The USAF MA-1 Flying Jacket had a long service life and went through numerous changes to the original spec. 8279 before it was retired from service some 25 years after its introduction, but the 8279E spec. was the most outwardly different from the original 8279 spec. of 1957.  The most notable new feature of the 8279E spec. was the addition of pocket flaps to the two front pockets, a feature previously attributed mostly to the USAF L-2B Flying Jackets prior to 7448H spec.  Additionally, these later MA-1 designs were crafted from a darker, more green-grey shade of sage green, as opposed to the distinctly more silver-grey shade found on earlier MA-1 styles of the 1950's and early 1960's; Buzz Rickson brand has deftly recreated this darker sage green with a distinctly more green-grey cast.

The MA-1 was intended for wear in climates between 35 degrees and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall, and winter.  The warmth-to-weight ratio, comfort, and overall good looks made this design extremely popular with all of those who could get their hands on one, and it was not uncommon for jackets to go "missing" and to be found on the backs of service personnel not authorized for issuance of the MA-1.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the MA-1 Flying Jacket (Spec. 8279E) in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight 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.  In fact, the only other flight jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  Please take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the printed contractor label in the left pocket

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 2/2 weave and weight USAF Sage Green nylon twill outer shell to precisely match USAF specs. and treated to repel water.

• Correct USAF-spec. inner lining of warm 58% wool and 42% cotton pile sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining

• High-visibility orange lining; jacket is reversible from sage green to orange

• Exact copy of a two-way Coats & Clark main zipper with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric in a contrasting tan shade

• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tab on frontal-closure zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in the USAF Sage Green

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two puncture-proof pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

• Two snap-down exterior pockets that pass through to two snap-down interior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching USAF specs.

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

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

Buzz Rickson brand has hit a home run with this classic look from summer service in U. S. Naval aviation history.  The design dates back to mid-WWII, designated as the AN-J-2/Spec. AN-6551; it was slightly modified immediately postwar, and the designation changed to M-716/Spec. MIL-J-7758A, where it continued in service well into the late 1950's, with some still being worn into the 1960's.  

This flying jacket was intended for summer or tropical use, being constructed of one layer of a super-tight, densely woven, khaki-colored, 4.5-ounce cotton twill that was almost a poplin; lacking a lining, in essence, this jacket was nothing but the lightest of windbreakers intended to function as a vehicle to hold the basics an aviator needed without adding insulation.  It is in the aforementioned capacity that this style performed admirably, having exceptional utility and comfort that was matched with no-nonsense good looks.  In fact, so desirable were these garments, they continued to be worn upon leaving the service, and they were also quickly gobbled up in surplus stores by a civilian market that had nothing remotely equal; today, vintage examples are nearly impossible to find in nice condition and they fetch significant sums from serious collectors, as they were worn to ruination in the ensuing years.  

What Buzz Rickson's created in their rendering of this coveted jacket style amounts to New Old Stock (NOS). Please check out the following authentic features in this New-Old-Stock, museum-grade gem we’ve come to expect from Buzz Rickson’s:

•Exact copy of the contractor label woven on a vintage shuttle loom, with each label being size specific, exactly as found on vintage examples

•Custom production of the original-style, genuine urea buttons, not cheap plastic

•Custom manufacturing of the correct 4.5-ounce, fine-gauge, tightly woven cotton twill (almost poplin) produced on vintage shuttle looms and dyed to the correct khaki shade using original dying techniques

•Pen/pencil pocket on left sleeve

•Authentic collar-reinforcement stitching with an inner lining sewn between both outer layers of collar fabric, exactly the way all high-quality garments are produced, and a key detail of quality and authenticity missing on lesser copies of all forms of reproduction shirts and jackets

•Four flap-closure pockets

•Precision copy of a 1950's, brass TALON zipper, with all-cotton zipper tape (not poly-cotton) folded and glued at the base (no plastic or polymers are used)

•Bi-swing, double-pleated action back for superb range of movement, with half-belt at waist area

•Gusseted armpit for greater range of movement and comfort

•Precise pattern grading matching the exact measurements employed for production of the original jackets, including such critical areas as neck drop, shoulder slope, armhole opening, shoulder width, etc.  Because of this uncompromising attention to authenticity in fit and fabrics, this Buzz Rickson’s MIL-J-7758A will fit, drape and look exactly as did the original jackets when worn.

