In the late 1960s, the original British skinheads were among the first to adopt the jacket as a sartorial expression of the changing social conditions of the time. Coincidentally, it was around the same time that a number of important subcultural movements started popping up all around the globe that would take the jacket and make it an integral part of their uniforms for the next few decades. It was then that more of the jackets were shipped to Europe and Australia as Alpha began to export them to both European Air Forces and commercial customers. A crucial event in the bomber jacket’s history happened in 1963 when an offshoot of Dobbs eventually became Alpha Industries, and they received a military contract to produce the jackets. It wasn’t until the late 1950s that the jackets first appeared in Europe, probably through government surplus stores and some black market or secondhand sales. The jacket was originally developed by Dobbs Industries strictly for the U.S. Important subcultural movements started popping up all around the globe that would take the jacket and make it an integral part of their uniforms Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the jackets were produced in the now ubiquitous sage green color to more closely mirror the ground vegetation and to help provide additional camouflage in the instance of a crash or emergency landing in hostile areas. It was also around this time that the jacket started to be produced in colors other than the Air Force’s standard issue midnight blue. It was at this stage that the familiar orange lining was added so that in the event of a plane crash, the pilot could turn it inside out to aid rescue visibility. The design of the jacket was again a reaction to the technological advancements of the aircraft themselves, and the needs of the pilots: cockpits had better insulation so the fur collar was no longer needed instead it was replaced with a knitted, elastic collar that allowed for more room for parachute harnesses. In 1949 the B-15 was upgraded to become the MA-1, which has since become the most iconic and the most replicated version. After 1945, nylon became the material of choice for bomber jackets because of its ease of care, water resistance and resistance to mildew, insects and perspiration. These had fur collars and were made of cotton: although nylon had been discovered prior to World War II, items like parachutes took precedence over flight clothing when it came to allocating nylon supplies during the war. A slim, lightweight and yet warm jacket was needed as an answer to the evolved jet technology, and it came in the form of the B-15, often considered the godfather of the modern bomber. ![]() Also, the new jet aircraft boasted a more streamlined design meaning less space in the cockpit. When leather jackets such as the A-2 would get wet from rain or perspiration, the water would freeze at higher altitudes making the jackets hard, cold and extremely uncomfortable. However, the invention of the jet aircraft meant that planes could fly at much higher altitudes and in turn, in much colder temperatures than before. The fleece lining meant that the jackets were warm, and from a fashion perspective these jackets were tasteful even by today’s standards, with elasticated sleeves and waist, a high wraparound collar, and front pockets. ![]() In the days of propeller aircraft, airmen wore leather jackets including the A-2, which is an important ancestor of the modern flight jacket. The best staple pieces seem to be ones that grew out of functional necessity, and the bomber jacket is no exception. ![]() Here we take a closer look at the history of the jacket you’ll be wearing for the foreseeable future. Bomber jackets are not part of a trend they are a bonafide timeless wardrobe essential, and are built to last despite having a fairly conservative price tag when it comes to outerwear. As wide-ranging as its appeal has been, the iconic jacket has always managed to strike a chord among emerging youth movements, which explains its current status as a well-known and much-loved streetwear staple. The jacket possesses a rich history which can be traced from its military origins through various subcultures including the punk and skinhead movements, gay communities in the 1980s, and more recently the high fashion set. ![]() The bomber jacket is one of the most popular outerwear styles of current day, and probably the most famous piece of military clothing to find crossover success as a piece of civilian wear.
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