A-1 Jacket / A1 Flying Jacket - The ultimate Golden Era flying accessory!

[Speedster]

Beautiful jacket, and the rest of the outfit is also pretty cool. Just missing the biplane in the background.

Speedster

 

[Doug C]

The search feature, looking for A-1

Why is it that when I do a search for A-1 as in air-corps flight jacket...it says there are none found. I know for a fact that they have been discuss here before, am I doing something wrong? frustrated.

Doug C

 

[PADDY]

Can anyone photoshop a biplane or two onto my Western Front?

Beautiful jacket! Just needs a bi-plane behind it to give the photos that little extra touch....

Another fine looking Aero!

So, any photoshoppers out there who could work a wee bit of magic with any of these pics then?

 

[PADDY]

A-1 search engine...

Here you go Doug. No idea why it wasn't picking it up. Hope this helps you out.

http://thefedoralounge.net/showthread.php?t=1594

 

[BellyTank]

Send the pics P-Addy.

B
T

 

[Doug C]

thanks Paddy, I appreciate it.. the search feature just doesn't like the subject I guess... So, is that you in the pictures with all the great gear on? The A-1 looks fantastic, I would Like to see some better shots of the collar area if you could possibly manage it. I want the collar to be large and "squared off" if you know what I mean. For instance the one advertised on flightsuit.com has what looks like a tapered collar where there are no tips for the collar, it's small and just sort of disappears into the collar stand in the front. Yours seems to be doing the same thing in those pictures but I can't really tell. On the otherhand, the one advertised at thelostworld.com (or whatever) has a nice big square collar in merino wool, I love it. Also, could you tell me what you think of the cape sheep leather, I have no idea what to expect from it - but it sounds good.. Since we're on the subject I started a thread over on COW, it's an idea I've been considering regarding an A-1..check it out.

http://www.indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?t=17377

Doug

 

[PADDY]

A-1 advice (for Doug)

thanks Paddy, I appreciate it.. My pleasure!the search feature just doesn't like the subject I guess... So, is that you in the pictures with all the great gear on? Afraid so!! !00 per cent Scot's-Irish moi!The A-1 looks fantastic, I would Like to see some better shots of the collar area if you could possibly manage it.See what I can do Doug when I have a spare moment I want the collar to be large and "squared off" if you know what I mean. I think Aero have got that down to a tee For instance the one advertised on flightsuit.com has what looks like a tapered collar where there are no tips for the collar, it's small and just sort of disappears into the collar stand in the front. Yours seems to be doing the same thing in those pictures but I can't really tell. On the otherhand, the one advertised at thelostworld.com (or whatever) has a nice big square collar in merino wool, I love it. Also, could you tell me what you think of the cape sheep leather, Very soft just like the originals if you have ever seen pics or handled them. Cape Sheep was the original spec, although some today would argue that the modern cape sheep is not up to par with the original used 80-years-ago. Hard to tell really unless you had a new 1927 A-1 to compare it with!! But the Aero CS needs no breaking in, as it's very soft with a hardy stiff cotton lining. Personally, I'd veer towards getting it made out of oil pull HH, as I know how well it wears to an antique look!! but that's just my own perference!I have no idea what to expect from it - but it sounds good.. Since we're on the subject I started a thread over on COW, it's an idea I've been considering regarding an A-1..check it out.Doug, I'd go with a generic A-1, rather than a Wested Indy that is then butchered. Get some samples off Mark (in US) or Will (in Scotland) of the Cape Sheep and the oil pull HH

 

[Doug C]

Oh, ok - good, then you know what I'm talking about with the collar? And yours is a "normal" square collar as opposed the a "varsity" style collar? That's my main concern really.. more pictures would be great, I'd really appreciate it. Man that jacket of your's look nice! thanks again.

Doug C

 

[PADDY]

A-1 collar photos (Aero model)

As requested, hope this helps your decision making

 

[PADDY]

The Few (A-1 photos)

As many of you chaps/chappesses will already know, THE FEW produce vintage 'styled' flight jackets for the Japanese market, and the prices reflect that target market. The jackets, from A2's and A1's to Irvins look lovely, but are not always 'correct' in their colouration, as I feel they colour them to make the jacket 'seem' more vintage in feel (original unused flight jackets, don't always look 'that' vintage because they haven't been used and abused and the top colour hasn't worn off in places to give a vintagey undercoat look coming through).
This A-1 by THE FEW looks lovely, but the original colour tended to be more of a seal I believe, which this isn't. Having said that, if I had the chance of grabbing this baby, I'd do it with both hands!

