This is a copy of an MA-1 Flying Jacket, as produced for the U. S. Air Force in 1958 by the Albert Turner Company, but in jet black, and which provides the full cut of the original MA-1 Flight Jacket design, notably different from the Tailored-Cut William Gibson MA-1 that is also available on this website.  This William Gibson Albert Turner MA-1 Jacket is replete with all of the authenticity William Gibson so eloquently wrote about in his groundbreaking novel, "Pattern Recondition", and which Buzz Rickson is renowned for around the globe.

The story behind the black MA-1 Flight Jacket and its connection to author William Gibson can be read about on this website within the thumbnail photo link entitled "About William Gibson."

William Gibson items, especially the MA-1 Flight Jackets, are available in limited quantities and they tend to sell out more quickly than any other Buzz Rickson item, especially in the larger sizes.  Please note the following features and details found on this Buzz Rickson William Gibson masterpiece:

• Copy of the Albert Turner Company label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Black nylon outer and inner lining shell using vintage looms, and precisely matching 1958 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Full, original cut throughout body and sleeves for maximum flexibility in the cockpit and for use over various under layers of clothing

• Correct USAF-spec. inner lining of warm wool fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining

•Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1958 USAF specs.

•Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy 100% cotton-twill fabric precisely matching 1958 USAF specs.

• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1953 Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Leather pull tab on zipper designed for easy functioning with gloves

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

• Correct, USAF-spec. leather pull tab on sleeve pocket

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

• Heavy, parachute-harness nylon in black correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip

• Two snap-down tabs (one on each breast) for retaining headset and microphone wiring leads, exactly as on original 1958 MA-1s

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

• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Sizes Small - XXXL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

The USAF L-2B Flying Jacket had a long service life and went through numerous changes to the original spec. 7448, and the spec. most associated with the Vietnam War was 7448H.  Some of the most notable features of the 7448H spec. include the orange lining, two-way zipper for reverse wearing with orange side out, USAF spec. contractor label on printed cloth and located in the left pocket, and deletion of the following:  snap-down epaulets, snap-down tab covering zipper bottom, nylon tab on chest for attaching the oxygen mask clip, and pocket flaps.  The heavier 2/2 twill and wool-and-rayon blend lining were both retained from previous spec.

The L-2B was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall.  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 or wearing of the L-2B.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the L-2B Flight Jacket (Spec. 7448H) 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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 64% rayon 36% wool double-faced inner lining in high-visibility orange; jacket is reversible from sage green to orange

• Exact copy of a two-way Conmar main zipper in black-oxide finish, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric in a contrasting tan shade

• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tabs on zippers

• 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 anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

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

Buzz Rickson’s 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, the design of which deftly copies an original example produced in 1950 under the Polynesian Sportswear brand.  Original examples of this shirt are extremely rare, and the colors must be seen in person to be appreciated fully:  This is the boldest, most detailed, most colorful offering we have - and in red - a very rare color!

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: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the original label found on this shirt.  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

This is a Sun Surf Special-Edition Hawaiian shirt, the design of which deftly copies an original example produced in the 1940's under the Royal Hawaiian brand. This shirt features propeller-driven Pan Am airliners and the tourists they deposited in paradise, Diamond Head, hula girls, Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and other classic motifs, making it the perfect selection for anyone seeking a classic look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of an all-over "tourist" print in a rare color.  Original examples of this shirt are extremely rare and extremely desirable.

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: one deftly matched invisible pocket, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that precisely copies the original label found on this shirt.  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 under the Random Wear brand in California in the late 1940's, this style 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 style from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of an all-over "tourist" 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.

Sun Surf shirts are imported from Japan

Originally produced in Hawaii in 1940 by Kihikihi Sportswear, 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 in bold, sharply contrasted colors 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

Originally produced in Hawaii in 1950 by Palomino, this boldly colorful print features sharp color contrasts and is outfitted with a single "invisible" pocket, genuine-urea 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 style from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of a classic border 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

Originally produced in Hawaii in the 1940's by Tanaka Sportswear, 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 shirt bold contrasts between colors and images of theHawaiian islands, making it the perfect selection for anyone seeking a classic look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts or in need of tourist print in a fabulous, rare color combination.  

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

Imported from Japan