Flight Jackets—More Than a Fashion Statement, They’re a Rite of Passage

They’re practical, collectible, a fashion statement, an artist's canvas, part of family traditions, and more.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, March 07, 2022 at 02:19 PM ET

Verified

Waist-length flight jackets started to appear in the 1920s. [Courtesy: Anneke Helleman]

Key Takeaways:

The iconic aviator's flight jacket originated in 1910 for open-cockpit pilots, evolving into distinct designs like the A-1 and A-2, characterized by leather construction, knit cuffs, and specific fasteners.
Original WWII-era flight jackets, particularly the A-2s with authentic insignia, artwork, and provenance, are highly prized collectibles, with values ranging from hundreds to over $10,000, emphasizing careful authentication and preservation.
Due to the historical value and fragility of originals, quality reproductions are available for wear, while the vintage jackets themselves are considered significant artifacts that tell unique stories through their personalized artwork and details.

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There are few articles of clothing more iconic than an aviator’s flight jacket. It doesn’t matter if it is made from animal hide or a man-made fabric, if it was issued, purchased or a gift—there is something about the jacket that quickly makes it a favorite piece of clothing.

How it Began

The concept of the flight jacket traces back to 1910 when members of the Royal Flying Corps in Belgium and France took to the air in unheated open-cockpit biplanes, balloons, and airships. Leather was more windproof than cloth—therefore warmer—so it became the fabric of choice for an aviator’s outerwear. The first garments covered the pilot from neck to ankle.