This print was originally produced under the famous Kamehameha label in 1940; it’s a classic example of a border print featuring a flower arrangement utilizing fabulous colors masterfully selected to both contrast and complement the design.

This shirt is fabricated from rayon acetate and screen printed using a filament discharge, just as the original examples of this print once were. Other original features include: one deftly matched invisible pocket on the left breast, genuine coconut-shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that typifies the original type and color.

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 1950s. 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 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.

This shirt is special because it is offered in a rare color, wine, and it is offered in size XXL.

Originally produced in Hawaii in 1950 under the Hale Hawaii label, it is outfitted with a single 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 our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

This print was originally produced in the early 1950’s under the Alii Lole label; it’s a classic example of an all-over Japanese print featuring enchanting mermaids and other sea life utilizing fabulous colors masterfully selected to both contrast and complement the design.

This shirt is fabricated from rayon acetate and screen printed using a filament discharge, just as the original examples of this print once were. Other original features include: one deftly matched invisible pocket on the left breast, genuine coconut shell buttons that precisely match those found on the original shirt, and a label that typifies the original type and color.

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 1950s. 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 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 dazzling floral vertical border print was originally produced in Hawaii in the late 1940's by Kuu-Ipo. Outfitted with a single 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 a dazzling border style.  Green is a rare color to locate in vintage Hawaiian shirts and the combination of colors on the green background of this shirt makes this absolutely a standout!

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.

This is one of the most unique Hawaiian shirts Sun Surf has offered in years.  The design emulates the traditional tattoo patterns once in use by native tribes, but incorporated in a Hawaiian shirt as originally produced by Watumull's in 1940.  

Outfitted with a single 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 totally unique look from the “golden years” of Hawaiian shirts in a killer border style.

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.

Reissue A-2's are jackets that went back into inventory after active service use and after having gone through a refurbishment process to give them further serviceable life.  This refurbishment could include such things as replacement of the lining, knit cuffs or waistband, zipper, and almost always included a re-coating of the leather shell with a very dark brown lacquer dye to give the garment a new uniform appearance; the lacquer dye was applied with a brush or cloth.

The re-dye process was performed with greater attention to speed and haste than art and neatness, thus select hard-to-reach areas such as inside the pockets, back of the wind flap, under shoulder straps, etc., were not dyed or just partly dyed, leaving a telltale line of demarcation between the original dye and the new dye or a mottled shading and varied texture.  Once the garments went back into service, the painted coating proved to be far less permanent than was originally envisioned.  The finish would wear off in irregular patterns bearing the lighter shade of worn leather beneath, giving a distinct contrast between those areas and where the new coating remained.  All of this, however, is what has given these garments their latter-day vintage appeal.  Indeed, nowhere was this look more immortalized than on the jacket worn by Steve McQueen as Capt. Virgil Hilts in the movie "The Great Escape."  McQueen’s jacket was an original re-issue A-2.

After careful analysis of many original stills from the movie, we have been able to confidently identify the jacket he wore as one made by the Rough Wear Clothing Company, most likely under contract number 16159, thus our re-issue A-2 is made as this model.  As part of the reissue process that his jacket underwent, it can be seen that the original zip, which would have almost certainly been a Talon with rectangular puller, has been replaced with a Talon with bell-shaped puller - a detail replicated on our product.

We have recreated this model in the most discerning method possible:  actually repeating the steps of production right through to the hand-dyed reissue finish, bringing you a garment of stunning vintage authenticity.  First, we produce the garment as a factory fresh original maker Rough Wear 16159, which is made in an aniline-dyed, Havana Brown, veg-tanned horsehide.  We then re-coat the garment with the correct shade of dark brown lacquer (just as they did at the the Air Service Depots - by hand, with a brush), after which the garment is put through an extensive, specialized TimeWorn® process to re-create the high-contrast, distressed-wear look of a classic vintage original.  This all requires a tremendous amount of hand-done work, but it is the only way this standard of authenticity can be achieved.

In accordance with AAF regulations of that time, re-issue A-2's had a mandatory Army Air Forces decal applied to the shoulder, as well as a stamp to the lining.  These stamps were generally randomly positioned somewhere on the back panel, no doubt due to haste, and not centered and perfect, so our recreation is done exactly the same way.

This garment is presented, first and foremost, as a plain re-issue A-2, so it comes in standard form without any insignia other than the mandatory shoulder decal; however, one can order the jacket with the "V. HILTS spec." as worn by Steve McQueen in "The Great Escape."

Beyond the special details that make this A-2 Jacket a true, re-issue configuration, please take note of these authentic features:

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

• Contrasting mid-brown, all-cotton thread construction as found on many vintage flying jackets originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Collar assembly featuring a leather collar ring, exactly as found on all vintage A-2's originally produced by Rough Wear Clothing Co.

