for cigarettes, pens and all sorts of small items. Lined, including pockets for added convenience.
- Another feature - the side pockets were sewn without insulation for the reason that the soldiers had no time to keep their hands in their pockets.
- There are no seams on the back - another feature. The back was solid. This was done so that there was less load on the pilot's back.
Varieties
USSR Air Force
The USSR Air Force pilot's jacket was made of dense, brown, flexible leather. The jacket has two large chest pockets and two side pockets. The left breast pocket was used to carry weapons. The right pocket was used as a secret pocket for a weapon magazine. Fastener - zipper, the bottom of the zipper can be fixed with buttons.
USAF
This category includes jackets that are 100% made in the USA. There are two official manufacturers of these jackets - these are Wings of America and Cockpit TM. These corporations are the official clothing suppliers for the US Air Force and Navy. Certain models are produced in small batches, and apart from these companies, no one officially releases them.80% of jacket materials are made in the USA.
When choosing a jacket, be sure to pay attention to the size. Usually it is indicated under the item number.
For their products, corporations use several types of leather.
- Soft, pleasant to the touch. In the process of wearing, it acquires an individual shade.
- Durable. In the process of wearing it becomes softer, does not change color for many years.
- military standard. Durable and lightweight.
- Thin skin. Warm, fur lined inside.
Russian Air Force
The jacket for the Russian Air Force is modeled after the American Bomber jacket, but the Russian-made jacket is recognized as better than its counterpart, since it is made from natural ingredients.
The jacket has two pockets on the side, pockets on the sleeve. The jacket fastens with a zipper. Jackets are made from real leather, in classic colors. Some models have fur inserts.
"Victory"
Aviation jackets appeared during the war. They were heavy sheepskin coats that were supposed to protect the pilot from freezing, but at the same time to make the pilot feel comfortable.
Jacket "Victory" - light, comfortable jacket, vintage style. Thanks to special effects, the jacket acquires the effect of aging.
"Pilot"
The pilot jacket is a good option for a summer jacket. The jacket is suitable for both work and leisure. The jacket is perfect for trousers and jeans. The outer layer of the jacket is waterproof. The fabric of the jacket is soft and easy to clean. The ideal temperature for using the jacket is from -5 to +15 degrees.
Materials used
Due to the extreme cold, warm clothing is a must. In a cold winter, you can’t do without a warm jacket, so you need to choose outerwear with responsibility.The jacket should be made of high-quality, cold-resistant material, with a special, insulated lining, pockets, and a high collar. Another necessary quality for comfortable wear is lightness. In addition, the surface of the jacket should be made of water-repellent fabric.
For the manufacture of flight jackets, only natural materials are used. The lining was made from sheepskin. It perfectly protects the pilot from the cold wind.
The cap jacket was so comfortable that it quickly became in demand among ordinary citizens. In connection with this, the style of the jacket has changed: new details have appeared from the clasp, artificial ones have been used instead of natural fabrics.
During the World War, leather jackets were dyed mostly dark brown. Sometimes a dark tone was used to restore the jacket.
Leather
Cold is a problem that pilots faced daily. The only thing that could save them from the wind was the skin. Jackets were created exclusively from natural materials. The first jackets were made of sealskin and horseskin with cotton lining. But since sealskin was not practical, jackets were made from horseskin. Then jackets were made from bovine leather. Jackets were also created from goatskin, sheepskin or calfskin.
Fur
In the manufacture of flight jackets, both natural fur and artificial fur are used. On some models you can see the fur lining. But most often you can see a fur collar, which can be removed if desired.
Modern materials
To date, the jacket is made from a wide variety of materials: silk, cashmere, vinyl, nylon, etc.In the collections of modern designers, you can find jackets of various colors and the presence of a variety of decorative elements.
Popular Models
Nagolnaya
Special clothing is needed for those who work in cold weather. In addition, extreme sports enthusiasts need protective clothing: skiers, hunters, etc. The naked jacket looks very modern and stylish. It is made of durable and elastic material, special impregnation prevents it from getting wet in the cold, so it is always warm in it. Due to the special cut, the jacket does not hinder movement. There are practically no accessories on the jacket, thanks to which it is not weighed down. Naked jackets are made from environmentally friendly materials. Having bought such a jacket, you get comfortable overalls that will protect you from the most severe frosts.
MA 1
MA 1 is the classic US Air Force pilot jacket. Jacket MA 1 double-sided. The lining side is bright orange, but the jacket should only be turned over in extreme situations.
The orange side makes it easier to find the pilot in an emergency. The jacket has two insulated side pockets. On the sleeve of the jacket there is a pocket for cigarettes and pens.
Demi-season
The demi-season jacket is designed taking into account the individual needs of pilots.
The jacket has a loose fit. The collar can be fixed in a standing position - this will protect you from the wind. The upper fabric of the demi-season jacket is treated with special impregnations that will protect your skin from oil and oils. Thanks to the insulation, the jacket can be worn at temperatures from +5 to -25 degrees Celsius.
The jacket is suitable for both pilots and aircraft technicians, as well as for outdoor enthusiasts.
The jacket fastens with a zipper.The zipper is made of a special alloy, thanks to which the zipper works without jamming. The jacket has side and chest pockets. Woolen cuffs on the sleeves. Sheepskin collar.
Shevretka
Shevretka is a classic model of a flight jacket. It was common among people related to aviation. Today, the flight jacket is a practical jacket that can be worn both in winter and in autumn. Shevretka can be worn in rainy weather, as it has a water-repellent impregnation. In windy weather, you can close the collar.
The jacket was made of elastic brown leather - chevret. The jacket has a zipper, the bottom of the jacket fastens with buttons, two deep pockets on the side, two chest pockets, a pocket for pens on the left sleeve, there is an inner pocket for documents.
Camouflage
A modern jacket designed to be worn mainly in emergencies. This jacket is used at high altitudes, while skydiving, when surviving in the mountains, jungle, desert.
The jacket is fastened with a zipper. Ventilation holes on the back. The special cut does not squeeze the movement. There is an elastic band at the bottom, which can be used as additional wind protection by tightening it.
Leather jacket A-2
The jacket is made in several colors. The jacket is made of horse or goat leather. The lining is cotton or nylon.
Jacket G-1.
The G-1 jacket is one of the most popular flight jackets. She was issued to army pilots, but she did not have signs of belonging to the Air Force.
The jacket is made of bovine leather treated with a special technology, due to which it is very practical. The jacket will protect you from wind, water and snow.The jacket has pockets on the side, for the convenience of pilots, pockets on the sleeves and on the lining. Most often made in dark green tones.