So, for your reference, just another maker's jacket to look at and ponder over!

 

[PADDY]

Eastman's A-1 (photo)

Again, purely for visual comparisons with other makers. For full specs and prices, check the maker's website (all found in our Reference Library at the top of the WWII room).

 

[PADDY]

Lost Worlds NYC, A-1 jacket (photos)

Stuart at Lost Worlds (NYC) produce their own version of the famous 1920s/30's A-1 flying jacket (see photos below). All maker's website links are in our Reference Library at the top of the WWII room.

Note: All makers will have slight differences in hide type, hide colour, knit colour and type and buttons, pocket flap style and in some cases, pocket position. But generically, the general jacket cut looks the same.

 

[PADDY]

The A1 Billy Mitchell or Howard Hughes look for men!

Just thought you would be interested to see these photos of two of America's most famous aviators cutting a dash in the A-1 style jacket.

It sort of puts the above photos into some type of period context for you. It truely is a jacket that exemplifies that cutting edge, flying by the seat of your pants, golden age of aviation. In their hey-day, these chaps were pin-ups for the gals, and icons for the man of adventure!

The A-1 flying jacket, ...If it's good enough for Howard and Billy, then surely it's good enough for the esteemed members of this room!

 

[MudInYerEye]

When a repro maker finally produces an A-1 with the small pockets of an original (also minding that A-1s did not have the elegantly sculpted pocket flaps of the A-2) I will be first in line with my wallet out. Eastman comes preety close but still no cigar.

 

[Captain Krunch]

That olive green A-1 will certainly set one apart from the crowd! Another jacket to put on the "to buy" list....

 

[Doug C]

Paddy, you're awsome..many thanks, you went above and beyond what I would have expected. Would you have a proper link for "The Few" ? Thanks again!

Doug C

 

[PADDY]

All WW2 Kit links in our Reference Library (includes A1s!)

All links to the above jacket makers (and many other interesting kit things) are in our WWII Reference Library (so please, make full use of it!).

WWII REFERENCE LIBRARY

Glad to help & happy hunting!

 

[Chad Miller]

A-1 Length

Does anyone know if the A-1 was a shorter jacket than say the A-2? From the few photos I've seen the bottom of the A-1 seems to sit right at the waist (and I'm assuming these are high-waisted pants) while the A-2, depending on the wearer, can be noticably below that. I ordered an A-1 from US Authentic and when buttoned up the edge of the waitband falls just below my belt (on my modern, lower cut pants). I think I actually prefer the fit to a longer jacket, but I still find myself tugging at the waistband.

Chad Miller

 

[Doug C]

Chad - I don't know the answer to your question, sorry... but I was wondering if it would be possible for you to post some pictures of your US Authentic A-1, since I've only seen it in their catalog and am uncertain about the collar, from the picture in the catalog. Maybe a couple of you wearing it for fit comparisons. What size is your jacket also?

Doug C

 

[Chad Miller]

I don't have a digital camera, so I can't post any pictures. Sorry.

The collar is large and squared off with the standard loop and button configuration. That picture is deceiving--it looks more like what Paddy posted above. Actually, I didn't care for the collar. It never laid flat when I tried to turn it down, and it struck as being too wide. I had one made with the collar from an A-2 instead.

Mine is a 42 and the fit is nice in the body and sleeves, except I felt it hung too far down my backside. I had it shortened but I wonder if stopping just below my belt, as it does now, is too short.

I guess what I'm asking is how should an A-1 fit? Are the any guidelines or is it up to the individual wearer to decide?

Sorry if this is all confusing. I have a habit of doing that to people!

Chad

Chad - I don't know the answer to your question, sorry... but I was wondering if it would be possible for you to post some pictures of your US Authentic A-1, since I've only seen it in their catalog and am uncertain about the collar, from the picture in the catalog. Maybe a couple of you wearing it for fit comparisons. What size is your jacket also?

Doug C