Sizes available:  36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  The fit is generous, as found on the original jackets, thus size 44 comfortably fits up to a 46" chest measure.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Buzz Rickson's brand is renowned for producing truly standout copies of the legendary G-1 Flying Jacket, and they really went over the top on this gem!  This limited-edition style combines the original features of the U. S. Navy G-1 Intermediate Flying Jacket (spec. 7823 from 1950) with styling from Buzz Rickson’s William Gibson Collection.  The original standards of quality and material types have been strictly adhered to by Buzz Rickson’s, but with a distinct slant toward supreme luxury and durability, and, of course, you have William Gibson’s personal approval of each item in the collection.  

G-1 jackets of the 1950's were originally produced in one of the strongest, most desirable leather types - goatskin - which was keenly sought after and which cost more than hides such as horse or steer.  The designers at Buzz Rickson's wanted to match the heavy grain and durability found in vintage goatskin when planning this jacket, and so they sourced some amazing goatskin.  This sumptuous goatskin is sourced from India, where a preeminent tannery selects only the best-of-the-best hides, all 3 ounces in weight, and fully vegetable tanned for a firm-yet-supple hand, then fully aniline dyed jet black for a luxurious, character-rich finish.

Beyond the industry-leading leather quality and character and beyond the supreme comfort and flattery of the genuine U. S. Navy fit, is the mind-blowing rayon lining and fur collar.  Buzz Rickson's brand has always had their heavyweight rayon acetate lining custom made to match Navy-spec. rayon fabric in weight, appearance, and hand, but the lining on this example is especially noteworthy - the color, weave, and weight just hit you as something only seen on a vintage example - it both looks and feels just as a vintage G-1 did and does from the 1950's!  Assembly follows original specs. using all-cotton thread, and vintage looms are used to create the incredible, heavyweight rayon-twill lining. 

Merino sheepskin is something Buzz Rickson has tweaked to perfection for at least the last 5 years.  Somewhere, the Buzz Rickson brand has located a tannery that seems to generate Merino sheepskin as if it had been genetically engineered to match the mind's fantasy of ideals:  The sheepskin used on the collars of these G-1 jackets is nothing short of mouth-watering, sumptuous, mega-plush, half-inch genuine Merino sheepskin that is just not of this Earth!

The sum of all of this is an heirloom jacket that can be handed down to the next generation - there's nothing disposable about a Buzz Rickson's leather jacket!  This Buzz Rickson William Gibson G-1 is a masterpiece of wearable jacket art crafted in rugged materials that are as beautiful as they are durable.  Please note the following materials and features:

• Copy of original maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom, not a modern projectile loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave rayon acetate lining dyed the original shade of a purple-like brown

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply, worsted-wool cuffs with the narrow weave graduating into the wider weave at top, dyed jet black

• Custom manufacturing of the correct single-ply, bi-directional, worsted-wool waistband, dyed jet black

• Two button-down exterior pockets lined with all-cotton twill precisely matching 1950 USN specs.

• One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy-weight, all-cotton duck twill precisely matching 1950 USN specs.

• All buttons are genuine urea, not incorrect, cheap plastic 

• Exact copy of the vintage-style, blackened-metal Conmar Conmatic zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric that is rolled and glued at the base, not made of incorrect poly-cotton that is heat sealed at the base with plastics

• Leather pull tab on zipper for easy functioning with gloves

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure 

• Bi-swing action back and gusseted armpits (with metal air ventilators) for greater range of motion without restriction

• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar dyed jet black, with backing leather correctly reinforced with trapunto stitching to maintain collar shape and help keep collar up when the need arises

• Sumptuous, vegetable-tanned, 3-ounce, heavy-grained goatskin that is not overly stiff or heavy, maintaining the true feel of the original jackets.  The dye coating is sprayed on, just as it should be for a 55-J-14 G-1, and it precisely matches the correct shade of brown and finish found on 55-J-14's once made by A. Pritzker & Sons; the result is a leather that will distress and age over time from use and wear to yield a vintage look that is on par with anything made in the 1940's-'50's

• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Even sizes 36-44 Regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

This is our favorite sheepskin jacket from Eastman Leather Clothing and we cannot say enough good about it.  If you want a timeless classic for winter that can be worn anywhere at any age, and which will only look better from years of  hard use, this is that intangible purchase that defies adequate description and which can just be simply said to be, upon the first try-on in front of the mirror - "Worth every penny!"

Originally designed in the early 1930's by parachute pioneer Leslie Leroy Irvin, this RAF sheepskin flight jacket was the only type issued to RAF aircrews, evolving through numerous spec. changes throughout its production life before being withdrawn from production in 1944. Though contracted to many firms to produce, including the Irvin Parachute Co., the original designer's last name has always identified this flight jacket.  After 1941, the critical material shortages and expenses placed on England compelled its army, air and naval ministries to modify many items of gear and clothing in an effort to stay in the war as cheaply and efficiently as possible.  The RAF Aircrew Jacket faced such modifications, causing the flight jacket to increasingly be manufactured from more and more separate panels of sheepskin (yielding more visible seams) to get more use from leftover pelts that would otherwise be thrown out if the pre-1941 design were adhered to.  Over the course of the war years, the jacket continued to gain more panel splices and saw ever-increasing use of lower-grade sheepskin, making the earlier flight jackets quite desirable, even back at that time.  Other notable differences among these jackets is the sheepskin used in construction.  

