This is no fashion-colored MA-1 Flight Jacket, but the genuine, real deal worn by Northrop Aviation test pilots in the 1950’s & ‘60’s (Northrop’s official color was red and this showed up in a variety of forms and items dating back to the 1940’s).

The MA-1 Flight Jacket’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth and natural good looks made this style an instant success with aircrew at bases around the world, as well as with anyone who could beg, borrow or steal one of these coveted gems, so it’s no wonder Northrop choose this style for their flight crews.

Northrop’s red MA-1 jackets were made to the basic USAF specs. of the era and by a USAF contractor in a limited commercial production, the result being a Blazing-Red MA-1 Jacket that made their elite test pilots stand out, as seen in our vintage photo of the crew of an F-89H “Scorpion.” This MA-1 is a true shade of red. It is not orange, or pink, or magenta, but Blazing Scarlett Red, outfitted with striking-looking black knit parts, making this not just a Northrop Aviation MA- 1, but also one suitable for alumni of Rutgers University and Haddonfield Memorial High School (go Scarlett Knights and Bulldogs!), as well as anyone looking for a rugged, slick-looking jacket in a brilliant color.

Buzz Rickson’s design team have made various MA-1 Jackets over the years, making this a style they have gained world fame for making exquisitely and for which novelist William Gibson even turned into a sub-character in his novel “Pattern Recognition.” The original MA-1 was intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter, and this remains true for our offering.

Buzz Rickson’s heavy nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flight jackets.  Buzz Rickson's have recreated the original fabric of the 1950’s using vintage looms and following vintage specs. and tests to make their fabric without peer; in fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  And full assembly of the exterior is performed with contrasting black thread that looks superb on the red nylon; only the very finest sewing machine operators are up to this task because contrasting thread will blatantly stand out if sewn in crooked form. 

This Buzz Rickson’s MA-1 Flight Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on MA-1 Flight Jackets once produced in extremely limited numbers for Northop Aviation.  Take note of these authentic features:

• Copy of a commercial-style label in the neck area
• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave nylon twill to precisely match 1950’s USAF specs. and treated to repel water. Outer side dyed to precise shade of Nothrop Aviation’s red and the lining is colored in the earlier shade of silver-grey USAF sage green (this MA-1 is NOT reversible)
• Correct USAF-spec. batting of warm wool-and-cotton fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining
• Full assembly on the exterior with contrasting black thread.  Only the very finest sewing machine operators are up to this task because contrasting thread will blatantly stand out is sewn in crooked form.
• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1950’s USAF specs.
• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton twill fabric precisely matching 1950’s USAF specs.
• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1950’s Crown main zipper and pocket zipper with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton
• Leather zipper pull tabs as found USAF MA-1s, designed for easy functioning with gloves
• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure with curved top to minimize contact with the chin
• Two snap-down tabs (one on each breast) for retaining headset and microphone wiring leads, exactly as on original 1950’s MA-1 jackets
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in jet black
• Heavy-weight parachute harness nylon in black, correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip
• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots reinforced with heavy bar tacks and outfitted with two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes: XS – XXL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Last few left!

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-15A Intermediate Flying Jacket was developed as a replacement for the earlier B-15 Flying Jacket, being officially standardized in November 1944. The B-15A incorporated a few additional features found to be necessary from combat experience with the B-15 jacket, those features being two triangle-shaped leather patches on each breast for clipping the oxygen mask hose to, a larger pencil pocket on the left sleeve and two snap-down tabs on each breast for retaining the wiring leads from the microphone and headset. Other than these three new features, the B-15A was identical to the B-15.

