Leather Jackets: Where it all began
In the modern day fashion industry, leather jackets have reached a level of luxury that once seemed unreachable. The outerwear icon has travelled from its modest roots, through the golden age of Hollywood, and is now worn by the rich and famous around the world. The expertise of leather manufacturers has made the leather jacket the modern day pinnacle of great fashion design.
The history of leather jackets
The leather jacket has a rich history spanning decades, but it all began with one piece that defined a generation. The bomber jacket, now known as a fashion statement the world over, first started as a clothing line synonymous with the military.
The first military jacket of its kind had a variety of names – ‘flight jacket’, ‘bomber jacket’, and ‘bombardier’, all with the same purpose – to grace the shoulders of air force pilots worldwide. Early aviation designs began with open cockpits, creating the need for warm, protective outerwear for pilots, and so the bomber jacket was born.
The British Royal Flying Corps were one of the driving forces of the British Air Service during the First World War. Their signature uniform included fine leather coats that were extremely durable and perfect for flight. The U.S Army soon adopted the style of their British brethren, and in 1917 the Aviation Clothing Board began issuing heavier leather flight jackets to all Air Corps pilots. These jackets were much more protective, with higher collars, and wind flaps for taking to the air. Some of the jackets issued even had a stylish lining of fur.
During World War II, US-born free-fall parachutist Lee Irving developed the now classic sheepskin jacket for the Air Force. In 1926, his UK-based manufacturing company was the leading supplier of flight jackets for WWII Air Force pilots.
Hitting the mainstream
The Type A-2 leather flight jacket is one of the most well-known bomber jackets ever issued, with all the characteristics the US Air Force were known for in 1927. This included the removal of hand warmers as seen in previously issued coats because they were seen as unnecessary for the military. This was succeeded by the G-1 military jacket which was adopted by the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard groups, though its structure and overall appearance failed to gain the same popularity.
The Vietnam war led to the popularity of the MA-1 bomber jacket, frequently seen on television broadcasts around the world. Due to this, designers soon began moving its production to public shelves. This form of the military jacket became extremely popular with youth culture during the late 60s and early 70s, and was often seen as a symbol of rebellion against ‘the system’.
Today, the leather military jacket is as popular as it ever was, with different designers innovating the original bomber jacket style. Bodaskins is a company who specialise in men and women’s luxury leather jackets and offer customers the finest military jackets, plus a signature range of leather biker jackets as well as a custom tailor-made service.
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