• Correct USAAF spec. 3-ounce weight, pure aniline-dyed, vegetable-tanned Vintage War Horse® leather outer shell

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton, inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940's USAAF specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2's

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating, including backing washers on the rivets as found on original jackets of this contract

• Custom manufacture of correct ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on original vintage Rough Wear A-2's

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2's

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2's of the 16159 contract

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s of the 16159 contract

• AAF inspector’s ink stamping on cotton lining, exactly matching the individual number associated with original Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2's of the 16159 contract

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in medium brown, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a more narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original vintage Rough Wear Clothing Co. A-2s

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

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.

Imported from England

Our Original-Maker A-2 Flight Jackets are, by far, the most popular A-2 Flight Jackets we offer, with each passing year yielding hundreds of requests to produce more “original-maker” A-2 Flight Jackets.  This Werber Leather Coat Co. A-2 Flight Jacket is another addition to our Original-Maker collection.

The first task is always to obtain original examples in order to make a thorough examination of the construction and detailing; since any A-2 from this contract is over 80 years old, and considering they were made only in hundreds (as opposed to thousands, as with the later wartime contracts), being able to obtain original examples that have all of their original components intact is next to impossible. Nevertheless, perseverance has prevailed and we are proud to offer a reproduction of one of the earliest A-2 contracts the U. S. Air Corps ever awarded to a manufacturer.

The Werber 1729 A-2 Flight Jacket is now available in Eastman Leather's Vintage War Horse® horsehide leather.

About Vintage War Horse®:  Some A-2 Jackets, particularly those produced under earlier contracts from the 1930s and including some of those produced up to the early days of 1942, were finished in a rudimentary, pure aniline dye that gave the leather a very clear, almost-raw appearance that showed every detail of the underlying skin; the overall look can be somewhat mottled, revealing all of the rich character of the leather much in the same way a clear stain would reveal all of the depth and grain of a piece of wood.  And although the hides used in making this A-2 Jacket are top-quality in grade, you will also see every range mark or insect bite in the horsehide if such natural occurrences are present, and more than any other A-2 Flight Jacket Eastman offers in different aniline or other dye finishes, this A-2 Flight Jacket's dye finish will wear and gain that cherished vintage character more quickly - you won't look like some FNG  in this A-2 Jacket for very long!  This A-2 Flight Jacket is for the purest who appreciates all of the natural characteristics found in horsehide and in those early A-2 Flight Jackets, which includes deep grain leaping out in rivulets and valleys throughout the garment's hide.  Make no mistake - this is the Army, Mr. Jones!

One of the glowing features we have managed to reproduce for this garment is the early-production Hookless zipper. Although a Talon-branded zip was the most prevalently used maker in the early-contract jackets, we felt it would be a little bit more special to go the extra mile and bring you a true icon of the past – Hookless Fastener! Hookless was the former brand name of Talon, and from 1913 to the early 1930's, Hookless zips were produced and supplied to many of the companies producing military clothing, not least, of course, to the manufacturers of the A-2 Jacket, such as Werber. The name on the puller portion of the zipper changed from Hookless to Talon at some time after the company decided to change its name, though the zip design was exactly the same as it had been under the Hookless brand. Since then, Hookless has become extinct, but we are producing the Hookless zipper again, and doing it to an incredible level of authenticity: from the gauge of the teeth, to the unique box-less, open-end linking design, this is an exact facsimile of the original Hookless zipper.

Please take note of these authentic details found only on an original Werber Leather Coat Co. A-2 of this contract and our copy:

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

• All-cotton thread construction as found on all original A-2 Flying jackets of the 1930—'40s

• Collar assembly featuring a leather collar ring, exactly as found on all vintage A-2s originally produced by Werber

• Correct Army-spec. 3-ounce weight, fully vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather outer shell dyed in a gorgeous full-aniline finish of a caramel-like brown color

• Single-piece back construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1930s Air Corps specs. and dyed in the rust-brown shade found on vintage Werber A-2s of this contract

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original early spec., finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating and hand sewn into the collar; an attaching feature found only on the A-2s of early vintage before riveted clips were employed

• Custom manufacture of correct ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the unusual arrangement found on the original Werber copied here, whereby larger (pocket-size) press studs are found on both pocket and collar

• Shoulder straps exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Werber A-2s of this contract, with only one row of stitching to outside edge – a unique feature to only this contract

• Leather strip interfacing to left lining panel where it joins to the zipper - another feature found only on the earliest contracts

• Top-stitched thumb seam on sleeve, as well as on bottom hem and cuff - found only on early-contract A-2s

• Incredibly authentic reproduction of the early Hookless zipper with all-metal base riveted at zipper bottom for extra strength at this area of great stress

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket-flap configuration exactly matching the style found on original Werber A-2s of this contract

• Snap-down collar exactly matching the shape, size and stitch style found on original Werber A-2s of this contract

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in caramel brown, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a more narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original Werber A-2s of this contract

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch

• Label (with printed size and individual jacket number) located in pocket, exactly matching those found on original Werber A-2s

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.