There are dozens of different breeds of sheep, and the difference between the characteristics and nature of them is wide:  they can range from soft and silky to tough and coarse, and from long and hair-like to short and nubbly.  Additionally, the coloring of the wool found on the original jackets can vary from tan, champagne, ginger, brown, and even black.  It can also be observed from original examples of RAF jackets, that some were made from a noticeably softer outer skin with slightly lower-depth wool. These were largely made from a Merino-type breed of sheepskin, and this skin is well known for its softness and high-quality texture, which is the version recreated here called The Fly Weight.

There were several manufacturers who produced RAF sheepskin flying jackets for the Air Ministry, and during the pre-war years they would often reveal their name and location on the garment label; it was only in later years into the war that the names and places were absent, as they learned this could lead to the producer becoming a target of the enemy due to it being a producer of war materiel.

This Fly-Weight model emulates the early style of RAF jacket commonly produced in the late 1930's, being made from a Merino skin that has been custom made to Eastman's exacting specifications to accurately recreate the appearance, feel, and texture of the originals, along with a classic commercial-style neck label that was typical of the 1930's.  Additionally, this outer skin has been specially produced to have a ‘crazed’, vintage-like appearance, and a fleece that has that typical nubbly texture that can been seen on original examples of this type. Other authentic details include:

• Lighter-shade sheep-wool color

• Aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned leather for the seam trimming and one-piece pull-through zip thongs

• Specially selected hides tanned & dyed to match the jackets made in the early years, including a "crazed" vintage-like finish and soft pliability with a lower-depth wool (0.5") than is found on our other RAF jacket styles

• Leather pull tabs on zips

• Authentic zippers custom made to early Air Ministry design specs. including the slider box cup (a feature found only on these and original examples)

• All-cotton elasticized strap behind collar for quickly fastening this up

• Hand-sewn linen spec. label in typical 1930's "commercial" layout

One of the most impressive aspects of this product is not just it’s uncanny authenticity, but that it’s the most easy-wearing, soft, comfortable sheepskin flying jacket we offer - you will not want to take off - it's as if you're on Cloud Nine in The Fly Weight!  

Sizes available: 36-48 regular. Long and extra-long fittings available at no additional cost on custom order only.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Made in England

This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt produced under license for their Duke Kahanamoku label.  The design deftly copies an original example produced in the 1950's under Duke's own brand.

Special Editions are manufactured to degrees of authenticity that soar beyond the standard editions, fabulous as the standard editions are; each Special Edition is precisely recreated to match the vintage example it copies using yarns and dyes specifically reproduced to match just this one shirt style to utmost precision, and the rayon is screen printed using a filament discharge, just as the original examples of this print once were. 

Special Editions incorporate colors and color shades not found on the standard editions, thus providing for more precise color matching to the vintage shirt being copied.  Other original features include: two deftly matched invisible pockets, mother-of-pearl  buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the  original label found on this shirt with the legendary name of Duke Kahanamoku.  And to enhance the collectibility of this shirt, it comes in its own presentation/storage box.  Once produced, the special edition is retired from production, thus ensuring each is extremely limited in quantity made.

Sun Surf Special Editions are nearly impossible to obtain outside of Japan and we are proud beyond words to have been able to obtain a few of this shirt print that stands out as one of the most unique ever offered.  

To help preserve the fabric and colors, 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

Originally produced in Hawaii in the middle 1940's by Royal Hawaiian, it is outfitted with a single "invisible" pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that typifies the original designs of the era; this particular shirt is perfect for anyone seeking a classic look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of an all-over print that easily is complemented with so many other color choices in one’s wardrobe.

Vintage Hawaiian shirts were typically made of high-quality rayon acetate, the formula for which was lost in a Dupont factory fire back in the 1950’s. This Sun Surf design is printed on high-quality rayon acetate that perfectly duplicates the hand and weight of the long-lost rayon of the “good old days.” Unquestionably, Sun Surf rayon is the most authentic in the vintage Hawaiian shirt industry today. 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.

To help preserve the color and fabric, dry cleaning is the only laundering method endorsed by the manufacturer.  Please see SIZING TIPS to obtain the correct fit.

Imported from Japan