The designation of “mod.” stands for modified, meaning the B-15 Flight Jacket has been “modified” by a USAF Materiel Command Depot in accordance with a USAF directive of 1954.  The directive called for all of the types of B-15 Flight Jackets on issue or in stock to be “modified," whereupon the factory-installed fur collar was to be removed and a wool knit collar installed in its place.  This modification was intended to reduce the flight jacket’s flammability that was considered greater with a fur collar in place.  B-15 Flight Jackets so modified were to have a new label indicating this new “modified” status sewn either directly over the original factory label or located somewhere under the original label.  The label information could be printed, typed, hand written or applied with a stencil or ink stamp on any available fabric.  Since the modification was performed after the jacket was originally made, it is typical to find the thread color around the collar area not matching the thread that assembled the B-15 Flight Jacket, and it is also common to find the new knit collar color to be in a shade that doesn’t quite match the knit on the rest of the jacket.  In all other ways, the flight jacket remained a B-15 Flight Jacket of whatever spec. it was originally - B-15A, B-15B, B-15C or B-15D.

B-15A (Mod.) Flight Jackets are, arguably, the rarest of the B-15 series of jackets, and they are also extremely rare among reproduction examples - Buzz Rickson has not offered a B-15A (Mod.) Flight Jacket since 2001!  Buzz Rickson has reproduced the B-15A (Mod.) Flying Jacket in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s cotton fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy sheet bedding fabric used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets.  In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF!  Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of original manufacturing maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply combed-cotton Olive Drab twill outer shell to precisely match 1944 USAAF specs.

• Correct USAAF spec. inner lining of warm, double-faced alpaca and wool, dyed to match the salt-and-pepper coloring of the original vintage B-15As

• Collar area authentically sewn with thread that does not match the thread used to assemble the rest of the jacket, exactly as on a “modified” B-15As

• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm, all-cotton, heavy corduroy fabric precisely matching 1944 USAAF specs.

• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton twill fabric, precisely matching 1943 USAAF specs.

• Exact copy of a 1944 blackened-brass vintage zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton.

• Offset frontal zip closure, exactly matching original B-15A specs. intended to facilitate easier zipper functioning

• Correct USAAF-spec. leather pull tab on zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab

• Wind flap protector behind zipper closure with six rows of stitching exactly as on original B-15As

• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and on interior per the “mod.” conversion in the 1950s

• Four pen/pencil slots located on left sleeve with bar tacking for extra strength

• Triangle-shaped leather patches on breast area (one per side) for retaining oxygen mask hose

• Two-snap-down cloth tabs on breast area (one per side) for retaining wiring lead

Sizes available:  36-44.   Fit is true to slightly generous. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Last few left!

The Buzz Rickson design team has taken a vintage flying jacket design that was one of many civilian styles of the late 1920s and early 1930s, most of which were similar in appearance to the A-1 Jacket of U. S. Air Corps fame and likely produced in a finished horsehide, cowhide or sheepskin, and given the style a hide finish that is contemporary and likely not offered by any other manufacturer to date, thus we introduce Buzz Rickson’s nubuck horsehide!

Horeshide has long been cherished for its durability and related equine prowess. Nubuck leathers combine the natural great looks of suede but with the durability and more of the soil resistance associated with finished leathers and not associated with suede. Classic suede is made from the softer, less durable flesh side of an animal’s hide, while nubuck is made from the hide’s exterior skin and NOT its flesh side, hence the skin side is far more durable and much less prone to soiling and much more easily cleaned. The exterior skin is what is typically finished smooth and dyed to craft leather goods from, but by sanding this same side of the leather, the tannery is able to produce the beauty of suede but with a finer texture and far greater durability – the type of long-term durability one normally associates with the skin side of finished leather.

This Buzz Rickson’s nubuck horsehide jacket is crafted from the finest vegetable-tanned horsehide imported from Italy; Italy is renowned for producing most of the best vegetable-tanned horsehide in the world. The hides are all 1.3 mm in thickness, and after tanning they are finely sanded and turned into nubuck horsehide to give the end user a jacket that is as unique as it is good looking and durable.

Please note the following features found on this Buzz Rickson masterpiece:

• Precision copy of a vintage label design produced on vintage shuttle looms
• Custom manufacturing of the cotton broadcloth lining in medium green
• Two button-flap exterior pockets
• Genuine, vintage-style cat’s-eye nut buttons
• Hip adjusters with hammered-look metal buckles
• Leather outer shell crafted from 1.3 mm-thick, vegetable-tanned, nubuck horsehide imported from Italy
• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Even sizes 38-42 Regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

Clearance Blowout Sale - Last Few Left - Regular price was $3, 250.00, now sold at actual cost!  Prices will NOT get any lower on this once-only production!!!