Imported from England

The Whitesville brand is a long-defunct sportswear label from the "good old days" in American clothing that was resurrected by the same manufacturer that brings us the world-renowned Buzz Rickson's, Sugar Cane, and Sun Surf brands, thus the quality and vintage detailing is consistent across all brands.  

Now, you may ask, what is a loop-wheeled hoodie sweatshirt?  Loop-wheeling looms are special machines that were once common decades ago and able to weave even rows of small loops of yarn on the inner fabric side rather than the typical fleece we see on contemporary sweatshirt interiors that has much more of a solid, flat appearance.  These old looms also can only weave one set diameter per loom; this means the factory needs a different loom for each size - very expensive - which is why you hardly ever see true tube construction in modern-day garments.  Even the most expensive designer sweatshirts will usually have a side seam - sometimes two seams!  Tube construction ensures true shape is maintained, not only during its construction, but during its life of wear.  This is the proper way to make a sweatshirt; in the good old days, the proper way was the only way.  It's cheap and easy to make shirts from a flat piece of cloth and most customers would never notice the difference, though they may wonder why their not-so-cheap sweatshirt seemed to lose its shape after only a few washes - but now you know.

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920's machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

These Whitesville premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are not made from the same fabric as our Buzz Rickson's sweatshirts and hoodies even though they come from the same parent company; Whitesville sweatshirts are made from much heavier fabric, but are otherwise of similar vintage detailing that includes 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of heavyweight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Vintage wash

• TUBE-Body construction with no side seams and only a zipper set in the front where the fabric was split open

• Set-in sleeves

• Two D-Style pockets

• Zipper-front closure

• Sewn-in hood

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large & XL (fit is larger than Buzz Rickson's sweatshirts and hoodies).   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

The Whitesville brand is a long-defunct sportswear label from the "good old days" in American clothing that was resurrected by the same manufacturer that brings us the world-renowned Buzz Rickson's, Sugar Cane, and Sun Surf brands, thus the quality and vintage detailing is consistent across all brands.

This is a super-heavyweight, waffle thermal-lined hoodie sweat jacket made from loop-wheeled fabric, just like the good old days.  When we call this a jacket, it is no understatement and unlike anything you are familiar with and will find elsewhere.  Size small weighs 3.5 lbs!!!  Yes, the smallest size is as heavy as many coats and very insulated!  You will be knocked out by the quality, vintage detailing, and fit, as well as the thickness and heft of this hoodie.  We simply cannot say enough good about this hoodie; it is one of the most impressive items we offer, the likes of which have not been seen for many decades; we recall these in the 1970's and that may have been the last time they were produced.  But now we can offer you what was once readily available when the USA was the king of quality!

Traditional vintage-style sweatshirts of this caliber are not available even from the fashion high street. With shrewd foresight of the oncoming vintage clothing market, much of the old, U.S.-made 1920's machinery and looms were bought up by the Japanese in the 1970's when they were otherwise deemed obsolete.  These old looms, although much slower than modern machinery, are able to produce much higher-quality fabric - fabric that perfectly matches the quality of those garments made from the good old days.  For those who can appreciate such quality, these sweatshirts are sure to please.

These Whitesville premium, vintage-style, all-cotton athletic sweatshirts are not made from the same fabric as our Buzz Rickson's sweatshirts and hoodies even though they come from the same parent company; Whitesville sweatshirts are made from much heavier fabric, but are otherwise of similar vintage detailing that includes 100% cotton fabricated on 1920's-vintage loop-wheeling machines, styled with all the correct features found on the old sweatshirts, and cut to hug the body in a flattering form without bulk, just as the vintage originals did.  Limited quantities available.  Take note of these authentic vintage styling features:

• Custom manufacturing of heavyweight, all-cotton fleece fabricated on a vintage loop-wheeling loom

• Super-heavy all-cotton waffle thermal lining

• Vintage wash

• TUBE-Body construction with no side seams and only a zipper set in the front where the fabric was split open

• Set-in sleeves

• Two D-Style pockets

• Zipper-front closure

• Sewn-in hood

• Exact copy of the original-style rayon-on-cotton labels

• True vintage fit for flattering appearance, not a sloppy, relaxed fit with droopy shoulder seams

Sizes:  Small, Medium, Large & XL (fit is larger than Buzz Rickson's sweatshirts and hoodies).   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan