Would you wear it?

[Stearmen]

From looking at images of the “Flying Tigers”,
I wondered why there was no consistency with the jackets worn by the pilots.

Then I read, A Flying Tiger’s Diary by Charles R. Bond Jr.
He explains that most jackets were bought at civilian places by the pilots.

I also found interesting the variety of footwear from boots to brogans
that these guys wore.

The Chinese government did buy a large supply of Flight cloths for the AVG. They contracted with Willis & Geiger, for flight suits, helmets and M442A jackets, all navy equipment. Apparently, the recruiters told Army pilots to bring their dress uniforms, and told the Navy pilots not to! That's why you see the Army personnel in Pinks & Greens, with Chinese buttons and the Navy in British style bush jackets.

 

[Big J]

The Chinese government did buy a large supply of Flight cloths for the AVG. They contracted with Willis & Geiger, for flight suits, helmets and M442A jackets, all navy equipment. Apparently, the recruiters told Army pilots to bring their dress uniforms, and told the Navy pilots not to! That's why you see the Army personnel in Pinks & Greens, with Chinese buttons and the Navy in British style bush jackets.

I didn't know that. Thanks!

 

[Big J]

Stand By, I've got a couple of pairs of At The Front repro issue khaki pants. They are high waisted (which makes short A-2's look the perfect length), but inseam and pant leg width is exactly the same as those of some GAP khakis I have. The GAP khakis don't seem short in the least, but I always feel like the repro pants are. I think it's because they are made of a heavier, stiffer fabric than the GAP pants- it changes the way they hang and hold creases.

 

[2jakes]

The Chinese government did buy a large supply of Flight cloths for the AVG. They contracted with Willis & Geiger, for flight suits, helmets and M442A jackets, all navy equipment. Apparently, the recruiters told Army pilots to bring their dress uniforms, and told the Navy pilots not to! That's why you see the Army personnel in Pinks & Greens, with Chinese buttons and the Navy in British style bush jackets.

I have a Willis & Geiger jacket that is very comfortable to wear.
Reminds me of the A-1 jackets from the early 1920-30s.

 

[fiftyforfifty]

No man i won't sorry!

 

[Stand By]

Stand By, I've got a couple of pairs of At The Front repro issue khaki pants. They are high waisted (which makes short A-2's look the perfect length), but inseam and pant leg width is exactly the same as those of some GAP khakis I have. The GAP khakis don't seem short in the least, but I always feel like the repro pants are. I think it's because they are made of a heavier, stiffer fabric than the GAP pants- it changes the way they hang and hold creases.

Good to know, Big J - thanks.
I'd always wondered if it was to gain some added ventilation in that oppressive heat or stop the hem from brushing the ground and wearing prematurely (and thus make them last as long as possible?)… I'd never considered the material itself being a factor and how they drape - or don't! Thanks.

 

[Big J]

Good to know, Big J - thanks.
I'd always wondered if it was to gain some added ventilation in that oppressive heat or stop the hem from brushing the ground and wearing prematurely (and thus make them last as long as possible?)… I'd never considered the material itself being a factor and how they drape - or don't! Thanks.

You know how jeans crease around the crotch and the back of your knees when you sit down, and that pulls the hem up, and then when you stand up again, they are kind of stiff, so they keep those creases- it's like that. I guess people got sick of straightening their pants all the time.