This style combines the original features of the USAAF B-7 Hooded Flying Jacket with styling and tailoring from Buzz Rickson’s William Gibson Collection.  The original standards of quality and material types have been strictly adhered to by Buzz Rickson’s with a distinct slant toward supreme luxury and durability, of course, and you have William Gibson’s personal approval of each item in the collection.  

The original B-7 was designed for use in Alaska and other Arctic-like areas, but the designers at Buzz Rickson’s determined that offering something for climates that are seriously cold, yet not as severely cold as those for which the B-7 was originally intended would yield a more versatile, marketable jacket while still offering profound insulation, cold-weather resistance, and unparalleled luxury. 

A sleeker fit has been incorporated in this B-7 vs. the original B-7 design, whereby the armholes have been raised slightly higher, the sleeves more tapered, and the body greatly slimmed down vs. the full cut of the original design.  Additionally, the jacket’s length has been shortened and the depth of luxurious sheep’s wool reduced to ½” vs. the 1” found in the original jacket.  The fit is sensibly tailored to still allow for some layering (which is not likely needed for most of the world), yet also stylish. 

The B-7 design is particularly renowned for its hood, which is lavishly trimmed in very expensive, luxurious, genuine coyote fur dyed jet black; coyote and wolf fur are test proven to be the best material to use for wicking away moisture that may freeze on the trim of hooded jackets intended for wear in snowy conditions.  And when the drawstring is pulled securely and the latch secured at the throat, only a minimal portion of the wearer’s face is exposed, thus completely sealing the wearer in warmth and keeping out snow, moisture and winds.

Of course, the Merino sheep’s wool, coyote fur, and the water-resistant lacquer core seal applied to the exterior is jet black and dyed all of the way through for color retention even after years of wear and use.  And Vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed horsehide imported from Italy is used for the exterior pockets, throat latch, and all seem taping. 

This Buzz Rickson William Gibson B-7 is a masterpiece of wearable jacket art crafted in sumptuous Merino sheepskin.  Wear this on your winter forays on the job, to the opera, or for your conference with Vladimir at the Kremlin.  

Buzz Rickson’s demanded that only premium materials be employed; please note the following materials and features found on this Buzz Rickson William Gibson masterpiece:

•  Merino sheepskin dyed jet black throughout and finished with a water-repellant, lacquer sealer; this Merino is considered the finest in the industry and procured from a premier tannery specializing in the original-type of chrome tanning

•  Aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned horsehide imported from a premier tannery in Italy employed on all seam taping, pockets, and throat latch

•  Genuine coyote fur procured from one of the premier furriers in N. America to trim the hood

•  Copy of original maker’s label design produced on a 1930’s-vintage shuttle loom

•  Modified fit that lends a tailored, stylized look to the vintage design

•  Hood can be adjusted for a tighter seal via heavy-duty, all-cotton drawstrings

•  Hood that’s seductively cozy and warm from the full lining of plush, soft Merino sheep’s wool and genuine coyote fur trim for wicking away moisture without freezing

•  Two internally hung bag pockets made of heavy-duty canvas twill, which seal closed with zippers; these are designed for housing long or tall objects

•  Exact copy of the 1942 Talon zipper with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

•  Double-stitched seam taping in genuine, vegetable-tanned horsehide from Italy

• Two exterior storage pockets made of genuine, vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed horsehide, which expand at the base

• Heavy-duty storm-flap protectors located both behind and in front of zipper closure; frontal closure seals with buttons and provides overlapping insulation against biting winds

•  Genuine-urea buttons are hand sewn and backed with genuine, vegetable-tanned horsehide for rugged, long-term use

•  Heavy-duty, all-cotton button loops

• Two-position storm cuffs allow the sleeve cuffs to be worn extended to cover most of the hand to enable an overlapping seal over gloves, or rolled back for less protection

•  Vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed horsehide throat latch with nickel-plated buckle

•  Assembly using vintage sewing machines

• Designed for temperatures near and below freezing

Even sizes 38-42 Regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

Blowout Clearance Sale - Regular price $175.00, now sold at our TRUE cost of $100.00 - This is as good as it gets for buyers!!!

These low-top basketball shoes (sneakers) were a true item of athletic issue for U. S. Army basketball players in the 1970's, but produced in white and never in camouflage.  The designers at Buzz Rickson's decided to reproduce these sneakers in exacting form utilizing their amazing "Golden" tiger-stripe camouflage all-cotton twill, resulting in a unique, stylish, cool-as-hell sneaker that marries design authenticity and fabrication in a limited-production offering.

Fabrication is completely performed in Japan by hand at one of Japan's last-remaining factories (there are only two left) that still produce classic sneakers using the old machinery with true vulcanization of the rubber parts.  So great is the worldwide demand for old-world quality, vintage-style sneakers made on vintage machinery, that these last two factories are booked solid for no less than two years before they can even generate a sample!

Tiger-stripe camouflage was deemed the "stuff' during the Vietnam War, any it was highly desirable back then just for informal wear as a status symbol; now it's considered an icon of style, far transcending its original military application.  Rock a pair of these limited-run, vintage-style sneakers while they last!  

Please note these authentic features of quality and workmanship found only vintage sneakers and those produced using the highest production standards today in conjunction with vintage machinery:    

• All-cotton twill uppers produced on vintage shuttle looms (just like in the 1960's and '70's) and authentically dyed and printed in the highly sought-after "Golden" tiger-stripe camouflage pattern made famous by U. S. special forces during the Vietnam War
• Steel eyelets lacquered black
• Natural rubber sole vulcanized in place
• All-cotton laces
• Double-stitched stress points
• Taped heel seam in olive green all-cotton canvas for extra strength
• Fully lined in all-cotton canvas
• Reinforced heel
• Reinforced toe
• Exact reproduction of the issue style, including mid-sole glue markings, a testament to the use of vintage production techniques
• Original-style military shoe box

Sizes available:  7 -10 in half sizes.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Hand made in Japan

Sale - 40% off original price of $225.00 - last few left!  

Those of you familiar with the Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf brands we import from Japan will understand the dedication to quality, uniqueness of design, vintage aesthetics, and the employment of vintage machinery used to create their amazing articles of clothing that have been equally captured under the brand Star of Hollywood.  

Star of Hollywood was an American brand of the 1950's that established a niche for producing some wildly unique shirt designs, with some of the more renowned featuring diamonds or tarantulas.  The same manufacturing minds that have given us Sugar Cane, Buzz Rickson's, and Sun Surf have resurrected Star of Hollywood on a very limited basis under a collaboration with master retro-artist Vince Ray.  The shirt designs are original creations and not reproductions of what Star of Hollywood once produced, but the overall vibe and look is spot on with the original Star of Hollywood, making this a go-to label for those who thrive on standing out from the crowd in a retro way that's not at all dated.

This shirt is fabricated from the same pedigree of high-quality rayon acetate that perfectly duplicates the hand and weight of the long-lost rayon of the “good old days.”  Just as with the original fabric it copies, this material is extremely breathable and airy, and it takes the original screen printing inks as splendidly as did the vintage originals.

Salient shirt details include:

• Custom manufacture of high-quality rayon acetate on vintage looms

• Discharge-printed graphics

• Vintage-style urea buttons

• Single chest pocket with button

• Satin-lined yoke on back

To help preserve the color and fabric, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.

Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Blowout sale - 50% off original price of $160.00 - Last few left!

Style Eyes is the vintage sportswear label from the same people who produce Sugar Cane denim and vintage-style work wear, Buzz Rickson’s vintage-style sweatshirts, military apparel, and the coveted William Gibson Collection, and Sun Surf vintage-style Hawaiian shirts. Over the years, we have periodically brought in some wonderful Style Eyes garments, and this classic 1950’s shirt design is one we just knew our customers would love because it's crafted with old-school quality and uniqueness of style and design that is vintage and yet not dated.

Take note of these authentic features and details found only on a premium, vintage-style sport shirt of this pedigree:

• Matched chest pocket
• Spread collar with button and loop
• Custom manufacturing of genuine urea buttons in a marbled pattern of golden yellow and red
• Custom weaving on vintage looms of a high-quality, all-cotton corduroy fabric
• Custom manufacturing of a gorgeous, high-quality satin to line the inside yoke
• Assembly with all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines
• Squared-off shirttail
• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels
• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes available:  Med. -  XL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Clearance Blowout Sale - 50% off - Last few left!

Style Eyes is the vintage sportswear label from the same people who produce Sugar Cane denim and vintage-style work wear, Buzz Rickson’s vintage-style sweatshirts, military apparel, and the coveted William Gibson Collection, and Sun Surf vintage-style Hawaiian shirts. Over the years, we have periodically brought in some wonderful Style Eyes garments, and this classic 1950’s shirt design is one we just knew our customers would love because it's crafted with old-school quality and uniqueness of style and design that is vintage and yet not dated.

Take note of these authentic features and details found only on a premium, vintage-style sport shirt of this pedigree:

• Matched chest pocket
• Spread collar with button and loop
• Custom manufacturing of genuine urea buttons in a marbled pattern of off-white & golden yellow
• Custom weaving on vintage looms of a high-quality, all-cotton corduroy fabric
• Custom manufacturing of a gorgeous, high-quality satin to line the inside yoke
• Assembly with all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines
• Squared-off shirttail
• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels
• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes available:  Med. -  XL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Blowout sale - 40% off original price of $130.00 - Last few left!

This shirt runs a bit larger than most Sugar Cane shirt styles, thus some individuals with a 46" chest measure can be comfortably accommodated in size XL.  

Sugar Cane vintage-style shirts are for those who can appreciate the myriad of nuances and character found in the finest single-malt scotch, the clearest, most-colorless diamond or hand-crafted, centuries-old Persian rug. Nothing like this has been offered since the "good old days" of the 1930's - '50's when clothing had to last by necessity. One look and you will be immediately transported back to an era when America was the unquestioned king of goods synonymous with top quality and durability.

This is rugged and stylish American history at its best, and it is also going to look fabulous when worn because it is cut to flatter the body, unlike the ultra-loose styles so often encountered today. Tired of only having choices from what the big outfits and department stores have to offer? Ready for something that will make you the envy of anyone with a keen eye for a look of quality and distinction? This shirt is crafted from a hardwearing blended twill that is 90% cotton and 10% worsted wool (you'll never feel the wool in this shirt); the wool is employed not for warmth properties but to provide extra strength to the shirt and greater detail interest in the finished fabric, which easily displays differing highlights on the twill strands that, depending on the lighting environment, span warm to cool tones.  The overall shirt is very much medium in weight and can readily be worn as free-breathing, three-season shirt, good for all but the warmest days.  The twill fabric has been rinsed and brushed for a shrinkage-free, vintage aesthetic that will improve with years of dependable use.  Quantities are very limited.

Take note of these authentic features and details found only on a premium vintage-style twill shirt of this pedigree:

• Placket-front closure
• Open-top pockets with bar tacked corners for extra strength
• Collar stand for crisper appearance
• Double-stitching and rolled seams
• Reinforced shoulder yoke for greater durability at this crucial abrasion area
• Custom manufacturing of genuine urea, vintage-style buttons
• Custom manufacturing of a blended twill (90% cotton, 10% worsted wool) produced on vintage shuttle looms and then rinsed and brushed (you'll never feel the wool in this shirt)
• Chain-stitch runoff with gusset at shirttail scallop edge
• All-cotton thread employed in construction, with red all-cotton thread employed in sewing interior seams
• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels
• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes available:  Med. -  XL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan